Chapter 480: The Formidable Cai Lin

Cai Lin's slaughter was terrifying; she had always possessed a perfectly refined Three-Flame Serpent Body, with astonishing control over Infernal Flames, and now that she had acquired three Infernal Flames, her combat power had surged even further.

At this moment, under the activation of Cai Lin's Dou Qi, the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame finally erupted—a blood-red fire serpent spat torrents of flame, unleashing a vast Sea of Fire capable of evaporating oceans and scorching the sky.

The Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame poured forth, burning everything it flowed over; crackling sounds rang out as even the space of this Little World was burned through into a terrifying black hole!

As the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame flowed downward, the Ancient Black Worms could not withstand the might of the Infernal Flames—even a Dou Zun would be incinerated in an instant.

Even now, though the Ten Thousand Beasts Spiritual Flame was far away, everyone else felt as if their own bodies were burning.

The countless Ancient Black Worms were no match for Cai Lin!

The terrifying Infernal Flames seemed capable of burning through this world.

"Too terrifying."

"Is this the Mei Du Sha Queen of the Snake Empire?"

"Three Infernal Flames… she can control all three simultaneously!"

Such devastating destructive power made even Dou Zuns tremble, their faces pale as they said, "One Infernal Flame can destroy heaven and earth—yet she possesses three!"

"No wonder the Yan Alliance has been collecting Infernal Flames—we thought it was for Xiao Yan, but who knew the Mei Du Sha Queen had such ability!"

Sssss!!

Just as everyone was stunned by Cai Lin's astonishing combat power, a sudden insect screech rang out—the bones surrounding the Magic Core began to shatter, and three black-red King Worms opened their eyes, roaring at Cai Lin, the intruder, their power reaching Eight Rank.

Boom! Facing the combined assault of the three Eight-Rank Ancient King Worms, Cai Lin stepped forward, surrounded by endless colorful light, and suddenly flickering lightning arcs flashed around her body.

Amid the endless colorful light, Cai Lin's face was impossible to discern.

"This is!" The Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan elder's face changed as he saw the colorful light on Cai Lin and the primal Demonic Beast Bloodline Suppression emanating from within.

"Devouring Sky Serpent! She has evolved the Devouring Sky Serpent Bloodline! And this is the Royal Bloodline—the Seven-Colored Devouring Sky Serpent!"

The Devouring Sky Serpent and the Ancient Heavenly Snake are both descendants of the Divine Serpent Mother; in ancient times, both were the supreme bloodlines among the Snake Race. Just as the Royal Bloodline of the Void Ancient Dragons possessed Ancestral Dragon Power, the Royal Bloodlines of the Ancient Heavenly Snake and Devouring Sky Serpent likewise possessed the Serpent Mother's power.

Boom! Cai Lin lightly pointed her jade finger at the charging King Worms—a colored thunderbolt blasted forth. A thunderbolt as thick as a water barrel directly blasted one of the King Worms flying!

"This is Heavenly Thunder!! She can already command Heavenly Thunder!!" Seeing the Three-Colored Heavenly Thunder as thick as a water barrel, the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan Commander could not help but turn pale, exclaiming in shock.

The Devouring Sky Serpent is called "Devouring Sky" not only because it can swallow heaven and earth, but because it can control Heaven and Earth Power—as if swallowing the sky itself and claiming it as its own.

The colored Pill Lightning summoned by an Eight Grade Pill is one form of Heaven and Earth Power; ordinary Devouring Sky Serpent Clan members can only master the silver Pill Lightning summoned by the most basic Seven-Grade Pill—only the Royal Bloodline of the Seven-Colored Devouring Sky Serpent can command Seven-Colored Heavenly Thunder.

This is why Cai Lin, with her shallow cultivation, can only control Three-Colored Heavenly Thunder—if she could summon Seven-Colored Heavenly Thunder, even a Nine-Star Dou Zun would struggle to resist.

At this moment, Cai Lin commanded Infernal Flames and Heavenly Thunder, confronting the black worm tide, towering above like a deity or celestial immortal—before her, these terrifying Ancient Parasitic Worms were no more than ants or fleas!

A single glance, a single wave of her hand—masses of them died.

"The Mei Du Sha Queen is breaking through the worm tide!"

All eyes sharpened as a terrifying three-colored flame light suddenly erupted in the sky—the three Infernal Flames collided, generating monstrous Flame Waves; though not as powerful or perfect as Xiao Yan's Fire Lotus, the power generated by the Infernal Flames colliding was still astonishing!

Endless Flame Waves swept forward—even the three Ancient Black Worms could not withstand them, swallowed whole by the Sea of Fire.

Shhh! Cai Lin, her body sheathed in Three-Colored Heavenly Thunder, burst through the Sea of Fire and instantly arrived within the massive Magic Core, as large as a lake.

