All the way, Xu Haojie's heart was uncontrollably excited. Every time he thought about how his strength would almost double after fusing with the Spirit Flame, the so-called top students from the Four Great Martial Academies seemed insignificant. Who could possibly be his opponent?
Li Mingxuan and Song Ziqing also chimed in with congratulations.
The Xu Family had thought their news blackout was flawless, but upon arriving at the scene and seeing the dense crowds of other Martial Artist teams, everyone was stunned.
"We are the Mingzhu Xu Family, what are you doing here?" Xu Liyuan asked.
"Aren't you asking the obvious? News of the Spirit Flame is everywhere. Otherwise, do you think we all came here for tourism?" A rough-faced Mercenary Group leader retorted unceremoniously.
"It seems that besides the Xu Family, quite a few people have received news of the Spirit Flame."
"Elder Xu, look, this situation isn't as simple as just helping the Xu Family retrieve the Spirit Flame. You didn't mention before that so many people would come to compete, and their strengths are all comparable to ours." One of the Martial Artists from the Xu Family participating in the mission expressed dissatisfaction.
"That's right, if it were just fighting the Spirit Flame, we'd have no problem. But encountering so many Martial Artists, our brothers really can't handle it."
Xu Liyuan also had a headache; the current situation indeed exceeded his expectations.
"Everyone, I know the mission difficulty has suddenly changed. If you can assist my Xu Family in obtaining the Spirit Flame, the reward will be tenfold, provided my Xu Family ultimately obtains the Spirit Flame."
Everyone quieted down slightly, temporarily ceasing their complaints.
"Let's observe for now. If things go wrong, we run. Life is the most important," Shen Han whispered to Li Muhua.
Li Muhua nodded: "Understood."
Not long after, two more teams arrived, clearly also drawn by the Spirit Flame.
"Just how many people received news about the Spirit Flame?" Xu Liyuan was somewhat annoyed.
At least ten teams, comprising seven or eight hundred people, had already gathered, and the atmosphere was tense and solemn.
Many teams also realized at this point that this matter might not be so simple and repeatedly warned their members to be vigilant.
Shen Han activated "Sniff"; his "Sniff" skill was still able to cover everyone present.
The cultivation of the seven or eight hundred people present ranged from the Late Stage of Martial Spirit to the Early Stage of Martial King, which was relatively balanced. The team leaders had higher cultivation, with some in the Late Stage of Martial King and others like Xu Liyuan at the Martial Emperor Realm.
"Something feels off. It's like someone is orchestrating all of this, using the news of the Spirit Flame to attract so many people," Shen Han whispered to Li Muhua. "Although I don't know the purpose of the person behind the scenes, at least he has successfully attracted so many people. Later, just stay by my side; don't run around."
"Han-ge, don't worry, I know what's important."
...Just as everyone was secretly on guard and the situation was on the verge of erupting, a dazzling light suddenly burst forth from a nearby valley, like a scorching sun breaking dawn, radiating light in all directions, instantly captivating everyone present.
Immediately after, intense energy fluctuations emanated from deep within the valley, revealing a pure and powerful force, seemingly beckoning everyone to approach.
"It's the Spirit Flame!" Many people's eyes revealed greed.
In the valley, the Spirit Flame floated in mid-air, its flames a magnificent light blue, with a faint dark purple halo subtly reflected within the flames.
The Spirit Flame burned slowly, its surface shimmering with an unusual luster, as if it possessed life. The air around it subtly distorted, and a low hum could even be faintly heard. The aura of this flame was sharp and eerie, causing an inexplicable unease in people's hearts.
Many people felt a pressure that pierced their Soul as soon as they approached the Spirit Flame, and their Mental Energy was instantly suppressed. Their Divine Sense even became subtly unstable; the Spirit Flame seemed to possess some kind of special Mental attack power!
"Everyone be careful! This Spirit Flame can perform Mental attacks!"
"It's a Spirit Flame that can perform Mental attacks; this is far stronger than Spirit Flames that only enhance fire scorching."
"The value of this Spirit Flame is too high; it's equivalent to gaining a Mental attack skill."
Many Martial Artists were already red-eyed; no one was willing to give up the Spirit Flame to others.
"Grab it! Whoever can grab the Spirit Flame will own it!" Someone shouted, instantly triggering a fierce scramble among the crowd.
"Charge!" Many people were unwilling to fall behind.
"How dare you, you brats!" The Martial Artists at the back grew anxious.
"A bunch of trash, you don't deserve it! Take this!" The Martial Artist who first rushed close to the Spirit Flame intended to directly seize it. He activated his Fire Element Special Ability, unleashing a scorching wave of flames to force back the surrounding competitors.
However, the Spirit Flame seemed to have sensed it early, suddenly erupting with a blue-purple Mental fluctuation that pierced towards this Martial Artist's Sea of Consciousness like a sharp thorn.
"Ah!" He screamed, clutching his head and collapsing in pain, losing all movement shortly after.
Many Martial Artists behind him also suffered Mental attacks, their faces pale, yet they were unwilling to give up, enduring the Mental pressure and once again closing in.
The Xu Family's Martial Artists moved swiftly; in an instant, powerful Fire Element, Lightning Element, Metal Element, and Wood Element Special Abilities intertwined into a net, encircling the Spirit Flame.
At the same time, Martial Artists from other teams were not to be outdone, each using their unique skills, attempting to seize the Spirit Flame amidst the chaos.
Shen Han observed with cold eyes, secretly assessing the situation. The power of the Spirit Flame was actually enough to contend with the siege of numerous Martial Artists. To subdue it, it would likely require not only extremely strong Mental Energy but also special methods. Moreover, the person behind the scenes had not yet appeared, so things might still change.
Just then, the Spirit Flame seemed to be thoroughly enraged. It suddenly contracted, transforming into a dark purple stream of light, and swiftly charged towards the closest few Martial Artists.
Before those Martial Artists could react, they were directly hit by a Mental Energy shockwave, screaming as they were sent flying backward. After they fell to the ground, their eyes were hollow, their Sea of Consciousness almost collapsed, and they even lacked the strength to stand.
After the previous round of attacks, the chaotic scene finally calmed down somewhat. Everyone also understood that to retrieve this Spirit Flame, they would need to rely on some Mental Seal methods.
The Martial Artists retreated to their respective teams, discussing countermeasures in low voices. At this moment, the Xu Family's Martial Artists gathered around Xu Liyuan, wanting to see what methods the Xu Family had.
"Everyone, I will use some Mental skills, but I need your assistance," Xu Liyuan said in a deep voice. "It will take me some time to cast the skill, so you must block the attacks of others. Three minutes will be enough."
"Look quickly, I didn't expect the famous Northwest Mercenary Group to have a Martial Artist with a Mental Special Ability." While the Xu Family was still arranging their battle plan, a team on the other side had already made their move.
An elder from the Northwest Mercenary Group stepped forward, forming hand Seals. Instantly, a powerful Mental Energy enveloped the area, clashing fiercely with the Spirit Flame's Mental fluctuations in mid-air.
"That's a Mental skill—'Mental Prison'! Once the Spirit Flame can't hold on, it will be controlled by the Northwest Mercenary Group!" A Martial Artist who recognized the technique shouted out.
"We can't let them succeed!" Seeing this, the surrounding Martial Artists could no longer hold back. If the Northwest Mercenary Group gained control of the Spirit Flame, everyone else would completely lose their chance.