Chapter 174: The Heavenly Phoenix Secret Technique, Xiao Tiance's Darkened Expression, and Zhu Kun's Fury
Eastern Dragon Island, Ancient Void Dragon Clan
"If I die today, and you manage to survive, I hope you will kneel before our teacher on my behalf and apologize. Tell him that Min'er was ungrateful and failed to meet his expectations!"
Huang Min's words echoed across the battlefield, causing Ling Yun's body to tremble slightly. He could hear it clearly Huang Min was ready to die. Either she would succeed in killing Zhu Kun to avenge her father, or she would trade her life to force their teacher, Xiao Tiance, to step in and kill Zhu Kun.
Looking at Huang Min, the girl who had grown up with him, trained alongside him, and studied under their teacher Xiao Tiance, Ling Yun's heart filled with pain.
He knew that when it came to talent, he couldn't compare to Huang Min. Even when he gave his all in training, he could only barely keep up with her pace this despite her carefree demeanor, her lackadaisical attitude of "three days fishing, two days drying the net."
When it came to intelligence and aptitude, he was even further behind. Yet, upon recognizing his limitations, Ling Yun had resolved to stay by her side, no matter what lay ahead even if it was a hellish battlefield or a confrontation with a peak nine star Dou Saint like Zhu Kun.
With these thoughts, Ling Yun tightened his grip on the long sword he hadn't used in years and said in a deep voice, "Alright, Sister Min. I promise you, if I survive, I'll deliver your message to our teacher!"
It was a simple sentence, but it conveyed Ling Yun's unshakable resolve to face death alongside Huang Min.
Huang Min frowned slightly. She wanted to tell him that this was her personal matter, that it had nothing to do with him. But seeing the determination on Ling Yun's face, she found herself unable to say a word.
"Alright!"
The two reached an understanding. The battle was about to begin. Huang Min gripped her sword tightly, her other hand retrieving the spirit array Xiao Tiance had given them from her storage ring.
"Attack!"
With a shout, Huang Min and Ling Yun charged toward Zhu Kun, launching their attack without holding anything back. The aura of two seven star Dou Saints surged forward with unmatched intensity.
Not only that, but the two immediately activated the secret techniques of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan.
"Sky Shatter!"
"Heaven's Mark!"
This was the first time the two had ever revealed these secret techniques in battle. In an instant, their strength skyrocketed, their auras surging from the initial stage of seven star Dou Saints to the peak of eight star Dou Saints.
It had to be said that the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's secret techniques were incredibly powerful. At the high Dou Saint level, every minor advancement in strength was monumental. Yet the two had managed to leap five small levels and an entire major level in a flash.
However, as the two charged forward, their power greatly amplified, Zhu Kun's eyes filled with murderous intent. If he had been holding back before restraining himself from injuring or killing them to avoid provoking Xiao Tiance's wrath that restraint had now disappeared.
Huang Min had laid her plan bare, forcing Zhu Kun into a corner. He now had no choice but to defend his dignity as a peak expert.
In the world of Dou Qi, strength reigned supreme. Though he couldn't defeat Xiao Tiance and had grudgingly tolerated these provocations, this did not mean he would allow himself to be manipulated by Huang Min.
"Foolish girl, if you want to die, I'll grant your wish!"
As the two advanced with their enhanced power, Zhu Kun showed no fear. His hands transformed into dragon claws, their surfaces quickly covered in unbreakable scales. He swiped at their incoming blades with his claws.
Clang! Clang!
The clash sent shockwaves rippling through the area. The sheer force of the impact destroyed nearby buildings and trees, scattering debris everywhere.
Some of the weaker magical beasts who were too close were ripped apart by the resulting sword energy and wind pressure, their blood staining the battlefield. The scene was horrifying.
"Fall back!"
Seeing what had happened to the weaker magical beasts, the elders and clan leaders of the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan and Nine Netherworld Python Clan shouted for their troops to retreat from the battlefield. On the other side, Zhu Li, who had yet to join the fight, also commanded the Ancient Void Dragons to withdraw to a safe distance.
Boom!
After a brief stalemate, Zhu Kun suddenly unleashed a burst of strength, sending Huang Min and Ling Yun flying several hundred meters backward.
Although neither of them were injured, they felt a stifling discomfort a result of the immense pressure exerted by Zhu Kun's powerful magical beast physique.
In the magical beast world, the Ancient Void Dragon Clan was unmatched in physical durability. While the Heavenly Phoenix Clan could rival them and even surpass them in some areas it was primarily because of their incredible speed, not their physical strength.
After all, as the saying goes, "Speed is invincible." There was some truth to this.
"Hmph!"
Huang Min snorted coldly. Behind her, a pair of fiery red wings suddenly materialized. As a descendant of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, her wings naturally carried a trace of Nirvana Flame.
