Amidst the verdant and lush mountains, occasional thunderous roars of beasts would echo, startling countless birds resting in the forest. The rustling sound of their fluttering wings made the air tense. Beneath the dense greenery lay a steep and rugged terrain, with a huge fissure at the base of the mountain. From afar, it resembled a valley. On either side were steep and unclimbable smooth stone walls, with the only exit being a narrow passage less than two fathoms wide.
In the valley, a large group of people stood huddled together. Although their faces were mostly pale, there was little panic in their eyes. They gripped their weapons tightly, their gazes coldly scanning the mountain peak at the valley’s entrance. This group was composed of young individuals, around seventeen to nineteen years old, at the peak of their youthful vigor. The group was a mix of men and women, with several strikingly beautiful girls, especially those exuding a unique vitality that drew attention. However, these beautiful girls now had pale faces, but their delicate appearance made them even more endearing.
At the head of the crowd, several men and women stood with grave expressions, their gazes fixed on the distant valley entrance where faint figures and glints of light could be seen. “Elder Wu, what should we do now? The people from the Demonic Flame Valley have completely sealed off the exit, and the surrounding cliffs are too slippery. Only a Dou King can escape,” a middle-aged man, about thirty, sighed, addressing the blood-red sword-wielding man before him.
Hearing this, the man with the blood-red sword turned slowly, revealing a face filled with grim resolve. This face was somewhat familiar; it was none other than Wu Hao, one of the founders of the Rock Gate and good friend of Xiao Yan. Now, compared to two years ago, Wu Hao was much more mature. The bloodthirsty aura that once chilled others had waned, though not weakened. It was now hidden within him, transforming him from a sharp and bloody blade to a blunted sword. However, when its sheath is torn, the hidden sharpness will burst forth.
“Wait and hope that Mai Di and the others can escape. If they can spread the news, and there are nearby strong members of the academy, they might come to our rescue,” Wu Hao said, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the crowd in the valley with a sigh.
“These damned Demonic Flame Valley bastards, if we ever get out, I’ll make sure Cousin Xiao Li gives them a reckoning!” a tall, elegant woman dressed in a mentor’s robe said coldly beside them.
Her red mentor robe added a touch of maturity and allure to her. The slit at the hem of her dress allowed glimpses of her long, shapely legs, drawing the attention of the male students despite their dire situation. “Mentor Xiao Yu is becoming more and more feminine…”
Xiao Yu, the red-clad mentor, was actually Xiao Yan’s cousin, who had remained at the Gan Nan Academy.
Hearing Xiao Yu’s words, Wu Hao nodded slightly, then said helplessly, “I’m afraid they won’t give us that chance.”
As he spoke, his expression suddenly changed, and his gaze shifted to the valley entrance. “Be careful and protect the students. The Demonic Flame Valley seems to be making a move.”
Xiao Yu and the other mentors were startled and quickly surrounded the young students.
“Ha! I never expected to meet the famous Blood Sword Wu Hao of the Gan Nan Academy. A pleasure to finally meet you,” a gray-robed figure atop the mountain exclaimed, his Dou Qi wings flapping as he appeared.
Behind him, several black-clad figures stood, their cold gazes fixed on the group in the valley.
“The Demonic Flame Valley always resorts to such underhanded methods. If you have the guts, come down and fight me!” Wu Hao glared at the gray-robed figure, sneering.
“Ha ha, the name of the Elder Blood Sword rings loud in the Black-Corner Region. And your fighting style, the Triumvirate of Desperation, is infamous indeed…” another voice laughed, and a figure appeared, clearly another Dou King.
Wu Hao’s heart sank as he saw the two Dou Kings. His strength was only that of a four-star Dou King, and the two before him seemed to be about the same. He was confident he could defeat one, but two would be a different story. Even if he fought to the death, he could heavily damage them, but the reason they were hesitating was his well-known fighting style. These two Dou Kings, whose status in the Demonic Flame Valley was likely high, were wary of risking it all against him.
“Elder Wu Hao, if you surrender, I can guarantee no harm will come to any Gan Nan Academy student. What do you say?” the gray-robed man offered.
“Really? Do you think I’m a child? If I fall into your hands, my fate will be worse than death!” Wu Hao sneered. “Two cowards, too scared to fight fairly, disgracing the Demonic Flame Valley!”
“Ha ha, Elder Wu Hao, no need to provoke us. I know you’re hoping the ones who escaped will bring help, but perhaps that plan isn’t as good as you think. With a wounded Great Dou Shi and a burden, do you think you can escape our elite killers?”
Wu Hao’s expression darkened, and he clenched his fists. “And you think I can protect everyone alone? He he, wait till the Fourth Elder of the Demonic Flame Valley arrives. You’ll see how you fare then. Haha, the Gan Nan Academy girls are quite pretty and proud. We can sell them for a good price after some training.”
This lecherous laughter sent a surge of blood-fueled Dou Qi erupting from Wu Hao. He glared at the speaker, his voice cold. “One day, I’ll make you all swords beneath my blade.”
“Ha ha… You should focus on surviving first.” The two Dou Kings laughed loudly, their voices echoing in the valley.
Many girls paled at the cruel laughter. Although they had some background, it held little sway in the chaotic Black-Corner Region.
“We must break through. Wait for the arrival of the Fourth Elder, and we’ll lose all chance. Four mentors, hold them off. Xiao Yu, lead the charge. Don’t turn back!”
Xiao Yu bit her lip, gripping her staff. She knew the sacrifice needed to stall the two Dou Kings.
Wu Hao’s hand tightened on his blood-red sword, and a surge of blood aura erupted. With a roar, he charged towards the valley entrance, followed by a surge of students, their Dou Qi surging. Individually weak, but combined, formidable.
“Finally, you’re getting desperate… Hold them!” the two Dou Kings ordered.
Black-clad figures appeared on the previously empty cliff, charging down with sharp weapons to attack Wu Hao’s group.
“Kill!” Wu Hao roared, his sword slashing, releasing a blood-colored blade. Several black-clad figures were sliced in half, but the attack did not slow. They quickly surrounded Wu Hao’s group, their swords moving in unison.
Clang! Clang!
The Gan Nan Academy students clashed with the black-clad figures, Dou Qi surging. Both sides fought fiercely, and although the students lacked experience, their combined strength held the attackers at bay. Wu Hao led the charge, approaching the valley entrance. Just as they neared, two massive surges of Dou Qi descended. Wu Hao parried, and the blood aura clashed with the two Dou Ki blasts.
The two figures attacked Wu Hao, who defended with all his might. His Dou Qi surged, the ground churned, and the clashing of metals and sparks erupted. Wu Hao and the two Dou Kings retreated, Wu Hao coughing blood but still fierce.
The two Dou Kings rubbed their numb hands, glaring at Wu Hao. Suddenly, an aged, mocking laugh echoed across the sky and reverberated in the valley.
“He he, the Blood Sword truly lives up to his name. Such a blood aura, I’ve only seen in the old Blood Sect warriors.”
The two Dou Kings cheered, while Wu Hao and the others paled, looking up to see an old man in green robes hovering, radiating a terrifying aura far stronger than any Dou King…
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