Chapter 400

At this moment, the dust slowly dispersed, and the spot where Xiao Yan stood had been blasted into a massive crater by the Second Elder's palm strike—as if Xiao Yan had been blasted away and buried underground, his figure nowhere to be seen.

After all, even the Mountain-Cracking Seal, an Earth-Class High-Level Combat Technique, struggles to erase the gap in cultivation realm. The deeper one goes, the harder it is to close that gap.

"Is it over already?" Under this strike, many stared blankly, murmuring softly.

"In the end, cultivation realm is everything. Even if Xiao Yan forcibly raised his cultivation to Five Star Dou Zong, he still couldn't withstand the full-force assault of the Nine Star Peak Second Elder." Even the prodigies of the Burning Flame Valley sighed lightly at this moment.

They now felt awe toward the Second Elder, who stood just one step away from Dou Zun. If a Nine Star Dou Zong was this powerful, what would the Valley Master, a Five Star Dou Zun, be like?

With a single hand, he could crush all obstacles—cultivation realm crushes everything; techniques, combat arts, bone wings, armor, weapons—all became trivial.

"Is it really over?" Someone gazed far off at the massive crater, eager to see whether Xiao Yan was dead or alive.

At this moment, the Second Elder, hovering midair, slightly narrowed his eyes—he was certain Xiao Yan was not dead, not even seriously wounded. Yet strangely, he could not sense Xiao Yan's location at all.

"Second Elder, this should be the second strike, right?" At that moment, a lazy voice rang out—from above!

The Second Elder's expression changed drastically; he snapped his head upward—and there, behind Xiao Yan, bone wings wrapped in flame-infused Dou Qi loomed like a towering mountain, not a single tear on his clothing.

Instantly, the students who had mocked Xiao Yan froze mid-sentence, their faces flushed crimson!

"Impossible!!"

At this moment, the Third Elder, watching from afar, stepped forward, exclaiming in shock.

If Xiao Yan had been seriously wounded and barely escaped, he could still understand—after all, Xiao Yan was now a Five Star Dou Zong, and he had used an Earth-Class High-Level Combat Technique. But Xiao Yan was now unscathed, and worse—he had appeared directly above the Second Elder!!

"You—you can traverse Space!" The Second Elder's heart trembled violently as he cried out.

Xiao Yan could not have slipped away silently; yet here he was above—so the only possibility was that Xiao Yan could traverse Space!

Controlling Space Power—that's something only a Dou Zun can do!

Xiao Yan smiled; he had no intention of revealing he had used the power of Void Swallowing Flame's Earth Sub Flame.

"Now it's my turn. Third strike, Second Elder." Xiao Yan said calmly, and as soon as he finished speaking—BOOM!

Xiao Yan drew his Black Weighted Ruler; Space trembled, the Sky wailed—and in that instant, his Black Weighted Ruler was engulfed by three Heavenly Flames, unleashing an invincible aura!

Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, giving the Second Elder no time to react, and struck downward with the Flame-Splitting, Wave-Swallowing Ruler, fused with Heavenly Flames.

WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH!!! The Flame-Splitting, Wave-Swallowing Ruler descended like an apocalyptic tidal wave—remember, Xiao Yan's cultivation had reached Five Star Dou Zong, and his Earth-Class Combat Technique possessed the power to obliterate mountain ranges and flatten peaks.

As soon as the Flame-Splitting, Wave-Swallowing Ruler took shape, a massive crimson hand suddenly surged upward, its flame-charged Dou Qi radiating such searing Infernal Heat that even the Burning Flame Valley disciples watching nearby felt slight pain on their skin.

"Pure Yang Continuous Hand!"

BOOM BOOM BOOM!!! Two terrifying firestorms clashed—the crimson hand clenched tightly, crushing the ruler's energy blades to shards!

SHOOOO! Lightning flashed—and wielding the Black Weighted Ruler, Xiao Yan instantly reappeared behind the Second Elder, raising the ruler high, ready to strike down.

"Your speed is indeed fast, but to think you can defeat me with speed alone is pure fantasy!" The Second Elder's eyes hardened, his Dou Qi surging rapidly as he prepared to unleash another Dou Technique to crush Xiao Yan!

A faint smirk curled on Xiao Yan's lips—he suddenly expanded his chest and opened his mouth, unleashing a Dragon Roar!

"Ancient Dragon Roar!"

ROAR ROAR ROAR!!! The sonic wave surged straight at the Second Elder—this terrifying sonic combat technique shattered the floor below, its piercing power indifferent to spectators.

"AHHH!!"

