Duan Liuyun's reaction clearly indicated he had no intention of resolving this matter peacefully with Liu Buli.
However, that suited Liu Buli just fine, as he hadn't intended to be peaceful either. With a cold chuckle, and without further exchange, both men simultaneously launched their attacks, clashing fiercely.
Just as he had anticipated, Duan Liuyun lived up to his reputation as the novel's primary antagonist. His skill was exceptional, his swordsmanship and cultivation techniques honed to a state of exquisite perfection.
Contrary to his initial plan, Liu Buli sadly discovered that even at this early stage of the plot, he was still no match for Duan Liuyun.
After a mere two or three exchanges, he had already sustained several wounds.
His opponent, like a cat toying with a mouse, wasn't in a hurry to finish him off but was instead relishing the pleasure of having the upper hand.
The severity of Liu Buli's injuries was evident; they were deep enough to expose bone, yet none struck a vital point. It was as if they were intentionally inflicted to torment him, making him acutely aware of the chasm in their cultivation levels.
Liu Buli gritted his teeth fiercely.
Seeing his expression, Duan Liuyun chuckled and sheathed his long sword. A playful smile graced his face as he said, "Daoist Liu, I advise you to give up. The difference in our cultivation is like heaven and earth; you are no match for me. Fortunately, while your Grand Elder can also refine pills, you are the Sect Master, and I believe your skills surpass his. So, won't you reconsider? If you cooperate with me, you might just save your life, and I'll feel more at ease. Don't you agree?"
Liu Buli looked up into Duan Liuyun's confident eyes and spat forcefully.
He spat out the blood he had been holding in his mouth, then retrieved a jar of ointment from his Qiankun bag and haphazardly applied it to his still-bleeding wounds.
His killing intent deepened. Liu Buli took a few deep breaths, then surprisingly, he smiled and said, "Duan Liuyun, you are indeed far stronger than I imagined. But precisely because of that, I must kill you now. I won't let you grow any stronger, lest you have the chance to harm my disciple."
As his words fell, disregarding his own injuries, Liu Buli launched another attack.
The substance he applied wasn't healing medicine, but a drug that numbed the wound, making him impervious to pain.
After all, it was impossible for his wounds to heal in such a short time. Since that was the case, he might as well ignore them.
He was fighting a battle of desperation, seeking an opening in his opponent's arrogance.
This was his only chance of victory.
Unfortunately, he had underestimated Duan Liuyun, or rather, there was a reason this man had become the greatest villain in this world.
Despite the vast difference in their cultivation, Duan Liuyun showed no hint of complacency when facing Liu Buli.
He was flawless.
After a few more sword strikes, Liu Buli's right arm was nearly severed. Unable to wield his sword, he simply poured the entire jar of ointment onto the wound and switched hands.
Looking at Duan Liuyun again, Liu Buli curved his lips into a smile and murmured, "My attacks haven't been entirely ineffective."
A gash now marred Duan Liuyun's brow. Though it was the only wound on his body, it was deep and long. Had it been a fraction of an inch lower, it would have blinded Duan Liuyun.
Hearing Liu Buli's voice, Duan Liuyun frowned, touched his wound, and a flicker of anger finally appeared on his face.
"Very well, I've changed my mind," Duan Liuyun said slowly. "Even if you begged me to cooperate, I wouldn't agree now. I will gouge out your eyes and make you understand the consequences of attacking me. I won't let you die easily; I want you to truly feel the price you must pay."
As he finished speaking, Duan Liuyun raised his long sword.
Liu Buli, however, took a few steps back, widening the distance between them.
Duan Liuyun's eyebrows shot up. "What's wrong? Are you scared, Daoist Liu? While I'm not yet at the peak of my rage, if you kowtow and apologize, I might still forgive you."
Liu Buli let out a scoff, stretching his body, which had grown stiff from blood loss. He then pulled out another small vial from his Qiankun bag and said, "Duan Liuyun, do you know I am the Sect Master of the Pill Sect?"
The question was bizarre.
Duan Liuyun paused, but curious about Liu Buli's intentions, he nodded and replied, "I do. Otherwise, why would I seek cooperation with you?"
Liu Buli maintained his smile and continued, "Then you should also know that the Pill Sect is named so not because we are adept at healing. Our primary focus is on refining pills, specifically those that can bring about death."
Duan Liuyun nodded again.
The very thing he wanted Liu Buli to refine for him was precisely such a substance, so this point was not problematic.
Annoyed by the nonsensical questions, Duan Liuyun frowned and urged, "What exactly are you trying to say? Stop beating around the bush and speak plainly."
However, Liu Buli did not respond.
He simply opened the vial in his hand and poured all the contents into his mouth. After swallowing, he let out a long sigh and slowly said, "I just wanted to tell you that my disciple isn't the monster; I am. The unique secret art of our Pill Sect, only accessible to the Sect Master, is to transform oneself into a monster. I had intended to avoid using it if possible, as I promised him I would return. What a pity..."
Liu Buli sighed deeply.
Under the influence of the medicine, his body began to change. His beautiful black eyes turned blood-red, and deep crimson markings slowly crawled across his face and body.
His previously tattered wounds began to heal at an astonishing rate, and his spiritual energy was fully mobilized.
This was the secret art of his Pill Sect, something the original owner of this body had never intended to touch, according to his memories.
Because the original owner was a coward, he had never considered taking such a drug in his life.
A drug that granted immense power, but at the cost of one's life.