Sensing this, Cheng Hai breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn't a combined effort of multiple opponents, he was confident that Xuan Qi could handle it.
In the next moment, a trace of disdain flickered in his eyes as he said, "Ye Cangtian, you are foolish. You come to my doorstep to court death for Shangguan Yanran. Do you think it's worth it?"
Sacrificing oneself for others, in Cheng Hai's eyes, was not nobility, but utter stupidity. Without life, all honor was meaningless.
Ye Cangtian snorted, "Some things, a lecherous old man like you could never understand!"
"What did you say?"
"You intruded into the Dark Association's headquarters and spread unfavorable rumors about me?"
At these words, Cheng Hai's expression changed drastically, his eyes filled with rage and killing intent.
The insult of "lecherous old man" clearly indicated that the other party knew his secret. If all the pieces were put together, perhaps Xuan Sanwu was indeed framed.
This made him even more enraged.
"That's right, it was me. Surprised? Shocked?"
"You..."
Hearing Ye Cangtian's admission, Cheng Hai was about to explode.
He couldn't fathom how Ye Cangtian had stealthily infiltrated the heavily guarded headquarters.
Damn it!
Xuan Sanwu, that good-for-nothing, deserved to die!
He even boasted that his defenses were so tight not even a fly could get in. And yet!
Cheng Hai couldn't help but recall Xuan Sanwu, whom he had personally killed.
Although it was now confirmed that Ye Cangtian was responsible, Xuan Sanwu had also been negligent, and his death was not entirely unwarranted.
With this thought, he glanced at Ye Cangtian and said sinisterly, "Ye Cangtian, you are truly arrogant to admit everything right in front of me. I will surely ensure you have a terrible end."
Brilliant!
Bardock, who was on the opposing side, his gaze shifted.
Being inherently cunning, his heart rejoiced upon hearing this. He had completely forgotten the earlier agreement with Ye Cangtian to cooperate.
Now that Ye Cangtian had successfully angered Cheng Hai, it was certain that Cheng Hai would prioritize attacking Ye Cangtian. In that case, he might have an opportunity to escape.
"Of course, don't rush to die. I'll deal with this little pest first, and then I'll have plenty of time to torture you!"
Cheng Hai's voice boomed again. Bardock, who had been somewhat excited moments ago, instantly wore a displeased expression.
"Seriously, Ye Cangtian is the one who provoked you, so why are you so fixated on me..."
Bardock roared inwardly, cursing Cheng Hai profusely.
"Cheng Hai, many have wanted my life, but I stand here alive, while they are all dead!"
"I believe you will soon follow in their footsteps!"
"Come, let's settle this properly. Let me send you on your way!"
Facing Cheng Hai, Ye Cangtian, though not yet capable of killing him, showed no fear.
In the next moment, the Dragon Soul Saber let out a soft hum, and then Ye Cangtian charged at Cheng Hai with all his might.
Seeing this, Bardock gritted his teeth and also charged forward.
Although he was reluctant to join forces with Ye Cangtian, he had to go all out.
After all, he was in the same boat as Ye Cangtian. If Ye Cangtian died, he would not be able to escape Cheng Hai's pursuit.
"Two ants dare to challenge my might? Ridiculous!"
Seeing the two rush towards him, Cheng Hai's eyes gleamed with disdain. With a flash, his single long sword transformed into two identical blades.
Wielding the dual swords, Cheng Hai suddenly met them head-on.
The battle was imminent, and the clash of weapons was incessant.
Cheng Hai's strength was considerable. Even fighting two opponents at once, he not only held his ground but also suppressed Ye Cangtian and Bardock at every turn, gaining the upper hand.
In just a few minutes, Ye Cangtian was already covered in wounds.
Facing Cheng Hai, Ye Cangtian's broadsword seemed to be a beat slower, struggling to keep up with Cheng Hai's long swords.
Bardock fared even worse. Even against Cheng Hai, who was fighting with divided focus, his swordsmanship was far inferior, full of openings. Within a few exchanges, his chest was pierced.
Fortunately, his vital organs were not hit, and with his tenacious fighting spirit, Bardock could still fight.
"Damn it, old villain, you're forcing my hand!"
At this moment, Bardock let out an angry roar. The weapon in his hand suddenly emitted a bright light, and simultaneously, Bardock's attack speed surged.
While the speed was still not on par with Cheng Hai's, it was close. Furthermore, Cheng Hai had to deal with two opponents, which threw him into disarray.
This technique was acquired from the Hall of Light and was Bardock's life-saving move.
He had originally prepared it for Xuan Qi, but now, severely wounded, if he didn't use it, he would likely bleed to death.
With Bardock disrupting Cheng Hai's attacks, Ye Cangtian found himself with much greater ease.
In the next moment, Ye Cangtian let out a cold shout and also adopted an explosive offensive.
He knew in his heart that Bardock's enhanced attacks wouldn't last long. Once he entered a weakened state, death would be inevitable.
Therefore, before Bardock fell, he had to achieve an overwhelming advantage.
"Everything is futile!"
"The difference between the Earthly realm and the peak of the Profound realm is like night and day. Such a gap cannot be bridged by desperate measures!"
Seeing their desperate struggle, Cheng Hai's eyes showed deep disdain. His attacks gradually stabilized.
Although it was difficult to widen his advantage, he could at least stalemate them. He refused to believe they could maintain such an offensive indefinitely.
"Cheng Hai, don't be too confident. The real battle begins now!"
Ye Cangtian's icy voice echoed, causing Cheng Hai's expression to change instantly.
He felt the surrounding temperature drop further, and his body seemed to freeze.
Both his offense and defense became noticeably sluggish.
What was happening!
Cheng Hai was greatly alarmed. He immediately noticed a layer of frost forming on his body.
This frost continued to gather, rapidly connecting to form a sheet of ice.
While not indestructible, this ice layer was increasingly consuming his spiritual energy and affecting his attacks and speed.
"You realize it now? Too late!"
Seeing Cheng Hai's astonished gaze, Ye Cangtian let out a cold snort.
From the beginning of their engagement, Ye Cangtian had carefully controlled the freezing effect to prevent the opponent from becoming alerted prematurely.
Now that the ice layer had formed, even if the opponent wanted to break free, it would require a certain amount of time.
This time, though brief, was enough for him to launch an attack.
In the next moment, Ye Cangtian leaped high into the air, and the Dragon Soul Saber in his hand let out a clear dragon's roar, striking down like thunder.
"Humble worm, do you think this will allow you to defeat me? You underestimate an Earthly realm expert!"
As Ye Cangtian's attack descended, Cheng Hai roared. He instantly broke free from the ice, pushed Bardock away with one hand, and raised the other high.
Clang!
As Cheng Hai blocked Ye Cangtian's attack, he dodged Bardock's long sword and instantly thrust his blade towards Ye Cangtian's chest.
"Old man, I knew you had a move like this up your sleeve!"
Ye Cangtian remained unfazed. He slightly raised his broadsword and then brought it down again.
At this moment, both its speed and power had doubled compared to the previous strike.
What!
Feeling Ye Cangtian's attack, Cheng Hai's eyes widened. He had assumed that Ye Cangtian had expended his previous force and was in a lull before his next move, making it the perfect opportunity for him to counter.
However, he hadn't expected the opponent to launch two consecutive attacks, each stronger than the last.
But at this moment, he had already committed to his attack, and with only one hand wielding his long sword, he likely wouldn't be able to block this strike.