Chapter 371: Xiao Yuan's Thousand-Layered Strategy
In the sky, the massive pitch-black hand clashed with the enormous crystalline seal, tearing the space around them into jagged black fissures.
Golden flames blazed and exploded, incinerating the overwhelming killing intent—enough to crush even low-level Dou Zuns' spirits—into nothingness.
Feeling the terrifying pressure and searing heat radiating from the black hand, Senluo Ghost Venerable and the Demonic Flower Lord both turned pale.
What kind of Dou Technique is this? How can it be so terrifying?
Naturally, they didn't know that with Xiao Yuan's current strength, even using the Emperor Seal Art alone could pose a significant threat to a Nine-Star Dou Zun. Against these two Six-Star Dou Zuns, it was nothing short of overwhelming.
Not only was this due to the innate power of the Emperor Seal Art, but because Xiao Yuan had recently completed another transformation of his Six Qi Transmutation. The new Taiyin Damp Earth Flame, formed from the Taiyin Damp Earth Qi, had merged with his previous flames to evolve into a brand-new Heavenly Flame.
According to Xiao Yuan's estimates, this newly evolved flame was likely comparable to Xun Er's Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame.
After all, while the Flame of Living Beings was unique, it wasn't a true combat-oriented Heavenly Flame. His former dark-gold flame was already on par with the Nine Nether Golden Ancestor Flame, and now that it had transformed into a full golden flame—fused from five different flames—its destructive power had risen dramatically.
At this rate, if Xiao Yuan could fully master the Six Qi Transmutation and forge six distinct flames, combined with the Yin-Yang Dual Flame (a genuine Heavenly Flame), the resulting fusion might even rival the Void Devouring Flame, ranked second on the Heavenly Flame Ranking.
With such a terrifying flame, Xiao Yuan's combat power had reached astonishing heights. These two mere Six-Star Dou Zuns were no match for him, even if they gave it their all.
And so, before Senluo Ghost Venerable or the Demonic Flower Lord could even realize what was happening, Xiao Yuan pressed his hand downward in midair.
The crystal seal erupted with dazzling brilliance. Golden flames surged with unparalleled momentum, shattering the giant black hand into void and slamming mercilessly into the two horrified enemies.
The scorching golden flame ignited their Dou Qi instantly, and the full might of the Emperor Seal Art poured out.
Their frail bodies couldn't withstand the dual assault—external flames and internal backlash. Before they could even scream, their bodies and souls were utterly incinerated—leaving no trace.
Even their storage rings exploded.
Hmm? Did I overdo it?
Seeing his spoils about to turn to ash, Xiao Yuan's expression shifted. With a flicker of green lightning, he reappeared at the site of the explosion and hastily swept the remaining items into his ring. Then, he stepped into a torn spatial rift just as the lingering shockwave of the Emperor Seal reduced a mountain to rubble.
Hovering in midair, Xiao Yuan swept his gaze around. The two other Heavenly Underworld Sect members had already been slain by the Three Thousand Lightning Illusion Clone using the Nine Tribulation Demonic Thunder Spear.
As for Hua Jin…
She was in a miserable state.
Her clothes were tattered, her fair skin covered in black bruises. Bone jutted through her arm and thigh, blood soaking her torn garments into a dark crimson. She was barely breathing—clearly near death.
Worst of all, having witnessed Xiao Yuan annihilate four Six-Star Dou Zuns, she was now gripped with hopeless despair.
Why did I ever think of provoking Xiao Yuan…?!
Xiao Yuan landed before her.
"By right, I should take you back to Flower Sect and let Senior Hua Yu decide your fate."
Hua Jin's eyes flickered with a sliver of hope—but before she could think further, a golden flame enveloped her.
"Why...?"
As the fire devoured her life force, Hua Jin's eyes were filled with confusion.
"Why reason with someone who betrays their sect?"
Xiao Yuan flicked his hand indifferently, watching as she turned to ash. Even her storage ring was incinerated.
With the crisis over, Xiao Yuan ceased his secret techniques. His aura dropped back to Two-Star Dou Zun, and his face paled. He coughed a few times before swallowing a medicinal pill.
But then—behind him, space silently tore open.
A blue figure stepped out.
Instantly, the atmosphere turned moist. Rain began to fall, thin but heavy—each drop pressing down on Xiao Yuan like a mountain.
His body froze in place.
No matter how his Dou Qi surged, he couldn't shake the pressure. Xiao Yuan's expression turned grim.
"As expected of a descendant of Xiao Xuan," the blue-robed figure said calmly as he stepped forward. "I am rather curious how you've reached the Dou Zun level at such a young age. Could that discarded Xiao Clan bloodline still be of use?"
