Chapter 414

Xiao Yan's eyes sharpened; this sudden turn of events caught him completely off guard.

He violently pulled with his Soul Force, forcibly retracting the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's Bone Wings back into his body—he had never expected that suppressing Feng Qing'er'er's bloodline with his Soul Force would trigger a faint resonance between the Bone Wings' Heavenly Demon Phoenix essence and her own bloodline.

Xiao Yan's Bone Wings weren't just made from that Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's wings; he had also infused them with refined essence blood, which is why they possessed such terrifying wind-and-thunder power.

He hadn't anticipated that these few drops of essence blood would cause this anomaly.

"You—you not only refined my clan's Bone Wings, but even used the Ancient Phoenix essence blood!" Feng Qing'er'er stared at Xiao Yan in shock.

Quickly, Feng Qing'er'er's gaze shifted from shock to triumph; after recovering some of her injuries, she slowly rose to her feet, now looking at Xiao Yan with a smug smile, as if she had caught him in a fatal mistake.

She had returned to her former arrogance and pride.

Feng Qing'er'er swept her hand, clearing away the dust; Xiao Yan lightly brushed his robe and said coolly: "What Bone Wings, what Ancient Phoenix essence blood? Don't lose and then make excuses—just admit you can't handle it."

"Hand over the items!" Feng Qing'er'er fixed her burning gaze on Xiao Yan; her cold laugh was not hidden at all, echoing openly across the Guang Chang: "You have astonishing audacity—stealing the Thundering Wind Pavilion's Three Thousand Thunder Bolts is one thing, but how dare you even lay hands on my Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's property?"

The sudden shift in the scene left many in the Guang Chang stunned; countless eyes turned toward the center.

Feng Qing'er'er had clearly been unable to withstand Xiao Yan's Heavenly Rank Dou Technique; everyone was still reeling from Xiao Yan's power when they heard the severely wounded Feng Qing'er'er accuse him.

"What's going on? Isn't the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan just a beast? Isn't refining beast bones and essence blood perfectly normal?" A cultivator who didn't understand asked curiously.

"Shh! Lower your voice!" Someone quickly clamped a hand over the nearby person's mouth, then whispered: "Normally, yes—beasts eat humans, humans kill beasts. Cultivators take their essence blood, strange bones, Magic Cores—all part of the Heavenly Dao Reincarnation, the law of survival."

"But the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan considers itself a supreme clan among beasts, noble and exalted. If any of their clan members' corpses are found outside, they must be surrendered—no one may refine their SpiritFlesh, or face the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's pursuit!"

"Tsk. What nobility? They're just beasts. Even the Grand Void Ancient Dragon Clan isn't this tyrannical."

"Ah, it's only because the Grand Void Ancient Dragon Clan has vanished that the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan dares act this way. When the Grand Void Ancient Dragon Clan still existed, they never had such rules. It's just monkeys ruling the mountain while the tiger's away."

Lei Zunzhe and others on the seats were momentarily stunned; Lei Zunzhe's eyes narrowed—he thought of many things in an instant—but whether Feng Qing'er'er's claim was true or false, if it could turn the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan against the Yan Alliance, it would be a definite advantage for the Thundering Wind Pavilion!

After all, Xiao Yan's power was terrifying—a Dou Zong who wielded a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique and five Heavenly Flames, plus that mysterious Cultivation Method; any one of these alone kept Lei Zunzhe awake at night.

With a single step, Lei Zunzhe appeared directly in the arena; then space twisted, and the youthful Heavenly Flame Zunzhe emerged from the void, standing beside Xiao Yan.

Lei Zunzhe narrowed his eyes and asked sternly: "Qing'er, what's going on?"

Due to the Five Flames' Five-Cycle Flame Method, the arena's energy and space had been chaotic, even with Space Turbulence appearing—no Dou Zun's perception could detect what had transpired inside.

Feng Qing'er'er bit her Red Lips lightly, her gaze still locked on Xiao Yan; after a moment, she sneered: "I saw clearly earlier—you refined a Flying Dou Technique using my clan's Bone Wings, and those Bone Wings still contained Ancient Phoenix essence blood! Our clan's Ancient Phoenix essence blood is a supreme treasure; only Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan members who reach Eight Rank possess a trace of it."

"Our Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's law forbids any clan member's corpse or essence blood from falling into outsiders' hands. This Ancient Phoenix essence blood must be refined from our clan members' Demon Phoenix bloodline—this act violates our clan's greatest taboo. If this reaches our clan, the Execution Squad will come—and your Yan Alliance will be drowned in corpses!"

