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Word Count: 2,697 Words
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Swish!
Xiao Yan flicked his sleeve, sending Heavenly Flame transformed into fiery chains flying out from his cuffs. With two piercing sounds, the Heavenly Flame chains directly penetrated through Han Feng's shoulder blades, skewering him completely.
"Ahhhh!!!" Han Feng's agonized screams tore through the air as the terrifying heat scorched his flesh. Even though he tried to defend with the Sea Heart Flame, it was all in vain.
In terms of both Heavenly Flame rank and Qi Method grade, Han Feng was hopelessly outmatched by Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan couldn't help sighing inwardly. The importance of a Qi Method was truly immense. Although the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change with Heavenly Flames had elevated his strength from a Dou King to a Dou Emperor, what truly decided victory was his possession of the quasi-Tian Class Flame Mantra.
The power granted by a quasi-Tian Class Qi Method was intoxicating, even for someone with Xiao Yan's mental fortitude. That degree of control over energy was incredibly profound and almost inconceivable.
Di Class Qi Methods and Dou Techniques could stir the natural energy of the world, but a quasi-Tian Class Qi Method allowed precise dominion over the natural energy within dozens of kilometers.
This meant that within this range, one could freely absorb the energy of the entire area. Han Feng's Xuan Class Qi Method was completely ineffective within Xiao Yan's domain.
Not to mention, after advancing to quasi-Tian Class, the Flame Mantra's control over Heavenly Flames had become extremely refined. Xiao Yan could effortlessly shape Heavenly Flames at will.
"Save Han Feng!"
Xiao Yan's actions were immediately noticed by the experts of the Black Alliance. Their expressions changed drastically, and furious shouts resounded through the air. They knew very well Han Feng's importance to the entire Black Alliance. If they lost Han Feng, this enormous alliance would likely collapse instantly!
Moreover, without Han Feng in this battle, their defeat was certain.
"Block them!"
At almost the same instant the experts from the Black-Corner Region moved, First Elder Su Qian's cold command rang out. The group of Inner Academy elders who had been awaiting orders instantly sprang into action, forming a human wall outside Feng City. Powerful auras rose one after another, repelling all those from the Black-Corner Region who attempted to rescue Han Feng.
Han Feng suddenly ceased struggling and instead gave Xiao Yan a chilling grin. "Heh heh heh. Xiao Yan, I'll admit that after obtaining that old thing's inheritance, you're indeed stronger than me. But! There are many things in this world that you don't know, and the sky is much higher than you can imagine!"
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!!!
Dark clouds rapidly gathered on the distant horizon as soon as his words fell. In a blink, the sky turned pitch-black without any warning. Shortly after, a raging gale howled down from the sky.
Some of the physically weaker ordinary people in Feng City began to sway under the gusting wind, grabbing onto anything nearby in fright.
The black storm descended from the darkened sky like a devouring demon, consuming everything in its path.
That black gale swept in from the horizon, and in just the blink of an eye, it enveloped Xiao Yan.
"A Black Storm?!"
"How can that be? Why would a Black Storm suddenly appear?!"
The Black Storm instantly shrouded the sky, plunging Feng City into darkness.
"No! There's someone within the storm!"
"A Dou Ancestor?!"
Su Qian abruptly turned his gaze to where Han Feng had been. Everyone had heard Han Feng's bursts of laughter before this storm arrived. This undoubtedly proved that the Black Storm was not a natural phenomenon but was conjured by someone!
As a Dou Ancestor himself, Su Qian was the first to detect something amiss. His eyes were fixed on the eye of the Black Storm. He vaguely sensed that something existed there, but his perception was blocked, as if by some invisible barrier.
Especially in the mid-air area where Xiao Yan and Han Feng were—before long, it was enveloped by a mass of black fog, completely obscuring their figures.
"It's Han Feng's reinforcements!!"
"The Alliance Leader is formidable!"
"Hahaha, your Jia Nan Academy is finished! The Medicine Emperor's influence is beyond your imagination!"
Meanwhile, Han Feng, still skewered by the fiery chains, burst into laughter within the black fog. "Junior Brother, even when that old thing was alive, he never dared to provoke this faction! Let me tell you the real truth. All I did was poison him. He actually died at the hands of a Venerable!"
"You have no idea what kind of power you're up against!"
"The Hall of Souls? How could I not know about them?" Surrounded by the black fog, Xiao Yan looked at the darkness around him and revealed a deep smile.
"Heh heh heh, it seems you do know a thing or two. Well, that's normal for an alchemist. On the Dou Qi Continent, alchemists, though exalted, are nothing but prey for the Hall of Souls to hunt! And you're no exception!" Han Feng looked coldly at Xiao Yan, an expression of having victory within his grasp.
Han Feng turned to the black-robed figure at the center of the storm and smiled. "Protector Xuan, this is the Xiao Yan I mentioned, a fellow disciple of mine. Please help me capture him."
