Behind the Lingxu Market, the sword cultivators of the Lingjian Sect clashed with the Dark Alliance's assault force, and the situation instantly became deadlocked. The sword cultivators, utilizing the stealthy and ambush techniques of the "Lingyin Illusionary Void Technique," threw the assault force into disarray. However, the Shadow Fiend Hall Master quickly stabilized the situation. He dodged a sword aura with a flash, then shouted, "Hold on! They have limited numbers, kill them!"

Under his command, the assault force quickly adjusted its tactics. The Bloodblade Sect experts formed a sharp attack arrowhead, wielding blood-red blades and charging towards the sword cultivators. The bloody aura emanating from the blades seemed to dye the air red. Meanwhile, members of the Netherworld Palace cast sinister spells from the rear, spreading black mist in an attempt to disrupt the sword cultivators' vision and spiritual perception.

The sword cultivators of the Spirit Ruins Market showed no fear, their sword formation rapidly shifting. Based on the "Spirit Concealment Illusionary Void Technique," they combined it with new sword formation variations, making their figures appear and disappear in the mist. Streams of sword energy shot out from the mist, precisely targeting the assault force. "Behold my sword piercing the evil mist!" a sword cultivator roared, his sword gleaming brightly. A sword energy imbued with powerful sword intent tore through the mist, rushing straight towards a member of the "Netherworld Palace." The member, unable to dodge, was struck by the sword energy and flew backward with a scream.

The disciples of Wanbaoge manipulated their magical artifacts to provide fire support for the assault force. "Hidden Thunderclap" exploded repeatedly among the enemy ranks, its powerful impact sending enemies flying. The "Spirit Shadow Tracking Crossbow" also displayed immense power; its bolts, imbued with spiritual energy, tracked the enemy, and once locked on, remained relentlessly pursued, making it impossible for the assault force to defend against.

However, the raiding force consisted entirely of elites from the "Dark Alliance." Amidst the chaos, they gradually adapted to the swordsmen's attack methods and began to launch a counterattack. The Shadow Fiend Hall Master moved with lightning speed, his dagger flashing with an eerie light, constantly breaking through the swordsmen's defenses and approaching the core of the rear defenses.

"We can't let him get close!" Sensing the Shadow Fiend Hall Master's intentions, the elder of the Spirit Sword Sect personally led several sword cultivators to meet him. With a flick of his sword, the elder unleashed a set of exquisite sword techniques, the sword flowers flashing like stars, blocking the Shadow Fiend Hall Master's path.

"You think you can stop me?" The Shadow Fiend Hall Master sneered, his dagger flashing as it clashed with the elder's sword. Sparks flew as the two engaged in a fierce close-quarters battle.

Meanwhile, on the main battlefield of the Spirit Ruins Market, the "Dark Alliance's" feint attack force, under the frantic urging of the Blood Blade Sect Master, launched an increasingly fierce offensive. The defensive magic array flickered under the enemy's attacks, and cracks began to appear.

"Hold on! We can't let them break through the defenses!" shouted the commander of the Lingxu Market's defenses. The disciples of Wanbaoge continuously poured spiritual energy into the magic array, attempting to repair the cracks. The "Demon-Suppressing Shield" was also activated, a transparent spiritual energy shield appearing in front of the defensive array, blocking some of the attacks.

The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect unleashed their full power on the front line, pushing their sword formation to its limit, unleashing a torrent of sword energy upon the enemy. However, the feint attack force was numerous and fearless; as one wave fell, another surged forward.

Seeing that the frontal defenses were proving difficult to breach, the Bloodblade Sect Master grew extremely anxious. He knew that if they couldn't break through the defenses quickly and create an opportunity for the raiding forces, the entire plan would fail. Therefore, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

The Bloodblade Sect Master, wielding the Bloodblade Staff, chanted incantations. The staff shone brightly, and a massive crimson beam of light shot into the sky, hurtling towards the defensive array. "Break!" the Bloodblade Sect Master roared.

The beam of light struck the defensive array, producing a deafening roar. The array trembled violently, and the cracks rapidly widened. "This is bad! The array is about to collapse!" The disciples of Wanbaoge exclaimed, their expressions changing drastically.

Seeing this from the command platform, Lin Yang inwardly cursed the situation. He knew that once the frontal defenses were breached, the Lingxu Market would be doomed. He quickly made a decision to mobilize some of the forces originally intended to support other directions to strengthen the frontal defenses.