Hearing Feng Qing'er'er speak this way, Xiao Yan's eyes flickered with a barely perceptible flash of murderous intent.

Heavenly Flame Zunzhe beside him sneered coldly: "It's just a match. If the Thundering Wind Pavilion can't accept defeat, just admit it. So many witnesses—and yet you drag your family into it, using power to bully. Is this the way of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan?"

Heavenly Flame Zunzhe's words sparked heated debate; many spectators shook their heads at Feng Qing'er'er. A fine battle, lost—and now she accuses the opponent of violating her clan's rules, even threatening to crush him with her clan's might.

This behavior naturally drew widespread displeasure.

Feng Qing'er'er clenched her silver teeth and said coldly: "Fine! If you think I'm making false accusations, then let me perform a search technique—I'll prove whether you refined my clan's Ancient Phoenix essence blood!"

Instantly, all eyes turned to Xiao Yan—even Heavenly Flame Zunzhe looked at him, awaiting his command.

Heavenly Flame Zunzhe and the others knew well: Xiao Yan indeed possessed a pair of ruthless Bone Wings, whose wind-and-thunder power had elevated his speed by a full tier.

Zi Yan had even secretly activated her Bloodline Power—Xiao Yan had truly refined the Ancient Phoenix essence blood; Feng Qing'er'er had not lied.

"Sigh." Xiao Yan sighed, looking at Feng Qing'er'er.

Unfortunately, Xiao Yan didn't know Zi Yan's exact status within the Grand Void Ancient Dragon Clan—if he did, he could have simply invoked her name.

But even without Zi Yan, he, Xiao Yan, was no fish on a chopping block.

"So, you finally admit it?" Feng Qing'er'er's lips curled upward, smug and certain—completely unaware of the icy coldness deep in Xiao Yan's eyes.

"Feng Qing'er'er, Feng Qing'er'er—have my repeated mercies given you the illusion that I won't kill you? Do you think I'm taken by your appearance, or that this tiny Thundering Wind Pavilion or your Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan status frightens me?"

A bone-chilling cold suddenly radiated from Xiao Yan's body; though his body contained ten Heavenly Flames and he cultivated the Heavenly Rank Intermediate Burning Scripture, his words carried a soul-piercing killing intent so icy it froze the marrow.

Even Lei Zunzhe beside him shrank his pupils in shock!

"Today, I'll grind you to dust and scatter your bones—let's see who dares save you! Yao Lao, stop that old man!" Xiao Yan's eyes locked coldly on Feng Qing'er'er.

This repeated provocation had utterly shattered the Yan Zun's limits!

At first, he had indeed feared the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, so he hadn't killed her outright—he'd deliberately given her three seconds to activate the Demon Phoenix Bell, and even held back his strength.

Otherwise, with Xiao Yan's power, he had dozens of ways to obliterate Feng Qing'er'er instantly.

But when Feng Qing'er'er threatened to drown the Yan Alliance in corpses, she had crossed Xiao Yan's ultimate line.

The Yan Alliance included Xiao Clan members, Cai Lin, and her unborn child—people he cared for. Feng Qing'er'er had struck his deepest taboo.

"Naturally no problem. I'd like to see what progress these little brats on the Dou Qi Continent have made during my absence." Heavenly Flame Zunzhe stepped forward, blocking Lei Zunzhe's path; with a sweep of his sleeve, a Space Lock sealed off Xiao Yan and Feng Qing'er'er.

"Three-Star Peak Dou Zun!!!" Lei Zunzhe's pupils widened in shock; as Heavenly Flame Zunzhe revealed his true power, his Three-Star Peak Dou Zun cultivation erupted—and he casually severed space.

At that moment, Jian Zunzhe and Huangquan Zunzhe nearby turned pale; just moments ago he was a One Star Dou Zun—how had he suddenly become a Three-Star Peak Dou Zun?!

"Little Lei, there are far more things in this world than you can imagine. Do you truly believe allying with the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan makes you invincible?" Heavenly Flame Zunzhe opened his palm; the Fire of Creation appeared in his hand. Though equally a Three-Star Peak Dou Zun, his control over space and his Dou Techniques far surpassed Lei Zunzhe's.

Hearing Lei Zunzhe's words, Feng Qing'er'er suddenly realized something—her proud expression instantly turned pale and terrified; she pointed at Xiao Yan and shrieked: "You!! You're an Eight-Pill Alchemist!!!"

!!!

Feng Qing'er'er's voice rang out sharply; every person in the arena turned to Xiao Yan. The five words "Eight-Pill Alchemist" struck like Pill Lightning, exploding in every mind!

