Chapter 108: Total Annihilation
In a rarely visited mountain range on the outskirts of the Tagore Desert, Xiao Yan had finally recovered his Dou Qi. He gazed at the azure Heavenly Flame sealed within the Green Lotus Platform, his face solemn.
This was his first time attempting to devour a Heavenly Flame. Even with Yao Lao's help and thorough preparations, he still felt a nervous tension in his heart.
The power of this flame was truly terrifying.
It's time... Brother, wish me luck!
He murmured inwardly, resolve flashing in his eyes. Then his soul force surged, releasing the Green Lotus Core Flame from the pedestal.
…
On a cool desert night, gazing at the familiar outline of the city ahead, Xiao Yuan finally allowed a relaxed smile to form.
After advancing to the Da Dou Shi rank, and with the help of an earth-tier earth-element technique, his training speed had increased significantly.
Along the way, he had taken a route heavy with magical beasts to adapt to his newly strengthened power. Most of them were rank-two beasts, though in overwhelming numbers. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't fly, and ultimately became live practice targets for Xiao Yuan.
He'd even encountered a rank-three Yellow Sand Scorpion, from which he obtained a sand-attribute magic core. Using it as a medium, he converted his earth Dou Qi into sand Dou Qi—making desert travel even easier.
It was a misfortune for the magical beasts: those he could defeat were slain, yielding rare herbs; those he couldn't, he provoked or stole from, then flew away unchallenged.
The journey had taken him nearly half a month.
As the city grew larger in view, Xiao Yuan flapped his wings and increased his speed toward Stone Desert City.
Landing atop a tall building within the city, Xiao Yuan retracted his wings and looked down at the desert-themed architecture.
With a flick of his Dou Qi, the dust on him was cleared away. His soul perception expanded outward, covering over half the city.
His face darkened.
He couldn't sense Qinglian's presence.
And in the Mo Tie Mercenary Corps' base, there were new, unfamiliar auras.
Had Qinglian been taken away in just over a month?
With a cold expression, Xiao Yuan flew toward the mercenary corps' estate.
…
In the courtyard, the training grounds were packed with people split into two opposing groups. The air was tense, and their stares bristled with killing intent.
At the center, two figures were locked in a deadly duel. Their movements were sharp and swift—any misstep would be fatal.
One figure was wrapped in lightning, arcs of silver flickering around him. His long spear buzzed with thunder as he attacked.
But his opponent—the yellow-clad figure—seemed completely unbothered, evading each strike with ease. Their power gap was clear.
Yet the yellow figure didn't finish it quickly. He was deliberately playing with his opponent to display his so-called dominance.
Such arrogance never lasted long in the path of cultivation.
On the sidelines, the Mo Tie members watched with burning eyes, fully aware of the mockery.
At their front stood Xiao Ding, face expressionless, though fury boiled in his eyes.
"Captain, the rear's been blocked too. There's no way out."
A mercenary squeezed in from behind and reported grimly.
"As expected… they really left no retreat."
Xiao Ding clenched his fists and inhaled the hot desert air deeply, keeping his composure.
"If we can't escape… then we fight. They'll pay for trying to wipe us out in blood."
"Triple Thunder Arc Dance!"
The silver figure roared, his spear crackling with arcs of energy as he lunged at his enemy.
"Hah! Trash is trash. Your so-called thunder Dou Qi—come try it against absolute power!"
The yellow-clad man sneered, his fist swelling with yellow Dou Qi, forming an energy gauntlet.
He punched forward, wind howling as power surged. His strike shattered the three arcs instantly and continued, smashing into Xiao Li's chest.
"Urgh!"
Blood spewed from Xiao Li's mouth as he flew back, carving a deep trench into the ground before crashing into a boulder.
"Haha! And you thought you could be arrogant with that little strength?"
The yellow-clad man snorted. He charged like a tank toward the injured Xiao Li, his fist again glowing with deadly Dou Qi.
"Die!"
Just as the punch was about to land—
A shadow fell from the sky.
Before the strike landed, a foot wreathed in black and white flames and azure wind energy smashed into his chest.
Wind Hawk Kick — High Yellow Rank Dou Technique!
A whirl of wind and flame erupted. In one fluid motion, the man was shredded and incinerated—vanishing before everyone's eyes.
Xiao Yuan landed in his elegant white robe, expression cold, taking the man's place in view.
"You bastard. You dare hurt my second brother? If a single fragment of you survives today, I'll change my name to yours!"
As he spoke, two of Xiao Yuan's Qi Paths activated, feeding Dou Qi into his Wood Qi Path. His strength surged from one-star to four-star Da Dou Shi.
With a dark expression, Xiao Yuan glared at the enemy leader—a five-star Da Dou Shi—and didn't hide his killing intent.
"Xiao Yuan?"
Xiao Ding blinked. Then his face lit up in joy as he clapped loudly.
"This kid came back fast!"
"Looks like Mo Tie Mercenaries aren't finished yet."
He slowly exhaled and turned to his men with a smile.
