Wei Jie gave a small nod in response, then turned his gaze sharply toward Xia Sha and his group—whose expressions had already turned pale. He seemed about to speak, but in the end, Wei Jie had no intention of wasting words. With a flick of his sleeve—
A monstrous aura surged out like a tidal wave, crashing down violently on Xia Sha and the others.
Boom!
The overwhelming force slammed into them, sending their bodies flying before they crashed heavily into the nearby mountains, shattering stone and earth on impact.
Hei Qing and the others watched in silent awe. With their senses, they could clearly feel it—that one casual strike from Wei Jie was something none of them could withstand, even at full strength.
Even if Xia Sha and his men managed to survive that strike, their injuries would be far too severe for them to rejoin the battle. With a single move, Wei Jie had effectively removed them from the fight.
Without glancing back, Wei Jie turned his attention toward the distant battlefield. Seeing that Xia Sha's group was no longer a threat, his figure blurred and vanished—reappearing high above the ongoing clash where Elder Zhu Li was locked in combat with the Barbarian Army commander, Man Shan.
Bang!
Two figures collided midair, their auras exploding outward. The sheer force of their impact ripped the space between them, forming a gaping black void over a hundred feet wide. The shockwave echoed across the island as the two figures separated upon contact, retreating in opposite directions while the sky quaked from their clash.
"This is quite unexpected… To think you've actually stepped into the Ban Sheng class," Man Yan muttered, his footsteps faltering as he staggered backward. The deep-purple dragon scales covering his body had dimmed noticeably. His sharp eyes locked onto Zhu Li, lingering with a trace of disbelief and caution.
Zhu Li remained expressionless. Although his cultivation was on par with Man Yan's, the latter possessed a unique secret technique that allowed him to transform into a half-dragon, half-human form. In that state, his physical might surged, making him a particularly troublesome opponent. Defeating him would not be easy.
Chi!
As Zhu Li quietly assessed the situation, a piercing sound suddenly cut through the air.
In the next breath, a familiar figure landed beside him. A monstrous aura radiated from the newcomer like a tidal wave—suffocating and oppressive.
"Mister Wei Jie? Why are you here instead of guarding the mountain?" Zhu Li asked, slightly surprised to see him appear on the battlefield.
Wei Jie's gaze remained fixed ahead, his tone cold and unhurried. "Another army is approaching. Their commander is also a Ban Sheng."
A sharp glint flickered in his eyes.
Zhu Li's brows knitted tightly upon hearing this. If that were true, then the ones approaching could only be from the Northern Dragon Island.
"Zhu Li, I hadn't expected you to bring a helper," Man Yan said slowly, though his tone carried no mockery. His expression was grim, and his gaze flickered toward Wei Jie with unmistakable caution. A powerful sense of danger gnawed at his heart—he clearly understood that he was no match for this newcomer. For now, he could only stall for time.
"Still," Man Yan continued, "don't waste your strength on futile resistance. Hand over the person, and we may yet avoid unnecessary bloodshed."
"If the Elders of my Eastern Dragon Island hadn't entered the void to cultivate… if even the First and Second Elders weren't in deep seclusion—forget you—even the three great Dragon Kings wouldn't dare to set foot here!"
Zhu Li's eyes narrowed coldly. His laughter was cold and filled with disdain.
"Ha ha, Zhu Li, you should also be aware that it is only an 'if'..."
A soft chuckle echoed through the heavens, cutting through the air like silk. The moment it resounded, Zhu Li's face darkened. His sharp gaze turned toward the seemingly empty sky. "Northern Dragon Island… So, you've finally shown yourselves."
The calm in his voice couldn't fully mask the weight of pressure descending upon him.
Man Yan, on the other hand, exhaled in relief. With the Northern Island's army arriving, the tide of battle would shift. If he had been forced to face both Zhu Li and Wei Jie alone, even he would not escape unscathed.
Whoosh—!
The space before them shimmered, and countless streaks of emerald light tore through the void. One after another, human figures emerged within those lights, descending like heavenly soldiers. Each bore a terrifying aura, and the storm-like sound of their arrival roared through the skies above the dragon island, shaking the heavens and earth.
"It seems I've arrived a little late… but fortunately, not too late to witness the main event."
Hovering high in the sky, a green-robed elder surveyed the chaos below. His gaze swept across the battle-scarred Eastern Dragon Island, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Qing Yan..."
