The Protector and Su Qian were utterly stunned, their gazes fixed on the five figures before them as waves of disbelief rippled through their hearts.
It was beyond comprehension. While most Secret Techniques could indeed forcefully increase one's strength, they invariably had limits, no matter how profound. Yet, what had just unfolded before their eyes defied all logic.
The cultivation level of the five—Ming Cheng, Li Mei, Xin Yu, Mei Ling, and Wei Jie—had surged relentlessly, stopping only when their cultivation reached the pinnacle of nine-star Dou Huang.
Su Qian and Protector Fu were well aware that these five had been capable of battling low-level Dou Zong even while they were merely Dou Wang. Now, with their current strength, it was evident they could hold their own against even a mid-level Dou Zong.
Moreover, from their auras alone, it was evident that they had reached the Half-Step Dou Zong stage. Just one final breakthrough, and their strength would ascend fully into the Dou Zong realm. These Secret Techniques were nothing short of outrageous.
"All five of them are employing their Secret Techniques, but this…" Su Qian muttered under his breath, his brows furrowing deeply as his gaze swept over Ming Cheng and the others.
When his eyes landed on Xiao Hua, his expression grew even more incredulous. "This little one is even more absurd…"
Through his Secret Technique, Xiao Hua's cultivation had surged, directly breaking into the three-star Dou Zong realm—an advancement that utterly eclipsed the others in sheer audacity.
"I wonder how these children managed to obtain such terrifying Secret Techniques and achieve such unfathomable strength…" Su Qian murmured, a faint, helpless smile tugging at his lips.
He was well aware of their backgrounds, and even though he had dispatched people to protect them from the shadows, none had reported anything about them acquiring such absurd techniques.
Protector Fu, however, had a different focus. While he too was astonished by the sudden surge in their strength, his attention lingered on a specific detail.
'That tattoo on his brow...' Protector Fu's gaze sharpened as a thought took root.
'It resembles those from the Eight Ancient Clans when they unleash their full power. Could it be... does he have some connection to the Eight Ancient Clans?'
As one of the top and strong factions in the Central Regions, it is natural to know about the Eight Ancient Clans. In fact, he had even come across one of the younger generations of the Eight Ancient Clans.
'His surname is also Xiao… Is it possible that he has a relationship with the fallen Xiao Clan? However, the tattoo on his brows doesn't have any resemblance to that clan at all…'
He searches through his memory, but he cannot find any resemblance of the clan tattoo. While he thought that Xiao Hua might come from the Xiao Clan, he denied as the Xiao Clan's clan tattoo doesn't have the appearance of a beast even if it was required to draw in nine strokes.
The question lingered in his mind, gnawing at his curiosity.
'Moreover, that clan has long since fallen, and none of the surviving descendants should possess the inheritance of the Xiao Clan…' Protector Fu's thoughts darkened as unease crept into his heart.
The situation before him was growing increasingly precarious. Unlike the lower realms, the Dou Zong class had an enormous gap between each star, a divide that was often insurmountable. Yet, with their overwhelming physical strength and countless terrifying Dou Techniques, these young people could pose a threat even to him—enough to place his life in jeopardy.
Suddenly, Xiao Hua's figure flickered and appeared beside Su Qian, his movement swift and fluid as a shadow. Raising his head, he directed a piercing gaze at Protector Fu, a chilling light glinting in his eyes.
Turning his attention to Su Qian, Xiao Hua's voice was calm yet carried an undeniable edge of killing intent. "First Elder, as planned, I will handle him."
Su Qian nodded thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. He fully agreed with the plan—after all, they were up against a mysterious force that had stood as a dominant faction in the Central Region for centuries.
Moreover, during their journey to the Demon Flame Valley, Xiao Hua had mentioned his plan in detail, including a method to save the souls of the Jia Nan Academy students currently under Protector Fu's control.
"Very well," Su Qian replied, his tone grave. "But proceed with caution."
His gaze shifted to Ming Cheng and the others, his expression stern. "Protector Fu is from the Hall of Souls. Their techniques are shrouded in mystery and strangeness, far beyond ordinary Dou Techniques. Even I don't fully understand them. Additionally, we have no way of knowing how many trump cards he holds."
