"You have lost…"
When Ming Cheng's voice echoed across the mountain range, countless minds fell into a daze. Disbelief and shock surged through the crowd as they witnessed Huang Xuan—a member of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, one of the three great tribes of the Magical Beast World—being forcibly suppressed by sheer physical might alone.
To subdue such a fearsome being without the use of a single technique...
This alone revealed the tyrannical and domineering nature of Ming Cheng's body. Perhaps, his physical prowess had already reached the level of the Ancient Void Dragon—one of the three great tribes of the Magical Beast World, and the most mysterious among them.
"I never imagined that an elder of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe could be suppressed without Ming Cheng even using a single technique…"
"What kind of training did he undergo to achieve such a monstrous physique…?"
"No wonder Lei Zun-zhe was defeated so thoroughly… Ming Cheng is simply inhuman…"
As the crowd gradually recovered from their shock, countless murmurs spread through the stadium. Though the clash had been brief, the outcome was beyond belief. None had expected a member of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe to be overwhelmed so utterly.
At that moment, Lei Zun-zhe's expression darkened, tinged with disbelief and fear. His fist slowly tightened. This scene was something he had never foreseen. While he wasn't entirely certain of Huang Xuan's true strength, he was sure of one thing—it should not have ended this easily.
Naturally, such thoughts also surfaced in Feng Qing Er's heart as she stared at the scene before her, unable to conceal the shock and disbelief in her eyes. As a member of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Tribe, she knew better than most just how formidable and resilient their physical bodies were.
Yet now, right before her eyes, a 5-Star Dou Zun elder from her clan was being completely suppressed by a human—using nothing but raw physical might. More terrifyingly, that very same human had effortlessly shattered the Demon Phoenix Bell. As someone who had cultivated that technique herself—albeit only to a superficial level—she understood all too well the terrifying defensive strength it possessed.
She wanted to deny what she saw, to find some excuse or reasoning to explain it away. But no matter how absurd or unbelievable it was, the truth stood plainly before her. Even her usually arrogant heart couldn't help but falter, her pride crumbling slightly under the overwhelming pressure of Ming Cheng's might.
On the distant sky, Huang Xuan could only grit his teeth, unable to offer a single rebuttal. Ming Cheng's physical strength alone was already so terrifying that even if he were to struggle a few more times, the outcome would likely remain unchanged. The black-robed youth before him exuded the aura of a tyrant—unyielding and indomitable.
However… this wasn't a one-on-one battle.
A cold glint flickered across Huang Xuan's face as he abruptly turned toward Lei Zun-zhe and shouted in fury, "Lei Zun-zhe! Quickly subdue that brat and capture him! As long as he's in our hands, the rest of them won't dare make a move!"
At Huang Xuan's furious command, Lei Zun-zhe snapped out of his daze. In the next instant, brilliant silver lightning erupted from his body as countless lightning serpents danced wildly across his skin. Without hesitation, his figure vanished in a flash, leaving only a streak of thunder in his wake.
A heartbeat later, he reappeared before Xiao Hua like a ghost. His expression was grim, and his hand shot forward like an eagle's claw, aiming to seize Xiao Hua by the throat.
"Brat, come here!" he bellowed darkly.
Lei Zun-zhe knew full well that such an action would tarnish both his own name and the reputation of the Wind Lightning Pavilion. But at this moment, survival outweighed pride. Among all those present, he was the one who had truly crossed the line—nearly crippling Ming Cheng.
The grudge between them had already taken root, and it could no longer be resolved without a steep price in blood. With no other path before him, Lei Zun-zhe cast aside any pretense and aimed directly for the most important member of the opposing group.
Yet, as he approached, a faint arc tugged at the corner of Xiao Hua's serene lips—he had anticipated this outcome from the start.
A vast and mighty six-colored aura surged forth from Xiao Hua's body, wrapping around his arm like a coiling dragon. With a flicker of brilliance, his fist shot out like a bolt of divine lightning, slamming forward to meet the incoming claw.