"My head hurts!"

"Is that… a Dragon Roar?! What kind of sonic Dou Technique is this?!"

Even Tang Huo'er, far away, clapped her hands over her ears, her face twisted in discomfort—Xiao Yan's sonic technique had an absurdly wide range and could pierce through Dou Qi defenses.

This was collateral damage!

Tang Zhen's eyes narrowed—he swept his hand, manipulating Space Power to activate a Space Lock, sealing off a vast area. While Dou Qi defenses struggled against sonic techniques, Space Power could effectively block them.

The Second Elder never imagined Xiao Yan possessed such a bizarre sonic Dou Technique—his Spiritual Soul shuddered, his Dou Qi faltered, and the Pure Yang Continuous Hand was interrupted mid-casting!

WHOOSH—the sound of rushing wind. At this level of Battle, reaction time was measured in thousandths of a second.

Xiao Yan gripped the Black Weighted Ruler with both hands and brought it down in a heavy vertical slash. The Second Elder's technique broken, he was now on the defensive. Flames suddenly erupted beneath his feet—he stomped Space and dodged Xiao Yan's strike.

Seeing the Nine Star Dou Zong actively evade his attack, Xiao Yan smiled. Seeing that smile, the Second Elder's face flushed with shame—he launched another strike.

"Earth Flame Demon Fist!"

The Second Elder now held nothing back, unleashing his maximum Spiritual Pressure, stomping Space as his right fist condensed a torrent of flame. He punched forward—and with that single blow, Space fractured into shards!

Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, no longer careless—he formed a new hand seal and unleashed the Turning Sea Seal. Fist met palm—the ferocious, unstoppable Earth Flame Demon Fist clashed violently against the enduring, soft-yet-unyielding Turning Sea Seal.

Energy exploded, blinding light illuminating the entire Guang Chang. The next instant, lightning flashed—Xiao Yan sliced through the Sky like a thunderbolt, reappearing beside the Second Elder, swinging the Black Weighted Ruler in a devastating horizontal strike.

"You're too arrogant!" The Second Elder grew furious—he was a Nine Star Peak Dou Zong, facing an Eight-Star Demonic Realm, yet this brat dared to close in!

The heavy ruler, carrying unstoppable force, swept sideways. As the shadow of the ruler swung, the Second Elder roared—and a red figure emerged, two glowing crimson hands surging with fiery Dou Qi, slamming down hard on the ruler.

CLANG! A crisp metallic ring echoed through the air—then a violent shockwave erupted like lightning, spreading outward. In the tense gaze of all observers, both figures were flung backward—Xiao Yan's body slammed hard against the towering walls surrounding the hall.

BOOM! Xiao Yan was knocked from midair and crashed into the wall—the solid surface dented into a massive crater, cracks spreading like a spiderweb.

Cough. Xiao Yan coughed softly, then slowly lifted his head, wiping a trickle of blood from his lips—yet the bloodthirsty fervor in his eyes sent shockwaves through everyone around him—this kid dared to clash with a Nine Star Peak Dou Zong! His audacity was undeniable.

Of course, some thought he was insane.

"That seems to be the sixth strike," muttered the Third Elder beside him—Xiao Yan was now trading blows evenly with the Second Elder!

The Second Elder, also pushed back by the recoil, looked down at Xiao Yan—and suddenly his eyes sharpened as he formed a familiar hand seal.

"Kuang! This old bastard has no shame—he's using Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Changes!" Tang Huo'er shouted—how could a Nine Star Dou Zong use Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Changes against an Eight-Star Demonic Realm?!

You've shamed the Burning Flame Valley beyond repair!

At this moment, the other Elders turned their heads away—they dared not speak. Though they knew this was deeply humiliating, if things continued like this, Xiao Yan would win!

Seeing the Second Elder's Spiritual Pressure rise until it reached the brink of Dou Zun—undoubtedly, without a Heavenly Flame, even Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Changes could not push a Dou Zong beyond the Dou Zun threshold.

"Xiao Yan, I have no choice. To force me to use the Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Changes—you've already won. But the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire is too vital to the Burning Flame Valley—I cannot let it slip from my generation." The Second Elder's tone softened slightly—he truly feared Xiao Yan's power.

Xiao Yan seemed to surrender—he THUMPED his Black Weighted Ruler into the ground, looked up at the Second Elder now at the brink of Dou Zun, and his gaze turned dangerously sharp.

"Second Elder, no need to apologize. I haven't truly fought seriously in a long time. I should thank you for giving me this chance."

?!