Ming Cheng and the others nodded solemnly. They understood the gravity of the situation. Facing a peak Dou Zong was already an uphill battle, but forcing Protector Fu to reveal his enigmatic Dou Techniques would push them to their limits. Still, they had no other choice.
"I'll protect the students while you force him to reveal that Secret Technique of his," Su Qian said quietly, his voice laced with resolve.
Xiao Hua nodded, his expression calm yet deadly. A jade-golden flame began to surge from his body, its brilliance illuminating the area like a divine beacon. At the same time, arcs of purple lightning crackled across his frame, the raw energy coiling around his clenched fist with a menacing hum.
"Tsk, tsk…" A chilling, ear-piercing laugh broke the tension as Protector Fu stepped forward. His gaze swept across the battlefield, lingering on the many eyes from the Black-Corner Region's top factions, all intently observing the clash.
A mocking glint flickered in his eyes as his lips curled into a sinister grin. "Today, I shall show everyone the price of meddling in the affairs of the Hall of Souls!" he declared arrogantly, his voice echoing like a death knell across the battlefield.
As Protector Fu declared his intent, he stepped forward, and a sharp metallic clang resonated from within the dense black fog. A sinister black chain emerged, its surface shrouded in a cold, lingering mist, slithering like a venomous serpent. The tip of the chain gleamed ominously, radiating a chilling, murderous intent as it coiled protectively around his body.
"An exceptionally delightful soul, indeed," Protector Fu sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Let me test the precious golden egg of the Jia Nan Academy!"
The black fog surged violently as the dark chain began to tremble. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a bolt of black lightning streaked with eerie dark purple hues, hurtling toward Xiao Hua with deadly precision.
Xiao Hua's expression remained calm, his indifference unshaken even in the face of such an attack. He stepped forward twice, each step steady and unhurried, as a golden-green flame ignited over his hand. Opening his fingers, a brilliant flash of purple lightning burst forth, coiling around his arms like a living creature, ready to meet the incoming assault.
With a sudden burst of speed, Xiao Hua's figure blurred, leaving behind a trail of dazzling purple lightning. Moving with unerring precision, he seized the black chains that surrounded him. His fierce grip halted their sinister movements completely, as if the chains had been anchored to an unyielding boulder.
In an instant, a brilliant blue lightning glow erupted from Xiao Hua's body, surging along the captured chains. The violent and wild Heavenly Astral Lightning tore through the black fog clinging to the chains, dissipating it with ruthless efficiency. The lightning then raced relentlessly along the chains, surging toward Protector Fu like a feral beast unleashed.
"AGH!!"
A piercing, soul-wrenching scream escaped Protector Fu as the blue lightning reached him. The ferocious current bypassed his Dou Qi defenses entirely, invading his very soul with an overwhelming surge of Spiritual Strength.
Protector Fu's face twisted in agony. No matter how desperately he tried, he could neither prevent the blue lightning from invading nor forcefully expel it. The relentless energy burrowed deeper into his soul, mercilessly flooding it with crushing spiritual power, ignoring his resistance entirely.
What was even stranger was the duality of the blue-colored lightning—it was both a threat and a temptation. Protector Fu's soul instinctively recoiled from the danger it posed, yet it couldn't resist the allure of the vast Spiritual Strength within. His very essence greedily absorbed the Heavenly Astral Lightning, even as multiple faint crack slowly appeared on his soul.
"What is this lightning?!" Protector Fu's voice trembled with horror, his composure shattered as he felt his soul teetering on the brink of destruction.
For a being of pure Spiritual Body like him, such a surge of energy would typically be a blessing. But this was no ordinary lightning. Wild, violent, and utterly untamable, its chaotic nature made it a curse rather than a boon.
No matter how desperately he erected spiritual defenses, the blue-colored lightning bypassed them effortlessly, invading his soul with reckless abandon. Its boundless, uncontrollable energy ravaged him mercilessly, causing far more harm than good.
Worse still, the relentless influx left him no time to properly refine it. The rapid pace at which it flooded his soul rendered control impossible. If he couldn't refine this overwhelming energy soon, his very soul would burst apart, reducing him to nothingness. The raw power coursing through him was a ticking time bomb—one he couldn't defuse.
