The roar of the Violet Robed Venerable fell on deaf ears as Xiao Yan blurred into a black streak, darting towards the grand hall. In the blink of an eye, he dashed through the entrance and vanished at the end of the corridor. Seeing this, the Violet Robed Venerable’s face twitched, about to shout in fury, but the fierce gale-like punch that came hurtling towards him made his expression change. He hastily engaged in combat. The dark golden puppet before him put even him under immense pressure. If he wasn’t careful, today might prove to be quite dangerous.
As this thought flashed across his mind, vast amounts of Fighting Qi surged within the Purple Robed Venerable, and a jet-black iron chain slipped from his sleeve. It whistled as it tore through the air, lashing out fiercely at the Heavenly Puppet.
While the battle raged outside the Soul Hall, Xiao Yan charged in like a whirlwind. Some of the Soul Hall’s strongmen had no chance to even lay a hand on him; they were all blasted back with blood spewing out of their mouths by the ferocious force. For a moment, no one dared to make a move to stop him.
“Little brat, you’re courting death by barging into my Soul Hall indiscriminately!” Although this was just a branch of the Soul Hall, its defenses were certainly not any weaker than those of some first-rate sects. Xiao Yan’s reckless charge did not last long before a bellow echoed through the air. Four figures swiftly closed in from the four corners, planting themselves solidly in Xiao Yan’s path. Dark mist swirled around them, exuding an immensely powerful aura – these four individuals were all Battle Sect-level experts ranging from the 6th star to the 7th!
“Insolent fool, stop where you stand!” exclaimed the middle figure, his face veiled in shifting shadows. His sinister gaze fixed upon the black streak that was Xiao Yan, and he roared.
Before he even finished, the quartet launched into action without another word. An overwhelming deluge of dark mist erupted from their bodies and converged into a massive, several dozen feet long, black python. With a thunderous roar, it whipped its mighty tail, generating a formidable rush of wind, charging headlong at Xiao Yan.
The black python’s devastating might shattered the ground beneath it, turning everything it passed over into dust. Fissures crisscrossed like lightning in its wake.
“Four measly Protectors, do you actually dare to challenge me?” Facing the obstruction, Xiao Yan’s face twisted with a cynical sneer. Not slowing in the slightest, he unleashed a flood of purple-brown flames, transforming into a colossal dragon. As he swung its tail, his speed increased dramatically. He collided violently with the black python like a meteorite impact.
“Get out of my way!”
*Bang!*
The clash triggered a deafening boom, unleashing waves of energy that spread like a storm, causing nearby stone pillars to splinter and collapse. The Soul Hall guardians who ventured too close were swept up in the explosion, screaming in agony as they were flung back, smashing into the walls and becoming mangled corpses.
Amidst the surging shockwaves, the faces of the four Protectors changed drastically. Before they could react, the waves battered them viciously, scattering their dense black mist and flinging them dozens of meters away. They tumbled to a stop, barely able to climb back up.
“Insolent fools daring to block my path!” After forcing the Protectors to retreat, Xiao Yan scoffed coldly. Flames erupted once more, striking the incapacitated Protectors, whose cries filled the air before they were reduced to soul forms.
“Damn wretches, aiding in such villainous deeds – you deserve death!” Gazing at the four fear-stricken souls, Xiao Yan growled. A surge of spirit power erupted, instantly disintegrating three soul forms. Then, grabbing the remaining soul, he snarled, “Where are the prisoners held? You have one chance to speak, or your fate will match theirs!”
Seeing Xiao Yan’s grim visage, the Protector’s panic grew. Cursing his ill-fate, he quavered, “They’re in the Spirit Lock Palace…”
“Lead the way or die!” Xiao Yan’s glare was arctic. The elder needed time, and so did he.
Swallowing his terror, the Protector hurriedly directed, “Turn left here…”
With a thud, Xiao Yan transformed into a shadow, dashing towards the depths of the Great Hall. Guided by the Protector, the journey was somewhat smoother. Still, many other obstacles rose, including multiple Battle Sects. However, none could stand against Xiao Yan. Many perished under his wrathful flames.
As they traversed, dead strewn the path, and Xiao Yan was a harbinger of doom, his flames bringing howls of despair. The fused new-born Flame’s terrifying power showed itself, making every step uncontested.
Arriving at a corridor, Xiao Yan thrust his blazing arm into a Guardian’s chest with a cold stare. He flung the evaporating body away, then asked, “How far is it?”
“Spirit Lock Palace – at the end of the corridor…” the terrified guardian stammered. Sensing Xiao Yan’s growing hostility, he tried to escape, but a searing blast engulfed him. Calmly, Xiao Yan patted his hands, his detest for the Hall deep. He strode towards the black-iron door ahead, emanating ominous energy. Igniting flames, he smashed the door.
The scene beyond revealed a vast square, with hundred-foot stone pillars standing tall. Black chains spider-webbed through the air, trapping countless ethereal souls. Despite having seen similar sights before, the reality still sent a chill down Xiao Yan’s spine. Stepping into the eerie, death-filled square, his eyes scanned until they landed on a particularly bright light at the center, from which a trembling aura emanated. Moving like an arrow, he reached the platform, eyes locking onto the frail old man bound by heavy chains. Instantly, Xiao Yan’s eyes turned red, his voice choked with sorrow.
“Teacher, your disciple has come.”
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