Right as Han Feng's words trailed off, the black-robed man in the center of the dark fog opened his eyes. Those eyes were like ghostly lanterns in the dark night, flickering with eerie light. An aura of an advanced Dou Ancestor suddenly erupted from him.
Anyone witnessing such a terrifying scene in the dark would have shivered with dread.
Yet Xiao Yan maintained a faint smile as he looked at this black-robed man, appearing completely unconcerned. Though enveloped by the Black Storm, the black fog did not affect him at all.
"So your backing is a Protector from the Hall of Souls?" Xiao Yan smiled at Han Feng as he spoke. He even generously withdrew the fiery chains.
When Han Feng saw the fiery chains disappear from his body, he revealed a smug smile and said, "It's not too late if you regret now. As long as you hand over the Flame Mantra and the Heavenly Flames in your body, I can spare your life."
"Although having your Heavenly Flames forcibly taken will damage your foundation, it's better than losing your life. Junior Brother, this is one of the few mercies from your Senior Brother. Otherwise, I believe Protector Xuan would be very interested in your soul body!"
Han Feng's eyes were fixed on Xiao Yan. Naturally, he had no intention of letting Xiao Yan go. Once he obtained the Flame Mantra, he would immediately have Protector Xuan kill Xiao Yan.
"Why are you so certain that he's your ally?" Xiao Yan wasn't angered by Han Feng's words. Instead, he looked at the elated Han Feng with a playful gaze.
"What?! You!" Han Feng's expression changed dramatically upon hearing this. He abruptly turned to look at Protector Xuan.
"Earth Grade Protector Xuan pays respects to Venerable Yan," the black-robed figure suddenly said, lowering his head toward Xiao Yan!
"At ease. I haven't given you any offerings or soul points; this doesn't conform to the rules." Xiao Yan clasped his hands behind his back and nodded slightly.
"You!!!" This time, Han Feng's face turned as pale as if he'd seen a ghost. He retreated several steps, staring at Xiao Yan in horror.
He couldn't help but exclaim, "How can this be?! Y-you set me up!"
"That's not quite right." Xiao Yan shook his head lightly and said calmly, "I was just taking precautions. I didn't expect you to actually bring Protector Xuan here. I've only recently been promoted to a Venerable of the Hall of Souls, and at first, I didn't plan to use the Hall of Souls' power to deal with you. Of course, it's not because I have such noble character; mainly, you're not worth it."
Protector Xuan instantly locked onto Han Feng and said, "Jie Jie Jie, Han Feng, the price you offered was indeed very tempting, but unfortunately, he's not someone you can provoke."
"You were working together all along!" Han Feng felt like he had been played like a fool. He thought victory was assured with Protector Xuan's help, but he didn't expect that Xiao Yan was actually an Honorable Elder of the Hall of Souls!
"You jumped into the pit yourself; I couldn't stop you even if I wanted to." Xiao Yan shook his head. He had long suspected that Han Feng was colluding with the Hall of Souls.
Han Feng was a peak 6th-tier alchemist. With his Heavenly Flame and Tier 7 Spiritual Strength, he already had a certain chance of successfully refining low-grade tier 7 medicinal pills.
Previously, Xiao Yan had seen a Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill at Hun Lao Gui's place, and the pill recipe for this kind of medicinal pill was created by Venerable Yao. In this world, only Han Feng could possibly have refined it, or perhaps Venerable Yao had given him one in the past.
Therefore, Xiao Yan speculated that Han Feng must have had contact with the Hun Clan, and perhaps that Yin-Yang Mysterious Dragon Pill was even used in exchange for a Soul Training Method.
So before coming here, Xiao Yan had made a special trip to the Hall of Souls in the Black-Corner Region. Sure enough, Han Feng had cleverly sought out Protector Xuan to assist him.
Realizing that Protector Xuan, whom he'd always believed to be on his side, was actually a spy monitoring and even opposing him, Han Feng's expression turned ugly. In the end, he had been outplayed!
"Alright, enough talk. It's getting late; time to end this." Xiao Yan revealed a faint smile.
You can't beat me, and your backing isn't stronger than mine. You might as well surrender.
Just as Han Feng gritted his teeth and was about to turn and flee, suddenly—with a clattering sound—a pitch-black iron chain emitting a deep luster abruptly shot out from Protector Xuan's hand. The chain's speed was terrifyingly swift; in almost an instant, it reached Han Feng's back. The tip of the chain was as sharp as a blade, even faintly emitting an eerie cold gleam.
Han Feng was instantly pierced through by the iron chain with a squelching sound. A soul-wrenching pain surged through him. "Ah!! You can't do this to me! My Martial Uncle is Venerable Mu Gu of the Hall of Souls!"
Protector Xuan gave a fierce tug on the chain, and Han Feng's entire body was pulled backward. With a few clattering sounds, he was instantly bound tightly.