Protector Fu raised his head, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at Xiao Hua, who stood gripping the black chains—the conduit through which the devastating blue-colored lightning surged into him. Without hesitation, he waved his sleeve, and the dark-black chains dissolved into a swirling black fog that retreated to his side.
He gritted his teeth as realization dawned. From the moment he had witnessed the black fog dissipate under the influence of the strange lightning, he had sensed something unusual. Yet, never in his wildest imagination did he think it would lead to this much suffering.
What caught him off guard the most was Xiao Hua's audacity. He had expected Xiao Hua to either retreat or counterattack when the swarm of dark-black chains descended upon him. Instead, Xiao Hua's choice to confront with swift motion and extreme precision the chains head-on had been entirely unexpected —and devastatingly effective.
In that brief moment of hesitation, Xiao Hua had unleashed the bizarre blue-colored lightning, overwhelming him with its destructive force and leaving his soul teetering on the brink of annihilation.
'This is bad!' Protector Fu's thoughts raced as he struggled to suppress the relentless energy invading his soul. 'I must resolve this lightning quickly, or my soul will be obliterated!'
His horror at Xiao Hua's capabilities deepened, a bitter realization clawing at his pride. 'This boy... his courage and method are beyond anything I anticipated!'
But the lightning's relentless onslaught had crippled him, leaving him unable to fully utilize his strength. 'I have no choice—I must retreat!' Protector Fu muttered inwardly, his gaze dark and filled with frustration.
Though it stung his pride to flee in such a humiliating manner, survival was his only priority now. If he stayed any longer, there would be nothing left of him to retreat.
However, before Protector Fu could retreat, a dazzling flash of purple and orange lightning illuminated the battlefield. A figure materialized before him—a young boy with piercing azure and golden eyes that seemed to glow with divine radiance.
"Unfortunately for you, Protector Fu, you still owe Jia Nan Academy an explanation for trapping the soul's of the students," Xiao Hua declared coldly, his voice laced with unyielding authority. "So, I'm afraid I cannot let you leave."
The purple lightning surging around Xiao Hua's body began to merge seamlessly with two other lightning arcs—one a fierce blue, the other a blazing orange. The three energies intertwined like serpents, coiling and crackling around his clenched fist, exuding an overwhelming destructive force.
"Pure Tyrant Strike: Wrath of Celestial Immortal!"
Roar—!
With a thunderous roar of lightning, Xiao Hua struck. His fist erupted into a dazzling violet-orange lightning glow, its brilliance searing through the air. As the strike shot forward, its power escalated with terrifying speed, resonating like a drumbeat against the heavens. The sheer force caused space itself to tremble, ripples distorting the air before jagged cracks began to spiderweb across the fabric of reality.
The devastating bolt surged toward Protector Fu, carrying the might of heaven and earth, intent on erasing all in its path.
'What a terrifying strike! Even at my full strength, I doubt I would escape unscathed!' Protector Fu's thoughts were filled with alarm as fear gripped his heart.
Reacting instantly, he waved his hand, summoning a dense black fog. Dark-black chains materialized, intertwining in front of him to form a shield. Yet as the violet-orange glow approached, the chains began to smolder, then burst into flames, disintegrating into nothingness before his horrified eyes.
Shock and disbelief etched themselves onto his face. Those chains weren't mere tools—they were powerful artifacts bestowed upon him by the Hall of Souls, carrying immense energy and resilience. And yet, they were utterly obliterated by Xiao Hua's strike.
"Kgh!" A frustrated groan escaped him as he clenched his teeth and swiftly formed a complex hand seal. "Obsidian Mirage Veil!" he roared.
Black energy surged from beneath him, enveloping his form in a protective cocoon. The energy condensed, transforming into a translucent, glass-like black film. The surface shimmered ominously, its fragile appearance concealing its true nature. Not only was it imbued with immense defensive power, but it also solidified the space around him, anchoring him against the oncoming force.
Protector Fu stared at Xiao Hua with grim determination. 'This veil has withstood countless assaults—it will not fall so easily!' Yet deep down, a gnawing unease remained as the crackling energy of Xiao Hua's strike drew ever closer.
This barrier was no ordinary defense; it was one of Protector Fu's most treasured artifacts, a gift from the Hall of Souls. While it didn't prevent harm outright, it was designed to retaliate against any attack that struck it. Upon impact, the barrier would unleash a wave of black energy, infused with a fragment of Protector Fu's own power, ensuring a deadly counterstrike.
