Chapter 1290: The Battle of Soul and Gu – Part One

After sending those slaves away, Lin Feng immediately began to plot the upcoming battle between the Soul and Gu clans.

"Should I go around the battlefield now to see the situation?"

Thinking of the Soul Emperor fighting Gu Yuan, Lin Feng couldn't help but feel a desire to scavenge the leftovers.

But then he shook his head and thought, "Forget it, even a Nine Star Peak Dou Saint, created or not, is beyond what I can handle now; I should be cautious. Moreover, if I kill one, the other becomes invincible, which would be a huge problem."

As he spoke, the former let out a sigh.

In the end, it's simply that his strength is insufficient!

"Then I'll use the formless focus of the Falling Heart Flame, attach it to a Fire Slave, and scout the situation."

Hearing that, Lin Feng immediately nodded, then flicked his palm and launched a single‑star Dou Saint Fire Slave.

Next, he snapped his fingers, and a strand of formless flame shot out, plunging straight into the Fire Slave.

In the next instant, a brand‑new perspective appeared before Lin Feng's eyes.

It was, in fact, the viewpoint of the Fire Slave in front of him.

"Go!"

After confirming everything was fine, Lin Feng immediately controlled the single‑star Dou Saint Fire Slave and shot outward at speed.

In the blink of an eye, it vanished into the Lin Realm.

While Lin Feng sent the Fire Slave toward the battlefield, high above the vast eastern plain of the Zhongzhou Continent, under the gaze of the strongest of the Gu, Yan, and Heavenly Capital Alliance, layers of black mist suddenly surged.

As the black mist roiled in the sky, it directly cut off the sunlight above.

In an instant, the temperature of the space over the grassland plummeted below zero.

At the same time, a chilling aura spread throughout the heavens and earth.

Soon the black mist curled slowly and finally formed a spatial corridor hundreds of zhang wide.

"Buzz!"

As soon as the corridor formed, vast and gloomy auras surged out, enveloping the sky for thousands of zhang.

"Soul Emperor, have you finally arrived?"

Gu Yuan and Yan Jin, seeing the situation, their faces instantly grew solemn as they whispered.

Upon hearing the two's words, the expressions of the three factions' strongmen instantly turned extremely tense, their eyes fixed on the distant corridor.

Facing the strange and mysterious Soul Clan, no one present dared to underestimate them!

At the same time, many Zhongzhou strongmen drawn by the commotion on the outskirts also wore grave expressions.

Although they did not know why the Soul and Gu sides suddenly clashed, they understood from the forces dispatched by the Gu, Yan, and Heavenly Capital Alliance.

This battle could very well decide the future layout of the Dou Qi Continent!

Of course, these continental strongmen were eager to come and watch.

But after traveling several thousand li beyond the battlefield, they dared not step forward any further.

Because they could sense over sixty auras combined from the distant Gu, Yan, and Heavenly Capital Alliance forces.

Aside from a few semi‑saints in the slightly weaker Heavenly Capital Alliance, the rest had reached the Dou Saint level, many even being senior Dou Saints.

If this clash were to draw them in due to reckless proximity, it would surely be a death‑sentence.

"Heh, I didn't expect, Gu Yuan, that this time you've almost mustered the entire Gu Clan's Dou Saints. Is it because our Soul Clan suffered heavy losses in the Medicine Realm and your confidence rose, or did you obtain some extraordinary trump card?"

Accompanied by a slightly magnetic voice echoing in the sky, a slender hand emerged from the dense black mist.

As soon as the hand appeared, a figure stepped out slowly, finally appearing before the eyes of everyone inside and outside the arena.

"You bastard, I'll eventually kill you!"

Gu Xun'er, who was convinced the Soul Clan had killed Xiao Yan, saw the Soul Emperor, the chief culprit, appear before her again; her eyes instantly turned blood‑red, her murderous intent intensified, and the surrounding temperature dropped further.

If not for a sliver of reason telling her to wait for her father's move before avenging brother Xiao Yan,

she would probably have transformed into an avenger and charged forward now.

