Chapter 352: Encounter with Ying Xiaoxiao Again
"Black Demon Mirror, Manifest!"
Boom!
The pitch-black light surged like a wave, flooding into the enormous shadow. The next moment, two crimson glimmers appeared where the shadow's eyes would be, resembling a pair of blood-red eyes. Instantly, a terrifyingly sinister aura erupted across the landscape.
Hiss!
Under the weight of this dark energy, many of the onlookers felt their own internal energies slowing, as though some unseen hand was stifling their power. Gasps echoed among them—Wang Yan's aura alone was fearsome enough, fitting for someone ranked second on the Sect's Most Wanted List.
Wang Yan's eyes glistened with killing intent, even more intense now, as his gaze locked onto Lin Langtian. Then he raised his palm and aimed at Lin Langtian from a distance, before pressing it down forcefully.
The towering black shadow behind him mimicked the motion, stepping forward with immense force before slamming its gigantic hand down.
Boom! Boom!
As Wang Yan's attack descended, the surrounding mountains began to quake violently. The ground itself fractured and caved in by dozens of meters, resembling the aftermath of a powerful earthquake. Almost immediately, a massive fissure—hundreds of meters long—ripped across the ground, racing toward Lin Langtian like a charging dragon.
Even the seasoned warriors from the Blood Rock Domain turned pale at this destructive display, each one knowing they would surely perish if faced with such a terrifying attack.
Not far away, Song Yun and the other disciples of the Fire Division looked on in solemn silence, transfixed by the scene.
"That's one fearsome move," Lin Langtian muttered as he looked up at the immense shadowed hand descending from the sky, casting darkness all around. He could feel the danger radiating from it, even stronger than the attacks he had faced from Ling Chi.
"It seems I'll have to put you down," Lin Langtian murmured to himself, a flicker of cold resolve in his eyes.
As a highly respected Dao Sect disciple, ranked second on the Blood Rock Domain's Most Wanted List, defeating Wang Yan would instantly make Lin Langtian's name known throughout the Eastern Xuan Domain.
With such an impressive victory, he would not only secure his position as the Fire Division's Commander but would also inspire loyalty among the disciples, allowing him to build influence within Yuan Gate itself.
Lin Langtian tightened his grip on the ancient black tree branch in his hand. He closed his eyes briefly before swiftly forming a series of intricate seals with both hands. As he did, those around him felt the energy in the air surge, almost as if it had become violent.
Flames erupted from Lin Langtian's body in a torrent, instantly transforming the surrounding landscape into a sea of fire. Suspended within the inferno, he extended his palms outward, and the flames behind him merged together, as though he were the embodiment of a fire god.
"Flame Emperor Art—Qilin!"
Lin Langtian's voice thundered like an erupting volcano, brimming with intense force. Then, he swiftly crafted another seal with his hands, unleashing a flood of flames that coalesced above him into a giant, blazing qilin.
The flaming qilin roared to life, nearly a hundred meters tall and radiating terrifying heat, with fire dancing across its massive body. The sheer power it emanated twisted the very space around it.
"Such overwhelming power…"
The Blood Rock Domain warriors stared at the qilin in the sky, unable to mask the awe and tension in their eyes.
"It's said that the Yuan Gate has three supreme techniques: the Emperor of Yuan Art, the Spirit Emperor Art, and the Thunder Emperor Art, each mastered by one of the three Gate leaders. I've never heard of this Flame Emperor Art, though."
"Actually, the Flame Emperor Art is the Fire Division's ultimate skill, one of the top techniques in Yuan Gate's Eight Divisions. Still, I never imagined it would be this powerful. It might be on par with the Gate's three supreme techniques."
"Doesn't that mean Lin Langtian is on the same level as the Three Princes of Yuan Gate? Yuan Gate's talent pool really is terrifying—it looks like Dao Sect is in trouble this time."
Low whispers of astonishment spread throughout the crowd, while Wang Yan's eyes narrowed as he stared up at the flaming qilin. His face tensed, and he took a deep breath to steady his emotions.