Seeing Xiao Hua retaliate, Lei Zun-zhe merely cast him a cold glance, sneering inwardly. Even if the boy was somewhat capable, he was still only at the Dou Zong level. As a 2-Star Dou Zun, how could someone at that stage possibly stop his strike?
Dong!
A deep, muffled sound echoed as fist and claw collided. A shockwave rippled out from the point of impact, stirring the air like a sudden pulse of thunder. In the very next instant, a figure was sent staggering backward—silver lightning arcing violently across his body as he retreated several steps.
It was Lei Zun-zhe.
He lifted his head, his eyes locking onto Xiao Hua with a dark, heavy glare. But within those eyes now burned a mix of shock and disbelief. The six-colored aura surging from Xiao Hua's body stood out vividly even at a distance, and Lei Zun-zhe could scarcely believe what had just occurred. Not only had he failed to suppress Xiao Hua, but he had also been forced into retreat.
The entire stadium fell into stunned silence.
That brief exchange had made one thing unmistakably clear: Xiao Hua had not only met Lei Zun-zhe's attack head-on, but had emerged unscathed—without even taking a single step back. In that fleeting moment, the advantage had belonged to him.
"He actually managed to withstand Lei Zun-zhe's strike…!"
"Not only that—he even forced him back! How is that possible?!"
"Could it be that Lady Li Mei was telling the truth? That Xiao Hua once defeated Ming Cheng… and even brought down two Dou Zuns?"
"I thought they were talking about the past—before Ming Cheng stepped into the Dou Zun realm…"
Wave of hushed murmurs rippled through the crowd as countless pairs of eyes turned toward Xiao Hua, their expressions a mix of disbelief and awe. Speculation about Lady Li Mei's earlier claims began to swirl once more.
Little did they know, Li Mei had indeed been referring to the past when she said Xiao Hua had defeated Ming Cheng. Though the recent victory over two Dou Zuns would have made for a far more awe-inspiring tale, there were secrets that could not be spoken openly.
After all, the two Dou Zuns Xiao Hua had slain belonged to the Hall of Souls.
If word of that spread, it would draw unwanted attention—and possibly a retaliatory strike. At present, neither their group nor the Moonlit Chaos Mansion had the strength to confront the Hall of Souls directly.
Though conflict with that mysterious ancient force was inevitable in the future, now was not the time to draw their gaze. Thus, Li Mei had deliberately kept her words vague, framing Xiao Hua's feats as something from their younger days—when the world paid them little mind.
However, Feng Zun-zhe, Jian Zun-zhe, and Huang Quan Zun-zhe showed little reaction, as if they had already anticipated such an outcome. From the moment they laid eyes on Xiao Hua, they could sense that this youth was even more unfathomable than Ming Cheng or Li Mei.
That said, a faint trace of surprise still flickered in their hearts. Their gazes lingered on Xiao Hua, deep and probing, as if attempting to peel back the veil of mystery shrouding him—seeking even the faintest clue to his origins.
"Even so... just who is this young man?" Jian Zun-zhe murmured, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. "To step into the Dou Zong realm at such a tender age, and to possess such a fearsome physique—this is not something ordinary people can achieve."
He silently pondered whether Xiao Hua was connected to some hidden, ancient force. Yet, despite his extensive knowledge, this youth's name was completely unfamiliar.
"Perhaps... he has ties to one of the ancient clans," Huang Quan Zun-zhe added softly, voicing the speculation that had begun to form in all their minds.
"Regardless of his origin, it's clear now—he has the qualifications to serve as the Mansion Master of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. Lei Zun-zhe has truly kicked an iron plate this time…" Compared to the shock felt by others, a faintly satisfied smile surfaced on Feng Zun-zhe's face.