The rest, seeing Xiao Yuan in action, finally relaxed. They'd heard the tale of him killing Luo Bu. Watching him take down a Da Dou Shi with a single blow confirmed the legend.
They looked at each other, grinning with relief and anticipation.
"Who are you?" the five-star Dou Shi growled, feeling the pressure.
"Doesn't matter. What matters is—you're with the Mo Clan, right? Don't worry. Your clan head will be joining you soon."
Xiao Yuan vanished and reappeared in front of him, throwing a powerful punch.
Green Wind Spiral Fist!
A low-grade Xuan technique, but enhanced by Heavenly Flame, it rivaled mid-grade power. The air grew stifling from the heat.
Without looking back, Xiao Yuan summoned a long spear and launched a flurry of rapid strikes.
His Six Combination Spear had reached mastery—his opponent couldn't keep up.
A storm of spear shadows surrounded the man. Time stretched as fear drenched him in sweat.
"Haah!"
With a shout, Xiao Yuan's spear surged forth, forming a roaring lion that pounced.
Furious Lion's Roar!
Three successive Xuan techniques overwhelmed the five-star Dou Shi. He coughed blood and flew backward.
His allies rushed to help him retreat.
"Trying to run?"
Xiao Yuan tossed aside the shattered spear, formed seals, and cast—
Four-Wind Barrier!
A mid-grade Xuan technique for trapping enemies. Before parting, Yun Yun had generously given him all her most useful techniques.
Now, half of Misty Cloud Sect's secrets lay in his hands.
Even if he didn't admit it, he was practically a disciple of the sect now.
…Which might complicate things with Yun Shan, given Xiao Yuan's relationship with Yun Yun and history with Nalan Yanran.
But for now…
Xiao Yuan stared coldly at the trapped Mo Clan members.
He opened his mouth and exhaled his Yin-Yang Flame. Pushing it into the barrier, he changed the seal again.
The temperature soared.
Blazing Flame Burn!
Another Xuan technique. The Heavenly Flame fused with the barrier, encasing the enemies.
Now they understood who they had provoked—but too late.
Barrier—close!
The four winds collapsed inward, dragging the scorching flame with them.
"Spare us! We'll leave! Please!"
Someone screamed inside.
Xiao Yuan ignored them.
He turned to Xiao Li and softened his expression.
"Second Brother, are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Cough You came fast. We figured with you and Xiao Yan hunting the Heavenly Flame, it'd be months. Didn't expect you so soon."
Despite his injuries, Xiao Li smiled, blood staining his teeth.
Xiao Yuan quickly pulled out healing pills and fed them to him.
"We're from the Mo Clan! If our elder finds out—he'll tear you apart!"
Someone dared to yell again.
Xiao Li frowned.
Xiao Yuan, unmoved, snapped his fingers.
Screams erupted—and were silenced soon after. Bones cracked, flames roared.
"Damn, you're more ruthless than your brother."
Xiao Ding smiled, approaching.
"Qinglian was taken?"
Xiao Yuan's smile faded.
"Yes. A few days ago, she left and never returned. I investigated—she was definitely captured. These Mo Clan bastards only showed up today.
They're one of the Four Great Families in the empire's northeast. Not as massive as the Nalan clan, but still influential. Their control in that region runs deep. Few dare provoke them. You already suspected it was them, didn't you?"
Xiao Ding was sharp and had noticed the clues.
"Yeah. I heard rumors. Qinglian's physique is unique—they'd definitely want her. I thought one month would be safe… I was wrong."
Xiao Yuan's expression turned cold.
He couldn't very well take Qinglian to the Snake-People's lands.
Thankfully, Mo Cheng likely wouldn't rush to extract her eyes for transplant. That gave Xiao Yuan time… to burn Mo Clan to the ground.
"You've already made a plan, haven't you?"
Xiao Ding asked.
"Heh, you know me too well, big brother."
Xiao Yuan grinned and gave a thumbs up.
After the brothers finished arranging their group's affairs, they finally sat down together to catch up.
"So, how'd the hunt go with Xiao Yan?" Xiao Li asked, wrapping an arm around Xiao Yuan.
"Went well. Had a lucky break. With the gains we made, I'll likely reach Dou Wang in two years."
Xiao Yuan smiled.
"Ha! You were just a six-star Dou Shi before. Now you're already Da Dou Shi?"
Xiao Li clapped his back with a grin.
"The flame—"
Xiao Ding chimed in.
"Xiao Yan's likely in the middle of devouring it. Or done. He might even return tomorrow."
Xiao Yuan nodded.
"Seriously? You guys really pulled it off?"
Xiao Li looked amazed.
They'd taken a flame from under Queen Medusa's nose—a feat few would even dare dream of.
"Yeah. We got lucky—she was too busy to deal with us."
Xiao Yuan didn't elaborate. If they knew he was now carrying Queen Medusa herself… they'd probably faint on the spot.
"As long as you got it."
Xiao Ding didn't add any warnings. He knew both of his brothers well. No matter how difficult the task, once they committed, they'd see it through.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the desert city…
A powerful aura was quietly awakening.
(END CHAPTER)
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