As ten brilliant light patterns flared to life, an overwhelming surge of energy erupted from Xiao Yan's body like a slumbering dragon awakening. The surrounding space instantly collapsed under this terrifying pressure, revealing just how frightening his current strength had become.
"How is this possible?"
Feeling the aura exploding from Xiao Yan's body, the Heaven-Slaying Demon Emperor's smile finally faded. He could clearly sense that Xiao Yan's aura had undergone a meteoric rise compared to before—an increase far beyond what normal secret arts of the Great Thousand World could provide.
Even though the Great Thousand World had certain secret techniques that could temporarily boost strength, none of them could so dramatically affect someone at the Heavenly Sovereign level. Yet now, Xiao Yan's transformation shattered that common understanding.
"What terrifying power…"
Xiao Yan sucked in a deep breath. He could feel his entire body aching under the violent tide of power now flooding him. If not for his physical body having long surpassed that of ordinary cultivators—and the added support from the Creation Green Lotus—he would've been torn apart by his own strength by now.
This was the horrifying effect of the Divine Spirit Technique—Sky Ascension.
Typically, Divine Spirit Techniques evolved based on the cultivator's primary cultivation method. In Xiao Yan's case, it was Flame Mantra—one of the most miraculous techniques in existence. Combined with the Ten Divine Veins in his body—the first such example in the Great Thousand World—this fusion gave birth to a truly monstrous technique: Sky Ascension.
Sky Ascension wasn't a direct offensive ability. Its effect was very similar to the Three Mysterious Transformations of Heavenly Flame Xiao Yan had once used in the Dou Qi Continent, though far more terrifying. By Xiao Yan's estimation, his current combat strength had risen to the late-stage Immortal-grade Heavenly Sovereign level! Even he was shocked by this, as he had only been at the mid-stage Spiritual-grade level moments ago.
What was even more astonishing was that this amplification wasn't limited to spiritual energy alone. His physical body and soul force had also reached late-stage Immortal-grade levels. With all three aspects now empowered, he could actually go head-to-head with a Saint-grade Heavenly Sovereign.
"No wonder you've been so confident this entire time… so you were hiding such a trump card. But you think this alone is enough to stand against me?"
The Heaven-Slaying Demon Emperor's face darkened. Xiao Yan's transformation had completely exceeded his expectations.
Though Xiao Yan hadn't truly stepped into the Saint-grade level, the Heaven-Slaying Demon Emperor was all too aware of how monstrous this youth was. After all, Xiao Yan had slain a Profound Demon Emperor while only at the Spiritual-grade level. Now that he had reached the Immortal-grade stage, it wasn't out of the question for him to challenge a Saint.
"Whether I can stand against you… how about you test it for me?"
Xiao Yan stepped forward, appearing in front of the Heaven-Slaying Demon Emperor in an instant. He raised the Ancient Flame Ruler and cleaved downward. With a cold snort, the Demon Emperor swung his bone blade to meet the strike head-on.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion rang out as Xiao Yan was sent flying hundreds of meters away. Blood leaked from the corner of his mouth. It was clear that even with this empowered state, he still couldn't overpower the Heaven-Slaying Demon Emperor in a direct clash.
Yet, the Demon Emperor did not look pleased. He could clearly feel that his full-powered attack had failed to cause any substantial harm. That strike had been serious—not a test—and still, Xiao Yan stood.
This meant… Xiao Yan now possessed the qualifications to battle him head-on.
"Exhilarating!"
Despite being knocked away, Xiao Yan let out a joyful laugh. His black pupils had deepened into pitch-dark abysses, and his long black hair suddenly grew longer—he had activated the Supreme Heart Demon Scripture.
At his current cultivation level, Xiao Yan could bring out the full might of the scripture. His current Heart Demon State was no longer the minor state of the past, but the Perfected Heart Demon State. This level could significantly boost even Heavenly Sovereign-level combatants.
Under the fusion of Sky Ascension and the Perfected Heart Demon State, Xiao Yan's aura was like a storm. Even the Heaven-Slaying Demon Emperor had to admit that this opponent could no longer be underestimated.
The Demon Emperor now felt a faint but genuine sense of threat from Xiao Yan—a Spiritual-grade Heavenly Sovereign actually forcing a Saint-grade powerhouse to feel pressure. It was laughable… but it was happening.
Xiao Yan stomped forward again, wielding the Ancient Flame Ruler and charging at full speed. Although he was at a disadvantage, he fearlessly struck first again and again. This courage astonished even the Heaven-Slaying Demon Emperor.
Still, admiration did not mean mercy.
The bone blade, which had slain numerous Saint-grade Heavenly Sovereigns, once again met the radiant ruler. Two blinding lights collided midair, sparks flying in all directions.
In mere moments, they had exchanged hundreds of blows. The Ancient Flame Ruler and the eerie bone blade had clashed countless times. As Patriarch of the Blade Demon Clan, the Heaven-Slaying Demon Emperor's swordsmanship was divine. Even though Xiao Yan unleashed every ruler technique he knew, he remained outmatched. Before long, his body was already riddled with wounds.
After another fierce clash, Xiao Yan was sent flying a thousand miles away. Just as he barely stabilized his form, the Demon Emperor pursued, clearly intent on ending him then and there.
But at that critical moment, two figures suddenly appeared—one before and one behind the Demon Emperor—attacking him in unison.
These two figures bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Yan. The only difference was the distinct glow radiating from their bodies. They were none other than Xiao Yan's Soul Clone and Spirit Clone, long kept hidden until now.
Sky Ascension had boosted them as well, and under its effect, the combined assault of the clones actually halted the Heaven-Slaying Demon Emperor's advance!
"Nine Springs Sacred Demon Seal!"
The Spirit Clone held the Heavenly Profound Seal and slammed it forward. A terrifying force burst forth, forcing the Demon Emperor back several steps.
Back when Xiao Yan had first forged the Heavenly Profound Seal, he had hoped to use the Nine Springs Sacred Demon Seal as its soul technique. He'd failed at the time, and had settled for the Emperor Seal Art instead. But now that his cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds, and the seal had grown stronger as well, he had finally succeeded in merging the two.
This powerful technique was now the key to turning the tides—giving Xiao Yan a critical opportunity for retaliation.
(End of Chapter)
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