He had originally intended to intervene on Xiao Hua's behalf, partly out of appreciation for the youth's earlier report on Yao Lao's condition. However, Ming Cheng's overwhelming display of power had momentarily delayed his reaction—just enough for Lei Zun-zhe to make his move against Xiao Hua.
Yet it seemed his worries had been unfounded.
He hadn't expected Xiao Hua's strength to far exceed that of an ordinary Dou Zong. At this moment, he no longer doubted the tale of Xiao Hua having defeated two Dou Zuns in the past.
Naturally, such strength inspired admiration. But what truly moved Feng Zun-zhe was not just power—it was the unshakable will behind it. At his age, he understood well: to reach this level of strength at such a young age, one must have endured countless life-and-death trials, persevered through the impossible, and emerged unbroken.
That kind of will… could not be faked.
Jian Zun-zhe and Huang Quan Zun-zhe nodded in quiet agreement, a shared understanding forming between them. They too believed—Lei Zun-zhe had gravely underestimated the young man before them, and would soon pay the price.
…
Ignoring the rising commotion around him, Xiao Hua calmly lowered his gaze to his hand—the very one that had clashed against Lei Zun-zhe's claw. He felt nothing—no pain, no numbness, not even a ripple of resistance. Slowly, he looked up, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, laced with ridicule.
"Lei Zun-zhe," he said mildly, "it seems the reputation of your Wind Lightning Pavilion's treasured techniques is a bit exaggerated. This so-called Three Thousand Lightning Movement… doesn't seem nearly as fast or fearsome as I'd heard."
Lei Zun-zhe's expression darkened instantly. Being ridiculed by a junior—someone from the younger generation, and a mere Dou Zong—was nothing short of a slap to the face. His voice turned low, crackling with restrained fury and thunderous might.
"Impudent brat… Do you truly believe that's all the Wind Lightning Pavilion has to offer?!"
His words were laced with killing intent, and lightning surged faintly around his form. He knew well—if he failed to reclaim his dignity here, both he and the Pavilion would become the subject of mockery. Once their reputation suffered, it would be difficult to raise their heads again.
But Xiao Hua only chuckled, his voice light and composed.
"You really want me to answer that for you?" he asked with amusement.
Though his opponent was a Dou Zun, Xiao Hua showed not a hint of fear. He had already defeated two Dou Zuns… and even slain the fearsome Heavenly Lightning Dragon Scorpion. In his eyes, Lei Zun-zhe posed little more than a passing challenge—if even that.
In truth, Xiao Hua found no excitement in this battle. However, he could not simply let this matter slide. For nearly crippling Ming Cheng—his sworn brother—Lei Zun-zhe had to pay a price.
The killing intent within Xiao Hua surged silently, rich and chilling, though not a trace of it surfaced on his calm, unbothered face.
Hearing Xiao Hua's mocking words, Lei Zun-zhe's fists clenched tightly, veins bulging beneath his skin. His gaze locked onto the young man, and after a moment of tense silence, he let out a low, furious laugh—born from rage that had reached its peak.
"Good… very good. It seems the Mansion Master has quite the sharp tongue," he growled. "In that case, this venerable one shall see for himself what a mere Dou Zong like you is truly capable of!"
Xiao Hua met his fury with a calm smile. "Nothing much, really," he replied lightly. "Just your life—and perhaps a sliver of your Wind Lightning Pavilion's reputation and strength. I believe even someone like Lei Zun-zhe is can offer that much."
With that, he took a single step forward.
In that moment, six flames—each a different hue—began to rise from his body. The temperature in the surrounding space surged abruptly as the flames danced and intertwined. They wove around him like serpents of divine fire, cloaking his figure in blazing radiance. It was as though a flame deity had descended upon the mortal realm.
Lei Zun-zhe's fury finally reached its limit.
"Brat, I'll end your pathetic life right here and now!"
Silver lightning burst forth from his body, radiating in all directions. Countless lightning serpents coiled and lashed out wildly, writhing with destructive might.
