My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty
Chapter 868 - 868: The Battle of Devouring

Soon, the two began a new round of intense combat.

Although it took place in the realm of consciousness, the pain they experienced was very real.

In just a short time, both Gu Lan and Blood Demon were already showing signs of suffering. One of Gu Lan's arms had been severed, while Blood Demon had been pierced by thousands of swords. However, neither of them cared about the injuries.

Suppressing the expressions of pain on their faces, the surrounding aura began to gather around them.

With the aid of spiritual energy, both of their injuries rapidly healed.

Gu Lan's cold gaze locked onto Blood Demon, his eyes filled with endless killing intent.

Seeing the intensity of his expression, Blood Demon sneered, and his aura surged with no attempt to hide it.

"Stop wasting energy. Our moves are identical—how could there be a winner between us?" Blood Demon taunted. "At this rate, it'll be a stalemate."

Gu Lan had initially thought defeating Blood Demon would be easy, but as time passed, he began to realize it was not so simple. He could not eliminate Blood Demon unless someone powerful intervened, but here, there was no one to help him.

Both of them stood opposed, not attacking but looking for an opening in each other's defenses.

However, no opening appeared, because they were one entity—any potential flaw they could find would also be the other's.

Gu Lan's sword flickered with light as he stepped forward.

He struck fiercely, his blade aiming directly at Blood Demon's throat. But he was just a fraction of a second too slow—Blood Demon, sensing his intent, quickly stepped back and dodged the attack.

With a roar, Blood Demon sent a powerful palm strike towards Gu Lan, but Gu Lan intercepted with his own palm.

The impact caused both of them to be sent flying back a hundred yards.

Gu Lan's expression darkened as he realized something startling: he was in perfect sync with Blood Demon. They could both anticipate each other's moves and understand when to act and how.

Blood Demon, equally surprised, spoke with a cold smile, "I never thought I could be in sync with you like this. If that's the case, there's no point in continuing this fight."

Gu Lan's power was still intact, but he did not make another move. He knew that continuing like this would only lead to disaster.

---

Outside the battle, Gu Lan radiated a terrifying blood aura that had already turned the Mind-Clearing Spring crimson.

Qing'er, sensing the intensity of his aura, furrowed her brow.

"His killing intent is so strong!" she thought. "When I met him before, I didn't feel it, but now it's undeniable."

The aura he emanated had surpassed the power of the Mind-Clearing Spring itself, and if this continued, it would likely begin to affect the spring.

With a serious expression, Qing'er stepped forward and placed her hand on Gu Lan's shoulder.

In that instant, an overwhelming force erupted from within her. Spiritual energy gathered around them, wrapping Gu Lan in an attempt to suppress his raging aura.

But it didn't last long. The surrounding energy was soon shaken off, and Qing'er staggered back a few steps, her arm numb from the impact.

Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at Gu Lan. She had not expected her power to be ineffective against him.

"If I can't suppress him… then I'll absorb the energy."

She murmured to herself and pointed a finger at Gu Lan. A beam of golden light instantly entered his mind.

As the energy surged into him, Gu Lan felt a shift within his consciousness. The golden light enveloped him, and Qing'er's voice echoed in his mind.

"You cannot suppress this power, but you can absorb it."

Gu Lan was initially bewildered. "Absorb it? How is that possible?" he wondered.

But his expression quickly changed to one of realization. If he could absorb the power, then it was worth a try.

He retracted his sword energy and turned his focus forward. His body was soon engulfed by blood aura as he prepared to absorb the energy.

Blood Demon, noticing the change, scoffed with disdain.

"You think you can use my own power against me?"

The two were again mirrored in their actions, using the same techniques and blood aura. They both struck simultaneously, their powers colliding with a mighty force that scattered the gathered energy around them.

Neither retreated, their energies intertwining, yet because their powers were identical, Blood Demon's attempt to consume Gu Lan's energy had limited effect. Even though Gu Lan absorbed the power, it only added a small amount to his reserves.

Blood Demon sneered. "Don't waste your energy. You think you can use Blood Demon Kung Fu against me?"

He had emerged from this power, so Gu Lan would never be able to eliminate him.

Blood Demon slowly raised his other hand, and his aura surged dramatically.

His power increased, and Gu Lan's energy began to drain faster. Yet Gu Lan did not relent, striking back with a powerful blow.

"Boom!"

The energies of both Gu Lan and Blood Demon reached their peak in the consciousness realm. It was the only way to settle this.

Gu Lan could not afford to give up now.

A golden light began to shimmer around him, while Blood Demon's blood aura intensified as well.

Within the Mind-Clearing Spring, their auras clashed violently, scattering terrifying energy. Qing'er retreated a few steps, shocked at the display.

Though surprised, Qing'er did not intervene. She knew that now, the outcome was no longer in her control.

---

Outside, four or five days had passed, and the battle within the consciousness realm had still not come to a conclusion. However, it was clear that Blood Demon's strength had weakened.

Gu Lan's power continued to grow, and Blood Demon's smug grin faded as his energy began to wane.

"How is this possible?" Blood Demon muttered. "Our powers were identical, how could I be losing to you?"

Gu Lan was equally confused but focused on the task at hand.

Finally, he declared, "Today, you will disappear!"

With a cold laugh, he struck with a fist that sent Blood Demon flying back hundreds of yards.

Before Blood Demon could stabilize himself, Gu Lan was already before him, launching another powerful strike.