The bamboo leaves sword possessed incredible power, emanating potent winds and vibrant green chi.
However, the winter brought a biting cold that permeated the core of the leaves, causing them to crack, shatter, and disintegrate. Ming Wen, who had appeared calm until now, grew increasingly unstable and turbulent.
As the swords collided, a concussive wave struck Ming Wen, hurtling him into the distance. In that very moment, amidst the explosion of light and shockwaves, another celestial path materialized.
This ribbon-like path was formed by deep green leaves that swiftly rushed toward Ming Wen, silently catching him and gently lowering him to the ground and receiving the rest of the impact of the icy sword.
Concealed within the leafy display of power, another figure remained hidden.
Ming Wen lay battered and severely wounded shielded by the new leafy person.
On one side of the battlefield, the sky was darkening in a fiery red hue, filled with swirling magma, dust, and debris.
It was in these moments that true power revealed itself, captivating the young miss of the longsword sect and other disciples with its awe-inspiring spectacle.
Tian Wei raised his sword high and swiftly thrust it into the unyielding ground with remarkable speed and strength. "Be still," he commanded.
A powerful blast of cold energy erupted from the mountain, sweeping through its surroundings. As the wave of icy power spread, everything it touched succumbed to freezing temperatures.
Only small pockets shielded by the protective barriers conjured by Hai Du for his disciples and the bamboo umbrella-wielding woman remained untouched.
The once misty and dry mountain, the first in the wailing mountain ranges, transformed into a frozen landscape of icy mountain. The rain of magma and dust froze mid-air and mid-mountain, halting further projection.
The boiling turmoil deep within the mountain turned into a frigid cold, as the bubbling magma was silenced by the encompassing ice. Not a single sizzle remained, only serene stillness.
A hushed silence descended upon the mountain as the astonishing power displayed by a mortal in a mere tempered phase 2nd cycle reverberated through the air.
Tian Wei withdrew the ice chi sword from the ground, and with a graceful wave of his hand, the ethereal blade dissipated into nothingness.
Standing tall and composed, his garments billowing in the surrounding atmosphere, his gaze remained resolute and devoid of emotion as he fixed his gaze straight ahead at the Yang company.
While everyone marveled at his skill and power, little did they know that it had taken every ounce of his strength to remain standing.
Unbeknownst to them, his untempered bones were fracturing under the immense exertion he had just endured.
A similar attack of such magnitude as the one he had dissolved would leave him severely injured, or worse, cause his body to explode.
"It is indeed the Ten Thousand Sword Tempering skill. It truly lives up to its name," remarked the bamboo leaves woman. "To have mastered it to this degree and even temper a sword of ice with your limited strength is nothing short of remarkable."
Tian Wei remained silent. He yearned only to sit and tend to his body that screamed in indescribable agony.
As the initial shock and surprise subsided, Hai Du stepped forward, realizing that Tian Wei had likely reached his limits.
"Take this moment to regain your strength. Afterward, retreat with the others," he instructed, passing by Tian Wei and positioning himself at the forefront.
"It is exactly because of how formidable this skill is, that we can't have outsiders learning it." The bamboo woman said.
"We can discuss this matter at another time. At present, the details are unclear and unverifiable," Hai Du calmly responded, unwilling to concede any ground.
Suddenly, the bamboo umbrella snapped shut and a gust of wind roared like a raging storm. With the umbrella, the woman charged forward with incredible speed.
Her movements were too swift to track, slicing through space until she collided with Hai Du's fist. In that fleeting moment, the world seemed to still.
The resulting explosion deafened ears and momentarily darkened sight. The mountain itself cracked, a fault line tracing its entire icy length.
A relentless barrage of fists, jabs and slashes followed, each strike shaking the mountain and leaving behind deep fissures. In mere moments, the mountain resembled fractured porcelain, and the heavens grew wrathful and dark clouds of tribulation that were tinged with hues of deep blue gathered dangerously.
"This place is ill-suited and unprepared for such a fierce battle. The heavens will not permit it," Hai Du reminded the bamboo lady, cautioning against the consequences.
"The heavens' tribulations don't scare our Yang sect," she retorted with determination, launching herself into a tempestuous assault.
Hai Du, suspended in mid-air, extended his arm, gathering radiant white chi that coalesced into what resembled a spear. A resounding dragon's roar echoed as he propelled the spear forward, unleashing a shockwave that reverberated throughout the entire mountain range.
The bamboo umbrella snapped open, violently spinning as it attempted to contain the dragon's spear. Sparks, light, and energy erupted from their clash. Witnessing the unfolding chaos, the leafy figure joined the fray.
"You cannot contend with the two of us," the swirling leaves person declared, launching their own attack toward Hai Du. Their assault sliced through space, converging with the bamboo umbrella. Thousands of leaves assembled into the form of a sword, emanating a vibrant green hue.
Hai Du strained every ounce of strength to meet the double attack from the sword and umbrella. It was unlikely he could fight both of them if they were even remotely equally strong.
In that very moment, the sky got ready to descend upon them, and a multitude of bluish lightning bolts converged, swirling like a terrifying vortex, ready to strike with brilliant force.