Meanwhile, the strongmen watching from the outskirts all turned their gazes toward that "scholar."

In the next instant, they saw the figure emerging from the swirling black mist, clad in gray‑white robes, appearing to be about thirty years old with a handsome face.

His twin pupils were unusually bright, as if they could pierce the heart.

At first glance, his demeanor gave everyone the impression of a refined, world‑detached scholar.

If he were to hold a scroll in his hands, he would be indistinguishable from those frail scholars.

However, while the outside strongmen were unaware, the over forty Dou Saint elites of the Gu and Yan clans knew exactly.

That seemingly delicate scholar‑like man was actually the most terrifying presence in the entire Soul Clan.

The moment he appeared, even Gu Yuan and Yan Jin, the strongest on their side, turned extremely solemn.

However, as the atmosphere inside grew tense, a plain‑looking man among the distant spectators watched the scene expressionlessly.

At the same time, far in the Lin Realm, Lin Feng gazed at the scene and asked curiously, "Is that person the Soul Emperor?"

"It truly matches the original description—looks exactly like a weak scholar who can't lift a shoulder or a hand!"

Speaking of that, Lin Feng clicked his tongue in amazement and shook his head.

Who could have imagined that such a "weak scholar" intends to refine the entire Zhongzhou Continent to promote himself to Dou Emperor?

"Soul Emperor, I advise you to hand over the Xiao Clan's heirloom today and abandon the plan to collect the eight ancient imperial jade pieces. Otherwise, the outcome won't be good."

Turning his gaze back to the Eastern Great Plain and seeing the "frail scholar" appear, Gu Yuan's eyes instantly sharpened, and while staring at the opponent, he warned in a deep voice,

"Jie Jie, Gu Yuan, what's with you today, suddenly breaking your usual demeanor and spouting such grand words? Have you found some extraordinary backing?"

However, shortly after Gu Yuan's words fell, a slightly hoarse voice rang across the sky.

As soon as the words ended, the black mist behind the Soul Emperor began to churn again.

Immediately, a black‑flame figure, accompanied by nearly fifty people, materialized out of the dense mist, grinning wickedly at the strongmen of the three opposing forces.

And as those people appeared, the strongmen of the three major forces led by the Gu Clan immediately looked up.

In the next moment, they saw that behind the Soul Heaven Emperor, Wu Nie Tun Yan brought with him the sole surviving one of the Soul Clan's Four Demon Saints, as well as two Seven-Star initial-stage Dou Saints they had never seen before, a Six-Star Dou Saint Hun Qianmo and several other same-rank powerhouses, a Five-Star peak Dou Saint Hun Mo Lao Ren, and the newly entered Five-Star Dou Saint Hun Mie Sheng accompanied by several other same-rank powerhouses.

As for the other Dou Saints from one-star to four-star, there were actually dozens of them.

Furthermore, the Soul Clan's currently only divine-grade bloodline, Hun Feng, was also among them.

"Two Seven-Star Dou Saints, a host of Six-Star and Five-Star Dou Saints, plus more One-Star to Four-Star Dou Saints than our two clans combined. Soul Heaven Emperor, you really hid deep!"

Seeing the opposing lineup, Gu Yuan and Yan Jin both couldn't help but feel a jolt, their hearts churning with shockwaves, yet their faces remained extremely calm as they spoke.

They even appeared to have a hint of victory firmly in hand.

Although the Soul Clan's displayed combat power had far exceeded Gu Yuan and Yan Jin's expectations.

But as the strongest on their side, the two certainly wouldn't show surprise, and even needed to put on an expression as if everything was within their expectations.

Otherwise, if the two of them lost composure, it would definitely be a huge blow to the morale of their side.

"Tsk tsk, it seems the Soul Heaven Emperor this time has also drained nearly all of his clan's Dou Saint power. I wonder what the defensive situation is like in the Soul Realm now?"

Gazing at the Soul Clan's massive formation of over fifty Dou Saints they had brought out, Lin Feng also couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.