Zhu Li's heart sank the moment he recognized the old man. As expected of the three great dragon kings—such an overwhelming show of force. They had sent not only a Ban Sheng expert but also two peak Dou Zuns. It was clear now—they intended to seize Zi Yan at any cost.
The elder known as Qing Yan turned his gaze toward Zhu Li, who wore a grim expression. Letting out a light chuckle, Qing Yan's eyes soon shifted to Wei Jie, his interest piqued.
He hadn't expected the Eastern Dragon Island to summon a helper with Ban Sheng-level strength.
With a calm and courteous tone, Qing Yan cupped his hands and spoke, "May I know this friend's name? This matter is—"
"I don't give a damn."
Wei Jie cut him off coldly, his voice filled with disdain. "Old thing, shut your rotten mouth. If you want to enter Eastern Dragon Island—then come through me, you decrepit dog."
The sudden outburst thundered across the sky, leaving a momentary silence in its wake. Qing Yan's expression instantly darkened, a trace of killing intent flickering in his eyes. To be humiliated so openly—especially in front of both allies and enemies—was a blow to his pride he could not ignore.
"This old man has weathered countless storms and tribulations long before your mother even gave birth to you. Just because you've stepped into the Ban Sheng realm, don't think you can throw your weight around my Ancient Void Dragon clan!" Qing Yan said coldly, his eyes seething with fury.
Wei Jie let out a disdainful laugh. "Don't talk to me about seniority when you and your lot are ganging up just to snatch a single little girl. Pride? Face? In my eyes, you've already lost both."
As soon as his voice fell, his figure blurred, vanishing like a ghost.
The next instant, a terrifying aura erupted from his body. A magenta-lime flame laced with overwhelming dragon might surged forth, twisting the air around him. It blazed with an unnatural brilliance—violent, ancient, and majestic.
This was no ordinary flame.
It was born from the fusion of a Primordial Heavenly Flame seed and the essence of numerous high-ranked dragon-type magical beasts, each possessing an exceptionally pure dragon bloodline. Wei Jie had named it: Immortal Dragon Flame.
The flame coiled tightly around his fist, transforming it into a blazing sun that radiated scorching heat and the dignified might of an ancient dragon. The air itself shimmered and distorted, space trembling under the sheer power of that fist.
Wei Jie tightened his fingers into a palm and, without the slightest hesitation, swung it forward with ruthless force, viciously aiming it at Qing Yan's face. The instant his palm was released, a fearsome momentum erupted forth—wild and tyrannical, like a mountain collapsing with fury.
Qing Yan's expression turned solemn, but he merely snorted in disdain. With a single step forward, the sound of a dragon's roar echoed faintly. His fist clenched tightly, and he struck out without holding back. At that moment, the aura of the Ancient Void Dragon surged around his arm, coiling like a primordial beast to meet Wei Jie's blazing palm head-on.
As Qing Yan's fist shot forward, a layer of purple dragon scales swiftly formed over his hand, gleaming with a violet radiance. The space around it trembled violently, as if it could no longer maintain its form under the immense pressure. It was clear—Qing Yan was treating this clash with full seriousness.
Boom!
In that instant, the blazing palm and the void dragon's fist collided in a brutal impact. A scorching, oppressive shockwave erupted from the point of contact, engulfing the surroundings in chaos. Violent gales howled in all directions, and those caught within were thrown backward as if struck by a mighty beast, blood churning from the sheer force alone.
"Hmph! You dare to challenge the physical strength of an Ancient Void Dragon with your feeble human body? What an arrogant dream!" Qing Yan sneered, a cold, dark laugh echoing from his throat.
"Someone else might have the right to say such words—but you, with your pitiful strength? You're unworthy, old dog." Wei Jie's voice was equally sharp, his cold laughter stabbing into Qing Yan like a blade.
As he spoke, a terrifying aura erupted from Wei Jie's body. A hidden surge of force exploded from his palm, and Qing Yan's fist, though reinforced with the might of the Ancient Void Dragon, was abruptly pushed back. The sudden shift caused Qing Yan's expression to twist in disbelief.
With the obstruction cleared, Wei Jie's flaming palm surged forward once again, its power undiminished. In the blink of an eye, it slammed squarely into Qing Yan's chest with a thunderous impact.
Pu!
