Chapter 348: The Tragic Yun Leng

Above the sky, two streams of light flashed across the horizon in an instant, then collided violently under the watchful eyes of countless gazes. At the moment of collision, a thunderous boom echoed through the sky, causing some people below to instinctively cover their ears and stare in amazement at the point of impact. Perhaps due to the nature of their fighting styles, which were more direct and confrontational, when Yun Leng and the Seven-Colored Heavenly Devouring Python first clashed, they immediately resorted to fierce close-range attacks. With a stone sword as solid as a rock in hand, Yun Leng wielded it with swift and sharp movements, creating piercing sounds as it cut through the air. Utilizing his agility, he continuously attacked the vulnerable areas of the Seven-Colored Heavenly Devouring Python, such as its eyes and nose.

Though Yun Leng was agile, the Seven-Colored Heavenly Devouring Python was no slouch. Its massive body did not slow it down; instead, it endowed it with immense power. As the giant tail swished nimbly, the terrifying force seemed capable of shattering the void itself. The sonic booms created vacuums in the surrounding air.

In the sky, the two figures, completely disproportionate in size, erupted with equally terrifying auras and power. Yun Leng gripped his stone sword tightly, his face grim. His wings flapped continuously, and his body never remained in one place for more than three seconds. Every time he moved, his stone sword would carry a ferocious burst of energy, leaving dazzling afterimages as it slammed down on the body of the Seven-Colored Heavenly Devouring Python.

Unfortunately, after the initial exchange, Yun Leng had realized that this mysterious, colorful beast possessed strength, agility, and a keen sense of danger that rivaled any average Dou Wang. Each time he used a Dou Technique, the python would instantly curl up, avoiding or, if necessary, hardening its scales to withstand the blows.

Despite Yun Leng’s relentless attacks, the python suffered little damage. What truly unsettled Yun Leng was the high intelligence of the beast, far surpassing that of a typical fifth-level magical beast. It seemed to have the experience of a seasoned warrior, and its combat skills were not inferior to his own.

As these thoughts raced through his mind, Yun Leng’s skin tightened, and he reflexively shifted to the left. His energy-solidified stone sword thrust forward!

“Shi…”

The stone sword shot out, only to be met by a gush of colorful liquid. The contact sizzled, and the sword, strong enough to resist a Dou Ling’s full-strength attack, began to corrode rapidly, like foam in a fire. In moments, only half of it remained.

“Such a potent poison…”

Yun Leng frowned as the corrosive liquid continued to spread towards his hand after destroying the energy stone sword. Without hesitation, he discarded the weapon. Losing the support of his Dou Qi, the detached stone sword soon dissipated into nothingness.

Before Yun Leng could react further, a low sonic boom sounded above his head. Looking up, he saw a massive shadow plummeting with unparalleled force.

“Rock Shield!”

Forming seals rapidly, his Dou Qi surged. A matching energy from the surroundings coalesced, and with a slight sound, a thick rock shield several meters wide appeared above him.

“Bang!”

The enormous tail crashed down, landing heavily on the rock shield. The sheer force caused the sturdy shield to crack, and another powerful strike shattered it entirely!

Stone fragments flew everywhere. Amid the dust, a figure suddenly launched itself, appearing above the Seven-Colored Heavenly Devouring Python. With a fierce cry, a gray-white glow surged over his fist, forming a thick rock gauntlet. Eyes ablaze, he delivered a crushing blow to the python’s head.

“Boom!”

Yun Leng’s furious strike landed squarely on the python’s head, cracking its colorful scales and drawing blood.

“Hisss!”

The pain made the python’s pupils turn red, and its hidden ferocity exploded. The massive tail lashed out, casting a shadow as it struck the retreating Yun Leng.

The shadow arrived in an instant. Unable to retreat in time, Yun Leng hastily raised his rock-armored arm, crossing it in front of his head. A moment later, the immense force penetrated his defense, slamming him to the ground. His feet, rigid as spears, pierced the hard plaza, creating cracks that spread from his legs.

“Such terrifying power…”

Some of the Yunlan Sect disciples, watching the cracks spread, swallowed nervously.

Yun Leng shook off the ground entangling his feet and rose into the air once more, his face slightly pale. Now, he realized how much he had underestimated this enigmatic snake-like beast. He had hoped to quickly drive it back with his Dou Techniques, but that was impossible. Glancing at Hai Bo Dong’s battle, he saw that the three elders were reduced to defending themselves. They would likely fall soon.

Frowning, Yun Leng turned to another part of the sky where Xiao Yan was hovering, watching the battles as if it were a show.

“We must capture him… But all who can use Dou Qi wings are occupied. Others, though stronger, can’t fly long enough…”

He muttered, “Let’s try the elders who cultivate wind-attribute techniques. If we can capture Xiao Yan, these battles will stop!”

He signaled to the elders on the platform, then turned to face the Seven-Colored Heavenly Devouring Python again.

The dozen or so white-robed elders on the high platform were taken aback. Four of them nodded, stood up, and their bodies enveloped in a light blue Dou Qi. A gentle breeze lifted them, causing their robes to flutter.

