Chapter 621: Breaking the Seal
This was an extremely dense forest. Although there was occasionally some light that seeped through the gaps and scattered into it, it was still difficult to expel that darkness within the forest. It was likely that the pressuring atmosphere would be difficult for one to endure when one walked in such a place.
A wave of hurried footsteps suddenly sounded within the quiet forest. Immediately, a large group of indistinct black figures appeared at a corner of the forest. These black figures walked extremely quietly and were clearly extremely experienced old hands. While they walked, their gazes were cautiously sweeping over the surrounding dark corners. In this "Black-Corner Region" one must alway place the word "cautious" in one"s heart at all times, regardless of one"s ident.i.ty. Something like a boat sinking in a drain happened almost everyday. If one wanted to live longer, one must always maintain a cautious state.
TL: boat sinking in a drain – something that is impossible or not suppose to happen
"Crack!"
A dried branch on the ground where a human figure landed suddenly cracked as they walked. The clear sound reverberated throughout the quiet forest, and was exceptionally ear-piercing.
The walking figures suddenly stopped because of this sound. Their leader was a black-robed person. His gaze was dark and stern as it cut his companion who had stepped on the broken twig. He waved his hand and was about to instruct the group to continue advancing when his ear suddenly picked up the sound of some leaves moving. His face immediately changed as he cried out sternly, "Be careful!"
"Xiu! Xiu!"
His cry had just sounded when arrows suddenly came shooting out from the dark-black forest in all directions, attacking this group until its formation was in complete disarray. The surrounding trees suddenly shook after the rain of arrows. Immediately, numerous similar black-robed people rushed out in a lightning-like manner. Finally, they raised their s.h.i.+ny blades. They did not say any nonsense. Only a dark, cold killing intent which filled the dense forest was present.
"Be careful, fight them!"
The heart of that black-robed leader immediately sank upon seeing the black figure unit that had attacked without the slightest noise, and whose bodies were filled with an extremely dense b.l.o.o.d.y scent. At a glance, one could tell that such a well-trained unit frequently muddled along on the edge of a blade and was extremely experienced. Moreover, from the looks of the speed in which these black figures rushed, it was clear that their strength was quite great. Just which faction did such a powerful strength belong to?
These black figures were extremely quick and agile. In only a couple of flashes, they directly pierced the formation of those black-robed figures like a blade. The blade contained a cold glint, and a low, deep sound would appear each time it cut past some flesh. This sound caused the leader"s heart to sink further.
The leader drew his weapon from his waist and forced back a couple of black figures which had shot over silently. However, the price he paid was a cut between his thumb and his forefinger, resulting in his hand being filled with blood. Taking the opportunity to withdraw, his gaze swept over his unit which had suffered serious deaths and injuries within less than a minute. Shock immediately flashed across his eyes as he put up a brave front and cried out, "You even dare to touch someone from the "Black Alliance". Are you seeking death?"
In the face of his cry, the reply he received was a couple of blades that contained traces of blood.
This black-robed leader"s body rolled on the ground in a miserable manner. His feet stomped on the ground and he remained close to the ground as he shot out of the forest in an explosive manner. That speed was extremely quick. Even those black figures behind him could not catch up.
The instant the black-robed figure was about to flee from the forest, a b.l.o.o.d.y wind suddenly sounded beside his ear. Immediately, his back sunk as a ferocious force came diving down, and peremptorily smashed the former violently to the ground.
"Grug!"
The black-robed person could not resist spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood after receiving such a heavy blow. He turned his head with much difficulty only to see a human figure whose entire body was wrapped in a large, black robe.
"The "Black Alliance" will not let all of you off!" The black-robed person spat out a mouthful of blood and spoke in a dark manner.
"The number of people from the "Black Alliance" who have died in my hands is already in the triple digits." A voice that contained a dense b.l.o.o.d.y scent was slowly emitted from the black robes. Immediately, he gently pressed his feet down, and a force surged out before smas.h.i.+ng the back of the black-robed man, killing him with one strike.
While the black figure kicked the dead black-robed man aside, another black figure swiftly leaped forward before searching the body of the black-robed man. A moment later, he took out a letter from the former"s chest pocket and respectfully handed it to the mysterious person beside him whose entire body contained a dense b.l.o.o.d.y scent.
The black-robed mysterious man tore opened the envelope and slowly opened the letter. A moment later, he laughed in a dark, cold voice, "It is really unexpected that even the "Wild Lion Gang" has joined the "Black Alliance". Have their arms already been extended to this place?"