A mouthful of blood sprayed from Qing Yan's lips as his body was sent flying through the sky, only stabilizing several hundred meters away. His face turned slightly pale, his complexion losing its usual luster—clearly, he had sustained injuries from that single strike. Clenching his teeth tightly, he raised his head, and a vicious light burned in his eyes as he locked onto Wei Jie.
"You bastard! I won't rest until I see you dead!" he roared, killing intent billowing from his body like a storm.
Wei Jie, however, simply sneered, his eyes closing slightly with disdain. "You speak as if I intend to let you leave unscathed."
He opened his eyes once more—an icy gleam flickered within them. "My Elder Brother Ming Cheng and my younger brother have earned their fame with sheer strength. As their fellow sworn brother, I too wish to test myself... and build my own reputation."
Though Wei Jie was already renowned throughout the Central Plains as the second-youngest Tier 9 Treasure Pill Alchemist, he harbored a deeper ambition. Fame as an alchemist was not enough—he wanted the world to recognize his strength in battle as well. And defeating Qing Yan... would be the first step.
"Now then… shall we resume our little 'sparring session', old dog?" Wei Jie chuckled softly, a smile playing at his lips. Yet behind that smile, a chilling killing intent seeped into every syllable he spoke.
As his voice faded, the Immortal Dragon Flame flared violently around his body, coiling like a divine dragon. A terrifying aura erupted from within him, shaking the surrounding space. With a single stomp, the ground beneath his feet fractured, and large black spatial rifts spiderwebbed outward.
The next moment, his figure shot forth like a bolt of fiery lightning. The terrifying strength from his passage shattered the very air, tearing space apart in his wake.
"Brat! You're still too green to force this old man to retreat!" Qing Yan roared furiously, his body flashing forward to meet Wei Jie head-on.
Yet as he rushed out, a faint glow flickered at the tip of his finger. With a swift and near-undetectable motion, a thread of light shot silently into the void. His movement was so subtle, even Wei Jie—focused entirely on his opponent—failed to notice it. In battle at this level, even a moment's distraction could prove fatal.
But in the distance, Mei Ling's sharp perception caught the hidden transmission. Her expression changed slightly as she quickly sent a voice transmission to Wei Jie and Zhu Li.
"Wei Jie, Elder Zhu Li… that old man just transmitted their current situation. Reinforcements might be arriving soon."
Her warning caused both Wei Jie and Zhu Li's expressions to darken. The situation had taken a grim turn.
Though Wei Jie currently held the upper hand against Qing Yan, he knew all too well—it was far from enough to end the battle quickly. And Qing Yan, proud and vicious, would never allow him such a quick victory.
"Mei Ling, intercept any reinforcements that might arrive with Elder Hei Qing. Elder Zhu Li will continue holding off that commander. As for this old dog, I'll handle him. Once I've settled things here, I'll go to assist Elder Zhu Li."
Wei Jie's voice echoed in Mei Ling and Zhu Li's minds through a calm transmission. At the same time, his palm collided once more with Qing Yan's, the impact violently shattering the void between them.
"Understood," Zhu Li replied curtly, his gaze locking onto Man Yan with cold intensity. His voice carried a seething edge. "Man Yan! Since you're so eager to witness my progress—then open your eyes wide and behold it!"
With a thunderous roar, Zhu Li charged forward, monstrous Dou Qi erupting from his body like a tidal wave, shaking the battlefield.
Man Yan responded with a disdainful snort. His massive dragon claws slashed through the air, exuding terrifying force as he rushed to meet Zhu Li head-on.
Boom!
The two forces clashed with earth-shaking might, releasing a deafening explosion that tore across the battlefield like a violent tempest.
"Reinforcements from the other side are on their way. But judging from the current pace, it won't be long before the Dragon Phoenix Crystal is fully refined. Just hold them off until then—and don't act recklessly."
As Wei Jie and Elder Zhu Li engaged their respective opponents, Mei Ling quickly relayed the update to Little Fairy Doctor and Hei Qing. Although a shadow of concern flickered across their faces, relief soon followed upon learning that Xiao Hua was close to completing the Dragon Phoenix Crystal's refinement.
With that, their only responsibility was clear: protect Xiao Hua and ensure no one from the other three dragon islands interfered.
Just as that thought settled in, space rippled violently.
A pitch-black spatial crack tore open in the sky, and an overwhelming aura surged out, sweeping across the battlefield like a tidal wave. Reinforcements—summoned by Qing Yan's earlier transmission—had arrived.