No wonder Heavenly Flame Zunzhe had regained his Three-Star Peak Dou Zun power! No wonder Xiao Yan could master a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique! No wonder even a Dou Zun was fit only to stand beside him!

Xiao Yan was an Eight-Pill Alchemist!!

In that instant, Huangquan Zunzhe remembered: not long ago, a report had come in that someone in Feng Lei Cheng's Huangquan Treasures Pavilion had purchased several rare Eight-Pill Medicinal Herbs—all main ingredients for the Fuling Green Pill. At the time, Huangquan Zunzhe had sighed, wishing he could know an Eight-Pill Alchemist—perhaps then his cultivation could surpass Jian Zunzhe, even Lei Zunzhe.

Now, that Eight-Pill Alchemist stood right before him—and those main ingredients? They were almost certainly bought by the Yan Alliance!

Lei Zunzhe was utterly stunned; the Eight Rank Magic Cores had been sold by the Thundering Wind Pavilion themselves—exchanged for a single Seven-Grade High Elixir, and he'd been proud of the profit.

Now his heart bled with regret—this damn Fuling Green Pill was meant for Heavenly Flame Zunzhe!

Feng Qing'er'er guessing he was an Eight-Pill Alchemist wasn't surprising; though countless cultivators were trapped for life between Seventh Rank Peak and Eighth Rank, it was still just one step.

"I'd very much like to know—if I kill you, will your Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan truly dare storm the Dan Tower to arrest me?" Xiao Yan sneered; he understood these clans all too well.

In plain terms, they were bullies who preyed on the weak—terrorizing ordinary factions and weaker Dou Zun groups, yet cowering before the Grand Void Ancient Dragon Clan, the Gu Clan, the Soul Sovereign.

Xiao Yan is an eighth-rank Alchemist; his influence is terrifying. Even if the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan has a Sage Emperor, would they really diefight an eighth-rank Alchemist for Feng Qing'er'er?

From Feng Qing'er'er's expression, Xiao Yan already knew the answer: no.

Huh! Feng Qing'er'er unleashed all her Bloodline Power, ignoring her injuries entirely; her Seven-Colored Phoenix Wings flared violently, and beneath her feet she activated Three Thousand Thunder Steps—she fled!

Because she realized: Xiao Yan would truly kill her—and without hesitation! Lei Zunzhe could not save her!

Seeing Feng Qing'er'er flee, Xiao Yan smiled. Compared to her, Nalan Yanran was more likable.

Seeing Feng Qing'er'er explode into top speed and flee at full throttle, Lei Zunzhe also exhaled in relief. If Feng Qing'er'er were truly killed by Xiao Yan, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, unable to touch Xiao Yan, would take out their rage on his Wind and Thunder Pavilion.

Thinking of this, Lei Zunzhe forced a grim smile and sent Soul Resonance: "Master Yan, Qing'er has realized her mistake. I apologize on her behalf. My Wind and Thunder Pavilion is willing to cede several Cities and Secret Realms as reparation—please spare her life."

Xiao Yan turned his head toward the humbled Lei Zunzhe and smiled. "Lei Zunzhe, do you think Feng Qing'er'er, with her Wind-Thunder Body and Three Thousand Thunder Steps, is invincible in speed—that I cannot catch her?"

!?

No sooner had Xiao Yan spoken than a tearing sound—two grotesque Bone Wings erupted behind him. No one would dare speak a word against Xiao Yan now. Even though his Bone Wings were so blatantly obvious, none would say a thing.

After all, they were not of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan; they could not know whether those Bone Wings belonged to them.

But the next second, everyone's expression changed—they had not expected Xiao Yan to be this blatant!

"Infernal Flame Dou Technique—Beast Soul Descent."

Jiu!! Suddenly, a blood-red Infernal Flame surged forth, engulfing the Bone Wings—and in that instant, the wings emitted a piercing cry.

Hu! With a single flap, endless flames erupted from the Bone Wings. At this moment, the Bone Wings behind Xiao Yan underwent a cataclysmic transformation: they were no longer mere Bone Wings, but Ancient Demon Phoenix Wings!

The fire-wings blotted out sky and sun, immense beyond measure. These Ancient Demon Phoenix Wings were more beautiful, more real, and far stronger than Feng Qing'er'er's.

The special ability of Ten Thousand Beast Flame could temporarily elevate a beast's Bloodline Power. Combined with Xiao Yan's Infernal Flame Dou Technique, this moment felt as if the true Ancient Phoenix had descended—as if the Ancient Phoenix had been reborn!

Even a fool knew now: Feng Qing'er'er had spoken the truth. Xiao Yan had truly refined the corpse of her clan member—and the so-called Ancient Phoenix Bloodline!

