Within the sky's blazing curtain, five-colored flames surged like endless tidal waves, one after another crashing toward Protector Jiu.
On the plaza below, Yun Yun rose to her feet with Nalan Yanran's support. Her fair face was paler than ever, her gaze lifting skyward with a glimmer of desperate hope.
The elders of the Yunlan Sect stood close, sorrow etched deeply across their faces. Yun Leng, his right arm long severed, spoke hoarsely, "Sect Master, what should we do now?"
Yun Yun wiped the blood from her lips, her voice firm. "Prepare the Cloud Mist Sun-Shrouding Formation. Assist Master Liu's senior in completely killing that Protector. No matter the cost, we must reclaim Teacher's soul!"
"Yes!"
The elders shouted in unison, their cries rumbling through the square like thunder.
Within the Five Ring Flame Expelling Formation, the black aura from Protector Jiu's body seeped out like poison, clashing violently with the five-colored flames until both energies gnawed at each other, nullifying the other's strength.
"You think you can refine me? Dream on!"
His crimson eyes burned with fury as a hoarse roar burst from his throat. The black mist erupting from his body swelled explosively, condensing into a massive, three-meter-long jet-black spear. Strange runes glimmered along its shaft—eerily similar to those carved into his chains.
"Purgatory Soul-Devouring Spear!"
Protector Jiu flipped his grip, pulled his arm back to the limit, and hurled the spear. Like an arrow loosed from its bow, it screamed through the sky, piercing straight toward the fiery heavens.
A wave of eerie black energy followed in its wake, and a shrill, wailing cry—like a thousand tortured souls—echoed across the battlefield.
The sound waves rippled outward, dulling even the radiant fire curtain. Outside the formation, Yao Tianhuo's soul form flickered slightly, while Liu Xi grimaced in pain, clutching his head as a piercing ache stabbed through his mind.
The attack caused little damage, but the agony it brought was unbearable.
'If a mere Dou Zong could shatter my Five Ring Flame Expelling Formation, then where would my face as the Flame Sovereign be left?' Yao Tianhuo sneered inwardly.
Unfazed, he chuckled aloud. "Little friend, I'll need another dose of Soul Nurturing Saliva. Prepare it for me, and watch as I refine him completely."
Liu Xi rubbed his temple, nodding without hesitation. "Don't worry, Elder Yao, I'll prepare it. Let's finish this first!"
He sighed inwardly. 'If only I possessed a Spirit Realm soul now… this wouldn't be nearly so troublesome.'
Yao Tianhuo's hands flashed through intricate seals, and his powerful Spiritual Power surged into the fire curtain above. In an instant, the blazing barrier thickened, and its heat grew suffocating.
Before the spear could strike, a colossal flame beast surged forth from within the curtain. Its enormous body was wreathed in five-colored fire, exuding an oppressive and tyrannical aura.
The black spear struck true, driving half a meter deep into the beast's flaming chest before halting. A chilling black vapor exploded outward.
"Roar!"
The beast bellowed, rolling violently in the air. Five-colored flames and black mist devoured one another, bursting apart in destructive harmony. Energy ripples tore through the air, twisting the very space around them.
After a long, thunderous moment, both the black spear and the flame beast disintegrated into nothingness. Yao Tianhuo steadied his hand seals, and the blazing curtain regained stability once more.
"What!?" Protector Jiu's expression faltered, eyes flashing between fury and disbelief. The curtain still stood unbroken. When his dark energy ran dry, he would have no strength left to resist.
"Liu Xi! You've brought this upon yourselves! Today, I'll use your souls to repay all I've lost!"
His blood-red eyes gleamed with madness. Reaching into his robe, he pulled forth a sphere of black fog pulsing with violent Spiritual Power.
Protector Jiu hesitated for only a heartbeat before pressing his fingers together. The mist swelled and contracted rapidly before spitting out a faint, humanoid soul form—Yun Shan.
Unconscious and frail, his figure hung suspended in the air. Protector Jiu sneered coldly, spitting out another wave of dark mist that swallowed the soul whole.
Under countless horrified gazes, Protector Jiu opened his mouth wide, unleashing a monstrous suction force. The black mist—along with Yun Shan's soul—was pulled straight into his maw.
As he devoured it, his aura skyrocketed. The black mist shrouding his body thickened, and his chilling presence surged violently.
"Teacher!"
"Former Sect Master!"
The cries of the Yunlan Sect disciples rang through the plaza. Yun Yun's vision blurred; dizziness rushed to her head as grief stabbed into her heart. Her teacher—Sect Master Yun Shan—had perished completely, his soul devoured beyond return.
"Elders of Yunlan Sect! Activate the Cloud Mist Sun-Shrouding Formation!"
Pushing Nalan Yanran's supporting arm aside, Yun Yun raised her tear-streaked face. Her eyes burned crimson as she bit down on her lip, her voice trembling with both rage and sorrow.
"Yes!"
At her command, the elders scattered, leading the disciples in channeling their Dou Qi. The clouds overhead stirred, rolling toward Yun Yun's position.
With a beat of her snow-white Dou Qi wings, she soared into the air. The ocean of clouds gathered around her, swelling her aura to the peak of a Dou Huang. A pure-white longsword formed in her grasp, its edge humming with fury. Fresh blood stained her lips, but she surged upward, straight toward the flaming formation.
"Sect Master Yun," Liu Xi called softly, stepping forward. "About Sect Master Yun Shan… I'm sorry. Please… accept my condolences."
Yun Yun's eyes glimmered red, her voice strained but resolute. "Master Liu, this is not your fault. In fact, we must thank you—and this senior—for holding that monster back for us."
She took a deep breath, turning toward Yao Tianhuo with a solemn bow. "Senior, please release the formation. I will strike personally. I must kill this beast with my own hands and avenge my teacher!"
Yao Tianhuo turned his head toward Liu Xi. "Little friend, what do you think?"
Although Yun Yun's tone brimmed with resolve, Liu Xi shook his head slowly. "Sect Master Yun, you should know— even if the formation boosts you to the peak of a Dou Huang, against him you'll barely hold your ground."
Yun Yun's body trembled. She raised her head, tears glimmering in her eyes, her voice breaking yet firm. "A teacher's vengeance must be repaid. Please, Master Liu… allow me this."
Liu Xi looked at her quietly, then smiled faintly. "Then I'll help you."
His gaze shifted toward Protector Jiu within the formation. "Let Elder Yao weaken him first. When the time comes, I'll create your chance."
Yun Yun froze, her eyes softening with gratitude. Her heart whispered, 'If vengeance can be achieved today, Yun Yun will never forget this favor—even in death.'
(End of Chapter)
---
A Huge Shoutout and Welcome to zeno jin and Sethos for Joining us on Patreon and Becoming a Member of Diamond.
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.