Xiao Yuan didn't respond, his eyes alert. The elder had blue robes, hair, and brows. His eyes pulsed with an ocean's worth of water-type Dou Qi—hypnotic and vast. Though he appeared ordinary, Xiao Yuan could sense that this old man's strength was at least Seven-Star Dou Zun, possibly stronger.
"No… it shouldn't be the bloodline," the elder muttered. "A bloodline that could once produce Xiao Xuan can't possibly give rise to a second."
He shook his head, deep in thought.
Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes and searched his memory. This man was too strong to be a nobody—he had to recall who he was.
"I am Demon Rain of the Soul Hall's Nine Heavens Venerates," the elder finally said with a faint smile.
A Nine Heavens Venerate?!
So this was one of the infamous nine monsters of Soul Hall.
"You've got decent talent," Demon Rain continued. "To use the Gu Clan's Emperor Seal Art so proficiently is rare. Tell me—where did you learn it?"
Xiao Yuan sneered.
"I'm not telling you anything. You're not worthy of hearing it."
Demon Rain chuckled. "Such a sharp tongue. It's just as well I arrived late. If I had taken that earlier palm of yours, I might've had a headache. Still, don't bother using a spatial jade slip—I sealed this space before appearing. And judging by your condition, I doubt you can activate any more secret techniques."
He grinned mildly.
"So be a good boy and come back to Soul Hall with me. The Hall Master will be very interested in you."
Xiao Yuan remained unmoved. "I didn't expect a Heaven Venerate of Soul Hall to end up as some lapdog for the Heavenly Underworld Sect. If you think you alone can take me back, you're dreaming."
"Oh?" Demon Rain raised an eyebrow. "Then show me what other tricks you have."
Xiao Yuan smiled falsely—then said nothing.
Suspicious, Demon Rain suddenly slapped him.
Crash!
Xiao Yuan exploded into a mist of ice shards.
Another clone?!
Demon Rain's face twisted. He'd been tricked again.
In the distance, a golden sigil broke the spatial barrier. Xiao Yuan's figure, now in a lightning form, shot out at full speed.
"Hmph! Trying to run?!"
Demon Rain's voice was cold. He stepped once—and space warped as he reappeared in front of Xiao Yuan. His clawed hand lashed out toward Xiao Yuan's throat.
"If that's how it is, I'll cripple you and drag you back."
Xiao Yuan punched back, golden fire flaring.
Boom!
Their attacks collided midair, blasting cracks through the sky. Xiao Yuan staggered back several steps, his palm numb—his suspicion confirmed. Demon Rain was a Peak Seven-Star Dou Zun, just shy of Eight-Star level.
Demon Rain, enraged, lunged again. Massive waves of Dou Qi flooded out, shaking the heavens.
Boom boom boom!
Explosions filled the sky.
Even with his powerful body and flame-enhanced defense, Xiao Yuan was forced into retreat under Demon Rain's relentless assault. He hadn't yet reactivated any secret techniques, so the fight was becoming more dangerous by the second.
Bang!
After another clash, Xiao Yuan fell back, lightning flashing beneath his feet.
But suddenly, he sensed water rippling behind him. Demon Rain had reappeared, palm raised, cold rain gathering into an icy strike.
Xiao Yuan barely reacted, forming a golden flame dragon and clashing with the palm.
Hiss...
Steam erupted, the two forces canceling each other in a thick white mist.
Boom!
A battered figure was flung from the smoke, smashing into a cliff, which crumbled on impact.
Pfft!
Xiao Yuan spat blood, wiping it from his lips with a grim stare.
That old bastard hits hard.
"Come with me," Demon Rain said coldly, reappearing before him and reaching for his shoulder.
With a surge of force, Xiao Yuan coughed blood again.
But then… a sly grin spread across his face.
His body began to swell.
BOOM!
He self-destructed!
Far away, Demon Rain reappeared, his hand soaked in blood.
Tricked again?!
But the flame's power felt… off.
He frowned—this wasn't the full strength of that fused flame. Something was strange.
Suddenly, his fist smashed into empty space—and it didn't budge.
The space has been sealed?
Just as the thought formed, a figure stepped out of a spatial rift nearby.
Xiao Yuan—smiling coldly.
"Had your fun, old man? Now it's my turn. I've sealed this space. Your Soul Hall friends won't be coming. Ready to die?"
A towering aura burst from Xiao Yuan's body!
"Eight-Star Dou Zun?!"
Demon Rain cried out in shock.
"Correct! You win a prize!"
Xiao Yuan's hands flashed through seals. Five types of Heavenly Flames emerged, forming fire spirits in five directions.
The Fivefold Lihuo Formation snapped into place.
A blazing curtain of fire descended from the sky, engulfing the battlefield.
Demon Rain's expression twisted into horror.
(END CHAPTER)
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