The calm voice echoed within the canyon, but there was no response for a long time.
"Stubborn fool..."
Chen Xiao sneered, and the Bone Spirit Cold Flame appeared in his palm.
It was at this moment that the figure hidden in the shadows could no longer bear the pressure. A wave of black mist surged, enveloping the figure as it fled towards the distant horizon.
Chen Xiao watched quietly, not pursuing.
As soon as the Azure Ocean Sect members arrived, he had already sealed off this area, guarding against the Soul Hall powerhouses hidden in the dark.
After his domain was unleashed, the entire covered area was within Chen Xiao's control. When the two Elder Eight-Star Dou Venerates of the Azure Ocean Sect perished, he had keenly sensed something was amiss.
"Soul Hall, your reach is too long!"
A clear, cold voice sounded from the distant horizon. Golden flames blazed, dyeing half the sky gold.
The fleeing black mist abruptly stopped. Under the pressure of the sky-high golden flames, it slowly retreated back above the Ten Thousand Li Golden River.
Accompanied by the sound of 'clanging' chains, the black mist churned, and the figure within revealed itself.
Clad in a black robe, strange and eerie, such an appearance was difficult for anyone other than a Soul Hall powerhouse to imitate with such divine essence.
"Gu Xun Er!"
The Eight Heavenly Guardian, holding a chain, looked at Xun Er, who emerged from the sea of flames, with full vigilance.
As a high-ranking member of the Soul Hall, especially with the recent movements of the various ancient clans, it was not surprising that he recognized Xun Er's identity.
It was precisely because he recognized Xun Er that the Eight Heavenly Guardian's heart grew heavier.
Although Xun Er's strength did not seem as astonishing as Chen Xiao's, appearing as if she had just entered the Dou Venerate stage, the Eight Heavenly Guardian knew very well that the threat Xun Er could bring was no less than Chen Xiao's, perhaps even greater!
Unable to escape, unable to fight, with no way forward or back...
Looking at the two who had cornered him, the Eight Heavenly Guardian appeared utterly helpless.
Desperate, he turned his gaze to Chen Xiao.
"Sect Master of the Purple Firmament Pavilion, you must consider carefully. Do you truly intend to be enemies with my Soul Hall until death?"
Chen Xiao remained silent. To have been able to develop quietly until today before formally confronting the Soul Hall, he was already quite satisfied.
"Hehehe, do you think the Ancient Clan are good people? If not for the Ancient Clan and the other clans breaking the rules first, why would my Soul Hall take such a risk to cause trouble in their territory?"
Sensing Chen Xiao's attitude, the Eight Heavenly Guardian couldn't help but let out a strange laugh.
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao's pupils contracted slightly.
"It seems you know quite a few secrets."
"This Heavenly Guardian knows more than you can imagine, but unfortunately, you won't have the chance to know!"
With an angry roar, the Eight Heavenly Guardian's body suddenly began to swell, a sign of impending self-destruction!
He was quite self-aware. Seeing that Chen Xiao had easily killed an opponent at the peak of a one-turn Dou Venerate, he knew he was no match. The moment he appeared, he had fled without hesitation.
It was only when Xun Er appeared that the Eight Heavenly Guardian completely gave up hope.
To avoid falling into their hands, there was only the path of self-destruction!
"Brother Chen Xiao, be careful!"
The Eight Heavenly Guardian's decisiveness startled even Xun Er, who quickly called out a warning.
"It's fine," Chen Xiao replied.
Immediately after, onlookers from afar saw what appeared to be a speck of starlight shoot out from Chen Xiao's brow, moving at a speed undetectable even by spiritual perception, and penetrate the Eight Heavenly Guardian's body.
At this instant, the violently swelling body of the Eight Heavenly Guardian suddenly stiffened. The self-destruction, which he himself could barely control, was strangely suppressed.
"What kind of secret technique is this..."
"Come back with me, and I'll tell you slowly."
As the Eight Heavenly Guardian's mumblings began, a voice sounded in his ear.
The next moment, the Eight Heavenly Guardian felt a terrifying flame invade his body. Extreme heat spread, bringing boundless pain.
"Ahhh... no..."
The Heavenly Flame burned him, and hysterical screams echoed throughout the area, making countless people's scalps tingle.
