Chapter 360 - 204 Roar of the Night Lion Slash

The Snow Blade, as a Mystical-level top-grade treasure, wielded a terrifying power. Even though Nie Jian had yet to attack, everyone present felt as though they were ensnared in a frozen wasteland, chilled to the bone.

With the Snow Blade in hand, Nie Jian’s combat strength surged, giving him the qualifications to confront someone in the ninth level of the Marrow Refining Realm.

Among the twenty elders present, besides Nie Jian, who had already reached the ninth level, the strongest was Wu Gui, who had recently ascended to the eighth level.

Though it was unclear how many elders had secretly pledged allegiance to Wu Gui, Nie Jian remained unflustered. With the Wind Blade in his grasp, he was confident he could hold his ground even if the other nineteen joined forces against him.

When Wu Gui first saw the Wind Blade, he did show a momentary flicker of astonishment, but his expression betrayed not the slightest trace of fear. Instead, he remained calm and composed, as if Nie Jian was entirely beneath his notice.

Nie Jian had known Wu Gui for many years and understood his steady temperament—he rarely acted without confidence in his plans.

Now, seeing Wu Gui’s demeanor, Nie Jian felt a faint surge of unease brewing in his heart.

As Nie Jian unsheathed his blade, the atmosphere in the council hall became charged with tension. The Fourth Elder, Sixth Elder Zhang, and Eighth Elder—Nie Jian’s most loyal allies—immediately stepped forward to position themselves beside him, glaring at Wu Gui like tigers eyeing their prey.

The other elders, however, remained seated, unchanged, merely watching the confrontation between Nie Jian and Wu Gui unfold.

"Wu Gui! You’ve been in the Thousand Poison Sect for so many years. Out of regard for the time we’ve worked together, I advise you to abandon your misguided path before it’s too late. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless!"

Nie Jian lowered his voice, issuing a final ultimatum to Wu Gui. At the same time, a faint spiritual power began to emanate from his body, indicating that he was fully prepared to fight with all his might.

Wu Gui shook his head, letting out a cold laugh. "Elder Nie, do you really think I’d come here today without preparation? I’ve told you before—you’re old, and the times have changed!"

As Wu Gui spoke, the aura of someone in the ninth level of the Marrow Refining Realm swept across the hall like a violent gale. Under the oppressive force of his presence, Nie Jian’s momentum shattered instantly, and the chill projected by the Snow Blade dissipated in a flash.

"How is this possible? You’re in the ninth level of the Marrow Refining Realm!"

Nie Jian stared at Wu Gui in disbelief.

"Hiss! I never expected the Second Elder to have secretly advanced to the ninth level! No wonder he dares dismiss the Great Elder and the Snow Blade so casually today."

The elders who originally stood with the Great Elder began to look at Wu Gui with new respect. One by one, the seated elders rose and silently stepped over to Wu Gui’s side.

Wu Gui sneered, "Did you really think I’ve wasted all these years? Out of respect for our shared history, I have no desire to spill unnecessary blood. Hand over the Snow Blade, and you can remain the Great Elder of the Thousand Poison Sect. How about that?"

Nie Jian’s expression darkened like a stormy sea. He swung the Wind Blade directly at Wu Gui.

With the Wind Blade in hand, Nie Jian indeed had the ability to engage someone in the ninth level, but it was mere qualification—nothing more.

Wu Gui, unreserved in his strength, released his Spirit Wheel immediately. A powerful wave of pressure enveloped the hall, and Nie Jian found himself trapped as if mired in quicksand, unable to advance even a step.

"A three-inch Spirit Wheel! You..."

When Nie Jian caught sight of Wu Gui’s Spirit Wheel, his shock surpassed even that of learning Wu Gui had reached the ninth level.

A three-inch Spirit Wheel was a formidable achievement, not easily seen even among ninth-level Marrow Refining practitioners in the Red Cloud Prefecture. Among the three sect leaders of the two sects and three factions in the region, all their Spirit Wheels were three inches as well!

Wu Gui infused spiritual power into his palm and lightly struck towards Nie Jian. The Great Elder was sent flying through the air like a kite with a broken string. Wu Gui’s hand shot forth to snatch the Snow Blade in midair.

As the Snow Blade fell into Wu Gui’s possession, he swung it lightly and felt a surge of overwhelming Sword Qi explode from its edge. He quickly channeled his strength to counteract the force, preventing it from damaging the council hall.

"A fitting weapon for the name of a Mystical-level top-grade treasure! Ha, it just so happens I’ve been in need of a suitable blade. Then, I’ll happily accept this!"

After taking the strike, Nie Jian’s energy significantly diminished. He spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his face growing visibly gaunt. Yet despite his weakened state, he still glared viciously at Wu Gui. "Wu Gui! How dare you rebel? The Sect Master will never forgive you!"

Wu Gui tucked the Snow Blade into his robe and smirked. "The Sect Master? There’s no need to trouble him. I’ll take you to him right now. Let’s see if he’s willing to support me. If he does, he’ll remain the Sect Master I respect. If not... Heh, well, then it’ll come down to who wins and who loses!"

As he spoke, Wu Gui extended his hand to seize Nie Jian.

Nie Jian’s loyal trio, though not highly cultivated, remained steadfastly devoted. Knowing Wu Gui was a ninth-level powerhouse, they still charged fearlessly toward him.

"Great Elder! Run!"

Nie Jian, keenly aware of the disparity in strength between themselves and Wu Gui, tried to warn them, but it was already too late.

Facing their combined assault, Wu Gui merely let out a cold shout. "Begone!"

The terrifying force of ninth-level energy roared like a storm, causing the three to stumble and falter. Wu Gui waved his sleeve lightly, and a gust of wind sent the trio hurtling backward. They hit the ground hard, groaning in disarray.

Grabbing Nie Jian firmly by the arm, Wu Gui grinned. "Now, let’s go see the Sect Master. I, too, am curious how he’ll choose."

Dragging Nie Jian, Wu Gui left the council hall and ascended to the peak of the Thousand Poison Sect’s mountain, stopping before the grand pavilion where the Sect Master meditated in seclusion.

The pavilion was enveloped by an array of restrictive barriers, but Wu Gui paid them no heed. Unsheathing the Snow Blade, he unleashed a single slash.

A torrent of blade energy surged against the protective barrier, causing it to shudder violently. From within the pavilion, an enraged voice emanated. "Who dares disturb my meditation with such audacity?!"