He finally understood why Yuan Gate dared to send only a single commander to hunt him down. This man's power was comparable to that of the Three Princes of Yuan Gate!
"Sister, if I fail to kill him… I'll be joining you soon."
Wang Yan's gaze grew even colder, his crimson eyes betraying a flicker of finality. He knew that Yuan Gate had finally come for him, and now he faced the most dangerous battle of his life. And the one behind it all was this newly risen Fire Division Commander, Lin Langtian—a rising star as steadfast and powerful as a mountain.
In his heart, Wang Yan had long accepted his likely fate. Watching Lin Langtian's blazing qilin move with terrifying speed toward him, Wang Yan let a calmness settle over him as he awaited the clash.
The qilin, as if sensing the command, leaped forward, its colossal, flaming form lighting the way as it charged straight at Wang Yan's black shadow.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
With each stride, the qilin's searing flames twisted the space around it, igniting everything in its path and leaving scorched trails on the earth below. The massive beast moved so swiftly that it was nothing more than a blazing blur, hurtling toward Wang Yan.
When the crowd refocused, they saw the fire qilin collide fiercely with the massive shadow, its massive, fiery claws aimed straight for the shadow's giant hand.
Hiss!
When the two powerful energies collided, an eerie silence replaced what should have been an explosive roar. As they made contact, the flames and shadows twisted and churned, fiercely eroding each other in a desperate attempt to annihilate the other.
Whoosh!
The shockwave surged violently across the sky, twisting the very fabric of space at the point of impact. Every pair of eyes remained fixed on this fierce struggle of powers. After a tense moment, everyone's eyes narrowed as both energies, unable to maintain their grip, burst outward like a storm unleashed upon the heavens.
The shockwave rippled out in a wide circle, spreading indiscriminately. Those among the Blood Rock Domain who stood too close to the impact area coughed up blood, their faces turning pale with terror. This was only the aftermath of the energy clash; it was impossible to imagine the intensity at the center.
The black and red shockwave swept out like a thunderstorm. In the next moment, they watched as Lin Langtian's fire qilin, like a mythical beast, tore through Wang Yan's massive shadow.
The remnants of the shockwave raced toward Wang Yan like lightning.
Bang!
As the impact struck Wang Yan, he reeled back as if hit by a cannon, his body blasted backward.
Thud!
Blood sprayed from Wang Yan's mouth as his body hurtled through the air, indicating the serious internal injuries he had sustained. The warriors around, watching Wang Yan's swift defeat, felt a wave of shock ripple across their faces.
Ranked second on the Sect's Most Wanted List, Wang Yan was feared and notorious throughout the Blood Rock Domain, yet today, he had been decisively defeated by a Yuan Gate commander.
Previously, Lin Langtian's reputation as the newly appointed Fire Division Commander had been obscure; outside the Fire Division, few within Yuan Gate knew his name. But after today, Lin Langtian's name would echo throughout the Eastern Xuan Region!
"Amazing, Brother Lin even bested Wang Yan!" Su Qi and the other Fire Division disciples stood in stunned silence before bursting into smiles and cheers.
The longstanding feud between Yuan Gate and the Dao Sect wasn't limited to the high ranks; even ordinary disciples held grudges against each other. Wang Yan had killed many Yuan Gate disciples, leaving hatred and bitterness in his wake. Now that Lin Langtian had defeated him, news of his victory would certainly cause an uproar within the sect.
Even Song Yun and Pang Lie, who had initially been wary of Lin Langtian, now looked at him with a newfound respect, gradually feeling admiration blossom in their hearts. While they had seen Lin Langtian's power before in his victory over Ling Chi, that battle was an internal conflict. However intense, it inspired fear and awe but not respect or glory.
This, however, was different. Wang Yan was a Dao Sect disciple and had taken the lives of many Yuan Gate disciples. Lin Langtian's victory was not just a personal one—it brought honor to Yuan Gate and the Fire Division as well.
