Chapter 294: Battle with the Holy Maiden of the Soul Clan
As Xiao Yan's terrifying soul force swept through Demon Flame Valley, a once tranquil section of the valley began to emit strange sounds.
Moments later, a fissure slowly opened in the ground, and a skeletal figure cloaked in a tattered, yellow robe emerged.
The figure was an elderly man with crimson hair, his face gaunt and skeletal, making him resemble a walking corpse. His sunken eyes glowed faintly, like ghostly flames, and his appearance would undoubtedly terrify anyone unprepared for such a sight.
However, when this so called Earth Demon Elder laid eyes on Xiao Yan, it was as if the fright had reversed. Despite his reputation as a peak expert among Dou Ancestors, he found himself trembling in front of the Dou Venerate before him.
Seeing Xiao Yan's youthful features, Earth Demon Elder paused momentarily. Then, his expression shifted several times before settling on one of forced respect and submission.
"Honored senior, what brings you here to find this humble junior?"
His overly servile demeanor left the previously enraged elders of Demon Flame Valley utterly dumbfounded. Their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
This Earth Demon Elder, the founder and revered patriarch of Demon Flame Valley, was one of the strongest figures in the Black Corner Region. Yet here he was, bowing and scraping to a mere youth!
Could it be that this "youth" was some ancient monster who had disguised himself to look young?
Xiao Yan was momentarily surprised at Earth Demon Elder's tactful submission.
Such a compliant attitude might make someone with a kind heart spare the man, but fortunately for Xiao Yan, his "principles" were flexible.
This Earth Demon Elder had once been a scourge in the region, a vicious villain infamous for his heinous acts. Even if Xiao Yan didn't outright kill him, he certainly wouldn't let him off lightly.
He thought for a moment and smirked a smile that made Earth Demon Elder's heart skip a beat.
"I am Xiao Yan, a senior of Jia Nan Academy. Your subordinates kidnapped our academy's elders and even demanded a Supreme Pill as ransom. Clearly, your people have no regard for me," Xiao Yan said coldly.
Hearing this, Earth Demon Elder's eyelid twitched.
Since when did Jia Nan Academy have a Dou Venerate elder?
As far as he knew, aside from Mang Tianchi, the academy had no Dou Venerate experts.
Despite his confusion, he forced a smile of apology. "Ah, it must have been the foolishness of my subordinates. If they've offended you, honored senior, please punish them as you see fit. Their lives are worthless."
To Earth Demon Elder, sacrificing a few men was painful, but far better than risking his own life against a Dou Venerate.
Yet Xiao Yan merely shook his head with a faint smile, leaving Earth Demon Elder puzzled.
Seeing Xiao Yan's enigmatic smile, Earth Demon Elder gritted his teeth and said, "If senior does not wish to dirty his hands, I will personally clean house. As a gesture of good faith, I am also prepared to offer a generous gift of apology."
Xiao Yan's smirk widened, and his next words made Earth Demon Elder's expression turn grim.
"A gift? That sounds good. I've heard Demon Flame Valley has quite the collection. Why don't you hand over all your treasures as compensation?"
Earth Demon Elder's face twitched violently.
Only now did he realize that this man wasn't here to uphold justice he was here to rob him!
His expression darkened slightly as he said coldly, "Senior, don't you think this is going too far?"
"Too far?" Xiao Yan chuckled lightly. "Didn't your people rob mine first? Why shouldn't I do the same to you?"
Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened, and his next words hit like a thunderclap.
"Speaking of which, I could use a servant. Although you're old and ugly, your strength is still acceptable. Seeing as you've cultivated for hundreds of years, I'm willing to give you a chance."
The Earth Demon Elder's face contorted in fury.
Not only was this young man intent on stealing his treasures, but now he wanted to make him a servant?
For someone who had reigned supreme in the Black Corner Region for decades, such humiliation was intolerable.
"You've gone too far!"
The Earth Demon Elder snarled, his patience snapping. Even if you're a Dou Venerate, do you think I can't escape?
As his thoughts raced, his figure exploded into a fiery shadow. A ripple of spatial energy followed, and he disappeared from view.
The elders of Demon Flame Valley, who had been frozen in shock, were now utterly speechless.
Their revered founder, an invincible pillar of strength, had fled without a fight. What kind of terrifying monster had they provoked?
Ignoring their reactions, Xiao Yan simply smiled at the fleeing Earth Demon Elder.
As he prepared to act, a vibration from his storage ring caught his attention.
With a flick of his fingers, a small black palace appeared in his hand it was the Soul Palace.
"Young Master, leave this minor figure to us. There's no need for you to act personally!" came the voice of Tianhuo Zun zhe (Skyfire Master).
Xiao Yan paused before smiling faintly. "Very well. Consider this your chance to prove yourselves."
With that, two streaks of light shot out from the Soul Palace. The flickering silhouettes of Tianhuo Zun zhe and Youmei (Nether Snake) materialized in midair before darting off in pursuit of Earth Demon Elder.
Although the two were now mere soul forms, they had once been Dou Venerates at their peak. Now that their souls had been restored, their power rivaled that of high level Dou Ancestors.
With their combined might, capturing the Earth Demon Elder would be effortless.
Moments later, ripples spread across the horizon as a fierce battle erupted in the distance.