"During these two years, experts from the Jia Nan Academy have repeatedly come out to search and find trouble with those experts who partic.i.p.ated in the ambush of the Jia Nan Academy back then. In order to fight the Jia Nan Academy, that Han Feng founded the "Black Alliance". Now, the strength of the "Black Alliance" is growing even larger. Even the Jia Nan Academy is unable to do anything to it. From the actions of Han Feng, I think that he intends to extend the "Black Alliance" to the entire "Black-Corner Region". Chief, they will discover that we are repeatedly finding trouble with them. From the looks of it, we should change our location again." A black figure flashed and appeared. His voice was somewhat hoa.r.s.e when he spoke.
"Yes." The black-robed man whose entire body was filled with a b.l.o.o.d.y aura acknowledged what he said with a faint sound. He waved his hand and immediately walked toward the exit of the forest. The black figures within the darkness flashed behind him. At a rough glance, there seemed to be over a hundred people. These people were all quietly following behind the black-robed man a short distance behind him. Their footsteps seemed as though it came from a single individual.
The faint sunlight scattered down upon exiting the dark forest. The black-robed man raised his head and revealed a young familiar face filled with a ruthlessness. This person was shockingly Xiao Yan"s second older brother, Xiao Li.
At this moment, the entirety of Xiao Li"s body was filled with an extremely dense blood scent. His expression was indifferent and his eyes were void of emotion. Most importantly, the aura that was spread from his body was actually comparable to an expert Dou w.a.n.g. It was difficult to imagine that he was actually able to leap from the Da Dou s.h.i.+ cla.s.s to the Dou w.a.n.g cla.s.s within two short years. However, if one were to carefully observe him, one would discover that there was actually a thread of death aura on Xiao Li"s forehead. It was somewhat strange that such a death aura had appeared on the face of such a young man. Perhaps, this might have some relation toward the swift rise in his strength.
"All of you should return back first."
Xiao Li spoke faintly. Those hundred plus black figures behind him immediately nodded respectfully. Their bodies slowly withdrew into the darkness. Immediately, they completely vanished amid a slight sound.
The indifference on Xiao Li"s face finally relaxed slowly after everyone had completely disappeared. He turned his head slightly and his gaze looked toward the distant northern direction. That direction was where the Jia Nan Academy was located. It was there that Xiao Yan had turned into ashes.
Xiao Li felt a faint pain within his chest as he recalled the bright smiling brother of his. Before he came to the "Black-Corner Region" his big brother Xiao Ding had said he can die but his third brother cannot! Only with the latter would the Xiao clan be saved. Now, however&h.e.l.lip;
A beast-like fierce glow flashed within Xiao Li"s eyes. A moment later, a savage smile was lifted from the corner of his mouth as he spoke in a dense low voice, "Xiao-yan-zi, rest a.s.sured that second brother will not let off those fellows who caused you to die. I will kill all of them during my residual life!"
Dense laughter slowly reverberated. Xiao Li"s body, however, quietly disappeared like a ghost.
&h.e.l.lip;
The deadly quiet magma world was still completely bright-red. The hot temperature caused this place to be a completely lifeless one!
"Bang!"
The magma in this dead and silent world suddenly split apart. A wave of white fog rose and two figures rushed out explosively from within.
One of the figures was at the front while the other was at the back. At a glance, it looked like the one at the back was chasing after the one in front with the intention to kill. This was because numerous extremely powerful colorful energy pillars that carried extremely sharp killing intent shot out explosively during the chase. The human figure at the front was clearly extremely afraid of these colorful energy pillars. Even though his body was in an extremely miserable state, he still narrowly dodged them one after another.
The seven-colored energy that missed were shot into the magma world. Immediately, an earth-shaking explosion sound shot over the vast magma.
"Are you done or not? I am not arguing with you because you are a woman. Don"t blame me for turning against you if you continue to pester me!" That young man wearing a black robe narrowly dodged a sharp attack once again as he cried out furiously.
The bewitching beauty completely ignored the furious cries of this young man. Her cold and glamourous pretty face was filled with frost. Her eyes were filled with killing intent. From her manner, it appeared as though she had a feud with the former that was absolutely irreconcilable.
"I said that once I recovered my strength, the first thing I would do is tear you into ten thousand pieces!" The bewitching beauty clenched her silver teeth and spoke in a chilly voice.
