Chapter 405: A Turning Point in the Battle, Twists and Turns
"Cough, cough... As expected, he's tough!"
Picking up from the previous chapter, Xiao Tiance managed to deflect Feng Mingtian's powerful assault, but he didn't emerge unscathed.
As he coughed violently, blood dripping from his lips, he glanced at Feng Mingtian, who once again appeared calm and collected. Xiao Tiance couldn't help but think, "So this is what it means to be half a step into the Sacred Heavenly Sovereign realm. Compared to Xitian Battle Emperor, Feng Mingtian is far more formidable. His speed, strength, offense, and defense surpass Xitian Battle Emperor in every way."
He sighed inwardly. "Facing a foe like the True Phoenix Clan, it's no wonder Feng Mingtian can so confidently dismiss the Heavenly Palace's decrees."
No Turning Back
Resolute, Xiao Tiance shook off his doubts. The battle was already underway, and blood had been spilled on both sides. There was no room for retreat.
For the conflict to end, one side would have to admit defeat or be completely annihilated.
"Haha, is that all you've got, boy?" Feng Mingtian chuckled. His tone carried a trace of mockery. "I can't decide if you're brave or just plain foolish. You haven't even forced me to use 80% of my strength. How disappointing."
Hearing this, Xiao Tiance wasn't fazed. His gaze turned icy as he coldly replied, "Don't be so quick to assume. The most foolish thing anyone can do is declare victory before the end."
Without wasting any more words, Xiao Tiance charged forward again. This time, he unleashed the full power of the two spiritual arrays engraved within his body. His strikes radiated terrifying strength, each one capable of shattering mountains.
But no matter how ferociously Xiao Tiance attacked, Feng Mingtian either blocked or dodged effortlessly, maintaining an air of ease.
A Battle of Attrition
Time passed quickly as the two clashed in a ferocious exchange. Half an hour flew by in what felt like moments.
Finally, the tide began to shift.
A Cunning Strike
Elsewhere on the battlefield, Xiao Yan had stealthily made his way to Xiao Xun'er's side. Using his agile movement techniques, he hid behind Qinghou, Xun'er's puppet ally.
As Xun'er's Emperor Flame forced her opponent to retreat, the enemy, a Heavenly Sovereign at the early Spirit Rank, prepared to counterattack. Having gauged Qinghou's abilities in their prior exchanges, the opponent believed Qinghou posed no significant threat beyond raw physical strength.
Confidently, he launched a palm strike to repel Qinghou.
But in that moment, Xiao Yan struck.
A dazzling, multi colored lotus materialized in his hand before flying out and landing squarely on the opponent.
"Xun'er, now's your chance!" Xiao Yan called out.
While he knew his cultivation level as a lower Earth Sovereign meant the Buddha Fury Lotus couldn't inflict significant damage on a Heavenly Sovereign, it was enough to create a critical opening for Xun'er.
The Emperor Flame Strikes
"Emperor Flame: Heaven Scorching Lotus!"
At Xiao Yan's signal, Xun'er unleashed her ultimate technique. The Heavenly Sovereign's eyes widened in horror as a sense of impending doom enveloped him.
Dozens of radiant, fiery lotuses surrounded him, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the despair in his gaze.
"No!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The fiery lotuses exploded in rapid succession, their destructive power akin to dozens of nuclear bombs detonating simultaneously.
Fortunately, the battlefield was high above the ground, sparing those below from the worst of the devastation. However, the resulting shockwaves still wreaked havoc, knocking combatants on both sides off balance.
Victory for Xun'er
As the smoke cleared, Qinghou darted into the chaos, emerging moments later with the enemy Heavenly Sovereign in tow. Qinghou gripped the opponent by the throat, rendering him as helpless as a lifeless doll.
Though he was still alive, his spiritual energy had been entirely drained, leaving him in a pitiful state.
The battlefield fell silent as everyone, whether ally or foe, processed what had just occurred.
