Chapter 574: King of Zhong Zhou

The Grand Elder Yao Ce cried out in shock: "A contracted spiritual beast!"

"You've tamed the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake!"

Hiss! The main head of the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake flicked its tongue; though displeased, it made no protest—contracting and taming were essentially the same thing.

Such a terrifying battle erupting in the Huang Quan Shan Mai could not go unnoticed; many wandering cultivators who had come to Shou Yu seeking opportunities sensed the disturbance and rushed over to watch.

"This—this—is the Snake Empire of the Yan Alliance!"

"It's Mei Du Sha! Is she attacking the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan?!"

One wandering cultivator who had once seen Mei Du Sha could hardly believe his eyes; after all, in others' minds, the Yan Alliance still had some distance from the Two Sects, let alone the far stronger Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan.

Isn't this suicide?!

Xiao Yan, who had been "babysitting" nearby, slowly lifted his head and carefully studied the distant Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake, silently nodding in satisfaction with his "creation."

"Although the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake's bloodline power is still incomplete, it should be no problem to stand against that One-Star Dou Sheng Late-Stage Grand Elder," Xiao Yan nodded, then unleashed his Heavenly Rank Mid-Stage Soul Force, sweeping across the entire Huang Quan Shan Mai and piercing through the mountains into the Di Xia Shi Jie.

Within Xiao Yan's Soul Force Perception, he clearly saw the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan's population already locked in battle with Yue Mei and the other Snake Empire snake people, as well as the strong ones from the Tian She Fu.

The snake people left behind in the underground world were not particularly strong; the true powerhouses—the Ming She Guard and the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan Elders—were all here, so the war had become deadlocked.

While Yao Xiao Tian had also left the underground world, Xiao Yan extended his Soul Force Perception to its utmost extreme, nearly covering the entire underground realm, all the way to the deepest reaches of the Ming She Earth Vein, where intense yin winds swirled—no ordinary Soul Force Perception, let alone a regular Dou Zun without special methods, could survive these yin winds.

"Hm? Is this the legendary Jiu You Huang Quan?" Xiao Yan's lips curled slightly; ordinary Soul Force could not pierce these yin winds, but he had cultivated the Di Hun Jue.

Even though he had only mastered the upper scroll, it had granted him a degree of indestructibility; these ordinary yin winds could corrode souls, but they were useless against him.

His Soul Force condensed into a Spiritual Soul Blade, slicing through the yin winds in one stroke; Xiao Yan's Soul Force, now a transparent ripple, slipped inside and soon saw a yellow deep pool within.

Instantly, a powerful cold force emerged—the chilling aura capable of freezing a person's Dou Qi and Spiritual Soul—spread from the yellow pool.

The lake was enormous; its waters were deep yellow, yet within that deep yellow, threads of blood-red hue seemed to flow. Thin streams of pale yellow mixed with faint blood-colored vapors continuously seeped out, rising into the sky, howling into the special yin winds.

"No wonder it's the top-tier body-refining ground—this Jiu You Huang Quan is no weaker than the Void Thunder Pool."

Feeling the cold aura emitted by the Jiu You Huang Quan, Xiao Yan frowned; this peculiar coldness could transmit through his Soul Force to his physical body, and in an instant, frost formed on his eyebrows and hair.

"Whoa, Dad, are you cold?" Xiao Xiao's concerned voice came.

Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes, smiled faintly, and with a whoosh, Bone Spirit Cold Fire surged from his Nai Ling, clearing away the Jiu You Huang Quan's chill.

The cold aura radiating from the Jiu You Huang Quan's surface was this powerful—Soul Force could not possibly enter it, so Xiao Yan ceased his probing.

"Yes, Xiao Xiao, let Dad hug you!" Xiao Yan swept Xiao Xiao into his arms, revealing a father's smile.

Hiss! Xiao Cai instantly knocked down a foolish Giant Beast, then coiled around Xiao Yan—but its icy scales brought no warmth; instead, they made him feel even colder.

"Hahaha."

While Xiao Yan played and joked with his child, the other side was entirely different.

The appearance of the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake was bound to shake the entire Shou Yu!

Regardless of who won this battle, the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan's dominance over Zhong Zhou's Snake Race would be utterly shattered, for the reason the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan ruled Zhong Zhou's Snake Race was simply because they were strong.

The Ancient Heavenly Snake Bloodline merely added legitimacy—it was primarily because the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan's Clan Leader, Yao Ming, was a Dou Saint, and the Grand Elder Yao Ce and Yao Ming's younger brother Yao Xiao Tian were both Half-Saints; otherwise, how could the entire Zhong Zhou Snake Race have been ruled by the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan?

Now, the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake has reappeared in the world, at Nine Rank strength, and Qing Lin possesses the Qi San Hua Tong. Mei Du Sha is the Seven-Colored Devouring Sky Serpent; after meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree and absorbing some life energy, her cultivation has risen to match Xiao Yixian's, reaching Sixth Turn Dou Zun.