As the spatial ripples intensified, Earth Demon Elder was soon forced out from his hiding spot by Tianhuo Zun zhe and Youmei. The two seemed to be having the time of their lives, delivering punches and kicks relentlessly. In less than the time it takes for half a stick of incense to burn, the once serene space around them was riddled with cracks.
The battered and bruised Earth Demon Elder was eventually kicked back, his face swollen and bloodied.
"Boy, it's your honor that our young master is willing to take you as a servant. You better take the wine of respect and not the wine of punishment!" sneered Youmei, his voice dripping with disdain.
"A mere Dou Ancestor should feel honored to even serve as a watchdog for our young master. Yet you're still not satisfied?"
Hearing this, the Earth Demon Elder, already severely injured, spat out another mouthful of blood in rage.
What he didn't know, however, was that Youmei's words were entirely true.
Standing beside him, Tianhuo Zun zhe didn't share Youmei's patience. His aged face broke into a sinister grin as he looked at Xiao Yan with a fawning expression.
"Young Master, this old fool's seven star Dou Ancestor body is perfectly suitable for hosting my soul. Why not just kill him now? Once I'm reborn, your forces will instantly gain a Dou Venerate level combatant!"
As he spoke, Tianhuo Zun zhe rubbed his hands together eagerly, his excitement palpable.
Hearing this, Earth Demon Elder's despair deepened, his furious expression shifting to one of pure terror. Tianhuo Zun zhe's wicked grin now looked like that of a devil to him.
Xiao Yan, on the other hand, appeared intrigued. His gaze fell on Earth Demon Elder, showing a hint of interest.
"You make a good point," Xiao Yan mused. "A seven star Dou Ancestor is of no real use to me. I might as well let you use him to return to life."
Hearing this, cold sweat began pouring down Earth Demon Elder's forehead. Meanwhile, Tianhuo Zun zhe's excitement grew, his soul force surging as he prepared to strike.
But just as Xiao Yan was about to make his decision, Earth Demon Elder, overwhelmed by the fear of death, let out a desperate cry.
"Saintess! Save me!"
His voice echoed through the valley, startling both Tianhuo Zun zhe and Youmei. Even Xiao Yan's expression shifted slightly.
With his powerful soul perception, Xiao Yan hadn't detected anyone else in Demon Flame Valley who could be strong enough to be called upon for help.
As Earth Demon Elder's cry faded, the space behind Xiao Yan suddenly rippled violently. A black chain, adorned with eerie runes and exuding a terrifying energy, shot towards Xiao Yan like a venomous serpent.
Sensing the overwhelming power behind the attack, Xiao Yan's hair stood on end. In an instant, a flash of lightning enveloped him, and his figure vanished from his original position, taking Tianhuo Zun zhe and Youmei with him.
The black chain sliced through the air where Xiao Yan had stood, leaving deep scars in space before recoiling, wrapping itself around Earth Demon Elder and suspending him in midair.
Several miles away, Xiao Yan retracted Tianhuo Zun zhe and Youmei into the Soul Palace artifact and fixed his gaze on the rippling space ahead.
"A soul locking chain… You're from the Soul Clan!" Xiao Yan's voice was cold and resolute.
The black chain momentarily paused before the space twisted, and a graceful figure emerged.
The newcomer was a tall, striking woman clad in black armor. Her delicate oval face was framed by jet black hair that cascaded down to her waist, and her crystalline eyes sparkled with a strange, familiar light.
The black armor accentuated her perfect figure, blending elegance with fiery allure. Despite her beauty, what captivated Xiao Yan's attention most was the familiar yet foreign aura she exuded.
"A Soul Clan member… and a Holy Maiden, no less," Xiao Yan muttered, his gaze locked onto her.
The woman smirked, her lips curving into a smile so stunning it could steal one's breath away.
"What a coincidence," she said, her voice crisp and melodious. "I didn't expect to encounter someone from the Xiao Clan in a place like this."
"It seems there's not much to discuss between us. One of us won't be leaving here today."
Xiao Yan felt a pang of annoyance. Of all times for a Soul Clan Holy Maiden to appear, it had to be now.
Without the protection of Tianhuo Zun zhe and Youmei, capturing her would be no easy task. Worse, her strength seemed formidable.
"Still," Xiao Yan muttered under his breath, his gaze growing sharper.
The Holy Maiden didn't waste time with pleasantries. With a wave of her slender hand, hundreds of black chains erupted from behind her, each one pulsating with terrifying energy. They spread across the sky, shrouding half of Demon Flame Valley in shadow.
"What a pity," Xiao Yan sighed. "I've always been merciful to beauties, but it seems I'll have to make an exception today."
The temperature around him soared as fiery energy erupted from his body. Flames of various colors swirled together, their intense heat distorting the air.
The Holy Maiden chuckled lightly, her expression unchanging.
"The Soul Clan and Xiao Clan are sworn enemies. A battle between us is inevitable." Her crystalline eyes narrowed. "And with so many Heavenly Flames on you, I doubt I'll let you leave here alive. You'll make an excellent energy source for me."
As her voice fell, the countless chains surged toward Xiao Yan like a tide, each one strong enough to annihilate a peak Dou Ancestor.
The clash between Xiao Yan and the Soul Clan Holy Maiden had begun!
(End of Chapter)
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