Chapter 554: Too Naive!

"Hmph, you think you can defeat me? Too naive!"The Millennium Earl sneered, and a massive scythe materialized in his hand, radiating a thick aura of darkness.

The Millennium Earl swung the scythe, striking toward Xiang Lian. Xiang Lian dodged swiftly; the scythe cleaved the ground, sending up a cloud of dust. Xiang Lian knew the Millennium Earl's strength far surpassed that of other Noah family members; he must handle this with extreme caution.

Just then, Xiang Lian suddenly had a flash of inspiration. He feigned defeat and stepped back several paces. The Millennium Earl, thinking Xiang Lian was afraid, smiled smugly and continued his assault. However, the instant he drew near Xiang Lian, Xiang Lian suddenly spun around, coalescing a powerful force of holiness in his hand, then fired it fiercely at the Millennium Earl.

"No good!"The Millennium Earl was startled in his heart and hurriedly dodged. But he was a step too slow; that holy force struck his arm, leaving a wound from which blood dripped onto the ground~.

"This... how is this possible?"The Millennium Earl could not believe he had actually been struck by Xiang Lian. His eyes were filled with shock and anger-.

Xiang Lian looked at the Millennium Earl and smiled faintly: "I said I would not let your schemes succeed. Today is your day of defeat-!"

With that, Xiang Lian launched another attack. His assault came upon the Millennium Earl like a violent storm; under Xiang Lian's onslaught, the Millennium Earl gradually found himself unable to hold out. More and more wounds appeared on his body, and his aura grew increasingly faint.

"Damn it..."The Millennium Earl ground his teeth and said. He knew he would likely be unable to win today. So, with a wave of his hand, he shouted loudly: "Retreat!"

Hearing the Millennium Earl's command, the Noah family members turned and fled one after another. The exorcists of the Black Order wanted to give chase, but Xiang Lian stopped them. "Don't pursue; they surely have a follow-up move. Let us consolidate our defenses first,"Xiang Lian said.

Everyone nodded in agreement and began to clear the battlefield and treat the wounded. After this fierce battle, although the Black Order achieved victory, it came at a heavy cost.

Xiang Lian returned to Guo Yao's room. Seeing him return safely, Guo Yao's eyes sparkled with tears of excitement. She threw herself into Xiang Lian's arms and hugged him tightly: "Xiang Lian, you have finally returned. I was so worried about you..."

Xiang Lian gently stroked Guo Yao's hair and said tenderly: "It's all right, Yaoyao. I'm back."

Having escaped alive from the demon's nest, Xiang Lian knew deeply that the Noah family would absolutely not let this go; a far more brutal final battle was imminent. At this moment, inside the Black Order's hall, the atmosphere was grave, as if water could be wrung from it. The torches on the walls flickered dimly and brightly, casting the figures of everyone into twisted shapes, like a group of lone shadows about to march to the battlefield.

"Xiang Lian, you must be careful."Guo Yao held Xiang Lian's hand tightly; her voice was soft yet carried a tremor, her eyes full of worry and concern. Her fingers gently rubbed the back of Xiang Lian's hand, as if by doing so she could transmit her strength to him.

Xiang Lian turned around, gently embraced Guo Yao, and lightly patted her back, trying to soothe her emotions: "Yaoyao, don't worry; I will be fine. You being here is my greatest motivation." His voice was low and firm, echoing softly in Guo Yao's ear, bringing her a sliver of peace.