Gu Xun Er sat in the cold dungeon hugging her knees her eyelids heavy with drowsiness. Freedom was something she once took for granted yet after more than a month of confinement it had become distant beyond reach. What kept her from collapsing entirely was the presence of a girl called Xiao Yixian who often visited to chat with her. Without those conversations she might have already broken down from loneliness and despair.
Perhaps it was because they were both young women that their words flowed so easily. Strangely she even found comfort in that company. What puzzled her though was Xiao Yixian's attitude toward the one who held her captive. The girl was not only unafraid but even carried an expression of admiration whenever she spoke of that terrifying man.
Xiao Yixian spent her days praising Hun Miesheng telling stories of his power and cunning. The way she described him was so constant and fervent that Gu Xun Er sometimes feared she was being brainwashed.
A squeak echoed as the heavy door of the cell opened. Gu Xun Er lifted her tired eyes expecting Xiao Yixian once more. Relief stirred in her chest at the thought of someone to talk to again. She rose to her feet with a faint smile only to bump directly into a body as hard as an iron wall.
Ah.
She rubbed her head and when her vision cleared she stumbled back in alarm.
Do not come closer.
Her delicate form trembled and she clutched her arms tightly against her chest.
So frightened of me.
Hun Miesheng's lips curled into a playful smile.
Last time you you you
Her eyes reddened with tears as if she might cry at any moment.
Last time I did nothing to you. What you thought or imagined was none of my doing.
His long fingers tilted her chin up forcing her to meet his strange and demonic eyes. His faint smile was disarming.
I have no interest in you.
Gu Xun Er's cheeks flushed as she gazed at his face so close that she could feel his breath. Was he actually handsome. For a fleeting instant she wondered if Xiao Yixian's words had seeped into her mind.
Before she could recover her thoughts Hun Miesheng lifted her easily into his arms and strode out of the dungeon.
What are you doing.
She felt the warmth of his hand against her waist her heart filled with shame and anger. She struggled but his next words froze her movements.
As long as you cooperate with me after today you will be free.
Her breath caught and she stopped fighting.
Far away in the central region of the continent lay the Fallen Mountain Range one of the most famous lands of Zhongzhou. The reason was simple. Long ago battles had erupted there and several Dou Sheng had fallen. For cultivators of that rank death was rare for they cherished their lives and could usually escape if defeated. Only when the gap in power was too great could a Dou Sheng be crushed and slain.
At the peak of the range several figures waited in grim silence. Gu Yuan paced slowly his aura sharp his gaze fixed upon the distant sky. Behind him stood loyal guards and clan elders. Today was the promised day. From dawn until now they had waited upon the mountain. The agreement made with the Void Devouring Flame had given no precise hour only this day. None dared leave for fear of missing the appointed moment.
The sun rose high then sank westward. Hours slipped by. Noon passed into afternoon. Their hearts grew restless with each passing moment.
Has the Void Devouring Flame lost his courage.
We have been waiting all day.
An elder at the level of four star Dou Sheng grumbled angrily.
Yes yes I suspect this so called trade is nothing but a false lure.
Others echoed his complaint their voices heavy with doubt.
Enough.
Gu Yuan's mood was already foul. He swept his sleeve releasing a mighty aura that forced the others into silence.
What now.
Another elder Gu Nantong finally asked as dusk began to creep into the sky.
He will come. Wait.
Gu Yuan's hand caressed the intricate green jade token at his waist his eyes cold as ice. The Void Devouring Flame had taken Xun Er for the sake of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade. He would not fail to appear.
A hum rippled through the air. From behind him the void quivered and a soldier in black iron armor stepped forth bowing deeply.
Clan Leader the Void Devouring Flame has arrived.
What.
The Void Devouring Flame is here.
Shock rippled among the group. The soldier melted back into the void leaving them in tense silence.
Gu Yuan's eyes lit up. His gaze shot toward the distant horizon. Only a few breaths later the heavens in that direction ignited with crimson glow. Flames roiled the sky as if the heavens themselves were set alight. A tide of black fire clouds surged forward at astonishing speed. The temperature of the world rose sharply. Forests below ignited in an instant consumed by the heat.
At last.
Gu Yuan exhaled slowly his heart steadying for the confrontation. Behind him the faces of the elders twisted with mixed emotions. They all feared. The Void Devouring Flame was notorious savage and cruel a nine star Dou Sheng whose name alone brought dread. If not for their clan leader's presence they would have fled.
A harsh cackle spread across the sky as the black clouds rolled. The heavens rumbled under its weight.
Boom boom boom boom.
Eight or nine great spheres of black fire plummeted from the sky smashing toward the mountain peak where Gu Yuan and his party waited. Each one carried monstrous might. Elders at three and four star Dou Sheng paled in horror.
Hmph.
Mere tricks. If this is only a probe then it is pointless.
Gu Yuan snorted coldly his sleeve flicking outward. His majestic Dou Qi swelled into a storm dragon. With a single wave he swept the black flames aside shattering them into fragments.
So Void Devouring Flame is this the true extent of your power. It seems that in the years since I wounded you you have made no progress at all.
He clapped his hands lightly and lifted his gaze to the fire clouds above his smile filled with mocking amusement.
The clouds churned violently and twisted into a ghastly face that stretched across the sky.
Gu Yuan old man your mouth has grown bold.
Then receive one more strike from me.
From the clouds came the chilling voice followed by a surge of flames. A black fireball hundreds of zhang wide began to form its oppressive power spreading through the heavens. Even Gu Yuan furrowed his brow at the weight of it.
Void Devouring Flame your tricks do not frighten me. I have no time for games. Today my only purpose is to bring Xun Er back.
Gu Yuan stepped into the air facing the void. With one hand he raised the jade pendant inscribed with ancient lines.
The Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade. I have brought it. Where is she.
His other hand clenched tightly behind his back veins bulging.
Old man you are direct. I will not waste words either.
The massive fireball dissolved into nothing. From within the fire cloud a faint sobbing echoed. Father father Xun Er is afraid please save me.
The sound was abruptly cut off as if a throat had been seized.
Release her at once.
Gu Yuan's knuckles cracked audibly as his rage built.
Heh to have me release her is simple. Do as I say and complete the trade.
The sinister laughter drifted down from the black clouds.
Patience patience endure it must be endured.
Gu Yuan inhaled deeply his grip firm upon the jade.
I will see her first.
Very well.
The black clouds drew together shrinking into the form of a tall shadow clad in dark robes. His face was grim and his hand clutched Gu Xun Er tightly by the neck.
Father.
Her eyes shone with tears as she struggled. Gu Yuan's heart surged with emotion and he stepped forward but the Void Devouring Flame tightened his grip and glared coldly at all around.
First order. Remove all your people from this place.
(End of Chapter)
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