Now, in terms of legitimate bloodline, they have the Seven-Colored Devouring Sky Serpent lineage; in terms of strength, they have the Nine-Rank Ancient Heavenly Snake—completely incomparable to the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan.

Many onlookers understood: the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan is finished. Even if they win this battle, all snake tribes in Shou Yu will be absorbed by the Snake Empire and the Tian She Fu, submitting to Mei Du Sha.

Combined with their inherently weak bloodline power, within a century, Yao Xiao Tian's status as Snake Race Emperor will be replaced by Cai Lin!

Some vassal snake tribe leaders who had rushed from afar to support the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan could not help but flash a flicker of strange expression in their eyes.

"Clan Leader, aren't we going to help Yao Xiao Tian?"

"No, wait a while—perhaps the ruler of Zhong Zhou's Snake Race is about to change. We must choose our side carefully; one misstep could mean annihilation."

Not just one thought this way; all the snake tribe leaders residing in Shou Yu who had received the Jiu You Huang Quan Snake Clan's summons and came to "aid the king" halted their steps, watching from afar.

Watch the snakes fight from across the mountain!

The victor becomes king!

Sensing that the vassal tribe leaders had stopped far away, Yao Xiao Tian was seething with rage!

"Damn! Damn it all! I'll exterminate every one of these tribes later!" Yao Xiao Tian gritted his teeth, his face darkening as he glared fiercely at Qing Lin—he had no doubt this was due to the Qi San Hua Tong.

"All Elders, heed my command! Form the Ten Thousand Snake Array and kill everyone here!"

Hearing Yao Xiao Tian's roar, the many Elders in the sky hardened their gazes, then solemnly replied, "Yes!" Instantly, the sound of tearing wind rose as these powerful Elders scattered across the sky, forming a strange array.

Seeing the Elders move, Qing Lin formed a hand seal, then opened the Qi San Hua Tong space; powerful Sea Giant Pythons emerged one after another.

Among them, two Sea Giant Pythons were the strongest: the sapphire-blue Chi Snake Demon Sovereign and the black Ancient Heavenly Demon Snake.

"Chi Snake Demon Sovereign and Ancient Heavenly Demon Snake!"

"My god, the Qi San Hua Tong can even control these two? Their strength must have reached Five Revolving Dou Zun!"

"What a terrifying Qi San Hua Tong."

Seeing this massive snake army suddenly appear, even Yao Xiao Tian and Yao Ce, both Dou Saints, grew grim; especially after Xiao Yan and Qing Lin captured the Dragon Palace City, Qing Lin's snake army had grown even larger.

"We can't let the Qi San Hua Tong grow stronger—if she reaches Half-Saint, we'll all be controlled!" Yao Xiao Tian's heart sank, and he exchanged a glance with Grand Elder Yao Ce.

Without a word, they both nodded simultaneously—and in an instant, they struck together.

"Die!"

Sensing the terrifying power of the Qi San Hua Tong, Yao Xiao Tian and the Grand Elder's expressions turned icy; they both lunged forward at the same moment, flashing into view before the Sokong Boat.

Instantly, Heavenly Energy surged violently; terrifying gales erupted as two Heavenly Rank Dou Techniques struck simultaneously, slamming toward Qing Lin—they clearly intended to eliminate her with lightning speed, for only then could the Qi San Hua Tong be broken.

Two Dou Saints striking together—such a spectacle truly shook heaven and earth!

Two Dou Saint experts unleashing Heavenly Rank Dou Techniques triggered a celestial catastrophe; the entire Huang Quan Shan Mai began to tremble!

Seeing them strike together, Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, but he held back from acting—he was the hidden reserve, as more and more powerful figures from Shou Yu were arriving.

One was One-Star Dou Sheng Mid-Stage, the other One-Star Dou Sheng Late-Stage; together, their power was utterly terrifying—if underestimated, it would bring certain death.

Hisss!! The Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake blocked the Heavenly Rank Dou Techniques, then unleashed its power—its nine heads lashed like wild serpents, attacking Yao Xiao Tian and Yao Ce from all directions.

"Your Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake is only at One-Star Dou Sheng Mid-Stage! Withered Leaf Palm!" Yao Xiao Tian unleashed all his power, slamming forth a Heavenly Rank palm strike—stronger even than Yellow Spring Finger—a terrifying energy palm imprint slammed down, blocking the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake.

"Hmph, what does it matter if the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake is strong? You're merely a Dou Zun!" Yao Xiao Tian appeared instantly before Qing Lin, his giant hand reaching for her.

Qing Lin's expression hardened; she activated her Qi San Hua Tong and formed a hand seal: "Qi San Hua Illusion!"

"Qi San Hua Tong isn't invincible!" Yao Xiao Tian bit his tongue and spat out a drop of Dou Saint essence blood; the essence emitted a red glow, directly blocking the green radiance of Qi San Hua Tong.

