Within the Spirit Ruins Market, shouts of battle and the clash of spells mingled together. The sword formations of the Spirit Sword Sect cultivators displayed formidable power in repelling the harassment from the Black Wind Stronghold bandits. However, the stealthy approach of the Blood Shadow Sect experts made the situation increasingly dire.

The Blood Shadow Sect Master led his men like ghosts, swiftly weaving through layers of defenses and approaching the treasure vault. At this moment, the experts from the Spirit Harmony Merchant Guild guarding the vault sensed something amiss. "Not good! A powerful enemy is attacking!" A guild elder's expression changed drastically, and he immediately activated the defensive array surrounding the treasure vault. In a flash of light, barriers of spiritual energy rose, firmly protecting the vault.

The Blood Shadow Sect Master sneered, "You think you can stop me with this little bit of defense?" He swung his longsword, unleashing a crimson sword aura filled with bloodlust that collided with the spiritual energy barrier, producing a deafening sound. The spiritual energy barrier trembled violently, its light flickering erratically.

At the same time, other Blood Shadow Sect experts also unleashed strange spells in an attempt to break through the defenses. Some experts formed hand seals and summoned a swarm of black bats, which swooped down on the spiritual energy barrier like a dark cloud, their shrill cries sending chills down one's spine; others used the "Blood Shadow Escape Technique," their bodies transforming into streaks of blood shadows as they searched for weaknesses in the spiritual energy barrier.

The experts of the Linghe Chamber of Commerce were doing their utmost to maintain the defensive array. Sweat beaded on their foreheads as they rapidly formed hand seals and chanted incantations, continuously channeling spiritual energy into the array. "We absolutely cannot let them succeed!" the Chamber of Commerce elder said through gritted teeth.

Outside the market, the Black Wind Stronghold bandits suffered heavy casualties under the combined attack of the Spirit Sword Sect sword cultivators and Wanbao Pavilion disciples. However, relying on their superior numbers, they continued to launch wave after wave of attacks.

The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect shifted their sword formations, unleashing a torrent of sword energy towards the bandits. The sword cultivators moved nimbly, riding their flying swords, weaving freely through the bandits, each swing of their swords sending sprays of blood through the air.

The magical artifacts wielded by the Wanbaoge disciples were also incredibly powerful. The flames of the "Flaming Dragon Cauldron" illuminated the surroundings as if it were daytime, and many bandits were engulfed by the flames, letting out painful screams; the lightning released by the "Nine Heavens Thunder Pearl" was like a thick silver pillar, knocking groups of bandits away.

However, the poison that the Scorpion Sect had placed in the water source began to take effect. Some residents and defenders of the Spirit Ruins Market showed symptoms of poisoning, becoming weak and significantly reduced in combat effectiveness. The Spirit Union Merchant Guild immediately organized manpower to prepare antidotes and treat the poisoned.

"That despicable Scorpion Clan, how dare they use such despicable methods!" Lin Yang said angrily. While directing the detoxification work, he kept a close eye on the battlefield situation.

At that moment, the Blood Shadow Sect Master intensified his attack on the treasure vault's defenses. His aura surged, distorting the surrounding space. He plunged his longsword into the ground, and a powerful crimson spiritual energy spread out from him, instantly enveloping the entire treasure vault area.

"Break!" The Blood Shadow Sect Master shouted, and under the powerful impact, cracks finally appeared in the spiritual energy barrier.

"Oh no, the barrier is about to break!" The experts of the Linghe Chamber of Commerce were extremely anxious. At this critical moment, the elder of the Lingjian Sect noticed the danger coming from the direction of the treasure vault. He led a team of elite sword cultivators and rushed to provide support.

"Stop being arrogant!" the elder of the Spirit Sword Sect shouted, his sword gleaming with dazzling light. He unleashed the Spirit Sword Sect's strongest sword technique, "Sky-Splitting Slash," sending a powerful sword aura slashing towards the Blood Shadow Sect Master.

Sensing this powerful threat, the Blood Shadow Sect Master had no choice but to temporarily halt his attack on the treasure vault and turn to defend himself. The red sword energy collided with the "Sky-Splitting Slash," unleashing a dazzling light, and the powerful energy shock blasted large craters into the surrounding ground.

Can the people of Lingxu Market defend the treasure vault and preserve the precious opportunities obtained from the ruins? What will become of this fierce battle? The situation is becoming increasingly tense, and everyone is drawn into this battle that concerns the life and death of Lingxu Market.