The wails lasted for just over a minute before the Eight Heavenly Guardian's body was burned to nothingness, leaving only an extremely transparent soul body. With a face full of panic, it glanced at Chen Xiao before fleeing frantically without looking back.
Chen Xiao's spiritual perception poured out, transforming into an invisible hand that seized it. He took out a jade bottle and stuffed the soul body into it.
"Brother Chen Xiao." Xun Er flashed closer. Seeing that Chen Xiao was unharmed, she finally felt relieved.
"Xun Er, this Eight Heavenly Guardian should know some secrets. I'll take him back and interrogate him."
Xun Er nodded gently, having no objections.
Cutting off the Soul Hall's hand reaching into the Eastern Region. Her purpose for this trip had been achieved.
As for how the Eight Heavenly Guardian was dealt with, it was not important.
Seeing that the situation on their side had been handled, the Valley Master of Yellow Maple Valley then approached, cupping his fists. "Many thanks to Miss and Senior for your intervention this time. Otherwise, my Yellow Maple Valley would surely have been swallowed by the Azure Ocean Sect. Wu Xiao, although he had ambitions before, after his father's seclusion, even controlling the Azure Ocean Sect was difficult, and he couldn't command obedience. Yet, during this period, he was able to unite the entire sect. I was originally puzzled, but I didn't expect the Soul Hall to be behind this scheme."
Chen Xiao waved his hand slightly, not responding further.
Xun Er stepped forward and nodded, saying, "Valley Master Yi, I will report your contribution in discovering the Soul Hall's traces to the clan."
Her casual words greatly pleased Yi Ziqian.
Even if the Ancient Clan didn't interfere much, they were still the rulers of the Eastern Region.
Being remembered by the Ancient Clan meant that Yellow Maple Valley would at least be peaceful from now on.
They might even receive some rewards!
Without further conversation, Xun Er waved her hand, signaling him to withdraw.
"What are your plans next, Brother Chen Xiao?"
Turning back, Xun Er's clear and cold face instantly lit up with a smile, her expression changing so rapidly it was astonishing.
Chen Xiao glanced at the crowd that had yet to disperse. After the display of force, coupled with Xun Er's undisguised closeness, very few people would dare to target him now.
At this moment, ordinary Dou Venerates lacked the ability to snatch it, and as for Half-Saints above Dou Venerates, or even true Dou Saint powerhouses, who didn't have some valuable items on them?
They wouldn't risk offending the Ancient Clan and the Purple Firmament Pavilion to attack him for a Heaven Rank Dou Technique.
"I've heard that Ancient Saint City, under the Ancient Clan, is quite magnificent. It's rare to come to the Eastern Region once..."
Chen Xiao was about to say that since there were no other pressing matters, he could spend a few more days with Xun Er.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
As he was speaking, Chen Xiao suddenly sensed that a jade slip in his storage ring was cracking.
Chen Xiao's expression changed, and he quickly took it out.
As soon as the jade slip appeared, it completely shattered!
"Brother Chen Xiao, what is this..."
"I left five methods of communication for Xian'er and the others. The shattering of this jade slip signifies that something major has happened!"
"Are Qing Lin and the others in danger?"
Hearing this, Xun Er couldn't help but become anxious.
"Don't worry, they are unharmed. Otherwise, it wouldn't just be this jade slip shattering. However, no matter what, I need to rush back as soon as possible to check."
Chen Xiao shook his head slightly, looking at Xun Er with a hint of apology. "I'm sorry, Xun Er, I'm afraid I can't stay and accompany you any longer."
Xun Er's eyes dimmed slightly, then she quickly raised a gentle smile, her fingertips lightly brushing past the golden ornaments in her hair.
"It's alright. Seeing you, Brother Chen Xiao, at Yellow Maple Valley is already a surprise. Brother Chen Xiao, be careful on your journey."
Chen Xiao nodded, stepped forward to hug Xun Er, and after a brief moment of tenderness, he kissed her forehead.
Then, without further hesitation, he tore through space and left.
Xun Er gazed at the gradually healing space, a captivating faint smile appearing on her cheeks.
She knew that everything that had happened today would surely not be hidden from the clan. Since Chen Xiao dared to act so brazenly, their next meeting would likely have a conclusion!
"Dou Saint, it won't be long..."
Murmuring, Xun Er's figure flickered, and she then vanished from her spot.
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