A sharp sonic wave spread through the enormous hall, causing many strong individuals to change their expressions. They could feel the overwhelming strength of the owner of the voice. Amidst the shock and suspicion, a sudden gust of wind sounded outside the hall, followed by a surge of black fog that enveloped the area, converging in mid-air above the hall. As the black fog dissipated, several figures emerged. Their unique entry made them immediately recognizable to many.
“Actually, people from the Soul Temple?” Upon recognizing the newcomers, many hearts skipped a beat, brows furrowed. The power of the Soul Temple was well-known across the continent, and if they were here to snatch the Heaven-tier fighting techniques, the already chaotic situation would become even more complicated.
Xiao Yan’s gaze fixed on the airborne figures, his face twisting with a growing smirk. In the forefront, an elder wearing gray and white robes, with a gaunt face bearing a dark, cold smile, stood. His appearance was none other than the old ghost Zhai Xing, who had previously fought Xiao Yan to a mutually devastating outcome.
“Has your injury fully healed…?” Xiao Yan cast a glance at Zhai Xing, then his eyes landed on the latter’s right arm, noting only an empty sleeve. His brow arched; it seemed that although this old monster had survived the destruction of the Lotus of Fire, it came at a significant cost.
“Hehe, looks like the old ghost Zhai Xing is now a one-armed ghost,” Little Healer Immortal smiled, her laughter tinged with a hint of malicious glee.
In mid-air, Zhai Xing scanned the crowd, his laugh echoing with eerie amusement. “Hehe, truly a lively gathering. I didn’t expect this ruin to attract so many. If we remain here to collect souls, we might leave with a full harvest.”
These words instantly drew disgusted glances from many. The Soul Temple’s activities of capturing souls across the central region were notorious, and while many disdained such actions, no one dared confront them due to their terrifying power.
“Who cut off this old ghost’s arm?” Among the crowd, some recognized Zhai Xing and, noticing his empty sleeve, their faces filled with confusion. Many understood the formidable strength of Zhai Xing. Possessing the power of a Five-Star Dou Zun, he was considered among the top fighters of the entire continent. There were few who could break his arm.
In mid-air, Zhai Xing seemed to sense the gazes directed at him. His grim smile slightly faded, his lips twitching. Just as he was about to issue a cold command, his gaze suddenly froze. Then, a roar filled with murderous intent resounded through the hall.
“Xiao Yan?! You’re still alive?!” The voices caused the crowd to turn their attention to a young, slightly lean figure within the hall.
“Old Ghost, you are still alive, how could I possibly die first?” Xiao Yan replied with a nonchalant smile, addressing Zhai Xing, whose face was turning increasingly livid with rage.
“Damned brat, today this old man will avenge the shame of a broken arm!” Zhai Xing’s eyes turned bloodshot, his arm lost to Xiao Yan a deep, unerasable humiliation. Though the severe wounds had healed, the severed arm could not be regenerated.
Zhai Xing’s furious shout drew gasps of disbelief, many eyes fixated on Xiao Yan. How could this young man have such strength?
“This boy… how can he have such power?” Feng Qing’er and others were also stunned. The black-robed elder beside her had an expression shifting between dark and light, eyeing Xiao Yan with newfound wariness. He knew Zhai Xing’s strength, which was even higher than his own. If Xiao Yan could sever Zhai Xing’s arm, he certainly had the means to make the elder suffer greatly.
“We underestimated this young man, but with the old ghost Zhai Xing having a grudge against him, it seems fate is on our side,” the black-robed elder whispered, a cold smile passing over his face.
Next to Xiao Yan, Tang Zhen also looked surprised, deeply moved. This young man was not as simple as he appeared.
“Whoosh!” Zhai Xing roared, disregarding the strange looks from the hall, his body turning into a wisp of black smoke as he lunged at Xiao Yan. The vast aura pressure forced everyone to rapidly retreat, creating a large, open space around them.
“Old Ghost Zhai, do you want to lose your other arm too?” Xiao Yan clenched his hands, three flames forming before him, and he coldly challenged.
With the flames, the temperature in the hall rose sharply. Zhai Xing’s charge faltered in the air, the heat gradually cooling his temper. He had experienced the power of the fire lotus before, and now, seeing the flames, caution filled his heart. He had come to the ruin with a crucial mission, and failure would mean severe punishment. “This boy has numerous strong protectors. If I engage him, I’ll expend much energy, and may not be able to compete for the treasure. Many here are powerful enough to challenge me.”
Eyes flashing, Zhai Xing swallowed his rising anger, glaring at Xiao Yan. “Once this ruin matter is settled, I will deal with you properly!”
“Anytime!” Xiao Yan sneered, now officially a Dou Zun, the old ghost’s intimidation far less effective. Using normal means, he might struggle, but the old ghost could no longer dominate him. With his enhanced power, he was confident the fire lotus would utterly obliterate the old ghost.
Gazing at Xiao Yan, Zhai Xing waved his sleeves and retreated, summoning the Soul Temple’s forces to the front of the hall. Despite the disdain, no one dared to oppose them. Powerful factions and strong individuals did not want to offend the Soul Temple.
“This is a bit troublesome. Though the old ghost has lost an arm, he remains formidable,” Heavenly Fire Venerable mused.
“Don’t worry. We can wound him again, and the complex situation will likely see the Soul Temple suffer. Perhaps the old ghost will be occupied,” Little Healer Immortal smiled reassuringly.
“Do you have a feud with those people?” Qing Lin asked Zi Yan softly.
“Yes, they are our enemies. Don’t hold back; make up for your earlier mistakes,” Zi Yan patted Qing Lin’s shoulder, speaking with an air of seniority. Xiao Yan and others couldn’t help but chuckle at her self-assured tone.
Qing Lin nodded earnestly. “Don’t worry, I won’t show any mercy to Xiaoyan ShaoYe’s enemies.”
“Good, you are quite perceptive,” Zi Yan nodded in approval.
Xiao Yan glanced at the two, his eyes scanning the hall. Finally, they rested on the stone statues. “When the seal breaks, don’t rush. These items are hot potatoes. Whoever grabs them first will be targeted.”
Little Healer Immortal and others nodded. They understood that once someone claimed a treasure, they would be the target of all. Even the old ghost Zhai Xing would be overwhelmed by the combined attacks.
“Xiao Yan not only has impressive cultivation talent but also great alchemical skills. Most importantly, despite his youth, he’s not arrogant. Aligning with Flame Valley will be a wise choice,” Tang Zhen thought, his respect for Xiao Yan increasing.
Unaware of the impression he had made, Xiao Yan’s gaze focused on the glowing orbs. The light around them was fading. “The seal is about to break!” he said gravely.
As he spoke, the ten orbs shuddered intensely, then burst into a blinding light. Within the glare, scrolls transformed into beams of light, shooting out from the orbs!
The hall erupted in chaos as the stone statues opened their long-closed eyes, a murderous aura spreading through the air!
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