"Big sister, I am also a victim. I was completely void of any sense of reasoning in that kind of situation. Please let me off. We can treat it as though nothing happened. I will definitely not tell anyone." Xiao Yan"s face was filled with bitterness as he cupped his hands toward Queen Medusa and spoke.
"In your dreams!" Queen Medusa immediately became extremely furious upon hearing this. She waved her hand, and a seven-colored energy surged out explosively.
"Queen Medusa, don"t you dare go overboard. Don"t blame me for being insensitive if you continue!" Xiao Yan"s eyes stared furiously as he shook his hand. A dark-green flame that was just like a faint ghost flame surfaced on his palm. The magma world immediately began to become violent as the cl.u.s.ter of dark-green flame appeared. Magma began to churn before eventually stopping under Xiao Yan"s feet like ocean waves. At a glance, it looked as though Xiao Yan was walking on waves. However, this was no ocean wave, but a wave consisting of magma.
Even with Queen Medusa"s strength, her expression could not help but change upon seeing the uprising of the magma wave. She also clearly understood that this b.a.s.t.a.r.d in front of her had already subdued the "Fallen Heart Flame". Fighting him in this environment would do her no good even though she had already recovered her strength to her peak. Moreover, she really had difficulty truly attacking Xiao Yan. She concluded that this should be some side effect from having merged with the "Heaven Swallowing Python". Otherwise, given her usual character, she would definitely tear this b.a.s.t.a.r.d, who had committed blasphemy toward her, even if she had to fight until both of them were seriously injured.
Xiao Yan only sigh in relief when he saw that Queen Medusa had become much quieter than before. He wiped off the perspiration on his forehead and smiled bitterly in his heart. Dammit. What d.a.m.n thing had happened? He had actually in his muddiness took this beautiful snake&h.e.l.lip;
"Let"s not continue to fight among ourselves now. You don"t wish to stay in such a place forever right?" Xiao Yan shrugged his shoulders toward Queen Medusa and pointed toward the top. "With your own strength, it would be somewhat difficult to break the seal. It should be much easier if we join hands. What do you say?"
A glint flickered in Queen Medusa"s eyes before she nodded with a cold face a moment later. She had already made up her mind. Once she left this d.a.m.n place, she would definitely let this b.a.s.t.a.r.d pay the price for sullying her!
Chapter 622: Breaking Through the Tower and Escaping
Today was an extremely lively day within the Inner Academy. According to tradition, the Inner Academy would organize an activity each month where all the students would enter the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’ to train. The students greatly supported such an activity. This was because there was no need to pay any ‘Fire Energy’ to enter the tower to train for this single day. Today was coincidentally, the day of the monthly collective training.
Xiao Yan had also heard of such an activity while he was in the academy in the past. However, he had seldom partic.i.p.ated in it. This was because he did not need to worry about the problem of ‘Fire Energy’ given his extremely wealthy status. Naturally, he did not need to go and fight with so many people for a training room.
Following the change in the policy of the Inner Academy during these two years, the number of people in the Inner Academy had gradually greatly increased. Hence, the crowd in the Inner Academy was naturally not something that could be compared with the past.
Due to this, there were groups that began coming one after another to the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’ not longer after the morning bell rang. By the time the sun was hanging in the sky, the s.p.a.cious open ground outside the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’ had already become filled with people.
Currently, the surroundings of the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’ had been rebuilt into a large plaza. The middle of the plaza was the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower,’ which still only revealed its peak. Additionally, there was a statue standing at the entrance of the tower. The statue was extremely young. A black robe and a warm smile set off the young and clear face, giving it an extremely handsome appearance.
Almost everyone within the Inner Academy had seen this statue that stood at the entrance. Hence, no one displayed a surprised expression when they walked past it. Occasionally, there would be some students who would pause and bow toward this statue. If one were to carefully observe them, one would realize that these students were wearing a badge on their chest that had a dark-black background with a ruler like thing being carved on it. This badge was not unfamiliar. This was because it was the symbol of ‘Pan’s Gate’.
At this moment, a tall lady was standing prettily in front of the statue. Her gaze contained an unknown feeling as she watched the familiar appearance of the statue in an absent-minded fas.h.i.+on. The lady had quite a pretty face, but the thing that attracted the most attention was that pair of long, smooth, s.e.xy legs. A couple of people walking past would involuntarily sweep their gazes past the former’s legs. However, this scanning was extremely obscure. This was because they were similarly well aware of this woman’s ident.i.ty. An upper echelon of ‘Pan’s Gate’. It was rumored that she was the older cousin of Xiao Yan’s, the founder of ‘Pan’s Gate’, Xiao Yu&h.e.l.lip;
‘Pan’s Gate’. This faction was currently just like a truly large being within the Inner Academy. No other faction dared challenge it. Xiao Yu, who possessed quite a high status within it, was naturally someone that no one dared offend. Normally speaking, if there was anyone who coveted her beauty and spoke in an impertinent manner, he would end up with a bruise and swollen face the next day.