Ling Yun also unleashed his wings. He knew full well that they couldn't compete with Zhu Kun in raw power or physical toughness. If Zhu Kun were at the same level as them, Ling Yun would have confidence in fighting him. But the gap between their seven star Dou Saint levels and Zhu Kun's peak nine star Dou Saint strength was insurmountable.
Their only option was to rely on their speed.
As expected, Zhu Kun's previously disdainful expression grew serious when the fiery wings appeared behind Huang Min and Ling Yun.
In his prime, Zhu Kun had witnessed the Heavenly Phoenix Clan at its peak. He was intimately familiar with their techniques so much so that, in this regard, no one in the world could surpass him.
Because of his understanding of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's methods, he knew how troublesome the next phase of the battle would be.
"Roar!"
Zhu Kun let out a deafening roar as his entire body became covered in gleaming black scales. The scales radiated an icy sheen, each one seemingly indestructible. This was Zhu Kun's ultimate defense.
His reasoning was simple: he knew he would be on the receiving end of relentless attacks until the effects of Huang Min and Ling Yun's secret techniques wore off. Even with his mastery of spatial manipulation, their extreme speed left him unable to counterattack effectively, no matter how strong he was.
Not far away, Huang Min and Ling Yun exchanged glances. With a mutual nod, their wings flapped sharply, and they vanished in an instant.
A moment later, sparks began to fly off Zhu Kun's scales as countless attacks landed on him in rapid succession.
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
The sound was sharp and rhythmic, like an eerie melody. Their attacks were so fast and seamless that not even a shadow of the two could be seen.
"So fast! Is this the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's secret technique?"
"The speed is terrifying. Without powerful defenses, even a peak nine star Dou Saint would have no chance of surviving such attacks."
"If I die today, and you manage to survive, I hope you'll kneel before our teacher and apologize on my behalf. Tell him that Min'er was unfilial and failed to meet his expectations!"
Eastern Dragon Island, Ancient Void Dragon Clan
As Huang Min's words fell, Ling Yun's body trembled slightly. He could tell Huang Min had already prepared to die. Either she would kill Zhu Kun and avenge her father, or she would use her own death to force their teacher, Xiao Tiance, to step in and eliminate Zhu Kun.
Looking at Huang Min, the girl who had grown up with him, trained by his side, and studied under their teacher Xiao Tiance, Ling Yun's heart was filled with sorrow.
He knew that when it came to talent, he couldn't compare to Huang Min. Even when he gave his all, he could only barely keep up with her and that was when she was joking around, carefree, and slacking off half the time.
When it came to intellect and aptitude, he fell even further behind. Yet, when he realized he could not surpass her, Ling Yun resolved to stay by her side no matter what whether it meant crossing mountains of swords or seas of flames, even if it meant facing a peak nine star Dou Saint like Zhu Kun.
With these thoughts, Ling Yun gripped his long unused sword tightly and said in a steady voice, "Alright, Sister Min. I promise you, if I survive, I'll deliver your message to our teacher."
It was a short sentence, but it carried Ling Yun's unshakable resolve to face death alongside Huang Min.
Huang Min frowned slightly. She wanted to tell him that this was her fight, that it had nothing to do with him. But when she saw the determination on Ling Yun's face, she couldn't bring herself to say anything.
"Alright!"
The two reached an understanding, and the battle was about to erupt. Huang Min gripped her sword tightly, while her other hand pulled out the spirit arrays that Xiao Tiance had given them.
"Kill!"
With a shout, Huang Min and Ling Yun launched themselves at Zhu Kun. From the very start, they unleashed their full power, their seven star Dou Saint auras bursting forth.
The two immediately activated the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's secret technique.
"Sky Shatter!"
"Heaven's Mark!"
This was the first time they had used these techniques in front of others. Their strength skyrocketed instantly, surging from the early stages of seven star Dou Saints to the peak of eight star Dou Saints.
The Heavenly Phoenix Clan's secret techniques were undeniably powerful. At the high Dou Saint level, every small increase in strength required tremendous effort. Yet, they had leaped five minor levels and an entire major level in a flash.
However, Zhu Kun's eyes were filled with murderous intent as he faced their amplified power. Any hesitation he had previously shown out of concern for Xiao Tiance's potential retaliation vanished completely when Huang Min revealed her plan.
This was the respect and dignity of a peak expert. Zhu Kun had endured and compromised for the sake of self preservation, but he would not tolerate being manipulated or humiliated in this way.
"You want to die? I'll grant your wish!"
As the two closed in, Zhu Kun stood his ground without a shred of fear. His hands transformed into dragon claws, covered in impenetrable scales, and he swung them toward the incoming blades.
Clang! Clang!
The clash sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. The force was so immense that nearby buildings and trees were reduced to rubble.
Some of the weaker magical beasts caught in the crossfire were shredded into pieces by the resulting wind and sword energy, their blood painting the ground in a grisly display.
"Fall back!"