Cheers and Admiration
"Long live Lady Empress!"
"Amazing! Lady Empress defeated a Heavenly Sovereign!"
"Lady Empress is incredible!"
Xiao Tiance's forces erupted in jubilant cheers. After all, Xun'er's feat of defeating a Heavenly Sovereign while still in the Earth Sovereign realm was nothing short of miraculous.
A Moment of Gratitude
Xun'er descended and rushed to Xiao Yan's side.
"Brother Xiao Yan!" she called out, her voice tinged with concern.
"Are you alright, Xun'er?" Xiao Yan asked, gripping her hand tightly.
Xun'er shook her head, her gentle voice reassuring him. "I'm fine. He feared my Emperor Flame too much to get close. If not for Brother Xiao Yan's help, I could've only delayed him, not defeated him."
Xiao Yan smiled warmly. "Silly girl. There's no need to thank me. We're a team we help each other."
Xun'er's face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes brimming with affection.
Fury Among the Phoenix Clan
Meanwhile, the True Phoenix Clan's forces seethed with rage.
"Damn it! Feng Yu, that useless fool, was defeated by a mere girl who isn't even a Heavenly Sovereign!"
Their anger wasn't just directed at Feng Yu's incompetence but also at the prospect of losing a valuable resource they had invested so heavily in.
"Save Feng Yu at all costs!"
Feng Mingtian, now exuding a terrifying aura, prepared to deliver a crushing blow to Xiao Tiance. At the same time, he ordered his subordinates to rescue Feng Yu.
Holding the Line
Xiao Tiance, despite his battered state, laughed boldly. "Everyone, hold your ground! Xun'er, Xiao Yan, assist the others!"
"Understood, Lord Tiance!"
With newfound confidence, Xun'er and Xiao Yan joined the battles involving Xiao Xuan and Mu Ling. Their arrival immediately tilted the scales in favor of their side.
As the battlefield shifted in their favor, Xiao Tiance chuckled darkly.
"Think you can save him? Not on my watch."
His determination burned as fiercely as ever. The fight was far from over.
Xiao Tiance's keen spiritual senses swept over the battlefield, assessing the status of his allies. Resolving to stop holding back, he began pouring his full strength into each attack and defense.
The Relentless Onslaught
"Damn you! Xiao Tiance, I will kill you!"
Feng Mingtian snarled, attempting to leverage his superior speed to rescue Feng Yu. Yet Xiao Tiance had anticipated this. With his mastery of spatial techniques, Xiao Tiance intercepted Feng Mingtian, refusing to let him slip away.
Despite being struck numerous times by Feng Mingtian's devastating blows, Xiao Tiance's Spiritual Array Body Refining Technique continuously repaired his injuries. Though new wounds layered upon old, his body refused to falter.
In the realm of Heavenly Sovereigns, every combatant focused on locking down their adversary, ensuring no one could break away. Meanwhile, below, the tides turned against the True Phoenix Clan.
Empowered by Xiao Tiance's spiritual array talismans and potent healing pills, the allied forces steadily overwhelmed their foes. Under the leadership of Lin Qingzhu, Tong Sihai, Huang Min, and Ling'er, their side gained the upper hand.
Victory Among the Earth Sovereigns
The True Phoenix Clan's sixteen Earth Sovereign warriors excluding Feng Lin and Feng Ying, who had been confined to the clan's restricted grounds had dwindled to just seven.
As time passed, momentum continued to shift. Lin Dong triumphed over his opponent, obliterating the enemy's spiritual energy with his Ancestor Devouring Symbol. After sealing his foe with Qinghou's help, Lin Dong joined Xiao Xuan and the others, swiftly tipping the scales of their battle.
Soon, another Heavenly Sovereign was subdued, further destabilizing the Phoenix Clan's position.