From afar, he resembled a thunder god incarnate—his oppressive aura shaking the hearts of all who beheld him.
At the same instant, both figures stomped the ground and launched into motion.
Lei Zun-zhe transformed into a streak of silver lightning, streaking through the sky with thunderous momentum. At the same time, Xiao Hua became a radiant beam of light, descending from above like a divine spear of flame.
The two forces surged toward each other—one from the heavens, the other from the earth—on a collision course. Like two meteors drawn by fate, they charged toward each other with unstoppable momentum.
"Die, brat!" Lei Zun-zhe roared. A silver spear suddenly appeared in his hand, crackling with violent arcs of lightning. With a fierce thrust, he tore through the air, aiming to pierce through Xiao Hua's chest with a single blow.
"You don't have the ability, old dog!" Xiao Hua's cold voice rang out. A silver gauntlet flashed onto his arm as he thrust his fist forward. Six flames of different hues agglomerated around it, swirling into a vortex of destructive might.
Boom!
Spear and fist clashed head-on. The explosion of force shook the heavens and earth, each trying to overpower the other in raw might.
Bang!
The space around them shattered instantly. Spatial fragments tore through the air like glass splinters, scattering across the sky in a storm of chaotic light.
Within the violent collision, Lei Zun-zhe's expression changed. A tremor ran through his body as he was steadily pushed back. Then—with a deafening crack—his silver spear shattered under the overwhelming force of Xiao Hua's strike. The remnants of the punch landed squarely on his chest.
Pu!
A mouthful of fresh blood burst from Lei Zun-zhe's mouth as his figure was sent hurtling downward like a falling star. He crashed violently onto the arena floor, sending shockwaves rippling out with dust and debris exploded as web-like fissures spread rapidly beneath him, carving deep scars into the stadium grounds.
A moment later, Lei Zun-zhe's figure slowly emerged from the cloud of dust. His steps were unsteady, and his body trembled slightly with each movement. His face had turned pale, and a streak of fresh blood trickled from the corner of his mouth—clear evidence of the heavy damage he had sustained from Xiao Hua's strike.
Aside from the four Pavilion Heads, the expressions of the spectators shifted dramatically. No one had expected that Lei Zun-zhe—a 2-Star Dou Zun—would be unable to withstand even a single clash against the Mansion Master of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion. Just how terrifying was Xiao Hua's strength?
Their gazes rose instinctively, landing on Xiao Hua.
What they saw sent a chill through their bones.
Xiao Hua's expression was calm—but beneath that calm lay disappointment… and boredom. It was as if this outcome had long been within his expectations, yet he had hoped for something more—a real challenge, a worthy opponent.
That look alone caused countless hearts to tremble.
At this moment, more and more people began to believe the rumors—about how Xiao Hua, while still at the Dou Zong level, had already defeated two Dou Zuns.
"As expected. Xiao Hua didn't even need to use his secret techniques to defeat him," Little Fairy Doctor said softly, her gaze calm as she watched the scene unfold. Though she had anticipated this outcome, she couldn't help but feel a touch of disappointment—Lei Zun-zhe had offered far too little resistance.
"Hmm…" Saint Tian Huo nodded slightly, his eyes fixed on Xiao Hua with a faintly helpless smile. "His physique is truly frightening. Even against Dou Zun elites, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage."
"If anything, I'm more disappointed that the other Pavilion Chiefs aren't making a move…" Zi Yan pouted slightly, shaking her adorable head with a smirk. There was a restless energy in her tone—a yearning for battle that now had nowhere to go.
"It's better this way," Little Fairy Doctor said gently, reaching out to rub Zi Yan's head with a smile. She then lifted her gaze toward Xiao Hua, noting the clear boredom on his face.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "Besides… I'll be the one to block their path if they try anything. Your opponents," she added with a playful glint in her eyes, "are those who think they can sneak around in the shadows."
