Boom.
The clouds above the Ling Clan shattered; the sun and moon seemed to reverse. A terrifying, scorching storm of energy erupted in all directions, churning the skies for ten thousand miles. Beneath the shattered void, Lin Xi, gripping the giant ruler with both hands, slammed it down fiercely towards the figure of the young man standing calmly with his hands behind his back on the plaza below.
At that moment, Ling Xiao's figure appeared extremely small and insignificant, like an ant, evoking a hint of pity in onlookers. How tragic. The Ling Clan heir hadn't even warmed his seat before being inexplicably crushed on his engagement day. If this news spread, not only would Ling Xiao's reputation be ruined, but it would also be an immense humiliation for the entire Ling Clan.
"'Spiritual Flame Drunken Wave Ruler'? You think you're reckless?!" Just as the ruler, crushing space, was about to land on Ling Xiao's head, an extremely brilliant light suddenly erupted from his body. In an instant, the void previously filled with raging flames transformed into a sea of black clouds. Within it, thunder seemed to descend like divine punishment.
"This aura..." The expressions of everyone in front of the great hall instantly froze. Even the Ling Clan experts stared dumbfounded at the figure radiating starlight and an ethereal immortal aura, swallowing hard moments later.
Boom!
Countless streaks of purple lightning fell from the sky like stars extinguishing the world. And Ling Xiao's hand slowly rose, casually catching the gigantic ruler that was cleaving the heavens.
Hum!
A sound like a great bell vibrated in their ears. Purple lightning tore through the clouds, completely enveloping Ling Xiao's figure. Beneath the giant ruler, his form still seemed small and humble. But at this moment, no one dared to overlook his presence.
"Break." A light laugh came from within the tempest of lightning and fire.
Then, everyone watched in horror as strange purple lightning began to flicker across the hundred-zhang giant ruler.
Crack, crack, crack!
Cracks spread rapidly across it. In just a moment, it completely shattered into sparks and fell from the sky.
"This is... the Thunder Dao Principle!!" Finally, someone exclaimed.
Soon after, countless exclamations erupted throughout the sacred realm. No one paid any more attention to the figure in white falling from mid-air. All eyes were focused on the figure wreathed in lightning who hadn't taken a single step from the beginning.
Thunder Dao Principle!!
The true power of a Dao Principle!
That domineering aura, filled with endless destruction, even made the various sect masters feel a strange palpitation.
A peerless prodigy, an invincible immortal demeanor!
So,the Ling Clan heir had been hiding his strength so deeply!
Even Ling Tianlin and Wan Rendì had appeared at the front of the crowd at some point, looking at the young man in the distance with astonishment. Others might not know, but they were well aware that Ling Xiao had also fused another Dao Principle power!
Two Dao Principles accompanying him! What kind of heaven-defying talent was this? Without exaggeration, even the heirs of the supreme dynasties, ancient orthodoxies, and hidden saintly clans from the central Sacred Province could not possibly surpass Ling Xiao.
"Young Master... is just too damn strong." Ling Rui and the others stood behind the crowd, their faces filled with shock and a trace of relief. If the Young Master hadn't been magnanimous yesterday, killing me wouldn't have required even a single move.
Only Ling Tian clenched his fists tightly, his gaze towards Ling Xiao filled with indescribable complexity. If you hadn't destroyed my dantian, the one enjoying this supreme honor should be me! Ling Xiao! Sooner or later, I will crush you beneath my feet and take back everything that belongs to me!
"The Thunder Dao Principle?" Nian Qingyun's beautiful brows furrowed slightly. Looking at Ling Xiao now, she no longer held the slightest underestimation but instead felt a sense of wariness. Lin Xi's earlier strike was undeniably powerful. Even she would have had to use some of her trump cards to break it. Yet, Ling Xiao had merely extended a hand and shattered the overwhelming savage flames. She knew this was related to the Dao Principle he had comprehended. The Thunder Dao Principle was one of the most domineering forces in the world. But she knew that even she could not have achieved it so effortlessly. From start to finish, he hadn't used a trace of spiritual power, crushing Lin Xi with Dao Principle power alone.
Terrifying. For the first time, Nian Qingyun felt a flicker of interest in a man. Not fondness, but merely a desire to know who was stronger between her and Ling Xiao.
Tap, tap, tap. The sound of footsteps approaching finally dispersed the confusion on Lin Xi's face. Struggling to stand up, he looked at the calm, cold face before him. Besides fear, his eyes held a thick unwillingness.
How is this possible?!
How could he have comprehended a Dao Principle?!
How could this pampered, privileged waste be better than him?!
Lin Xi felt不甘 (unwilling) and furious, but he didn't dare show it now. He couldn't die; he still had a chance! As long as he could find one of the top ten Heaven and Earth Spiritual Fires, he would surely step into the Profound Void Realm and comprehend a Dao Principle. Then... Ling Xiao would be easily killed! Moreover, Spirit Elder had said he had prepared a heaven-defying opportunity for him, waiting for him to reach the Profound Void Realm to inherit it.
"I generally don't like people who talk too much. Whoever talks nonsense around me... I just directly kill them." Ling Xiao's voice rang out slowly, the entire Ling Clan sacred realm terrifyingly quiet.
"Young Master Ling Xiao." Just as Lin Xi tightly gripped a escape talisman, planning to flee, a graceful figure in white walked over from the distance and stood in front of Ling Xiao.
"Qingyun, still calling me 'Young Master'? Isn't that too distant?" Ling Xiao smiled warmly, the ferocity and domineering aura from moments ago completely gone, replaced by a warmth like the bright stars and sun.
"Lin Xi, you should leave!" Nian Qingyun didn't acknowledge Ling Xiao's comment, instead turning to look at the disheveled young man in white behind her.
"Qingyun, come with me!" Lin Xi gritted his teeth, his face full of unspeakable frustration and unwillingness. Although he had lost today, his Dao Heart had become even firmer. A Son of Destiny naturally grows stronger with each battle; how could he retreat because of this?
"I cannot. Since this is my tribulation, I must face it myself." Nian Qingyun shook her head, her bright eyes flickering with a faint light. The Ling Xiao she saw today was indeed different from the one described by the world. This marriage, whether she wanted it or not, had to proceed. Otherwise, truly angering the Ling Clan would bring no honor to her Master either.
"Qingyun!!"
"Say no more.Leave quickly." After speaking, Nian Qingyun actively walked to stand beside Ling Xiao. The sunlight fell upon them, making them look like a perfect immortal couple.
"You!!! Ling Xiao, what you can't obtain, I have already had! Qingyun, don't forget, your first time... was given to me! I will definitely prove to you that in this world, only I am worthy of you!" Lin Xi gave a sinister smile. If I can't have this woman, no one else will have her completely. Even if they were engaged, he would plant a thorn in Ling Xiao's heart. A thorn that could cause him pain at any time!
"Oh? The first time?" This dog bastard is really cunning. Ling Xiao smiled playfully, giving Nian Qingyun a meaningful look. He saw her delicate face flush slightly red. She shot an annoyed, embarrassed glance at Lin Xi but ultimately offered no explanation, turning and walking towards the great hall.
"Ling Xiao, wait for me. I will be back." Seeing the flicker of gloom in Ling Xiao's eyes, a smile finally appeared on Lin Xi's face. His figure flashed and instantly disappeared from the spot. The thorn was planted. Staying any longer, he truly feared Ling Xiao might fly into a rage and kill him on the spot. Of course, a Son of Destiny would always have some life-saving trump cards. But those were meant for the most critical moments.