The flame bead landed on Huamu Ran's forehead.
There was a sound like dry kindling being touched by a torch.
WHOOMPH.
The patriarch's entire body ignited in an instant. Not with normal fire, not with something that could be smothered, but with the infamous Blood Flame that only disciples of the Slaughtered Moon Divine Blood Sect could wield.
His scream lasted barely three seconds before the flame consumed his lungs.
His body collapsed into a smoldering, blackened husk.
Madam Shu shrieked and fainted. Two elders vomited while several stewards clutched their heads and wailed.
Those who recognized the Blood Flame collapsed into silent terror.
"So," Han Yu said lightly, dusting his fingers as if he had flicked away a speck of dirt rather than killed the patriarch. "As I was saying. I will spare people. But only those who are useful."
A tremor passed through the room.