Yet, as Xiao Hua's fist neared—just an inch away—the artifact that Protector Fu so prided himself on began to falter. The violet-orange lightning surrounding Xiao Hua's fist didn't merely strike the barrier; it obliterated it. The defensive veil shattered utterly, its retaliatory energy unable to activate as the absorbed force was inexplicably burned away, leaving nothing but smoldering embers of black energy.
Before Protector Fu could react, retreat, or even comprehend the unfolding events, Xiao Hua's fist struck him squarely in the abdomen with merciless precision.
Bang—!
"Pfftt—!"
Protector Fu spat out a mouthful of blood, his body convulsing from the violent impact. The force hurled him through the air like a kite with a severed string, his figure helplessly flailing before crashing into the ground with devastating force.
The ground beneath him caved in slightly from the impact, sending a web of jagged cracks spreading outward like shattered glass. Protector Fu lay amidst the debris, his aura weakened and his once-imposing figure reduced to one of abject vulnerability.
"AAAAGHHHH!!!"
A blood-curdling scream erupted from Protector Fu, slicing through the battlefield and capturing everyone's attention. All eyes turned toward him, only to be met with a sight that sent shocked murmurs rippling across the valley.
On Protector Fu's chest, a gruesome indentation was visible—an imprint of Xiao Hua's fist embedded deep into his body. Blood seeped from the edges, painting a horrifying picture of the injury. The impossible had happened: Xiao Hua, a mere youth, had managed to severely wound a formidable Dou Zong of the Hall of Souls.
'That cursed blue lightning again! Moreover, how could this boy's strength possibly destroy my defensive artifact?!' Protector Fu's mind was in turmoil as he felt the continuous, agonizing assault of the blue-colored lightning on his soul. Cracks spread through his spiritual essence, the unrelenting energy filling him with unbearable pressure, as though his very being was on the verge of collapse.
And then there was the orange-colored lightning—a searing, merciless energy that coursed through his body. It felt as though his flesh was being roasted from the inside out, every nerve ignited in unbearable agony. The pain was unlike anything he had experienced before, leaving him trembling and disoriented.
To make matters worse, the orange lightning disrupted his abilities as a Dou Zong. His connection to the energy of heaven and earth was severed, the usually harmonious forces turning wild and uncontrollable within him. His Dou Qi, once a powerful river, had become a storm-tossed sea, beyond his grasp.
The realization struck him hard: he was utterly vulnerable. This child—this Xiao Hua—had turned the tide of battle in an instant. 'I must retreat... or I will truly perish here!'
Xiao Hua's strike was no ordinary attack—it embodied the devastating force of three Heavenly Lightnings, each playing a pivotal role in the destruction of Protector Fu's defenses:
Heavenly Mortal Lightning surged through Xiao Hua, amplifying his physical strength twofold. Its sheer power was enough to shatter Protector Fu's prized artifact, piercing through layers of protection as though they were paper.
Heavenly Astral Lightning targeted Protector Fu's very essence. The energy invaded his soul, filling it with an uncontrollable flood of Spiritual Strength. The overwhelming influx left his soul cracking under the pressure, unable to withstand the boundless and untamed force.
Heavenly Wrathful Lightning unleashed its relentless fury, incinerating the dark-black chains and nullifying the artifact's retaliatory defenses. Penetrating deep into Protector Fu's body, it burned his insides and rendered him powerless.
The Heavenly Wrathful Lightning's most terrifying effect, however, was its disruption of the natural energy flow. It turned the energy of heaven and earth wild and violent, treating Protector Fu as a foe and denying him the ability to control it.
'This is bad!' Protector Fu thought, his heart pounding with dread. 'To think such a powerful boy with strange lightings could emerge from the Black-Corner Region!'
He knew the situation was grim. As the mastermind behind the massacre which Demon Flame Valley follow feverishly, he was acutely aware that Xiao Hua and his group would never let him leave alive. Yet, despair was not an option. He would not stand idly by and await his demise.
Raising his head, he locked eyes with Xiao Hua, who approached with a slow, deliberate gait. The young man's gaze was as cold as winter frost, his indifference a sharp blade pressing against Protector Fu's resolve. A chill ran down his spine.
