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The rain lashed the rooftops of Tian Xiang City like whips from the heavens, drowning the world in a symphony of fury. Thunder rolled in slow, ominous waves, as if the sky itself were biding its timeā¦ waiting.
And in the heart of that storm, inside a modest, worn-down wooden cabin, a still figure sat cross-leggedāhis breathing calm, his presenceā¦ invisible.
Jun Mo Xie's face was concealed behind the polished, demonic lines of a white oni mask. Only his fingers moved lightly curled around the glowing Xuan Core in his lap.
It pulsed with rhythm, like a second heart. Soft golden tendrils of Aura flowed into it from his palm, weaving in intricate spirals around its surface.
Boom!
With a flash of his eyes, Jun Mo Xie erupted from the cabin like a cannonball, crashing upward and tearing a hole through the ceiling. The pieces of wood splinters flew, lightning cracked, and a beat later, another figure burst through the shattered roof in wild pursuit. The building groaned under the sudden stress before collapsing into itself with a muffled crunch.
Hovering midair with practiced grace, the Third Elder of Silver Blizzard City stared down his target, the Xuan Core glowing bright in the masked man's grip.
He smiled, not with kindness, masking his greed behind the smile.
"Sire," The Elder's tone was gentle, cordial, and disarming, "such a precious object mustn't bring unnecessary disaster upon an innocent soul. The item in your hand is called a Xuan Core and it was a rare treasure. Dangerous if mishandled. If you entrust it to this old man, I shall ensure your safety."
He clasped his hands behind his back and tilted his head slightly. "Your lifeā¦ for the Core. A fair trade, wouldn't you say?"
From behind the mask, Jun Mo Xie's chuckle rippled through the storm like silk laced with steel. "Fair? You call that fair? My Coreā¦ my lifeā¦ both belong to me. And I'm quite fond of them both, thank you."
He flicked his wrist, letting the Core spin slightly in his palm. "Besides, with so many distinguished experts sniffing around the city, what makes you think you can protect me from them all, Elder?"
There was teasing in his tone, but no disrespect, and especially no fear either.
The Third Elder narrowed his eyes.
"I am the Third Elder of Silver Blizzard City," He said softly, and that name alone was a weighty sword. "That title commands respect. You hand me the Core, and I promise you'll walk away alive."
Jun Mo Xie tilted his head slightly as though considering the offer.Ā
Fwoosh!
But then, he chuckled and aĀ vivid green light burst from his body, rising like wildfire.
Rain sizzled upon contact as the light deepenedā¦ thickenedā¦ darkened... transforming from vibrant jade to a fierce khaki, and then into a heavy earthy brown, like polished mahogany.
The Third Elder's smile cracked ever so slightly.
Jade Xuan Peak... Now Earth Xuan Peak... All in seconds.
He didn't speak, but his thoughts were screaming.
This... This shouldn't be possible. Xuan Qi realms don't shift like flowing water!
He took an unconscious step forward, mouth dry.
"Hmph." He tried to recover his composure. "Impressive lightshow. But Jade, Earthā¦ even peak Earth Xuanā¦ it's not enough."
In his mind, he was already reaching for the Core.
The boy couldn't possibly destroy the Core fast enough. His cultivation, though mysterious, wasn't a threat.
Or so he thought.
Then came the real horror.
The brown light vanished and from within the veil of misty rain came a new glowā¦ soft blue, quickly turning deep, then sky blue, until it flared into a brilliant azure that lit up the clouds themselves.
Peak Sky Xuan!
The Third Elder's mouth opened but no sound came. His balance faltered slightly, and he hovered lower to correct it.
Whatā¦ the... actual hell?!
Was this some illusion? A divine artifact? A possessed spirit? The rules of cultivation were bending before his very eyes!
"Boy, don't try to scare this old man with cheap tricksā¦" He began, but his voice cracked.
Jun Mo Xie's response was silence and the azure glow vanished again.
But nothing replaced it this time.
Only the eerie stillness of power too refined to be seen by ordinary eyes.
The Third Elder's heart seized.
Spirit Xuan? Noā¦ not just Spirit. He's suppressing his aura completely. That kind of controlā¦ it's terrifying!
The oni mask tilted slightly, and from behind it, a single gaze pierced through the heavy downpour. It was calm, indifferent, and monstrously cold.
Eyes that did not see opponents but only their prey.
They weren't the eyes of a mere Spirit Xuan.
They were the eyes of a slaughterer... the King of the Jungle.
The Elder's lips twitched and his foot inched back.
Just then, a new presence descended from above like a feather dropping through a hurricane.
Fei Meng Chen, the Imperial Teacher of Yu Tang landed lightly on a rooftop behind the two, his white robes billowing like a storm-wracked sail.
His eyes scanned the scene twice, his gaze was composed and curious as he was calculating in his mind.
The situation was delicate.
Three men... all apex predators.
Fei Meng Chen's instincts screamed caution.
Why isn't the Elder attacking? He could've taken the Core long agoā¦ unlessā¦ unless he can't.
Who is this masked man? Why can't I sense him properly? Why is my back tingling like I'm standing before a sword edge?
This is wrong. This whole thing is wrong. I should've waited for Shi Chang Xiao. Damn it all...
The Third Elder was thinking the same thing.
If this Fei hadn't shown up, I might've risked it. But nowā¦ now if I misstep, I die. This guy... this devil in robes is enjoying himself!
Jun Mo Xie, of course, was enjoying himself.
How could he not?
Two Spirit Xuan masters frozen stiff because of him. He might've laughed if it wouldn't break the tension.
His eyes flicked lazily from the Elder to Fei Meng Chen.
This isn't a duel. This is a dance. I wonder how many more will join.
And right on cue...
Boom!
Pop... Snap!
Like air breaking under pressure, the distant wind cracked open, and Shi Chang Xiao rolled through the sky like a war drum.
"Brother Fei!" His voice echoed from the heavens, proud and commanding, "Since you've hesitated... I'll take the Core myself!"
Jun Mo Xie didn't even flinch.
But Fei Meng Chen paled slightly. Damn it, Shi... don't you see we're already trapped?
And then, slicing through the clouds like a beast flying through the sky, came another figure, his speed very fast.
"Ha ha haā¦ Shi Chang Xiao!" A voice came as sharp as it was cruel. "You celebrate too early! If you want the Core, come through me first!"
The silhouette slowed midair, now fully visible, had black robes dancing around a powerful frame. His eyes, narrow and predatory with a sleek jaw, hard as steel.
Every part of him exuded danger.
The Solitary Falcon, another member of the Eight Great Masters.
His presence was like a mountain pressing down on the city.
Even the rain hesitated for a moment.
And now there were four apex cultivators ready to fight for a single treasure.
Jun Mo Xie's lips curved into a subtle grin behind the mask.
Now it begins...
--- ā¦ ā¦ ā¦ ---
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