“You fool, you always love to try appear impressive. In the end&h.e.l.lip; a statue, is there any meaning? Can it allow you to develop the Xiao clan?” A bitter smile surfaced on Xiao Yu’s face as she softly sighed and muttered.
A commotion suddenly began to spread across the crowd over the plaza while Xiao Yu was muttering. Immediately, a large crowd came surging in like floodwaters. These people who had swarmed in were all wearing similar badges as Xiao Yu.
The noise of the entire plaza immediately became softer when they saw this large group of people who had squeezed in. This was especially so when their gaze saw the little girl swinging her pale-purple ponytail leading the group at the front. All of them hurriedly turned their gazes away. That demon-like little fellow was an extremely frightening existence to many people within the Inner Academy.
The little girl swaggered as she led a large group of people to squeeze into the plaza. She saw Xiao Yu in front of the statue in a glance. With a wave of her small hand, the large group behind her quickly followed.
“Yu-er, you are daydreaming here again.” She obviously looked like a child but she purposefully acted like an elderly person. This scene caused many people to want to laugh. However, other than Xiao Yu who burst out laughing while shaking her head, the remaining people held their mouths tightly shut, afraid that they would emit a laughter and invite that frightening little fist.
“Zi Yan, you think&h.e.l.lip; he is still alive?” Xiao Yu rubbed the statue before suddenly asking with a smile.
Zi Yan was startled when she heard this. Her gem like pupils turned gloomy but she recovered swiftly and spoke, “The chance of survival after being swallowing by a ‘Heavenly Flame’ is very low.”
Seeming to be well aware of this answer, Xiao Yu’s face did not change much. Her delicate hand moved across the statue and laughed softly, “For some unknown reason, my heart has been pounding rapidly these days. There seems to be something big that’s about to happen.”
“Something big would really happen if your heart didn’t beat.” A man and a woman slowly walked out after laughter was transmitted from behind the crowd before speaking to Xiao Yu.
“Huh? Quick, look. It’s actually b.l.o.o.d.y sword Wu Hao and green wooden woman Hu Jia.”
“These are the top five peak experts in the Strong Ranking. It is normally extremely difficult to see them. It is really unexpected that even they have appeared.”
The appearance of the two people immediately cause the entire plaza to break out in a commotion. Private conversations repeatedly broke out. Clearly, these people felt extremely excited to be able to see people who were truly a renowned top figures within the Inner Academy.
“What, have both of your leaves finished?” Xiao Yu softly laughed as she looked at the two.
Wu Hao and Hu Jia smiled. The two years had also caused the two of them to become much more mature. Their gazes swept over the statue beside Xiao Yu and their smiles were slightly withdrawn. They sighed, “It is fortunate that Xun Er had already left&h.e.l.lip; otherwise&h.e.l.lip;”
Xiao Yu was silent. She clearly understood the relations.h.i.+p between Xiao Yan and Xun Er. If the latter was to see him being swallowed by the ‘Heavenly Flame’ it was likely that she would suffer a pain for the rest of her life. It is somewhat better like this.
“Gong!”
A clear gong sound suddenly sounded on the plaza while the few of them were silent, causing the noisy plaza to become quiet.
A sound of rus.h.i.+ng wind suddenly sounded after this gong sound. Immediately, a couple of human figures rushed down from the sky before finally appearing on a tall platform.
The one leading them was surprisingly the white-haired First Elder Su Qian. Behind him were some Elders of similarly old age. The people who attracted the most attention in the entire place were still the three young people behind Su Qian. These three people were not very old, but they possessed an extraordinary aura. The badges that they wore on their chests indicated their ident.i.ty. They were surprisingly holding the position of Elders.
An Elder of the Inner Academy would require a minimum strength of a Dou w.a.n.g. From this, one could tell that these three young people had already stepped into the Dou w.a.n.g cla.s.s at such a young age!
“It is really unexpected that Lin Xiuya, Liu Qing, and Lin Yan have really remained behind. The others have mostly left the Inner Academy to roam the continent.” Wu Hao smiled and spoke as he studied the three familiar faces on the platform.