Seeing the devastating aftermath, the elders and leaders of the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan and the Nine Netherworld Python Clan shouted for their troops to retreat from the battlefield. On the other side, Zhu Li commanded the Ancient Void Dragon Clan's forces to withdraw to a safe distance as well.
Boom!
After a brief stalemate, Zhu Kun suddenly unleashed a burst of force, sending Huang Min and Ling Yun flying several hundred meters backward.
Though neither of them were injured, they felt a suffocating discomfort a testament to Zhu Kun's immense physical strength.
In the magical beast world, the Ancient Void Dragon Clan reigned supreme in physical durability. While the Heavenly Phoenix Clan could rival and even surpass them in some aspects, it was largely due to their unparalleled speed.
"Hmph!"
Huang Min snorted coldly as fiery red wings suddenly appeared behind her. As a member of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, her wings naturally carried a trace of Nirvana Flame.
Ling Yun's wings also emerged. He knew they couldn't compete with Zhu Kun in strength or durability. If Zhu Kun were at the same level as them, perhaps they could fight him evenly. But as seven star Dou Saints facing a peak nine star Dou Saint, their only hope was speed.
Zhu Kun's expression turned serious as he saw the fiery wings. He was well acquainted with the techniques of the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, having experienced their full glory in his prime.
"Roar!"
Zhu Kun let out a deafening roar as his body was covered in black scales that gleamed with a cold light. Each scale radiated an indestructible aura. This was Zhu Kun's ultimate defense, meant to withstand the relentless assault he knew was coming.
He had no choice but to endure. Though he was a master of spatial manipulation, their extreme speed rendered counterattacks nearly impossible, even for a peak nine star Dou Saint.
Not far away, Huang Min and Ling Yun exchanged a glance. With a shared nod, their wings flapped sharply, and they disappeared in an instant.
Moments later, sparks began to fly off Zhu Kun's scales as countless attacks landed on him in rapid succession.
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
The rhythmic sound of strikes hitting Zhu Kun's scales echoed through the battlefield. Their attacks were so fast and seamless that even the Dou Saint spectators couldn't see their movements.
"So fast! Is this the Heavenly Phoenix Clan's secret technique?"
"With such speed, even a peak nine star Dou Saint would struggle to survive without an incredibly strong defense!"
Meanwhile, far above the battlefield, Xiao Tiance hovered in the void, his expression dark. If not for the spirit array isolating their presence, they would have already been discovered.
"Clan Leader, don't be angry. Once we get back, we can give Min'er and Ling Yun a proper scolding," Qing Lian said cautiously.
They had been observing for some time. Ever since Huang Min revealed her plan, Xiao Tiance and Qing Lian had arrived, though they hadn't revealed themselves.
When Huang Min explained her intentions, Xiao Tiance's expression darkened. And when she and Ling Yun activated the Heavenly Phoenix Secret Technique without hesitation, his face became even grimmer.
Qing Lian, who had been nurtured by the Heavenly Phoenix Clan, understood the price of using the secret technique. Not only would it leave the user in a weakened state for a long time, but it also burned their life force as fuel.
The Heavenly Phoenix Secret Technique could only be used five times in a person's lifetime. Overusing it could permanently damage one's potential for advancement or worse, lead to instant death from overexertion.
Knowing all this, Xiao Tiance felt a deep sense of frustration. The secret technique was meant to be a last resort, used only in the most desperate of circumstances. Yet these two had recklessly used it at the start of the battle.
"It seems I've been too lenient with them. They can't even assess the situation properly and resort to desperate measures right away," Xiao Tiance said with a sigh.
Qing Lian said nothing, silently mourning for Huang Min and Ling Yun, knowing full well what awaited them once Xiao Tiance got his hands on them.
Back on the battlefield, Huang Min and Ling Yun's attacks continued relentlessly. Suddenly, a scale on Zhu Kun's body cracked and fell, followed by a spurt of blood.
Under their high speed assault, Zhu Kun's defenses had finally been breached.
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
But even as more scales fell, Zhu Kun remained composed. The injuries were painful but superficial, nowhere near life threatening.
What thrilled Zhu Kun most was the gradual slowing of the attacks.
"The Heavenly Phoenix Secret Technique is almost over!"
Zhu Kun wasn't the only one who noticed. The Dou Saint spectators could also sense the diminishing frequency of strikes against Zhu Kun's scales.
"Two more minutes… one minute… thirty seconds… ten seconds…"
Just as Zhu Kun's excitement peaked, Huang Min and Ling Yun suddenly pulled out jade pendants etched with intricate runes.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
In a flash, eight ninth level spirit arrays and over a dozen eighth level spirit arrays erupted, trapping Zhu Kun in an instant.
"It's over!"
Zhu Kun punched forward in fury, but instead of hitting Huang Min or Ling Yun, his fist collided with an invisible barrier. The force rippled outward like waves on a lake.
"Spirit arrays! Again with these damn spirit arrays! Damn you, Xiao Tiance! I'll kill you!" Zhu Kun roared in rage.
(End of Chapter)
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