Han Xue’s expression turned gloomy as he fixed his gaze upon the figure clad in black robes above the horizon beyond Maple City. Internally, his heart was churning—utterly staggered by the knowledge that the mysterious individual even frightened the “Sea Heart Flame” itself. Though Xiao Yan wielded the Cerulean Lotus Earth Flame, it ranked lower than the Sea Heart Flame along the Flame Roster. It baffled him how this younger rival managed to instill such apprehension within the famed flame; certainly this wasn’t the case years before. “What on earth happened in the past two years for him to become thus?” Reflecting with restless eyes, Han vaguely deduced that whatever transformation Xiao Yan underwent had likely transpired throughout those vanished two years.
“Hmph, two years without meeting, and yet you dare return with such pomp,” called Xiao Yan from the skies, watching Han’s expression shift from gloom to unease. Smiling slightly, he continued smoothly, “Previously, Heaven smiled on you and let you slip from death. Fate smiles kindly—but does it this day, still?”
Confronted openly with Xiao’s biting challenge, Han’s fury swelled, yet it birthed laughter. “Little overconfident upstart, your audacity during those skirmishes stemmed solely from borrowed strength—which was never genuinely deserving of praise—am I correct, you aged, indomitable phantom spirit?” Owing to his perception prowess near that of an adept ranking in the斗宗 order himself, back then while aiding Xiao Yan against Xiao Yan, fragments of an eerie awareness had begun to manifest. Now removed from pressing urgency, the explosive ascent of Xiao Yan’s might along with ghostly traces familiar yet estranged allowed swift understanding—realization.
“Today, using my own might, I shall complete my teacher’s unfinished vendetta,” Xiao affirmed in soft clarity, his smirk unfurling with the unyielding bite of killing intent woven inescapably into the smile itself.
“Yet I wonder if you’re fit for this role my younger brother,” came Han’s icy riposte while the notion matured deep within—to divulge Xiao Yan sheltered an immortal yet spectral being would invite unwanted yet potent scrutiny upon his rival, for an enigmatic fellowship thrived for such arcane prey—enslaved souls. Even amidst such a grim plot, he calculated—had destiny once granted him the edge of ambush leading into Pharmacist Elder destruction—only that spectral entity lurking unseen must’ve shielded the ancient Sage. None other! A mere斗尊, pinnacle of arcane artistry, was mythos given shape.
Amid this, onlookers flanking both sides exchanged baffled glances, whispers rising. Han had learned from “Herbal Sage” Yaochen—the legend, once peerless in the lands. Xiao…was his disciple?! Yet rumors whispered of Sage passing ages earlier—who now reentered legends as more than myth through youth. That very disciple was alive—and not solitary? But instead bitter blood adversaries without even kinship? Minds swarmed in bafflement despite rising awe; Xiao, bearing Sage student prestige—his very declaration, his very existence heralded would command recognition across realms merely through lineage.
However, the murmuring halted with the shift of Han’s gaze.
“Heed you, Esteemed长老 Su Qian, why bring so many to my Maple City today?” he inquired with deceptive civility to Su Qian.
“Both know intent well—I see no worth hiding it,” Su Qian countered disdainfully; no deference in voice, none withheld, continuing, “Previously when your hands sullied our Inner Sanctuary, I wonder do scores wait forgiveness or revenge?”
“Fear not!” Han’s tone turned honey-laced justification. “Celestial Flames arise through cosmic breath, claimers abound! Your imprisoning practices are cruel shackler chains unjust to Flames! I sought mere liberation.” His crowd saw through him—his justification rang hollow as truth—justice, nonexistent currency here. Gold-laden motives ruled this domain—always did.
Unwavering, Su Qian retorted coolly, “Superfluously worded, but matters stand plainly: we demand One Command—”
“—Dissolve ‘Black Alliance’. Now.” Spoke without embellishment.
Gradually Han’s visage twisted to scorn.
“Naïve words from you Elder. You wish dissolution? Do迦南 possess power fit this ambition?” Then—Sural silence.
“Shall we gauge thus?”
Stepping lightly forward, an immense pressure emanating as斗宗 aura surged outward like storm-darkened clouds, sweeping the expanse, enshrouding all in reach with ominous presence—a stark challenge.
Today’s gathering served no hollow words; vengeance fueled this clash against a parasite threatening the sanctum’s integrity—to cleanse disgrace and reclaim dominion; words served as preludes; blood wrote resolution.
A mocking cackle erupted—“Hmph…Brave resolve indeed长老 Su; past misfires scarce dissuaded your foolish tenacity still lingering despite failures…you seek punishment again…”
The voices were twin—a golden brilliance and argent radiance slicing through sky like thunder’s flash, assuming battle stance before Su Qian with entwined formidable might opposing him equally. None rivals Su aside from Golden-Silver Seniors themselves!
“If you insist upon harassing our联盟 today, don’t expect quartered courtesy,” hissed韩, venom laced grin forming suddenly as shifted gaze pierced Xiao.
“But considering you bestowed upon me this prized gift…perhaps迦南 departs bruised slightly—but un-annihilated.”
“Black Alliance forces, at my decree—”
The thunderous shout shattered skies further:
“In black-crust expanse the most unrivalled faction, if yielding without defiance lets aggressors stamp our dominion into dirt…then we become frail figs awaiting plundered pickin! Prove your strength brethren and let those scholars realize we aren’t ripe fruit ready plumb.”
Raucous cries confirmed loyalty among gathered heads, already antsy anticipation brewing into tangible battle fervor. Over the past two years, each迦南 assault against “Black Covenant” ended humiliatingly for their foes—growing fear towards迦南 Academy transformed into contemptuous ease.
“Listen ye, for their prior assaults upon our hallowed halls brought us perilous close to obliteration!” rang长老 of Inner Sanctuary, his words fierce and fiery, “We let it go unpunished for long enough! Today marks retribution—the day ends only when our honor’s repaid in blood! Give yourselves with everything—make them regret this very day!” With those words, his respiration quickened—veined eyes aflame by fury honed bitter patience years-long. Now bolstered alongside Xiao Yan’s might—he knew salvation from disgrace stood near!
Roars thunderous erupted in turn at长老 exhortation—a shared bitterness fueling warriors—resentments long suppressed erupted with new found courage, the audacity of Han’s faction having emboldened past endurance.
The aura between the two factions rose with palpable vigor—one against shadow-clad opposition—strength meeting defiance headlong.
“Yan. You hold韓. Vital. Slipping chains—swings tides—under any cost: contain him until myself quells Golden-Silver fiends—rely upon you above all.”
Calm nod, slight quirked lips. “Victory assured—but I pledge distraction from interfering—on this I am certain.”
Su sighed relief—recognizing earnestness.
Nod given, Xiao Yan’s gaze slowly ascended, fixed upon韩 upon city skyline once again.
Mouthing, yet barely perceptible—”Your Flame…will belong to me.”
A flicker of malice in eyes, then raising hand slowly skyward, suddenly clenching in fierce gesture of command—the very hand slicing downward:
“Regardless escape impossible—today this realm becomes grave.”
A whisper, almost gentle—but the declaration broke silence, igniting all.
“Slay the intruders merciless. Show no hesitation.”
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