However, thinking of Hun Mie Sheng in the original story, after being beaten by Xiao Yan down to a remnant soul, Wu Nie Tun Yan could still resurrect him and turn him into a Seven-Star Dou Saint.

Lin Feng felt it would be better to play it safe and not go to the Soul Realm to join the fray.

After all, who knows if there aren't newly manufactured high-level Dou Saints by Wu Nie Tun Yan in there.

"Soul Heaven Emperor, quickly return all of our two clans' ancient jade, or else we will surely invade your Soul Realm and slaughter your clan, leaving no chickens or dogs!"

Seeing the Soul Clan's side so arrogant, Yan Jin knew this couldn't continue; his face suddenly sank and he loudly shouted at the Soul Heaven Emperor.

Of course, while this remark served to boost morale, Yan Jin's heart was equally extremely angry.

After all, the Yan Clan had preserved the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade for so long, yet it was stolen on his watch.

As the chief of the Yan Clan, he bears an inescapable responsibility.

Therefore, the loss of the ancient jade has indeed made Yan Jin's reputation very hard to salvage.

"Invading the Soul Realm? Hah, I think perhaps no one in this world currently has the capability to do that."

Facing Yan Jin's stern shout, the Soul Heaven Emperor merely gave an indifferent smile.

After all, he had meticulously prepared for over a thousand years, accumulating untold depths of Dou Emperor clan foundations and Dou Emperor bloodlines.

In such a situation where one drags dragons across faces, could it possibly still fear you, a mere Eight-Star Dou Saint?

Thinking this, the Soul Heaven Emperor then ignored the former, directly turning toward Yao Chen who had been sent behind the Gu and Yan clans, and said in a light tone: "Yao Chen, I've brought the Xiao family's people; it's up to you whether you want to exchange."

"I want to see them first, after all, your reputation is negative in my eyes."

Upon hearing this, Yao Chen's gaze shifted several times; finally, he forced himself upright, his eyes fixed on the Soul Heaven Emperor, his voice somewhat hoarse as he spoke.

Seeing this, the Soul Heaven Emperor did not object, merely waving his hand silently.

As the strong one moved, the space behind him suddenly rippled.

Immediately, the sound of iron chains scraping echoed back and forth across the horizon.

Next, a cage formed from condensed black mist emerged from the void and appeared within everyone's sight.

Within that cage, an elderly figure and two much younger silhouettes were tightly bound by iron chains, like poisonous snakes coiling tightly.

And Gu Xun'er, who had been staring at the Soul Heaven Emperor with eyes full of killing intent, momentarily froze when the prison appeared, then her expression became complex.

Although she no longer recognized the Xiao family brothers, after not seeing them for over ten years, the moment she first saw the three of them, deep-seated memory clearly told her.

Among the three, that elderly figure was indeed Xiao Yan's elder brother's father, Xiao Zhan! However, having not seen him for over ten years, the once vigorous patriarch of Wu Tan City had now turned into a white-haired old man.

Perhaps due to the despair of seeing no hope, Xiao Zhan's originally tall and sturdy body.

also became emaciated over these past ten-plus years.

"How is it, person, any problems?"

Having released the cage, the Soul Heaven Emperor then calmly looked at Yao Chen with a confident expression.

Upon those words, Yao Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and he did not open his mouth to retort.

Although much time had passed, since he had previously been in contact with the Xiao family father and son quartet, he naturally could not fail to recognize their aura.

Thinking this, he silently sent a voice transmission to Gu Xun'er.

Although the former's action was covert, the Soul Heaven Emperor, possessing an emperor-level soul, instantly sensed some of it.

Immediately, his gaze swiftly shifted away from Yao Chen and turned toward Gu Xun'er.

He surmised that the Xiao clan's Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade must now be on her person.

Please... you... collect 69 books.

"Gu Xun'er, what do you think?"

Gazing at Gu Xun'er, whose eyes were brimming with killing intent toward him, the Soul Heaven Emperor still wore his usual calm and composed expression.

"Xun'er, Yan'er?"