Lin Langtian was now a hero in Yuan Gate, with a prestige that rivaled the Three Princes!
Cough, cough…
Wang Yan coughed up more blood, his face pale, his clothing tattered, and his energy drained. He was utterly defeated.
"To think that Yuan Gate would produce a talent like you. I believed only the Three Princes could stand against me, yet here I am, defeated by a mere commander," Wang Yan muttered hoarsely, his gaze locked on the young man in green above him.
Lin Langtian's presence was so imposing that even Wang Yan felt a chill spread through his heart. He realized that Yuan Gate's strength had only grown more threatening for the Dao Sect, a grim prospect for his faction.
Thinking of his sister who had perished at Yuan Gate's hands, Wang Yan felt despair settle in his heart. Though he had resented the Dao Sect leader Ying Xuanzi for not avenging her, his loyalty to the Dao Sect remained strong.
Lin Langtian's power was sure to amplify Yuan Gate's dominance, potentially endangering Dao Sect in future battles. Was this to be Dao Sect's fate in the next sect competition as well?
"Victory belongs to the strong, and defeat to the weak. Wang Yan, I understand that your sister's death at Yuan Gate's hands fuels your hatred, but you've also taken the lives of many Yuan Gate disciples. It's a cycle of retribution. Unfortunately, without the power to defend yourself, you're doomed to lose your life here."
Floating in the air, Lin Langtian gazed down at Wang Yan with an unfeeling expression. He could sympathize with Wang Yan's past, but he wouldn't let sympathy compromise his plans. In this world, lacking power yet living so boldly only led to one's death.
With a shake of his head, Lin Langtian motioned to Song Yun and the others, signaling that the final task was theirs.
Song Yun and the others exchanged glances, respectfully nodding at Lin Langtian before approaching Wang Yan with intense, vengeful gazes. This man, who had killed so many of their fellow disciples, was finally about to meet his end.
Wang Yan's expression remained cold and indifferent, but a trace of bitterness flashed in his eyes.
Just then, Wang Yan seemed to make a final decision. He slowly unclenched his tight fists and coughed up another mouthful of blood. Immediately, a fierce, almost desperate aura surged out from within him, as if he had drawn upon the last of his strength.
Sensing this sudden surge, Song Yun and the other disciples hesitated and cautiously stopped in their tracks.
"Black Flash!"
As Wang Yan's commanding voice echoed out, a blinding black light erupted from his body. The light shone so brightly, like the noon sun, that none could look directly at it. Instinctively, everyone closed their eyes against its harshness.
When they reopened their eyes, Wang Yan's figure had vanished like a ghost into the shadows.
"Oh no, that guy ran!" Song Yun's face turned pale at the sight.
Lin Langtian's eyes narrowed slightly. Though Black Flash wasn't powerful as an attack, it was highly effective at obscuring vision—no wonder Wang Yan had managed to escape Yuan Gate's clutches before.
"What are you waiting for? Spread out and pursue him!"
"Understood, Brother Lin!" The Fire Division disciples obeyed promptly, scattering in all directions to search for Wang Yan's trail. Given his severe injuries, they felt certain he wouldn't risk attacking any of them.
To keep up appearances, Lin Langtian glanced around before choosing a random direction to follow. As he sped off, a black-and-gold shadow suddenly appeared on his shoulder—his Golden Crow clone.
The Golden Crow chirped in his ear, relaying information.
"Oh, so Wang Yan went this way?" Lin Langtian paused, a curious expression crossing his face. He had picked this direction at random, yet it happened to be the way Wang Yan had escaped. Was fate steering him to take Wang Yan's life?
While Lin Langtian considered whether to continue the chase, he heard a noise ahead. A slender figure emerged from the thick foliage—a tall, graceful woman with dark hair loosely tied, cascading down her waist, her face clear and beautiful.
Seeing her, Lin Langtian was taken aback and murmured in surprise, "It's you... Ying Xiaoxiao."
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