Xiao Yan's left hand suddenly clasped Han Feng's throat with a snap. He revealed a faint smile and said, "Too bad your Master is no longer around. If he were alive, perhaps I might have spared you out of consideration for our relationship as fellow disciples."
Attacking the heart before the body! His words immediately conjured up the image of that kindly old man in Han Feng's mind.
Xiao Yan merely smirked coldly. This Han Feng was simply reaping the consequences of his own actions.
In an instant, the Asura Soul Reaping Technique was unleashed. A killing intent that pierced straight to the soul erupted from Xiao Yan's hand. This terrifying Soul Skill even made Protector Xuan beside him feel a chill throughout his body as his soul trembled.
Even though Xiao Yan's strength was only at the Dou King realm, Protector Xuan didn't dare harbor any other thoughts.
With a swift motion, Xiao Yan's five fingers curved into claws. His Spiritual Strength transformed into ghostly talons that pierced into Han Feng's body. With a fierce pull, a blue soul body was extracted from Han Feng.
Whoosh! Whoosh!!
A surge of blue flames instantly scorched Xiao Yan's left hand. Even at this moment, Han Feng's will to survive remained strong, but it was destined to be futile.
Buzz!
Xiao Yan retrieved the Soul Command Token from his Bone Flame Ring. The character 'Yan' on the token instantly emitted a wave of Spiritual Strength fluctuations. With a whoosh, it absorbed Han Feng's soul body along with the Sea Heart Flame.
Upon seeing Xiao Yan's Soul Command Token, Protector Xuan subconsciously stepped back. That token was obviously extraordinary at a glance. He had seen Honorable Elders' Soul Command Tokens before but felt that this one was somewhat different.
"I only want his Heavenly Flame. The soul points obtained from Han Feng's soul body are yours." To be honest, Xiao Yan no longer thought much of the soul points from a 6th-tier soul body. At most, it was only enough for a low Di Class Soul Skill, which wasn't of great use.
"Thank you, Venerable Yan!"
"Mm. You may withdraw now."
With a wave of his hand, the Black Storm began to recede gradually. Beams of light started pouring in as the first rays of sunlight appeared. The howling gales weakened until they finally dissipated.
When the Black Storm inexplicably withdrew, both sides in the fierce battle were momentarily stunned. They all paused and looked up toward Xiao Yan and Han Feng's position in the sky.
But everyone was dumbfounded when they saw clearly what had happened.
They saw Xiao Yan standing there completely unharmed, his left hand grasping Han Feng's throat, while the latter's head was tilted back, appearing to have lost all signs of life.
"Han Feng is dead?!" The Gold Silver Elders, who had been desperately blocking Su Qian from providing assistance, exclaimed with grim expressions.
The people from Jia Nan Academy all exchanged bewildered glances. Not only had the helper Han Feng invited failed to defeat Xiao Yan, but Han Feng himself had ended up dead?!
Whose helper was this, anyway?!
"Where's that advanced Dou Ancestor?" Su Qian asked.
"He ran off. Han Feng couldn't meet the price, so he just took off." Xiao Yan lied without batting an eye, smiling as he spoke.
Everyone in Feng City was stunned when they heard that the helper had fled and Han Feng himself was dead. A sense of fear loomed over them. No longer wanting to continue the fight, they all planned to break through and flee for their lives.
"Leave no one alive!" Xiao Yan stored Han Feng's corpse into his storage ring. His Spiritual Strength instantly locked onto the Gold Silver Elders. He planned to team up with First Elder Su Qian to eliminate these two tumors.
The Gold Silver Elders sensed the danger. They exchanged a glance, knowing they couldn't win against Su Qian and Xiao Yan combined. Abandoning their cooperation, they each used a Secret Technique and burst forth with a speed comparable to a Dou Ancestor as they flew in opposite directions.
This sudden move caught even Su Qian off guard, but Xiao Yan, with his powerful Spiritual Strength, narrowed his eyes slightly as dragon aura surged within his body.
"ROAR!!"
He suddenly let out a roar in the direction of Mister Gold. The terrifying sonic-type Dou Technique caused the Dou Qi within Mister Gold to become chaotic. He couldn't even use his Dou Qi wings and plummeted from the sky.
"First Elder, please capture the one in gold. I'll chase after the one in silver." After all, the battle in Feng City wasn't over yet, and Su Qian couldn't leave the vicinity.
"All right. Be careful. If you can't catch him, so be it." Separated, the Gold Silver Elders' strength was probably only on par with Han Feng's.
But then, an unexpected change occurred. Just as Xiao Yan was about to unfold his Dou Qi wings and use the Three Thousand Lightning Movement to pursue Mister Silver, a streak of purple light inexplicably flashed across the horizon.
A purple flame descended from the sky, directly striking the fleeing Mister Silver, who was too focused on escaping to notice.
Xiao Yan abruptly raised his head and saw, not far away, a massive Amethyst Winged Lion King standing proudly in the sky. On the back of the amethyst lion stood that familiar graceful figure.
"Little Fairy Doctor?"