Within the prison, the elderly figure tightly bound by iron chains shuddered violently at the Soul Heaven Emperor's words.

Next, he slowly lifted his head, his murky gaze sweeping over the location of the three major forces' alliance.

Finally, his gaze settled upon the green-clad woman in the air.

Although they hadn't seen each other for over ten years, Xiao Zhan could not possibly forget so quickly the woman who had once been his ideal daughter-in-law in his heart.

Thus, he quickly recognized Gu Xun'er's identity.

But upon not seeing Xiao Yan's figure beside her, Xiao Zhan's heart sank sharply, giving rise to a bad feeling.

Yet he immediately bellowed with all his strength at Gu Xun'er: "Xun'er, hurry, take Yan'er and run, don't come to save us again!"

During these years of imprisonment by the Soul Clan, Xiao Zhan vaguely understood that the force imprisoning him and his three sons was terrifying.

Back in the Jia Ma Empire, Dou Huang experts who could dominate were, in the Soul Clan, not even qualified to be gatekeepers.

Such terrifying power had long left the three of them utterly hopeless in their hearts.

Now, they no longer hope for anyone to come rescue them; their sole wish is that Xiao Yan can carry the will of them and a few others, continuing to live a plain life.

And Gu Xun'er, upon hearing the former's words, did not dare to answer, merely biting her teeth in silence.

After a long while, Gu Xun'er, under everyone's gaze, forcibly suppressed her emotions and tremblingly spoke these words.

"We've exchanged!"

And Hun Tiandi, upon hearing the former's agreement, finally let go of the heart he had been holding.

This time, he could be said to have sold off those three good-for-nothings that almost smashed into his own hands.

Otherwise, if Xiao Yan died and the Gu Clan clung desperately to the last piece of Tuo She Gu Di Jade and refused to let go, then he would have nothing to do but stare helplessly.

After all, he still did not believe he could snatch that last piece of Tuo She Gu Di from the prepared Gu Yuan's hands.

As for Gu Xun'er, after she finished speaking, immediately, her tender jade hand, which had only served Lin Feng, clenched, and an ancient piece of jade-green ancient jade flashed out, being grasped in her hand.

And this piece of ancient jade was precisely the last piece of Tuo She Gu Di Jade.

Of course, Gu Xun'er did not adopt any fraudulent means.

Because she and Gu Yuan both understood that, for someone of Hun Tiandi's caliber who had come into contact with Tuo She Gu Di Jade,...

Fraud would be useless.

And Hun Tiandi, seeing Gu Xun'er holding in her hand that last piece of ancient jade he had long dreamed of, felt an uncontrollable flash of greed and heat in his eyes.

As long as he obtains this last piece of ancient jade, he will be able to know the location of the Tuo She Gu Di Dongfu and open it.

And by then, as long as he obtains that Emperor-grade Primordial Pill inside the dongfu.

Once he has finished refining and absorbing it, he will then leap to become the master of this heaven and earth.

At that time, Gu Yuan, who now opposes him, will in his eyes instantly become as insignificant as an ant, and with a flip of his hand he can obliterate Gu Yuan's body and soul.

However, just as Gu Xun'er produced the Tuo She Gu Di Jade, the Yan Clan's chief, Yan Jin, flashed a hint of gloom in his eyes.

But thinking of this, he could hardly change anything, and involuntarily gritted his teeth, silently thinking 'what bad luck'.

"Xun'er niece, we'll exchange persons with one hand and jade with the other. Of course, you should understand that those little tricks are meaningless before me. So, we'd better be honest."

Staring at that piece of jade-green ancient jade in a daze for a moment, Hun Tiandi then withdrew his gaze and slowly spoke.

"Hmph, as long as you don't play any tricks."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xun'er gave a cold snort, glanced at him, then spread her jade hand and slowly lifted the ancient jade under her control.

Upon seeing this, Hun Tiandi likewise did not hesitate, immediately sweeping his sleeve to shatter the black-mist-formed cage behind him.

Immediately, he flicked his finger, and the iron chains on Xiao Zhan and his two companions' bodies instantly snapped.