"Devour Heaven, Swallow Earth—Absorb!" Cai Lin's body transformed; from the endless colorful light emerged a colossal Sea Giant Python, which slammed and bit down—the bones of the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake shattered, the bones, hard enough to resist attacks from Dou Zong and even Dou Zun, were crushed beneath its jaws!

A tremendous suction force suddenly surged—the massive Nine-Stage Demon Core was swallowed whole by Cai Lin!

But taking the Magic Core was truly the moment of greatest peril. Instantly, the Ghost Snake Tribe and Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan Dou Zuns narrowed their eyes, tore through Space, and surrounded Cai Lin from all sides.

Cai Lin, returned to human form, coldly surveyed the surroundings.

Breaking through the worm tide to seize the Magic Core was not difficult—the difficulty lay in escaping unscathed.

The Precious Jade is innocent; it is the one who carries it that invites doom.

Cai Lin and Xiao Yan both understood this well—the Dou Zuns had not moved to seize the Magic Core only because they feared becoming the target of all.

After all, there was only one Nine-Stage Demon Core!

"Heavenly Snake Magic Core!" At this moment, the charging Dou Zuns could not help but grow envious—not only them, but every Dou Zun, even solitary cultivators, surged into the sky, surrounding her in an instant.

"Hmph!" Cai Lin let out a cold snort, stepped forward—and the might of Infernal Flames and Heavenly Thunder crashed forth like a tidal wave, stunning everyone!

Feeling Cai Lin's terrifying Spiritual Pressure, several Dou Zuns who had charged forward turned pale—but still unwilling to abandon the Nine-Stage Demon Core, they formed layer upon layer of distant circles around Cai Lin.

Even the Nine-Star Dou Zong leaders of various Sects fixed their gazes tightly on Cai Lin—who wouldn't want a Nine-Stage Demon Core? This artifact could surely enable them to break through to Dou Zun and become renowned across the Dou Qi Continent!

"The Nine-Stage Demon Core must contain Heavenly Snake Essence Blood!"

"Dou Saint Essence Blood at Nine-Stage—how priceless is that!"

Hearing this, many could not help but be moved; no matter which Sect or lineage, facing something of Dou Saint caliber, they all grew envious, drooled with desire, and lost their reason.

Now that the Magic Core was in Cai Lin's hands, terrifying Dou Zun Spiritual Pressure rolled like waves, causing every strong cultivator to draw a sharp breath—even Huangquan Zun and the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan Commander, whose cultivation surpassed Cai Lin's, dared not advance rashly.

At this moment, a Six-Star Dou Zun's aura emerged from Space—the Ghost Snake Tribe's Hunter Snake Eight Heads slowly appeared.

"Hand over the Magic Core," Snake Eight Heads said coldly, his eyes chilling as he stepped forward.

"This Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake was our ancestral deity; the Magic Core belongs to our Ghost Snake Clan," a Ghost Snake Clan elder growled, demanding the Magic Core from Cai Lin.

Qing! A snake sword appeared in Cai Lin's hand. Her eyes remained cold and calm—even facing Dou Zuns whose cultivation surpassed hers, her gaze remained icy and haughty.

Cai Lin was fundamentally different from Xiao Yan; she disliked empty words—say what you will, she simply wanted to cut off your head and see how far it would roll!

Qing! A sword's cry rang out—Cai Lin gripped the snake sword and slashed horizontally; Three-Colored Heavenly Thunder transformed into a sword slash, its thunderous blade sweeping forth and instantly blasting several opponents away, the might of thunder shaking heaven and earth!

Every strike was lethal—Demonic Beast combat techniques stemmed from their Bloodline Power.

At this moment, all Dou Zuns present were stunned—Cai Lin's casual strike matched the power of an Earth-Class High-Level Dou Technique, and with the support of three Infernal Flames, her Heavenly Flame Physique became even more terrifying, her internal blood qi surging like a rainbow!

Facing Cai Lin's casual Heavenly Thunder sword slash, the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan Commander's face changed—this bloodline concentration was stronger than even their Clan Leader's by several degrees!!

This was a true sovereign race of ancient bloodline!

The Yan Alliance already possessed the Qi San Hua Tong Holy Maiden Qing Lin, and now also possessed Cai Lin of the Seven-Colored Devouring Sky Serpent Bloodline—if the Yan Alliance continued to grow stronger, the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan would one day be supplanted by them!

At this moment, Commander Jiu Xia's eyes grew even more murderous—the Qi San Hua Tong was terrifying enough, now add a Seven-Colored Devouring Sky Serpent who commands three Infernal Flames!

To any Snake Race, this was a lifelong nemesis.

As long as the Yan Alliance remained, the Nine Underworld Earth Snake Clan would never know peace.

"Kill!!"

