Chapter 313: Intense Battle, Xiao Tiance Joins the Fray
"Why does it have to be these three deranged vagabonds?"
On the Continent of Kings, the Sky Academy Dean's exasperated comment drew Xiao Tiance's attention to the three individuals in question.
The trio exuded overwhelming auras. The man in the center had reached the Lower Earth Supreme Realm and was close to stepping into the Upper Earth Supreme Realm. The other two, a man and a woman, had not yet broken into the Earth Supreme Realm but were clearly stronger than Liu Changkong and Wan Sui. They seemed to be on the verge of advancing to the next level.
"Hehe, let's follow protocol first," the man in the center chuckled. His crazed smile made him seem utterly unhinged.
Then, the man on the left bellowed, "Halt! This mountain is mine, and this tree was planted by me!"
The woman on the right chimed in, "If you wish to pass, you must pay a toll!"
"And if we refuse?" the Earth Supreme in the center asked loudly.
"Then you'll leave your lives behind!" the two Nine Grade Supremes declared in unison.
The ridiculous performance left Xiao Tiance feeling like he had stepped back into ancient times, encountering clichéd bandits blocking the road. He couldn't help but wonder if all robbers started with the same lines.
Nearby, the Sky Academy Dean covered his face to stifle his laughter. Then, he addressed the trio sternly, "Wu Li, Wu Qing, Wu Yi you three truly haven't changed. A Lower Earth Supreme and two late stage Nine Grade Supremes, still resorting to roadside robbery?
"What's the matter? Did the lesson I taught you last time not sink in?"
Xiao Tiance, curious about the trio's identities, received an explanation via sound transmission from Liu Changkong.
"Lord Tiance, these three are siblings: the eldest, Wu Li; the second sister, Wu Qing; and the youngest, Wu Yi. They are incredibly powerful and usually operate around the Tianchang Continent and its neighboring regions.
"Their cruelty is infamous anyone who encounters them rarely survives. Because their surname, Wu (吴), begins with the character for 'mouth' (口), they are nicknamed the 'Three Mouthless Bandits': Wu Li (Rude), Wu Qing (Heartless), and Wu Yi (Unrighteous).
"Over a century ago, these three brazenly targeted Sky Academy. Unfortunately for them, a formation master was visiting at the time. Together with the Sky Academy Dean, the master drove them away.
"Since then, the trio hasn't been seen near Tianchang Continent until now."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance glanced at the trio with interest. His gaze was quickly caught by Wu Qing, who turned to her elder brother and said, "Big Brother, I like that man over there. Can we keep him alive and take him back with us?"
Wu Li frowned, then looked at Xiao Tiance. After a moment, he grinned and gave Wu Qing a thumbs up. "Good taste, Second Sister. That guy may not be very strong, but he's good looking. Let's catch him for you."
"Thank you, Big Brother! You're the best!" Wu Qing beamed. She turned to Xiao Tiance, licking her lips in anticipation as if he were prey.
Hearing this, Xiao Tianming couldn't resist teasing, "Brother Tiance, that beauty has her eye on you! Medusa isn't around why not give her a chance?"
"Smack!"
Xiao Tiance swatted Xiao Tianming on the back, smirking. "I think she'd suit you better. Want me to catch her for you?"
"Don't! I was just kidding!" Xiao Tianming quickly waved his hands, laughing nervously. He knew Xiao Tiance too well if he agreed, the hulking woman might actually end up by his side.
"Hmph. Stay behind me. I'll have Qinghou protect you," Xiao Tiance said with a snort, assigning his Heavenly Demon Puppet to watch over Xiao Tianming.
At that moment, the Sky Academy Dean released his aura. Dust swirled around them as his oppressive presence spread in all directions. His sharp gaze locked onto the trio, and he spoke coldly, "You brainless fools. Have you forgotten who I am?"
"Uh… he looks familiar," Wu Yi muttered, lowering his weapon.
Wu Qing leaned closer to Wu Li and whispered, "Big Brother, I think that's the Iron Blood Scholar who nearly caught us over a century ago."
Recognition dawned on Wu Yi's face. "It's him! That old scholar nearly killed me back then!"
"Iron Blood Scholar, huh?" Wu Li tilted his head, his memory returning. "So it's you, the one who injured me back then. Perfect timing. Today, we can settle old scores!"
Wu Li released his full Lower Earth Supreme aura, a powerful wave of energy crashing around him.
"You're right, Big Brother. Let's finish this!" Wu Yi shouted, drawing his weapon and unleashing his aura as well.
Though Wu Qing hesitated, she steeled herself and joined her brothers. But not before giving Xiao Tiance another look, her eyes gleaming with interest as if to say, Don't worry, handsome. I'll deal with them quickly and come for you.
The intensity of her gaze sent shivers down Xiao Tiance's spine. He muttered to himself that her look was more damaging than any combat technique he'd faced.
"Hmph! You dare seek death? If you won't take the path to heaven, then I'll send you straight to hell!"
With that, the Sky Academy Dean drew his weapon. Compared to Wan Sui's sword and Liu Changkong's scythe, the fan in the Dean's hand seemed unimpressive. But Xiao Tiance could feel the powerful energy emanating from it. Clearly, it was a divine artifact.
"Swish!"
The Dean didn't waste time. Before the trio could act, he swung his fan, releasing a devastating wave of energy.
"Hahaha! Nice try, old man! Today, I'll grind your bones to dust!" Wu Li roared, charging forward to meet the attack.