Finally, he grabbed Xiao Zhan and his son with a big hand and threw them toward Gu Xun'er.

"Here you go!"

Upon seeing that, the latter immediately moved his thought, and that piece of ancient jade shot directly toward Hun Tiandi.

At the same time, Gu Yuan, worried about his daughter's safety, said: "Xun'er, you need not act; I will handle these."

While speaking, the former extended a large hand and grabbed Xiao Zhan.

In an instant, a suction force surged out, pulling Xiao Zhan, his son, and the third person all at once toward him.

And as Gu Yuan seized Xiao Zhan, his son, and the third person in his hand, Hun Tiandi opposite him likewise, at almost the same moment, grasped the ancient jade in his hand.

"Hahaha!"

The next moment, Hun Tiandi felt the cool warmth of the ancient jade in his hand; confirming its authenticity, even with his strong willpower, he could not help but burst into loud laughter toward the sky.

With eight pieces of ancient jade in hand, he could almost already see the scene of himself advancing into that longed-for realm!

"Yao Chen, send someone to take them three away."

As for Gu Yuan, after capturing Xiao Zhan, his son, and the third person, without letting the latter speak, he immediately threw them toward Yao Chen.

At the same time, he looked toward the distant frantically laughing "weak scholar" and roared: "Hun Tiandi, hand over the ancient jade!"

The instant his words rang out, Gu Yuan's figure shot forward first, exploding toward Hun Tiandi ahead.

"Set up the formation, kill the enemy!"

Meanwhile, the former finally began to act; the long-impatient Yan Jin immediately used his battle qi to transmit his voice to every Fighting Saint of the two clans.

"Yes!"

Almost at the instant the former's voice sounded, whether it be the Gu Clan, the Yan Clan, or the Gu Clan's experts, they all instantly deployed their formations.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The next moment, a terrifying battle qi light pillar shot straight up to the heavens, covering the sky and earth; such a mighty spectacle made the onlookers thousands of miles away tremble in spirit, and they felt immensely relieved that they had not foolishly approached the battlefield.

Otherwise, facing such a violent battle, they would surely meet more misfortune than fortune.

"Gu Yuan, you really are not giving up!"

In the sky, Hun Tiandi saw Gu Yuan charging toward him; the smile on his face instantly faded, returning to his former calm, easygoing demeanor.

After all, he also understood that Gu Yuan, Yan Jin, and the others could not possibly stand by while he gathered all the Tuo She Gu Di Jade and smoothly opened the Place: Gu Di Dong Fu to obtain the crucial item inside.

At the same time, Hun Tiandi immediately struck out with several palms.

In an instant, terrifying energy gathered in the sky, then formed several massive energy palm prints, each nearly ten thousand zhang in size, shooting straight toward Gu Yuan.

"Hmph, mere petty tricks!"

Seeing that seemingly grand attack, Gu Yuan couldn't help but curl his lip in a cold smile.

Then he repeatedly pointed his fingers, releasing equally powerful fingerprints that shattered each of Hun Tiandi's palm prints one by one.

"Yan Clan, Heaven-Burning Great Law!"

Meanwhile, as Gu Yuan attacked, Yan Jin's body surged with towering flames, as if seeking to burn the very heaven and earth; finally merging with the battle qi of nearly twenty Yan Clan Fighting Saints, it turned into a rolling sea of fire that swept toward Hun Tiandi.

"Ancient Emperor Mirror!"

At the same time, the Gu Clan's Fighting Saints, except Gu Yuan, gathered together at this moment, forming an energy ancient mirror that shielded heaven and earth.

And this ancient mirror, with rippling light flowing across it, in the next instant, under the combined output of all the Gu Clan Fighting Saints, a vast pillar of light shot forth violently!

"Hehe, you've all made your moves; it seems I, too, need to stretch my bones."

And the Wu Nie Tun Yan behind the Soul Heaven Emperor, seeing the attacks of the two clans arrive, immediately broke into a sinister laugh. (End of chapter)