Although the battle raged fiercely, the high level Heavenly Sovereigns particularly those at the Immortal Grade continued to hold their ground, preventing complete collapse. Both sides unleashed devastating attacks that lit up the sky, with power that could annihilate mountains and rivers.
Xiao Tiance's Gamble
In the midst of this chaos, Xiao Tiance was suddenly struck square in the chest by Feng Mingtian's ferocious punch. Sent hurtling to the ground, he skillfully dissipated the residual force, quickly stabilizing himself.
But just as he prepared to retaliate, a sudden change in his energy caused his expression to darken.
"Damn it! How could I be advancing now?" Xiao Tiance cursed inwardly as his tightly suppressed cultivation surged uncontrollably.
The skies began to darken, swirling with ominous clouds as heavenly tribulation brewed overhead.
Feng Mingtian's Delight
"Hahaha! The heavens favor me!" Feng Mingtian laughed maniacally, noticing Xiao Tiance's predicament. "Xiao Tiance, even the heavens won't tolerate your arrogance. Advancing to the mid stage Spirit Grade Heavenly Sovereign during battle? The heavens themselves have sealed your fate!"
He sneered with satisfaction.
Though the tribulation would temporarily shield Xiao Tiance from interference anyone attempting to intervene would invoke the wrath of the tribulation themselves it also meant that Xiao Tiance could no longer restrain Feng Mingtian.
With Xiao Tiance sidelined, the Phoenix Clan's Heavenly Sovereigns would be free to unleash devastation upon his allies.
Feng Mingtian's confidence soared.
The Battle Heats Up
From the ground below, Xiao Tiance's allies cried out in concern. "Lord Tiance!" Their fear was palpable.
Xiao Tiance himself was equally anxious. The looming heavenly tribulation left him no choice but to ascend. However, allowing Feng Mingtian to roam freely would spell disaster for his allies.
Gritting his teeth, Xiao Tiance resolved to stake everything on a desperate gamble.
"No retreat, no surrender," he muttered to himself. "If there's no way forward, I'll make one!"
With that thought, a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes.
A Madman's Resolve
Feng Mingtian, observing Xiao Tiance's predicament, burst into mocking laughter.
"Xiao Tiance, I admit you're formidable. To hold me off with mere Spirit Grade Heavenly Sovereign strength is commendable. But look at you now. Advancing in the middle of battle? You've walked into your own grave!"
"Don't worry," he continued, gloating. "Once your tribulation begins, I'll slaughter everyone you brought here. And you, Xiao Tiance, will ascend only to witness their deaths. You'll regret ever coming to my True Phoenix Clan!"
Feng Mingtian's voice grew louder, echoing with manic laughter.
Xiao Tiance, however, was unmoved. His lips curled into a cold smile.
"You're celebrating too soon," he said.
In a flash, Xiao Tiance's figure blurred, appearing instantly beside Feng Mingtian.
The True Phoenix Leader's Panic
Feng Mingtian's expression shifted dramatically as he realized Xiao Tiance's intent.
"Madman! You lunatic!" he roared.
But before he could act, Xiao Tiance's hand clamped onto him, and with a roar of defiance, Xiao Tiance channeled every ounce of his spiritual energy and unleashed a devastating soul attack.
A Daring Play
The battlefield froze as Feng Mingtian let out an anguished scream.
Xiao Tiance's allies, despite their own battles, paused to take in the scene. Meanwhile, the True Phoenix warriors were stunned to see their leader falter, clutching his head in pain.
"You dare to strike at my soul? Xiao Tiance, I'll kill you for this!" Feng Mingtian bellowed, though his voice was laced with panic.
Against All Odds
Even as the heavenly tribulation bore down on him, Xiao Tiance refused to relent. "Not you, not today," he growled.
Feng Mingtian's arrogance began to crack as he realized he might have underestimated his foe.
As the tribulation clouds roared above, Xiao Tiance gritted his teeth and vowed, "I'll pin you down, even if it costs me my life."
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