'I have no choice... If I wish to survive, I must use that!' Protector Fu decided with a heavy heart.
With a swift motion, he extended his trembling hand, and a dense cluster of black fog poured forth, coalescing into a pulsating orb before him. The black fog radiated a sinister spiritual energy that seemed to warp the air around it, carrying an almost tangible malice.
Xiao Hua halted mid-stride, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the ominous cluster. A flicker of excitement danced across his expression, his anticipation evident as though he relished the challenge.
Protector Fu, however, felt his heart twist with anguish. 'These souls... all wasted because of my arrogance.' His gaze wavered between the black fog and his implacable opponent.
Had he followed his instincts and gone all out from the very beginning, he might have been able to force the fight into a stalemate. However, there is no cure for regret, and his hesitation had come far too late.
The battlefield grew deathly quiet as both figures locked their focus on the swirling black fog—one with quiet exhilaration, the other with bitter regret.
'It's about time you show me that!' Xiao Hua thought, his lips curling slightly in anticipation. His gaze flickered to Su Qian and the others behind him, their eyes meeting briefly.
They gave resolute nods, their expressions solemn. Each of them understood the significance of this moment—the culmination of their plan.
The Hall of Souls was an enigmatic force, shrouded in secrecy and dread. While they knew little about its organizational structure, one truth was clear: its techniques were deeply intertwined with the manipulation of souls and spiritual bodies.
Their objective had always been more than defeating Protector Fu. They sought to force him into revealing his Secret Technique, the key to uncovering the secrets of the souls he had bound. Without it, they were powerless to unlock the spiritual cages that imprisoned the souls of the students from Jia Nan Academy.
Protector Fu, oblivious to the rising tension around him, focused entirely on the cluster of black fog. A flicker of hesitation crossed his face, but he clenched his teeth. His decision was made—he could always find another hunting ground to complete his assignment later.
With a wave of his hand, the black fog began to expand ominously before rapidly shrinking. In an instant, hundreds of illusory spiritual bodies burst forth from it, fleeing as if escaping some unseen terror.
Protector Fu's expression hardened. Opening his mouth, he spat out another plume of dense black fog, which quickly enveloped the spiritual bodies. The moment they were enshrouded, the ethereal figures seemed to realize the danger. They thrashed and writhed violently, emitting a shockwave of intense spiritual ripples that made the surrounding air quiver.
But Protector Fu paid them no mind. His focus was absolute as he opened his mouth once again, beginning the process of devouring the captured souls.
This was one of the Hall of Souls' most sinister Secret Techniques—a method of consuming souls to temporarily amplify one's strength.
However, Protector Fu's intention went beyond a mere surge in power. He planned to use the souls to heal his shattered body, restoring himself enough to turn the tide of battle or, if necessary, to make his escape.
'Now!' Xiao Hua roared in his mind, his focus sharp as a blade. Without hesitation, he raised his hand and pointed to his forehead. A faint glow emerged, and in an instant, a translucent seed, pristine white and exuding an icy aura, materialized at his fingertip. The seed emitted a misty chill that crystallized into delicate snowflakes drifting gently through the air.
The moment the Snow-White Fragment Seed appeared, it bathed the valley in an ethereal glow. A mysterious mist quickly blanketed the battlefield, thick and otherworldly. Its chilling presence seeped into every corner, sending an uncanny tranquility into the souls of all within its reach.
Xiao Hua's gaze flickered toward Protector Fu. The sinister elder, who had been moments away from devouring the hundreds of struggling souls, froze mid-action. His eyes glazed over, his expression softening unnaturally as though he had been pulled into a serene dreamscape.
It wasn't just Protector Fu. The thrashing, desperate spirits caught in the black fog also fell still, their resistance halting as they succumbed to the soothing pull of the mist.
Xiao Hua turned to glance at his allies and grimaced. Even Su Qian, Xun Er were affected, their movements sluggish as though entranced by the mist. The students and elders scattered across the valley fared no better, caught in the mystic haze's unexpected reach.
A pang of guilt and frustration flickered in his heart. "If only I could control its range…" he muttered under his breath. Still, his gaze sharpened as he turned his attention back to Protector Fu. This was his chance to turn the tide.