With the help of the breeze, the four white-robed elders ascended slowly, then dispersed to surround Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan noticed their ascent and immediately flapped his wings, maintaining a safe distance. Though not as strong as the three elders with Hai Bo Dong, they were still formidable, and Xiao Yan didn’t dare to engage them directly.

Seeing Xiao Yan’s caution, the four elders remained calm, ascending slowly. They formed a formation, intending to trap Xiao Yan in the center.

Hovering in mid-air, Xiao Yan watched the white-robed elders carefully. Due to his previous near-capture, he was wary of their positions. Noticing their suspicious formations, he swiftly moved, breaking free from their encirclement and flying erratically, denying them a strategic advantage.

The four elders were helpless without the speed of Dou Qi wings. They could only approach cautiously, waiting for Xiao Yan to make a mistake. However, Xiao Yan’s caution thwarted their plans. Even as he consumed Dou Qi, he avoided direct contact.

After a while, the four elders grew impatient and launched a barrage of wind blades at Xiao Yan, hoping to exploit any opening. However, with the protection of his Odd Flame, Xiao Yan was unbothered. Even when some blades pierced through the blue flame, they only left white marks on his Dou Qi armor.

Eyes darting, Xiao Yan saw that the three Dou Wangs opposing Hai Bo Dong were nearly defeated. Their combined defense was weakening under Hai Bo Dong’s onslaught.

On the other side, Yun Leng, despite his strength, struggled to defeat the Seven-Colored Heavenly Devouring Python. The two were locked in a stalemate.

Narrowing his eyes at the intense battle, Xiao Yan tightened his grip on his heavy ruler. Avoiding another wave of wind blades, he waited for an opportunity. After a few more minutes, with a loud explosion, the three Dou Wangs, now severely weakened, plummeted to the ground, leaving deep craters in the hard floor.

The spectators’ eyes widened, recognizing the three fallen as the Dou Wangs opposing Hai Bo Dong. They were now freezing, shivering, and covered in cold sweat.

“If you sit still for an hour, the ice will disperse. Otherwise, using Dou Qi will allow the cold to erode your meridians, leading to serious internal injuries,” Hai Bo Dong said, exhaling slowly.

The three Yunlan Sect elders, pale-faced, exchanged glances before sitting to expel the cold.

“Hai Bo Dong’s ice is as potent as ever,” Jia Xingtian said, grinning. “Those three are only two-star Dou Wangs. Despite delaying Hai Bo Dong, they couldn’t last.”

Fa Ma nodded, frowning at the Seven-Colored Heavenly Devouring Python. “What species is this? I’ve never heard of it. It’s quite strong, matching Yun Leng evenly.”

Jia Xingtian, puzzled, murmured, “It feels familiar, but I’ve never seen a seven-colored snake.”

Fa Ma sighed, marveling at Xiao Yan’s mysterious sources for these powerful beasts.

Above, Hai Bo Dong, having defeated the three elders, rushed to the energy barrier. Waving his hands, he unleashed a torrent of icy energy, battering the shield. Each hit caused a couple of Yunlan Sect members to turn deathly pale.

The thick, white energy shield was visibly fading.

“Yun Leng, don’t go too far!” Yun Leng, entangled with the Seven-Colored Heavenly Devouring Python, roared as the shield wavered.

Just then, the python seized the opportunity, spewing another gush of colorful liquid.

“Damn it!” Yun Leng retreated, summoning rocky walls to block the path. The walls were ineffective against the corrosive liquid. Unaware, he moved closer to Xiao Yan.

“An opportunity… If I drive Yun Leng back, the Yunlan Sect can’t stop me from leaving!” Noticing Yun Leng’s erratic retreat, Xiao Yan saw his chance.

Gripping his ruler, he turned and, under the watchful eyes, flew straight at Yun Leng.

“Is he walking into a trap?” Everyone wondered, bewildered.

Ignoring the stares, Xiao Yan raised his ruler. Taking a deep breath, his Dou Qi surged like boiling water, and the ruler turned red-hot. The crystalline “Dou Crystal” within his aura core trembled, releasing a surge of Dou Qi, which flowed into the ruler.

“First Elder, be careful!” The four elders pursuing Xiao Yan shouted a warning.

“Hmph, an arrogant brat!” Yun Leng, noticing Xiao Yan, erected a thick stone wall behind him, believing it would be enough to block Xiao Yan’s attack.

Seeing the thin stone wall, Xiao Yan sneered. His Dou Qi, growing ever hotter, caused the air around to shimmer. Just as the python was about to break through Yun Leng’s defenses, the latter’s face changed. Turning, he saw Xiao Yan’s red-hot ruler and paled.

“The Great Elder, try this!” Xiao Yan, eyes cold, brought down his ruler like a setting sun.

“Flame Splitting Wave Ruler!”

The stone wall shattered instantly! The red ruler, trailing a wave of heat, smashed onto Yun Leng’s head.

Silence fell over the square. Nalan Yanran, shocked, realized Xiao Yan had been hiding his true strength. She bowed her head, admitting she couldn’t withstand his attack.

“Truly a terrifying guy…” she murmured, her face bitter. The once-useless boy now displayed miracles, a painful realization for her.