Nine Underworld Commander Jiu Xia and Snake Eight Heads roared in unison; two Snake Race demons, both at Six Star Dou Zun, surged forward together!

Both possessed the bloodline of the Ancient Heavenly Snake, their bloodline power fully manifested. In the instant they charged forward, the Dou Zun elders of other sects exchanged glances and also rushed in, determined to eliminate Mei Du Sha Queen first before dividing the spoils!

"Hmph!" Cai Lin sneered, standing tall despite being surrounded by over a dozen Dou Zun, her serpent sword releasing Lei Dian, her Strange Flames surging wildly in the wind!

The two strongest forces born of heaven and earth were fully under her control; in that moment, Cai Lin seemed to command heaven and earth—the Strange Flames and Heavenly Thunder!

Fire and thunder complemented each other, evolving into heaven's most furious destruction, mutually reinforcing, annihilating heaven and earth!

On the other side, Xiao Yan tightly gripped the Soul Token, channeling his Soul Force through it to construct a Soul Barrier, sealing the entire realm.

Though Xiao Yan's expression appeared calm, beneath his eyes lurked a flicker of heavenly wrath—like the stillness before a storm; had the Soul Token's material not been so resilient, it would have shattered under his grip.

Beside him, Qing Lin's face betrayed worry.

Yet not all were greedy for the Nine-Stage Demon Core; many free cultivators knew they were no match for Cai Lin and, sensing the magnitude of this battle, were already planning to flee.

The Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion was one such example.

"Venerable, I advise we leave. That Nine-Stage Demon Core is beyond our reach," Tang Ying said gravely.

"I recall that Strange Flame belongs to Xiao Yan. Now it's in Mei Du Sha Queen's hands—perhaps Xiao Yan is nearby, even using his Alchemist status to summon powerful allies."

Hearing Tang Ying's words, the Sword Venerable's gaze grew grave. Xiao Yan had not only won the Pill Gathering Championship—he had also learned Xiao Yan captured the Sect Master of Xuanming Sect, and his cultivation had already reached Dou Zun a year ago!

With such power and the title of Pill Gathering Champion, a single call from Xiao Yan in Dong Yu could draw countless Dou Zun to his side, even possibly attracting a Peak Dou Zun!

"Hmm, let's go. This place is no place to linger. Don't be too greedy."

In the Void Passage, Xiao Yan watched the Sword Venerable lead the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion disciples and a group of free cultivators away; his eyes suddenly flickered with unusual light.

Xiao Yan slowly released his grip on the Soul Token, relaxing his body, then shook his head. Qing Lin looked at him in confusion and asked, "Young Master Yan?"

"I've changed my mind."

"Let some escape—they can go." Xiao Yan tucked away the Soul Token; instantly, his Dou Qi surged wildly, his Soul Force locking onto every Dou Zun who had attacked Cai Lin. His voice, cold as the icy springs of Nine Underworld, declared: "If Nine Underworld Dìmíng Mǎng summons reinforcements, I'll kill them all—no matter how many come!"

Whoosh—a cluster of Black Flame erupted around Xiao Yan. One step forward, and he appeared before the Huangquan Venerable, who had been attempting to ambush him.

"Dog bastard, you seek death!"

Seeing Xiao Yan suddenly appear before him, the Huangquan Venerable's face paled—Xiao Yan's cultivation had already reached the late stage of Three-Star Dou Zun, equal to his own!

Xiao Yan's fist condensed a ball of Black Flame, tendons bulging on his arm, his Dragon Qi surging violently; he unleashed Ba Ji Beng with unstoppable force!

"Huangquan Yin Yang!" After a brief shock, the Huangquan Venerable's face twisted with ferocity; he unleashed his strongest Earth-Class High-Level Dou Technique to meet Xiao Yan's Ba Ji Beng.

Fist met palm—BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The devouring force of Swallowing Flame erupted, devouring all of the Huangquan Venerable's Dou Qi; then eight layers of hidden force exploded, a surge of Dragon Qi piercing straight into his body, raging wildly within!

Puff!! The Huangquan Venerable spat a mouthful of blood, his entire arm exploding. He stared at Xiao Yan in utter terror—same cultivation level, yet in a single exchange, he was grievously wounded, his arm shattered!

"No good! This kid is terrifying!" The Huangquan Venerable turned and fled, daring not to face Xiao Yan again.

But the Huangquan Venerable overestimated himself. As he tore open space to escape, Black Flame materialized out of thin air; a dark shadow slashed from within it—a flash of black light, and the Huangquan Venerable's eyes bulged as his head was cleanly severed by Ancient Phoenix Wings. Mao Wu snatched up the corpse and sealed it within the Void Space, awaiting Xiao Yan's retrieval of its Spiritual Soul.