As Xiao Hua observed the five distinct glows streaking past him, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The luminous radiance emanating from his sworn brothers and sister have move.
Ming Cheng, Li Mei, Xin Yu, Mei Ling, and Wei Jie moved with purpose, their expressions calm and resolute, unaffected by the mist's lulling aura.
'So, Sister Azure and Sister Xue Yue were correct,' Xiao Hua mused, a faint smile of relief brushing across his face.
Their immunity didn't surprise him. Xiao Hua had been informed by Lady Azure and Xue Yue beforehand that his sworn brothers and sisters won't be affected by the Snow-White Fragment Seed.
Ming Cheng possessed the spark of three different Heavenly Lightnings. Li Mei bore the core seed formed from the fusion of three distinct Heavenly Lightning sparks and three delicate petals of Celestial Ancient Frost.
Mei Ling and Wei Jie possessed the flame seed of Primordial Green Lotus Core Flame. Xin Yu possessed a huge amount of flower petals of from the Celestial Ancient Frost, which makes her possessed the most purest Celestial Ancient Frost's aura.
These served as a shield against the effect of Snow-White Fragment Seed, especially to Li Mei and Xin Yu. For them, it was as though a fish had returned to water, as the seed's aura resonated deeply with the pure essence of Celestial Ancient Frost.
However, activating their Secret Techniques was essential. This awakened the sparks of Heavenly Lightning, the petals of Celestial Ancient Frost, and the flame seed of the Primordial Green Lotus Core Flame, all becoming most active and fiercely protective.
Naturally, with his sworn siblings stepping in, Xiao Hua could not remain idle. He, too, had to act—not merely to save the countless souls, especially the students from Jia Nan Academy, but to target Protector Fu directly.
Yet, killing Protector Fu was not an option. Such an act would undoubtedly draw the attention of the Hall of Souls, an outcome Xiao Hua could not risk. A nine-star Dou Zong elite was a rare and valuable asset, and the Hall of Souls would go to any lengths to recover him.
Ming Cheng and the others approached him, stood beside him with a slight concern expression on their faces.
"Will the Hall of Souls track us, Hua'er?" Mei Ling asked, her voice tinged with unease. She knew that killing a high-ranking Dou Zong expert from the Hall of Souls would inevitably draw their attention, but even capturing one might lead the Hall directly to them.
Xiao Hua frowned deeply at her question, his expression shadowed with uncertainty. Even he hadn't yet figured out how to deal with the remnants of Protector Fu's aura.
Just then, a calm voice echoed within him.
"Sister Xue Yue and I have already erased the Protector's energy from the area and laid down a false trail. There's no need to worry."
A faint, helpless smile crept onto Xiao Hua's face as he acknowledged the message. "It seems I've troubled you two yet again, Sister Azure, Sister Xue Yue…"
"Rather, when did they do that? I didn't even feel them leaving my body..."
He sighed and shook his head before turning to Mei Ling, his expression softening into an assuring smile. "Don't worry, Sister Mei Ling. It appears Sister Azure and Sister Xue Yue have already resolved this matter for us."
Mei Ling exhaled in relief, her tense shoulders relaxing. Knowing that Lady Azure and Xue Yue had not only erased Protector Fu's traces but also set up a fake trail to mislead their pursuers gave her a sense of comfort amidst the chaos.
The effects of the Snow-White Fragment Seed lasted only as long as it took for an incense stick to burn. However, that brief interval was more than sufficient for Xiao Hua and the others to act decisively. In that time, they sealed the hundreds of souls released by Protector Fu within jade bottles, including Protector Fu himself.
Killing him outright was too risky—a trail of his death, no matter how well erased, would inevitably attract the Hall of Souls. Even with Lady Azure and Sister Xue Yue's intervention, such a trail would invite unwelcome trouble.
By the time the trapped souls began to stir, Xiao Hua and the others had already secured the jade bottles within their Storage Rings, their work swift and meticulous.
"It seems this matter has been resolved," a calm voice echoed behind Ming Cheng and the others.
They turned, finding Su Qian approaching, his expression a mix of astonishment and disbelief. Having just awakened from the dreamy state induced by the Snow-White Fragment Seed, he looked at the six of them with evident surprise.