"Would there even be people like that?" Zi Yan raised her brows, a trace of doubt flashing across her face. It was difficult for her to believe that anyone would dare attempt to attack Xiao Hua now.
"Not now," Little Fairy Doctor replied, gently shaking her head. Her gaze swept across the stadium and lingered briefly on the VIP seats. Her voice carried a quiet sense of mystery, laced with hidden meaning. "But that doesn't mean they won't come."
"Be ready when they do," Saint Tian Huo added calmly. Though his voice remained even, Dou Qi had already begun to circulate quietly within his body. "Once word of Xiao Hua spreads… they will come."
Zi Yan and Little Fairy Doctor nodded in response, both quietly rousing their Dou Qi, prepared to act the moment something went awry.
…
"Pavilion Chief!"
The remaining three Pavilion Chiefs of the Wind Lightning Pavilion finally regained their senses moments later. But none of them dared to move. From above, Xiao Hua's sharp gaze bore down on them like a blade, freezing their movements on the spot.
That silent stare alone was enough to keep them firmly rooted in place.
Seeing that none of the other Pavilion Chiefs dared to make a move, Xiao Hua shifted his gaze back to Lei Zun-zhe. A faint, disappointed smile curved on his lips.
"It seems," he said lightly, "that aside from the Three Thousand Lightning Movement, there's nothing else particularly remarkable about the Wind Lightning Pavilion."
"You bastard!" Lei Zun-zhe roared through gritted teeth, his eyes burning with killing intent that had now turned blood-red. His fury surged uncontrollably, and his voice shook with hatred. "I'll make sure you suffer a fate worse than death once I've captured you!"
He knew full well what that look on Xiao Hua's face meant—disappointment. As someone who had always towered above others, suppressing opponents with sheer dominance, Lei Zun-zhe could hardly bear being looked down upon.
How could someone as domineering as Lei Zun-zhe possibly endure being humiliated by a mere junior?
Without hesitation, he drew in a deep breath and reached into his storage ring. A moment later, a different spear appeared in his hand—one unlike the previous.
This was one of the precious treasures of the Wind Lightning Pavilion, valued even above the famed Mighty Lightning Hammer.
Like the hammer, this spear possessed the ability to greatly amplify the power of one who cultivated lightning-type Qi Methods. Its weight was immense, and its blade was razor-sharp—so sharp, in fact, that even experts of the same level rarely dared to meet it head-on.
The moment the weapon appeared, the expressions of Feng Zun-zhe, Jian Zun-zhe, and Huang Quan Zun-zhe changed involuntarily. A flicker of seriousness passed through their eyes.
"This is…" Huang Quan Zun-zhe's eyes narrowed slightly as he rubbed his beard, a faint smile curving his lips. "It seems Lei Zun-zhe is preparing to use that technique—the same one he used to defeat you, Jian Zun-zhe."
Jian Zun-zhe shot him a cold glare, his eyes sharp as blades. He snorted in disdain before turning his attention back to the sky. "Hmph. For him to resort to that move against a Dou Zong… it seems Lei Zun-zhe has truly been enraged."
"Unfortunately for him," Feng Zun-zhe interjected with a calm smile, "Mansion Master Xiao is no ordinary Dou Zong." His gaze lifted toward Xiao Hua, a flicker of intrigue glinting in his eyes. "I'm curious to see how he'll respond."
As the three Pavilion Heads conversed, the atmosphere began to shift dramatically. Wind Lightning Strength surged violently through the air, twisting and howling like a rampaging storm. Thunder rumbled across the heavens, echoing through the mountains.
High above, Lei Zun-zhe's massive figure slowly ascended before halting at a precise altitude. Countless silver lightning serpents crackled across his robes and coiled around his spear, their arcs illuminating the sky with blinding brilliance.
With his blood-red eyes glowing with wrath and madness, Lei Zun-zhe now resembled a demonic lightning god descended from the stormy heavens.