"Die!" Yao Xiao Tian's face twisted with malice—if he could neutralize Qi San Hua Tong, Mei Du Sha, a Sixth Turn Dou Zun, would be no threat at all.

Yet he completely ignored the white-robed woman standing quietly to the side, cradling a small white beast.

At this critical moment, the white beast in Xiao Yixian's arms suddenly opened its eyes, appearing instantly before Yao Xiao Tian—as if to throw itself between the attack and protect Qing Lin.

"Get lost!"

Qiuqiu! Tuan Tuan snapped open its eyes, sucked in a massive breath of heavenly and earthly energy, swelling up. Thud! Yao Xiao Tian's claw slammed into Tuan Tuan's body.

Instantly, a violent rebound force struck him; Yao Xiao Tian's face shifted from malice to shock.

Dou Saint!!

Boom! The violent rebound blasted Yao Xiao Tian backward—he staggered three steps. Though Tuan Tuan was flung away, it quickly flew back, seemingly unharmed.

"Misfortune Demonic Poison Claw!"

Before Yao Xiao Tian could even recover from his shock, Xiao Yixian's Eternal Calamity Poison body erupted—her white-haired form unleashed a Heavenly Rank Dou Technique, fingers curled into a claw, condensing lethal Eternal Calamity Poison, and slashed at the recoiling Yao Xiao Tian.

Sensing the lethal poison in this claw, even Yao Xiao Tian, who possessed inherent poison resistance, dared not meet it head-on.

"Ghost Poison Evil Claw!"

Yao Xiao Tian's Cultivation Realm far surpassed Xiao Yixian's; their two poison claws clashed, and Xiao Yixian's Misfortune Demonic Poison Claw shattered—but it weakened Yao Xiao Tian's attack. As the three poison claws surged forward, the white beast reappeared.

Qiu!! Tuan Tuan opened its mouth and spat out an Energy Storm. Though it didn't know how to cast Dou Techniques and was only newly entered into Dou Saint, two-on-one still allowed it to barely hold its ground.

"So strong! What kind of Magical Beast is that?" Eventually, after seeing Tuan Tuan block yet another of Yao Xiao Tian's world-shattering attacks, everyone realized—the adorable white beast was also a Nine-Rank Magical Beast!

"Strange… but why can't I sense any Magical Beast aura?"

"Same here. Logically, a Nine-Rank Magical Beast should have an immensely powerful Bloodline—how could it have zero Magical Beast aura?"

For a moment, several Old Generation experts exchanged glances, their eyes flickering with a terrifying thought.

Boom! The earth trembled; cracks split open across the Huang Quan Shan Mai. With thunderous roars, the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake's massive body ravaged the heavens and earth—Elder Yao Ce was suddenly overpowered by the weaker Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake!

Had this not been the vast Huang Quan Shan Mai, the mountains would have already sunk and shattered under the clash of these Dou Saints.

"Yao Xiao Tian! What are you doing?!" Elder Yao Ce roared in fury—the Nine-Headed Heavenly Snake was a being even their ancient ancestor, the Ancient Heavenly Snake, feared. Even though his Cultivation Realm was slightly higher, he was still no match for it.

Hearing Yao Ce's urgent cry, Yao Xiao Tian knew that if Elder Yao Ce fell, he too would surely die.

A flicker of gravity passed through Yao Xiao Tian's eyes; his form blurred, and freezing cold energy erupted from his body in a torrent. His body swelled violently—within moments, he transformed into a black giant snake a thousand zhang long, its overwhelming demonic aura spreading like an evil god of heaven and earth.

"Flame Sealing Technique: Yellow Spring Great Seal!"

As Yao Xiao Tian spoke, the Jiu You Huang Quan deep beneath the Di Xia Shi Jie erupted. Countless icy Yellow Spring Waters surged upward like waterfalls. Under his control, combined with his own torrential Dou Qi, these icy forces coalesced into a massive black seal shaped like a towering mountain, its surface covered in countless strange Spiritual Energy Sealing Array Runes.

"Heavenly Rank Intermediate Dou Technique?!" Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed—he hadn't expected Yao Xiao Tian, a One-Star Dou Sheng, to harness the power of Jiu You Huang Quan to unleash a Heavenly Rank Intermediate Dou Technique!

As Yao Xiao Tian drained vast quantities of Yellow Spring Water, the once-frothing icy waters thinned. Suddenly—zing! —a pair of eyes opened at the bottom of the spring. Someone—or something—was beneath the Jiu You Huang Quan!

As vast amounts of Yellow Spring Water were siphoned away, Xiao Yan's expression changed. His Heavenly Eye pierced through the earth, gazing toward Jiu You Huang Quan, murmuring: "The Jiu You Di Ming Snake Clan truly has another trick up its sleeve."

Today I'm busy, so I could only finish two chapters.

(End of Chapter)