Gulou, Tang Zhen and the Second Elder simultaneously swallowed hard. Could it be! You still have a move!?

Boom! In that instant, Xiao Yan's Spirit Realm Soul Force roared through heaven and earth, his entire body blazing with demonic light, the shadow beneath his feet seeming to transform into Shen Yuan! Wisps of dark, ominous energy rose from the depths, and as he stamped down, even Space itself was instantly corrupted!

At this moment, as Xiao Yan smiled, demonic light surged over his entire body, and his Bone Wings underwent a transformation—waves of demonic light wrapped around them, turning them into a pair of demonic wings, the light blotting out sun and sky.

At this moment, Xiao Yan resembled a divine demon, a slaughter incarnate; even Tang Zhen felt unease at the sight of his terrifying eyes, and the surrounding disciples instinctively sought to retreat!

Six Star! Seven Star! Eight Star Dou Zong!!!

Soul Force!

Xiao Yan no longer has the Soul Force of the Heavenly Flame Elder to aid him, but don't forget—he is no longer the same as before. Thanks to the Yin-Yang Mystic Dragon Pill, he didn't just break through to the Spirit Realm—he also survived the demonic trial of the perfected Soul Severing Art!

He can now wield the power of this Soul Technique!

Soul Force has always been able to elevate Cultivation Realm, but this time Xiao Yan isn't borrowing someone else's Soul Force—he's using his own Soul Technique!

"Y-y-y-you…" The Second Elder was utterly speechless with shock—could one really ascend an entire major realm!?

"Is it Soul Force?! Xiao Yan, you actually know Soul Techniques!" Tang Zhen was stunned. It's well known that Alchemists possess powerful Soul Force.

But ordinary Alchemists don't know Soul Techniques—only the Soul Hall and Dan Tower possess them!

Of course, no one would think Xiao Yan trained Soul Techniques from the Soul Hall; everyone would assume he long ago joined the Dan Tower and learned their Soul Techniques.

After all, Xiao Yan is an Eighth-Rank Alchemist—joining the Dan Tower is only natural, isn't it?

But the Flame Elder never follows the usual path.

"Hahaha, Second Elder, my Soul Force-enhancing technique can only sustain three strikes—I can't handle more without my body breaking. Let's settle this in three strikes!" Xiao Yan laughed like a demon, his Bone Wings flaring as he gripped the Xuan Heavy Ruler and charged straight at the stunned Second Elder.

At this moment, Tang Zhen was completely dumbfounded—I told you to hold out for ten strikes, not to kill the Second Elder in ten!

Give the old man some face!

Seeing Xiao Yan, now resembling a demonic god, his expression grotesque and his Spiritual Pressure ferociously surging, the Second Elder—who had just reached Half Step Dou Zun—felt no sense of security whatsoever!

With a mighty roar, his hands were engulfed in blazing flame; the power of his Half Step Dou Zun caused Space itself to melt inch by inch.

"Flame Burn Heaven Saber!" the Second Elder roared, his five fingers clenched into one, his right hand transforming into a heavenly blade, his right foot slamming hard against Space.

He refused to accept defeat even after using Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Changes—he became a streaking meteor, hurtling toward Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan smiled faintly, raising the Xuan Heavy Ruler to meet the blow, and inwardly roared: "Soul Severing!"

Boom!! The blade and ruler collided—a black energy and red energy clashed midair, unleashing a terrifying Energy Storm that shook even Tang Zhen's temporary Space Lock, making it tremble and nearly collapse!

Puff! Xiao Yan was struck hard, blood trickling from his lips as he was flung backward. But the Second Elder fared no better—blood suddenly gushed from his nose.

The Second Elder's face twisted in pain—his Spiritual Soul had been injured! Xiao Yan's attack carried Spiritual Soul damage—completely unpredictable and unstoppable!

"The Second Elder is injured!!!"

"Kuang?! What the hell did I just see!?"

"This, this, this is too powerful!" Now, with the combined power of Heavenly Flame Three Mystical Changes and Soul Severing Art, Xiao Yan struck like a killing god—every soul watching trembled in dread!

"This… this is impossible!" Even Tang Zhen's expression changed. Though the Spiritual Soul wound was minor and would heal in a few days, Xiao Yan had actually wounded the Second Elder!

Who could have imagined that an Eight-Star Demonic Realm would wound a Nine Star Peak Dou Zong—force him into such a desperate state!

Voom! Xiao Yan flipped his body, his Bone Wings flaring violently as he gripped the Xuan Heavy Ruler and charged again.