“Lin Xiuya and Liu Qing plan to train for a period of time within the Inner Academy. That stubborn Lin Yan said that he had promised to leave with Xiao Yan. Therefore&h.e.l.lip;” Hu Jia helplessly shook her head and sighed.
“He is indeed very stubborn&h.e.l.lip;” Wu Hao spoke with a bitter smile.
Su Qian’s gaze slowly swept over the extremely crowded plaza from the high platform. A moment later, he paused on the statue at the entrance of the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’. He, in an absent-minded manner, muttered, “If that fellow is still alive, I’m afraid that even I would have difficulty defeating him.”
Lin Xiuya and the other two behind Su Qian looked at one another and nodded their heads. Even with their haughtiness, they could only admire that name.
“First Elder, according to our news, the ‘Black Alliance’ has invited many other factions to join them recently. They might have some motives. We must guard against them.” An Elder stepped forward and suddenly spoke softly.
Su Qian lifted his eyebrows and slowly nodded his head. He coldly smiled, “That Han Feng does indeed have some ability. In only two short years, he has actually been able to establish a ‘Black Alliance’ to contend with our Jia Nan Academy.”
The few Elders nodded their heads slightly. The gathering ability of a tier 6 alchemist was indeed extraordinary. Currently, the strength of the ‘Black Alliance’ was something that even the Jia Nan Academy would have difficulty getting rid of. They knew that the ‘Black Alliance’ had already become a thorn in the First Elder’s heart.
“Forget it, let’s not discuss such unhappy things at such a time. We have time. Let’s slowly hold it off with them.” Su Qian waved his hand and spoke indifferently.
“Yes.”
All the Elders responded after hearing this.
“It is about time. Prepare to open the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’.” Su Qian raised his head to look at the sky as he spoke.
An Elder acknowledged the order, and flew down from the tall platform. He landed outside the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’ and his hand swiftly formed a few seals. After which, Dou Qi was spurted on the main door. Immediately, that thick, heavy, dark-black door slowly opened while emitting some creaking sounds.
“Remember, everyone should enter in an orderly manner. No conflict can occur today. Otherwise, for one week, one will be proh&h.e.l.lip;” Su Qian’s gaze swept over everyone as he spoke in a faint manner. However, before all his words were spoken, his face suddenly changed because of his sharp senses. His gaze suddenly turned toward the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’. At that spot, he clearly sensed that a frighteningly hot temperature was swiftly approaching. He hurriedly cry out sternly, “There’s a change in the tower. Shut the door immediately. Hurry!”
Su Qian’s sudden cry caused the entire place to be completely silent. Countless numbers of gazes were stunned as they watched the sudden change in Su Qian’s expression. They were completely at a loss.
Although that Elder was uncertain about what exactly happened, he used the fastest speed to shut that heavy large door with a bang upon hearing Su Qian’s loud cry.
The temperature of the entire place suddenly rose not long after the tower’s door was shut. A loud rumbling similar to the churning of magma softly approached along with an activity that shook the ground and swayed the mountains.
“Dammit, it’s the ‘Fallen Heart Flame’. Is that thing about to erupt again? Everyone, leave the plaza immediately!”
Su Qian’s expression became extremely ugly as the temperature of the plaza rose. This kind of situation&h.e.l.lip; was witnessed back then&h.e.l.lip;
“Bang!”
Su Qian’s voice had just sounded when a frighteningly loud sound suddenly reverberated. Everyone could see that the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’ was trembling violently.
“Bang!”
Another loud sound was emitted. The top of the ‘Blazing Sky Qi Refining Tower’ began to reveal numerous crack lines as thick as a thumb in front of Su Qian’s shocked gaze.
“Bang!”
Another loud sound appeared. The crack lines immediately covered the entire of the top of the tower. This kind of situation cause a paleness to surge on Su Qian’s face. Would the scene back then once again appear?
“Bang!”
During the last loud ‘bang’, the incomparably hard roof of the tower finally burst apart. A bright-red magma peak began to blast out from the tower like a volcano erupting before charging toward the sky in front of a countless number of stunned gazes and began to scatter down.
The plaza was immediately in a complete chaos as the magma scattered down. However, the magma suddenly solidified when it was still a couple of meters from the ground. A clear and bright laugh that carried a wild joy, which could not be hidden, resounded over the sky like that of rolling thunder.
“Ha ha, I, Xiao Yan, am finally out. Ha ha!”