Stepping out of the spatial crack was an old man with a crimson-tinged face and a chilling expression. His sharp gaze swept across the battlefield before narrowing at the sight of the mountain blazing with intense heat.
Boom!
Before the red-faced old man could gather his thoughts, a deafening shockwave erupted nearby. A disheveled figure stumbled out from within the chaotic winds—Qing Yan, his expression dark and filled with hatred as he glared at Wei Jie, who merely stood calmly, his gaze indifferent as ever.
"Qing Yan… it seems the reinforcements from Eastern Dragon Island are far more formidable than we anticipated," the red-faced elder said grimly, his brows furrowing as his eyes scanned Qing Yan's current state.
He was clearly shaken by what he saw. Qing Yan, a Ban Sheng expert, had been forced into such a miserable condition after just a few exchanges. None of them had expected that Wei Jie could suppress him so decisively.
Unlike the Western and Southern Dragon Islands, they had received word that the Eastern Dragon Island might receive a powerful reinforcement. Thus, two Ban Sheng experts had been deployed for this mission as a precaution.
And yet, even with that level of preparation, they had grossly underestimated the strength of this mysterious force.
If they continued to treat this matter lightly, they would suffer far more than they could afford.
"Ptui! Enough with the nonsense, Huo Zhan." Qing Yan spat out a mouthful of blood before casting a quick glance at the mountain. His expression darkened. "That person is about to awaken. We must act swiftly and stop it from happening."
The red-faced old man, known as Huo Zhan, grew even gloomier but nodded in agreement. Dragging things out would only invite unforeseen complications—something they absolutely could not afford at this juncture.
Miiinnnggg—!
Just as he prepared to rush forward, a crisp phoenix cry echoed through the air. A figure descended in a flash of magenta-lime light, blocking his path. Mei Ling stood there, her phoenix wings spread wide with elegance and might behind her, her cold smile falling upon Huo Zhan like frost in winter.
"I must admit, I didn't expect the Northern Dragon Island to send out another Ban Sheng expert." Her laughter rang out with a merry lilt, yet beneath that tone lay a bone-chilling sharpness that gripped the hearts of all who heard it.
As he sensed the silent, yet immense, undulations of power emanating from her, Huo Zhan's frown deepened. Another Ban Sheng… and judging from her aura, she was in no way inferior to the young man who had already suppressed Qing Yan.
Naturally, Qing Yan could sense it as well. His expression darkened further, a heavy gloom settling over his face. He was well aware—there would be no further reinforcements. The Western and Southern Dragon Islands had never been informed about the possibility of facing a Ban Sheng expert from the Eastern Dragon Island.
'We believed that by striking first, we could seize the one with the purest royal bloodline… yet it's all backfired!' Qing Yan clenched his teeth, his thoughts clouded with regret and frustration.
The Northern Dragon Island had anticipated the consequences. They knew that whichever dragon islands seized the one with the purest royal bloodline would become the immediate target of the others.
Thus, they had secretly brought along another Ban Sheng expert to this operation—without informing their supposed allies from the Western and Southern Dragon Islands about the potential strength of the Eastern Dragon Island's reinforcement.
After all, this so-called alliance was nothing more than a temporary convenience—a ploy to take the person from the Eastern Dragon Island. Once that goal was achieved, the alliance would shatter, and the three dragon islands would turn on each other for possession.
Unfortunately, they had gravely underestimated the strength of the Eastern Dragon Island's reinforcement.
Taking a deep breath, Qing Yan forced the frustration down. Then, with a subtle sideways glance at Huo Zhan, he muttered under his breath, "Huo Zhan, hold them off as long as you can. I'll forcefully break through and take that person myself."
Huo Zhan was momentarily startled by Qing Yan's plan, but he quickly nodded in understanding. He knew it had to be him who stayed behind to stall their enemies. In his current state, Qing Yan would barely be able to delay Wei Jie and Mei Ling for even a few moments—let alone long enough to stop them from pursuing him.
No matter the cost, they had to act before that person completed their awakening. Once that happened, the mission would end in absolute failure!
And without a doubt, upon their return, the Dragon King of Northern Dragon Island would not spare them from severe punishment.
-------|
Read 20 Advanced Chapters in Patreon:
http://patreon.com/GodYato