But whether it was true or false no longer mattered—no one would dare utter another word. Even Huangquan Zunzhe and Jian Zunzhe dared not speak.

No one wished to get entangled in this murky water!

Seeing the overwhelming power of Xiao Yan's Ancient Demon Phoenix Wings, Lei Zunzhe's face turned ashen. He moved to intercept Xiao Yan's pursuit—when Heavenly Flame Zunzhe sneered, activated the Five-Ring Departed Fire Law, and instantly trapped Lei Zunzhe within a ring of flame Array.

"Little Lei, stay here. You cannot reach Xiao Yan." Heavenly Flame Zunzhe stood proudly before Lei Zunzhe, giving him no chance to act.

Lei Zunzhe's face darkened. He could not let Feng Qing'er'er die in Xiao Yan's hands—that would destroy the Wind and Thunder Pavilion!

"All Elders, Pavilion Masters—stop Xiao Yan! Protect Qing'er!" Lei Zunzhe roared, thunder rolling in his voice.

The Pavilion Masters of the South, West, and North, along with the two Six-Star Dou Zongs who had guarded Feng Qing'er'er earlier, all flew toward Xiao Yan—none could let him pursue and kill Feng Qing'er'er!

Zeng! Heavenly Flame Zunzhe waved his hand, trapping the two Nine-Star Dou Zongs from the South and West Pavilions within a Space Lock. Had Zi Yan not locked onto Fei Tian, he, Zhao Heavenly Flame, would have taken on all four Pavilions—East, South, West, and North—alone today!

Let them see the might and fame of Heavenly Flame Zunzhe from days past!

Zi Yan grinned, purple light exploding as she punched toward Fei Tian. "Don't you dare interfere with Xiao Yan."

Simultaneously, emerald light surged skyward. Qing Lin fought two at once, her entire body blazing with green radiance; the glow of her Qi San Hua Tong left the two Six-Star Dou Zongs helpless—she momentarily overpowered them both.

Xiao Yan glanced at Huangquan Zunzhe and the other two nearby and asked with a smile: "Are you three going to block me?"

For a moment, all fell silent. Even Huangquan Zunzhe, who had transactions with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, remained silent. To offend an eighth-rank Alchemist? Only a fool would do that.

Of course, they did not know: if they moved, the woman in the white robe standing atop the Nine Heavens would act.

"Looks like no one will."

"You've run long enough. If you still escape now, you can only blame your own incompetence and arrogance—for inviting disaster." Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened; Soul Force Perception instantly locked onto Feng Qing'er'er in the distance.

Earlier, when Xiao Yan used Soul Force to suppress her, he had left a Asura Soul-Chasing Mark on her.

Hong! His Ancient Demon Phoenix Wings flared violently; a torrent of searing flame shot forth. Xiao Yan's speed now was so fast even the Nine-Star Dou Zong Pavilion Masters of the South and West could not comprehend it!

How could his speed be this fast?!

Gonglong! A series of sonic booms erupted. Xiao Yan's speed had reached that of an ordinary Dou Zun—so swift it startled even the fastest Wind Zunzhe.

Is this the speed of a Three-Star Dou Zong???

But this was not Xiao Yan's true top speed. If he fused the Three Infernal Flames—Ten Thousand Beast Flame, Wind Fury Dragon Flame, and Nine Dragon Thunder Flame—into Ten Thousand Beast Wind-Thunder Flame, his Bone Wings could gain the triune power of fire, wind, and thunder—and even regress toward the legendary Ancient Heaven Phoenix!

But Xiao Yan could only imagine it. The Bone Wings' material was limited; if he truly unleashed such power, the result would almost certainly be the Bone Wings melting under Ten Thousand Beast Wind-Thunder Flame.

"Found you."

Less than ten seconds later, Xiao Yan's unimaginably swift speed caught up to Feng Qing'er'er.

Sensing the Ancient Phoenix Bloodline drawing near, Feng Qing'er'er turned pale. When she looked back, a pair of immense Ancient Demon Phoenix Wings instantly overtook her.

Seeing Xiao Yan hovering before her, smirking, Feng Qing'er'er had no time for bravado or to mention the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan—she spun to flee from this demon.

Xiao Yan sneered, flicked his sleeve—and a jet-black Asura Hun Chain shot out, clattering as it pierced Space, instantly binding Feng Qing'er'er's wrists.

Hua! Soul Force erupted, hoisting her wrists into the air. In Feng Qing'er'er's terrified gaze, a massive hand reached out and seized her beautiful jade throat.

"Jiejiejie… caught you."

The Ninth Heaven

(End of Chapter)