Behind Xiao Yan, the Ancient Phoenix Wings radiated Heavenly Rank power, still stained with blood. Xiao Yan's gaze dropped downward, where Wang Chen—the man who had once fought Nalan Yanran—now trembled with fear, legs weak.

He had slain the Huangquan Venerable in a single blow!

Xiao Yan's gaze hardened; his Heavenly Realm Soul Force crushed down. Merely by looking, he shattered the Spiritual Souls of every Huangquan Pavilion disciple. Wang Chen, once famed across the West Domain, perished instantly.

Sensing Xiao Yan's presence behind her, Cai Lin's lips curled into a faint smile. "You shouldn't have come out."

"Hmph. If I could endure so many attacking my wife, I wouldn't be a man." Xiao Yan sneered—he was the head of this household!

"Xiao Yan! Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance!"

"Impossible! He killed the Huangquan Venerable in one blow?!"

In an instant, the entire battlefield fell silent; all stared in terror at the black-robed man standing behind Mei Du Sha Queen!

Who didn't know the name Xiao Yan of the Yan Alliance?

Xiao Yan looked down at the disciples of the minor sects and said gravely: "I'll give you a chance. Leave behind everything you've taken here, and I'll let you go."

Those below who had not attacked Cai Lin—Dou Zong and Dou Huang cultivators—could be shown mercy. But this ruin had been discovered first by Qing Lin; Xiao Yan had no intention of sharing its treasures.

Hearing Xiao Yan's threat, the sect leaders below turned pale—they had just acquired many valuable items; forcing them to surrender them was like cutting out their flesh.

Who would give up meat already in their mouths?

"Hmph, Xiao Yan, you're only two! We have over a dozen Dou Zun!"

"Exactly! Why should your Yan Alliance monopolize it?!"

Xiao Yan looked coldly at the protesting Dou Zong and Dou Huang cultivators and smiled bitterly: "Because I'm the strongest."

In the cultivation world, strength determines supremacy—this was the truth!

"Moreover, I discovered this ruin first. It's only fair the treasures belong to me." Xiao Yan smiled, eyes half-lidded, showing no anger.

Beside him, Cai Lin was speechless—whoever finds it owns it? You're dreaming.

"Heavenly treasures belong to all who see them! What right does a Three-Star Dou Zun have to monopolize them?" A free cultivator Dou Zun, dissatisfied, spoke up.

Snake Eight Heads and Jiu Xia stood side by side, as if fighting shoulder to shoulder, and said gravely: "Hand over the Magic Core. We'll give you a share of the essence."

"Otherwise, you're declaring war on all Snake Race."

The Strange Snake Clan and Nine Underworld Dìmíng Mǎng both descended from the Ancient Heavenly Snake, so they shared a tenuous bloodline—but Swallowing Flame was not of that lineage. If forced to choose, they would unquestionably side with Nine Underworld Dìmíng Mǎng.

"Hand over the Magic Core, and we'll give you a share of the essence. Otherwise, you'll die without even a grave to bury you! Defying the entire Snake Race—your Yan Alliance won't survive!" Commander Jiu Xia added coldly.

"Is that so? Then it seems the Snake Race needs a new master." As Xiao Yan spoke, a sudden green light shone down from the Void.

"Qi San Hua Tong!"

Qing Lin waited for the Snake Race Dou Zun to be distracted by Xiao Yan—then, in that instant, the glow of Qi San Hua Tong struck.

"Retreat!"

Faced with the world's most extraordinary eye technique, even Jiu Xia and Snake Eight Heads, Six Star Dou Zun as they were, dared not touch it—they hastily retreated.

"Ah! Commander!"

"Commander, save me!"

Two eighth-rank Nine Underworld Earth Viper experts had no time to flee before the green light struck them; within mere seconds, their eyes lost focus, and three emerald flowers appeared deep within their pupils.

Qing Lin gestured, and the two men obeyed like puppets, standing before Xiao Yan to guard him.

"Old Liang! Ah Feng!" No matter how the other Nine Underworld Earth Viper elders shouted, neither responded—not even their Spiritual Souls could be reached by the two controlled Nine Underworld Earth Vipers.

Their Spiritual Souls seemed wrapped in something, completely sealed off.

Witnessing this, every Ghost Snake Tribe Dou Zun present turned pale with terror; the Qi San Hua Tong was infinitely more terrifying than they had imagined!

This was a power capable of overturning the entire Snake Race's fate on the Dou Qi Continent!

Qing Lin arrived beside Xiao Yan; her face was slightly pale, clearly showing that directly controlling two eighth-rank Snake Race warriors had drained her greatly.

"Qing Lin, don't use the Qi San Hua Tong's power just yet," Xiao Yan said, slightly startled, warning her.

"I understand, Young Master. Don't worry—I'll recover soon." Qing Lin could barely stand; she was also eager for the Nine Headed Heavenly Snake Soul to appear.

(End of Chapter)