Now, Zhou Yan could only face these top powerhouses alone.
Dozens of them, each at a realm just a step away from demigod level.
With such a lineup against Zhou Yan, they couldn't imagine he had any chance of survival.
"Die!"
One of them, wielding a bow, drew the Bow of Death. The terrifying arrow erupted with a sinister, bone-corroding aura, as if skeletal hands wielding weapons were attacking Zhou Yan. A skeleton appeared, growing several meters large, opening its maw to swallow Zhou Yan.
"Power of Death." Zhou Yan indeed felt a different energy fluctuation. It was the Power of Death, a peculiar ability.
Sensing the power of this attack, Zhou Yan unfolded the "Lingbo Weibu" (Lightness Skill), rapidly forming afterimages in the air.
"Boom!"
The terrifying arrow light exploded. Where Zhou Yan had been, a void of consumption appeared, devouring everything around it.
This attack possessed not only the Power of Death but also the Power of Consumption. It was not to be underestimated.
"He's quite fast in his escape. That Saint Artifact in your hand is nice, I'll take it."
They were indeed surprised by Zhou Yan's speed, but they wouldn't let him escape so easily. One of them unleashed a sword strike that cleaved the very fabric of reality, with mountains and rivers surging towards Zhou Yan.
"If you want it, you'll have to prove you have the ability."
Zhou Yan also swung his Saint Artifact, manifesting a Taiji diagram. The Taiji diagram unleashed a strange and terrifying energy, directly shattering the opponent's attack. Then, Zhou Yan moved like a shadow, proactively attacking.
Facing dozens of powerful top experts, Zhou Yan had nowhere to retreat and could not use any external power, having to rely solely on his own strength to resolve the predicament.
But!
Did these people truly believe he had no means left?
Zhou Yan's current strength was formidable. Even without any external aid, killing him would not be easy.
Since Zhou Yan dared to reveal his identity, he had made all necessary preparations. If they wanted to kill him, let's see who kills whom!
The "Taiji Seven Star Sword Mastery" was a refined top-tier sword technique. Zhou Yan swung his Saint Sword, and streaks of sword qi erupted, releasing myriad divine lights that fiercely attacked the surrounding enemies.
Sensing the power of this attack, these individuals were indeed astonished and began to defend themselves. A Taiji diagram emanated from Zhou Yan, forming a peculiar and mysterious formation that ensnared everyone within it.
They all felt the formation was bizarre, as if something within their bodies was restricted, leaving them with a feeling of being unable to exert their strength.
The Innate Taiji Diagram had been evolving within Zhou Yan since the day he transferred his class. Zhou Yan had never used it before, but now, upon unleashing it, he instantly restricted the strength of dozens of experts.
"Damn it, what kind of formation is this? It's so strange!"
"My strength seems to be suppressed. I can't break free! What the hell is this thing?"
"It's not a physical object, nor is it a magic treasure. What is it? It seems to exist yet not exist, impossible to touch. Why isn't it in the records?"
"How would I know? This thing feels no weaker than a divine artifact."
They had prepared thoroughly, with many possessing Saint Artifacts, while others had Spirit Artifacts, but none had Pseudo-Divine Artifacts.
Pseudo-Divine Artifacts were not common goods, not something easily obtained.
It was already commendable for these individuals to possess Saint Artifacts, especially considering their numbers; victory should have been assured.
Yet, no one had anticipated that Zhou Yan could produce such a Taiji formation. While the formation possessed no killing power, it severely restricted their abilities.
This was far more potent than a Pseudo-Divine Artifact. No matter how many experts entered this formation, their strength would be greatly diminished, ultimately leading to their defeat.
This was a terrifying prospect.
However, each of them possessed immense strength, just a step away from demigod level. They all had their own means and considerable power. They began to use their trump cards, attempting to break free from the restriction.
"Break!"
"Damn Taiji diagram, I refuse to believe I can't break you!"
"You think you can restrict me? Not so easily!"
A group of powerhouses strove to shatter the Taiji diagram's seal, but the formation was so bizarre that no matter how powerful the attacks, they were rendered useless, as if incapable of damaging it.
"Swoosh swoosh swoosh!!!"
Zhou Yan did not stop. Wielding his Saint Artifact, he unleashed the "Taiji Seven Star Sword Mastery" once more. Dense flying swords converged in the sky, forming the Big Dipper constellation. Under the amplification of the Taiji formation, they erupted with even more terrifying fluctuations, attacking one of the individuals.
Zhou Yan intended to use the restriction of the Taiji formation to defeat them one by one.
"Hmph!"
"You want to kill me? We'll see if you have the ability!"
The one targeted by Zhou Yan was no simple opponent. A fluctuation emanated from him, and a bell appeared within his body.
The red bell, adorned with concentric ripples, looked utterly bizarre.
"Ding-a-ling!!!"
A strange bell chime rang out, as if one's soul were about to escape the body. However, Zhou Yan's mental power was incredibly strong. With just a thought, he steadied his mind, guarding his soul.
Nevertheless, due to the bell, Zhou Yan's prior attack was disrupted by this momentary lapse, and the opponent's crisis was thus averted.
"Why are you unharmed!"
The opponent was greatly shocked, astonished, and disbelieving. He shook the bell again.
"Ding-a-ling!!!"
This time, the chime was several times stronger than before, feeling as if the soul were about to shatter, causing immense pain.
"Damn it, stop shaking it!"
"You scoundrel, are you trying to kill us, or that kid?"
"Damn it, can't you control it! It's killing me! What the hell is this thing?"
Zhou Yan was also quite surprised. He hadn't expected the opponent to possess such a treasure. This item was indeed potent, capable of actively attacking and even destroying a person's soul.
Even Zhou Yan had to constantly guard his soul, preventing it from being affected.
However, Zhou Yan's soul was incredibly strong. It had been tempered by the flames of Ziwei Academy before, and his spiritual attribute had reached hundreds of thousands. While this item had some impact on him, it was far from enough to attack him.