Wu Li, the leader of the trio, threw a powerful punch. Even before the force of his fist reached the attack launched by the Sky Academy Dean's fan, it neutralized the energy in mid air.
The two then closed in on each other, their battle igniting instantly.
Seeing the Dean already engaged, Wan Sui and Liu Changkong were not to be outdone. They charged toward Wu Qing and Wu Yi, respectively, initiating their own clashes.
In an instant, three battles erupted, each one intense and captivating.
The most spectacular duel was undoubtedly between the Sky Academy Dean and Wu Li. Though both were Lower Earth Supremes, they had each touched the threshold of the Upper Earth Supreme Realm. While neither overtly used their Heaven and Earth Manifestations, traces of their mastery could be seen in every move and counter.
The precision of their strikes and the balance of their techniques made this one of the most brilliant battles Xiao Tiance had ever witnessed.
For Xiao Tiance, this was not just a spectacle but an opportunity to learn. He absorbed the techniques and strategies on display, knowing they could benefit him once his strength fully recovered.
"Boom!"
The Dean struck with his fan, and Wu Li countered with his fist. Every collision shook the heavens and earth, sending tremors through the surroundings.
"So this is the level of an Earth Supreme battle. It's nothing like the flashy Dou Techniques we're used to. Every strike generates and cancels Heaven and Earth Manifestations," Xiao Tiance commented to himself. Without turning, he added, "Tianming, watch closely. Battles like this are nothing like the Dou Techniques of the Dou Qi Continent."
"Understood, Brother Tiance," Xiao Tianming replied solemnly, watching intently.
The fights were evenly matched, a far cry from the one sided battles they had witnessed before. This balance made the fights both more intricate and more valuable for study.
Wu Qing vs. Wan Sui
Suddenly, Xiao Tiance's attention was drawn to Wu Qing, who was battling Wan Sui. Towering at nearly two meters, she wielded two massive hammers with unparalleled ferocity. Each swing created a roaring wind, exuding dominance.
Wan Sui's longsword, though agile and sharp, struggled against Wu Qing's brute force. Her hammers shattered his spiritual energy blades with ease, each collision leaving shards of energy in their wake.
Despite Wan Sui's precise attacks, Wu Qing's defense was impeccable. Any perceived weakness was immediately covered by the crushing swing of her hammers, forcing Wan Sui to retreat.
"She's formidable. Her techniques show the refinement of countless life and death battles," Xiao Tiance remarked.
Although Wan Sui was being pushed back, he hadn't yet revealed his Supreme Manifestation. For now, he could still hold his ground.
Liu Changkong vs. Wu Yi
On the other side, Liu Changkong clashed with Wu Yi. Both wielded Death Scythes, and their exchanges were razor thin in precision. A single mistake could result in being cleaved in two.
Unlike Wan Sui, Liu Changkong held a clear advantage. Xiao Tiance noticed a faint trace of blood colored spiritual energy infused into Liu Changkong's attacks. Though subtle, it steadily sapped Wu Yi's strength with every clash.
At this rate, Xiao Tiance surmised, Liu Changkong would emerge victorious.
Sky Academy Dean vs. Wu Li
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
A series of rapid collisions drew Xiao Tiance's gaze back to the Sky Academy Dean and Wu Li. The Dean's fan flew from his hand, aiming directly for Wu Li's chest. At the last moment, Wu Li blocked the attack with his clawed weapon.
"Slash!"
With a swipe, Wu Li knocked the fan aside and lunged forward, his claw infused with the power of his Heaven and Earth Manifestation, aiming directly at the Dean.
"Dean, watch out!"
A Sky Academy elder, an early Eighth Grade Supreme, called out in alarm.
Distracted by the warning, the Dean's focus faltered.
"Rip!"
Wu Li's claw grazed the Dean's arm, nearly severing it. Only a quick counterstrike with his other hand prevented severe injury.
"Dean!"
Several elders shouted in concern.
"Silence!" Xiao Tiance barked sharply, his cold tone silencing the onlookers.
Turning to Qinghou and Xiao Tianming, Xiao Tiance stomped the ground. The force fractured the space beneath him, and in the next instant, he appeared beside the Dean.
With Wu Li's attack closing in, Xiao Tiance threw a punch.
"Clang!"
The collision of Xiao Tiance's fist and Wu Li's claw created a metallic sound, as if two divine weapons had clashed.
Before Wu Li could react, Xiao Tiance launched another lightning fast punch. Wu Li barely dodged, countering with another swipe of his claw.
Despite being a formidable Earth Supreme, Wu Li found himself matched by Xiao Tiance's physical speed and reflexes, which were nothing short of extraordinary.
"Clang!"
Another collision, but this time Wu Li sensed an overwhelming danger.
"Boom!"
Golden flames erupted from Xiao Tiance's fist, surging toward Wu Li. Though he managed to evade the full impact, the flames licked his clawed weapon, causing visible damage.
The Golden Emperor Flame, one of the top twenty three ranked exotic flames, was unrivaled in its destructive power.
"What a terrifying flame… utterly tyrannical," Wu Li muttered, his expression turning grim.
Though his clawed weapon wasn't a true divine artifact, it was a quasi divine weapon. Yet the flames had nearly melted it in mere seconds.
"Who are you? Name yourself!" Wu Li demanded, retreating a hundred meters.
Xiao Tiance smirked, his tone calm yet disdainful. "You're not qualified to know my name."
(End of Chapter)
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