Amidst the rumbling thunder and howling winds, Xiao Hua stood silently, his gaze fixed on Lei Zun-zhe with calm indifference. Though the energy between heaven and earth had turned wild and violent, he remained utterly unshaken—as if none of it was worth his concern.
With a casual lift of his hand, three distinct flames emerged, curling around his palm—the Tribulation Lotus Flame, Glazed Soul Flame, and Thousand Immortal Flame.
At a mere thought, the three flames trembled and began to split. In an instant, each flame gave birth to a pair of opposing forces—one flame, one lightning:
The Tribulation Lotus Flame gave rise to the Primordial Green Lotus Core Flame and Heavenly Tribulation Lightning.
The Glazed Soul Flame separated into the Primordial Fallen Heart Flame and Heavenly Astral Lightning.
The Thousand Immortal Flame transformed into the Primordial Three Thousand Burning Flame and Heavenly Mortal Lightning.
With a subtle breath, Xiao Hua drew the three lightning storms back into his body, calmly absorbing their power as if welcoming old companions. Then, his fingers began to move.
Hand seals formed with astonishing speed—so swift they left countless afterimages trailing in the air. As the final seal locked into place, the three flames—azure, invisible, and violet—shuddered violently.
They began to orbit each other, spinning in a tight circular dance. A low hum resonated through the air as they slowly, yet inexorably, began to merge.
As the three flames spun faster and faster, the temperature within the Lightning Mountain Range surged to terrifying levels—so intense it felt as though a sun had descended from the heavens.
The blazing circle lingered in the air for only a brief moment before abruptly condensing. In the next instant, it agglomerated into an enormous, thousand-foot-long bow, shaped in the majestic forms of a coiling dragon and soaring phoenix. The bow radiated with a divine violet-teal glow, and the moment it took form, the surrounding air began to tremble while space itself warped under the unbearable heat.
The natural energy between heaven and earth grew increasingly violent and chaotic, spiraling out of control. The imbalance grew so intense that cultivators at or below the Dou Huang level were forced to retreat in panic, faces pale with fear. Even with their protective Dou Qi, they felt as if their bodies were being slowly scorched from within.
Even Dou Zong experts began to show discomfort, their expressions twisted slightly despite circulating Dou Qi to resist the oppressive heat and chaotic energies.
Reacting quickly, Feng Zun-zhe, Jian Zun-zhe, and Huang Quan Zun-zhe raised barriers of Dou Qi to shield those nearby. Mu Qing Luan, Tian Jing, and Wang Chen were swiftly placed under their protection.
Even Feng Qing Er, who stood nearby, was enveloped in their defensive barrier—despite her identity as a Heaven Demon Phoenix, her current strength was not enough to withstand the overwhelming pressure alone.
Those who had managed to retreat to safety turned back to continue watching, their eyes wide with disbelief. Others, who could barely endure the chaotic and violent natural energy, struggled to remain upright.
As for Feng Zun-zhe and the other Pavilion Heads, they alone were capable of fully withstanding the pressure while shielding their disciples.
All of them—whether elite expert or common cultivator—stared up at the young man in the sky with expressions of shock and awe.
No one had expected the Mansion Master of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion to possess a technique so terrifying that it could throw the very heavens and earth into chaos, turning the Lightning Mountain Range into a scorching, wild domain.
In that moment, no one dared to mock or belittle Moonlit Chaos Mansion for being led by a mere Dou Zong, even with three elite Dou Zuns beneath him.
Because now… they understood.
After today, the name Xiao Hua would surely echo across the Central Plains like a thunderclap. His strength, presence, and mystery had shattered all preconceptions. No longer could he be viewed as part of the younger generation—his place was now among the true elites.
At this moment, Xiao Hua had proven himself beyond all doubt. He had engraved into the hearts of everyone present that he was fully worthy of his title as Mansion Master of Moonlit Chaos Mansion—and one of its five founding figures.
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