The thunderous roar echoed across the heavens, and countless people on the square looked up in shock. They saw a deep purple flame spreading across the sky, engulfing the entire expanse with its fiery waves. At the center of the purple firestorm, a vivid emerald green flame stood unyielding against the furious onslaught.
After a few breaths, the strange emerald-green flame suddenly trembled, and an intense flame storm erupted from it. Wherever the emerald-green flame reached, the purple flames retreated like ice meeting boiling oil. It was clear that the purple flames were no match for the emerald-green ones.
Initially, the emerald-green flame was only a few feet wide, but after a brief moment of expansion, it swiftly dispersed the deep purple flames that had filled the sky, consuming them entirely.
*Puff!*
As the last bit of deep purple flame was driven away, the figure hidden within was finally exposed. The terrifying force that burst forth at that moment poured over his body like a tidal wave. A mouthful of bright red blood spewed out as countless people watched, and he fell from the sky like a bird with broken wings.
The figure fell quickly under the awed gazes of the crowd. When he was still dozens of meters from the ground, Yunshan, who had a slightly dark expression on the platform, waved his sleeve and caught him with a deft touch, then gently set him down.
When Gu He landed, his face was pale, blood covered his lips, and his eyes were tinged with despondence. He knew all too well that the terrifying force Xiao Yan had unleashed was beyond his capacity to withstand. Moreover, he had sensed Xiao Yan holding back some of his strength; otherwise, even if Gu He had survived, he would have been severely injured.
The crowd stared at Gu He’s pale face in silence, stunned by the turn of events. They could hardly accept the reality that a young man in his twenties had defeated a genuine Battle Emperor in just ten moves. Such overwhelming power felt like a dream.
Their incredulous gazes lingered on Gu He for a moment before they turned to the sky. The emerald-green flames had dissipated, and a black-robed youth hovered in the air, his magnificent emerald-green fire wings beating slowly, exuding the demeanor of a true master.
Somewhere in the sky, Jia Xing Tian and others sighed in relief upon seeing Gu He fall. They exchanged a glance, secretly marveling at Xiao Yan’s fearsome display. Among those present, only Hai Bo Dong and Jia Xing Tian might have been able to resist that powerful attack.
“Gu He’s defeat takes away one of our major concerns. With his character, he won’t go back on his word after accepting Xiao Yan’s challenge in front of so many,” Hai Bo Dong wiped his forehead, smiling.
“Indeed, but Xiao Yan also expended considerable energy in the battle. Fortunately, he has plenty of pills, and his Qi recovery speed is far beyond the norm. Otherwise, he might be in trouble in the upcoming battle with Yunshan,” Jia Xing Tian nodded, noting that he had seen Xiao Yan consume several pills after defeating Gu He.
“During the battle, you must intercept the elders of the Yunlan Sect, or they could form a combined offensive. As for Yunshan, let’s leave him to Xiao Yan, as he suggested,” Hai Bo Dong surveyed the Yunlan Sect below, particularly the elders hovering in the air, speaking gravely.
“Is it wise for him to fight Yunshan alone? It might be dangerous,” Mi Chel, the vice president of Alchemists, hesitated.
“Don’t worry. Remember that Xiao Yan has a mysterious teacher’s assistance. If necessary, I, Jia Laotou, and the Deep Sea Fiendish Beast will help him. Together, we can hold off Yunshan for a while,” Hai Bo Dong said, glancing at Yunshan on the wedding stage.
“Once the battle begins, I’ll signal. Yan Ye will personally lead the ten-thousand-strong army to attack the mountain!” Jia Xing Tian added grimly.
Hai Bo Dong nodded, eyes fixed on Yunshan. “Next, we’ll keep a close eye on that old rascal…”
On the square, Gu He, pale-faced and disoriented, slowly regained his composure. He looked up at the black-robed youth with a wry smile.
“You win!”
At Gu He’s admission, the crowd fell silent, imagining the impact of this defeat on him.
“Today, I will no longer interfere with your affairs with the Yunlan Sect,” Gu He sighed, turning to Yun Yun, who stood quietly below the stage. His carefully crafted wedding robe crumbled and fell to pieces as he shuddered.
“Yunyun, perhaps your choice was right. I am indeed inferior to him…”
Seeing Gu He’s bitter smile, Yunyun remained silent. Knowing how proud Gu He was, she could imagine the depth of the blow this loss must have dealt. After a moment, she softly asked, “Are you alright?”
“No major injuries…” Gu He shook his head, looking up at Yunshan on the stage. “Grand Leader Yunshan, I lost today and will honor my promise not to interfere any further. Also, please call off the wedding. Farewell!”
Without waiting for Yunshan’s response, Gu He turned and walked towards the gate of the Yunlan Sect.
As Gu He disappeared, whispers rose in the square. Some of the strong warriors who had come to support him glanced at each other, sighed, and left. Having no reason to stay, they followed Gu He’s example. They understood that interfering would only bring humiliation, as even Gu He had fallen in ten moves.
With the departure of these strong warriors, the square grew empty. Those who remained were mostly allies of the Yunlan Sect, intimidated by Yunshan’s power. Though they feared the impending battle, they dared not leave, especially with Yunshan’s increasingly dark expression.
On the stage, Yunshan’s eyes twitched as he watched the departing figures, his face stern. He had planned for Xiao Yan and Gu He to fight, and he would reap the benefits. Instead, Xiao Yan had issued a ten-move challenge and indeed defeated Gu He, and Gu He, loyal to his word, had left.
“Fool! Skilled in alchemy, but so rigid in thought,” Yunshan cursed inwardly, drawing a deep breath to calm himself. Standing, he walked to the edge of the stage and gazed up at the black-robed youth in the sky.
“Xiao Yan, I must admit you’ve grown stronger in three years…”
In the sky, Xiao Yan glanced at Yunshan and smirked, “Finally decided to step in?”
“If this is your only trump card, I regret to inform you that you won’t leave the Yunlan Mountain alive!” Yunshan’s face turned cold, clenching his fists as a terrifying aura surged from his body.
The immense aura spread, causing the strong warriors below to gasp. Under such pressure, their own Qi circulation was disrupted!
The awe-inspiring presence of a Battle Sect was truly terrifying!
Feeling the overwhelming aura from Yunshan, Xiao Yan grew serious. This was indeed a much stronger opponent than three years ago. It seemed that a fierce, life-or-death battle awaited.
“Yunlan Sect, hear my command: spare no invaders today!” Yunshan’s cold voice resounded through the sky.
“I want the entire Jia Ma Empire to know: those who dare to offend us shall be executed without mercy!!”
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