"Hah!" The Second Elder wouldn't fall for the same trick twice—he swung his other hand, releasing a searing blade of flame, avoiding direct collision with Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, activating the Six Directions Floating Body Ruler to block the slash. Peng! He spun, but couldn't fully dissipate the force—the Xuan Heavy Ruler was violently flung away.

The Xuan Heavy Ruler became a black shadow, crashing Boom! into the earth below.

Seeing Xiao Yan weaponless, the Second Elder knew this was his chance—he unleashed his Dou Qi in wild frenzy, pushing his Cultivation Method to its absolute limit.

"It's Flame Cloud Burning Palm! Earth-Class High-Level Combat Technique!" An Elder cried out in recognition—this was one of the deepest techniques of the Flame Cloud Valley.

Seeing the Second Elder unleash his full power, Xiao Yan took a deep breath, forming a hand seal unfamiliar to all—Heaven and Earth Power boiled at that instant.

"Flame Cloud Burning Palm!"

"Overturning Earth Seal!"

Boom! Boom!!! The two clashed palms with full force—this time, the Second Elder held nothing back! Two Earth-Class High-Level Combat Techniques smashed into each other, shaking heaven and earth, reversing mountains and rivers.

In an instant, the surrounding Space shattered, fragments scattering—Tang Zhen's Space Lock was utterly destroyed!

But Xiao Yan still suffered from the disadvantage of his Cultivation Realm—it was artificially enhanced, and still vastly inferior to the Second Elder's long-established Nine Star Peak Dou Zong.

Waves of flame slammed into Xiao Yan, hurling him deep into the ground, carving out a massive crater.

"Yield! Your forced power boost will cause permanent damage if you continue. The matter of the Nine Dragon Thunder Gang Fire can be discussed again." The Second Elder had fully surrendered—after this battle, he had no face left to claim victory.

Xiao Yan had countless chances to stall, yet he pressed forward again and again—this wasn't a test, you clearly meant to defeat old man!

Xiao Yan struggled to his feet, wiped blood from his lips, his eyes showing no despair—instead, a slow, smug smile spread across his face.

He said nothing, only raised his right hand and extended his index finger toward the sky.

Suddenly, the Second Elder felt something—he looked up sharply. When had it appeared? A delicate four-colored Fire Lotus (shaded by Yin and Yang Flames) drifted gently downward, descending toward his head.

Sensing the horror contained within the Fire Lotus, the Second Elder's face turned ashen.

Xiao Yan murmured: "Tenth strike—explode!"

"All Flame Cloud Valley disciples—evacuate immediately!" Tang Zhen roared.

Though this was only a fusion of the Three Infernal Flames—the Buddha Fury Lotus—it depended entirely on the user's power! At Xiao Yan's current level, if he faced Ling Quan or Mo Tian Xing again, this Fire Lotus would reduce them to ashes!

The Second Elder crossed his palms to shield himself—a crimson energy barrier instantly formed. Boom! The terrifying Fire Lotus exploded instantly—waves of Flame Wave pounded the barrier one after another.

Crack! The Second Elder's eyes bulged—he couldn't hold it!

"Sigh." Tang Zhen sighed, slowly rising into the air, revealing his Five-Star Dou Zun power. With a casual motion, he tore open Space and swept away the entire explosion.

Instantly, the Sky cleared again, as if nothing had ever happened.

At this point, Tang Zhen didn't even bother to look at the Second Elder—his gaze, wary and tense, fixed on Xiao Yan, grievously wounded and barely standing.

This guy truly possesses the Three Infernal Flames—and even this terrifying fused Infernal Flame Combat Technique!

"Second Elder, I trust you have no objections to the outcome." Tang Zhen glanced at the Second Elder, who stood as if dazed.

I told you all before this: borrowing ten years was an investment; after ten years, he would repay you more. Now do you believe me?

The Second Elder shook his head, his expression grim—he hadn't just failed to defeat Xiao Yan in ten strikes, he'd been defeated by Xiao Yan in ten strikes!

Although part of this was due to his carelessness, not using his full strength from the start, there's no denying that this Fire Lotus will inflict serious injury upon him!

Of course, in a true life-or-death battle, Xiao Yan could not defeat a Nine Star Peak Dou Zong—but he still has hidden cards! The Second Elder might actually perish!

"Xiao Yan, you have conquered everyone with your strength. The Nine Dragon Thunder Storm Fire—I, the Burning Flame Valley, lend it to you for ten years!"

At this moment, Xiao Yan also smiled—he could finally use the Zong Shi Pill to break through to Dou Zong with the New Different Flame!

The next day

(End of Chapter)