"Wanbaoge, activate all backup defensive magic treasures! Lingjian Sect, adjust your sword formation and concentrate your forces to resist this wave of attacks!" Lin Yang shouted the order.

The disciples of Wanbaoge acted swiftly, activating one backup defensive magic weapon after another. The "Qiankun Barrier" rose up, like a massive mountain of spiritual energy, blocking the impact of the blood-red pillar of light. The "Star Guardian Bell" rang out with a clear sound, releasing soft starlight to stabilize the spiritual energy fluctuations of the defensive array.

The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect quickly adjusted their sword formation, concentrating all their sword energy in the direction of the blood-red pillar of light. "Sword Controls Heaven and Earth, Break!" the sword cultivators shouted in unison, and countless sword energies converged into a huge sword-shaped pillar of spiritual energy, colliding with the blood-red pillar of light.

Two powerful beams of spiritual energy locked in a stalemate in mid-air, their light illuminating the entire sky. The aftershocks from the collision swept around like a whirlwind, uprooting nearby trees and tearing deep ravines into the ground.

On the rear battlefield, the battle between the elders of the Spirit Sword Sect and the leader of the Shadow Fiend Hall reached its climax. The leader's daggers became increasingly unpredictable, each attack carrying a sharp killing intent, attempting to break through the elders' defenses. The elders, relying on their profound skill and rich combat experience, skillfully deflected the leader's attacks while simultaneously searching for opportunities to counterattack.

"Your end is near!" The Shadow Fiend Hall Master spotted an opening and lunged forward, his dagger aimed straight for the elder's throat. The elder, however, remained calm and composed, slightly shifting his body to avoid the vital point. At the same time, he twirled his sword, the hilt striking the Shadow Fiend Hall Master's wrist with tremendous force.

The Shadow Fiend Hall Master cried out in pain, nearly dropping his dagger. Taking advantage of the moment, the elder unleashed a move called "Returning Wind Dance Willow Sword," the sword as light as a willow leaf yet containing immense power, instantly leaving several wounds on the Shadow Fiend Hall Master's body.

The Shadow Fiend Hall Master's expression changed. He knew he couldn't linger in the fight, or he would be trapped. He leaped backward, disengaging from the battle, and shouted, "Retreat!"

Upon hearing the order, the raiding force lost all will to fight and retreated. The sword cultivators of Lingxu Market and the disciples of Wanbao Pavilion pressed their advantage, launching a final attack on the raiding force.

On the main battlefield, under Lin Yang's command, the people of Lingxu Market successfully withstood the full-force attack of the Blood Blade Sect Master. The crimson pillar of light gradually dissipated; although the defensive array was severely damaged, it was ultimately preserved.

Seeing the raiding force retreat, the Bloodblade Sect Master knew the plan had completely failed, and his heart was filled with resentment. But he also understood that if they didn't leave now, they would be surrounded. "Retreat!" The Bloodblade Sect Master reluctantly gave the order to retreat.

Upon hearing this, the feint attack force of the "Dark Alliance" began to retreat. A cheer erupted within the Lingxu Market as everyone successfully repelled yet another attack by the "Dark Alliance."

However, Lin Yang and his group did not let their guard down. They knew that the "Dark Alliance" would not give up so easily, and they would face even more severe challenges in the future. This battle also made the people of Lingxu Market realize that although their defense system had improved, it still had shortcomings.

"We need to repair the defensive array as soon as possible, summarize the lessons learned from this battle, and further improve the defense system," Lin Yang said to the leaders of various factions.

The Pavilion Master of Wanbaoge nodded and said, "There is still room for improvement in terms of magic weapons, especially in terms of sustainability and synergy when dealing with large-scale attacks."

The elder of the Spirit Sword Sect also said, "The adaptability of the sword formation needs to be strengthened. We need to be able to make adjustments more quickly when facing different enemy tactics."

The president of Linghe Chamber of Commerce stated, "Intelligence work needs to be more meticulous. We must grasp the detailed plans of the 'Dark Alliance' in advance and can no longer respond passively."

The people of Lingxu Market knew that the road ahead would still be fraught with hardship, but with their indomitable will and united spirit, they successfully repelled yet another frenzied attack from the "Dark Alliance." After this fierce battle, how will Lingxu Market further enhance its strength to cope with the "Dark Alliance's" next round of retaliation? Everything is filled with unknowns and challenges, but the people of Lingxu Market are prepared to face all the storms to come.