Chapter Twenty-Two: Entering the Demon-Subduing Realm

Mingchuan Youzhi had actually recognized Zuo Zhi long ago, but stood aside, making no move to help, clearly having no intention to intervene. Now that Zuo Zhi pleaded aloud, Mingchuan Youzhi merely gave a perfunctory response, still making no move.

"You two may continue. Both of you are my friends—helping either would be a betrayal to the other. I, Mingchuan Youzhi, will never do something to betray my friends," he declared.

As Mingchuan Youzhi finished, Zhou Yi cast Zuo Zhi a sinister smile. "Today, I will kill you to avenge my father! Xuanming Qi Jue!" he shouted, charging at Zuo Zhi.

Zuo Zhi realized that today would inevitably end with one victor. He mustered what little spiritual energy remained in his meridians and bellowed, "Tongyou Jue!" The two shouted their techniques, abandoning all other moves, opting to clash their energies directly. Such energy duels left no room for deception; once engaged, there were no mutual defeats—whoever was weaker would surely die or be gravely wounded.

The five-zhang distance vanished in a flash, their fists collided, and a booming shockwave erupted, as if shattering some illusion, clearing all three minds at once. The two immediately separated after the blow. Zhou Yi staggered against the wall, coughing up a mouthful of blood. Clearly, he had suffered greatly in the contest of spiritual power.

Zuo Zhi fared little better; his Adam’s apple bobbed a few times, his face flushed crimson. He too was injured, but forced the blood back down his th