Although he had been informed of their plan, Su Qian had harbored doubts. The very notion of the Snow-White Fragment Seed was unheard of in his long years, and he had been prepared to step in should the situation spiral out of control. Yet, seeing the plan come to fruition left him momentarily stunned, his skepticism giving way to reluctant admiration.
"That's correct, First Elder," Ming Cheng said respectfully, cupping his hands toward Su Qian on behalf of Xiao Hua and the group. He offered an apologetic smile. "However, I must apologize for not informing you about this plan beforehand."
Su Qian waved off the apology with a faint smile, stroking his beard. "It's fine. As long as nothing has happened to the students—our academy's golden eggs—all is well."
Ming Cheng's gaze shifted downward, landing on Fang Yan, who lay at death's door, and Xie Zheng, trembling in fear as his eyes darted around in a futile search for Protector Fu.
"What should we do with them?" Ming Cheng asked coldly, his tone devoid of warmth. The blood debt owed by Fang Yan to Jia Nan Academy had been repaid, and Ming Cheng felt no further obligation toward mercy.
Su Qian's hand paused mid-stroke of his beard, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "It's best to cut off the roots and eliminate Demon Flame Valley entirely," he said, his voice steady but laced with chilling resolve. "Leave this matter to me and the other elders. The rest of you should return and recover your strength. You've done enough for now."
Xiao Hua and the others nodded in agreement and boarded the Flying Boat, where Xun Er awaited them.
"Welcome back, everyone," Xun Er greeted them warmly, her smile radiant as she saw her brothers and sisters return safely. Her gaze lingered on Xiao Hua. "Is everything resolved, Brother Xiao Hua?"
Xiao Hua nodded. "That's right. The First Elder has taken it upon himself to handle the cleanup," he replied. "Though, it feels a bit strange to rest now. The fight with Protector Fu wasn't as challenging as I expected, and I didn't feel like I contributed much."
Xun Er giggled softly, a melodic sound that eased the tension in the air. "He wants you to rest because you'll have the most important task—returning the students' souls to their physical bodies."
Xiao Hua's lips tightened into a thin line as the realization settled in. 'It seems I'll be the busiest one after all,' he thought, his eyes drifting toward Wei Jie and Mei Ling, who exchanged knowing, helpless smiles.
"I'll assist you with this, little Hua," Wei Jie said, shaking his head lightly. He understood the enormity of the task and the time it would take for Xiao Hua to restore so many souls.
"That's right," Mei Ling added, her smile tinged with wry humor. "Though, I think it would be helpful if Sister Li Mei and Sister Xin Yu could assist us in identifying which souls are truly worth saving. There's no need to waste our efforts on those with malicious intent."
"Leave that to us," Li Mei said with a nod of determination. Beside her, Xin Yu remained silent, her quiet demeanor conveying tacit agreement.
"What are you planning to do afterward, Hua'er?" Xin Yu finally asked, her calm voice breaking the momentary quiet.
"After returning the students' souls to their bodies and settling the debts owed, I will enter a retreat," Xiao Hua replied, his tone resolute.
The revelation struck Xin Yu and the others like a thunderclap, leaving them momentarily speechless. They were all too aware of the monumental challenge that lay ahead for Xiao Hua. To ascend to the next realm, she would need to gather an astronomical amount of energy—an ocean's worth, to be precise—just to step into a minor realm.
In contrast, a typical cultivator could ascend to a major realm with a fraction of that energy, a mere puddle compared to the vast lake Xiao Hua required. The disparity was staggering, a chasm that seemed insurmountable by anyone.
"It will take quite some time before your breakthrough to a major class, Hua'er," Xin Yu remarked, her tone calm yet contemplative.
Li Mei nodded in agreement, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She had never imagined there would come a day when Xiao Hua would need to enter a retreat for cultivation. In her mind, Xiao Hua had always been someone who soared through ranks effortlessly, unlike others who had to painstakingly seclude themselves to advance their strength.
"How long will you be in retreat?" Xun Er asked curiously, her gaze fixed on him with a mix of concern and anticipation.
"Until I reach Dou Zong!" Xiao Hua declared, his smile unwavering as a resolute light burned in his eyes.
For him, Dou Zong was not merely a goal but a necessity—the threshold that marked a cultivator as a true expert in the vast and perilous Dou Qi Continent.