Hun Miesheng let out a deep breath. His palm hovered above the golden flame before him. The Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame floated in the void like a divine sun and in that moment he intended to draw it into his body. His expression carried satisfaction because this prize would solidify his strength and grant him the leverage to contend against every rival in the continent.
Yet before the final step could be taken an aged voice rolled across the sky. The sound was calm but heavy like the weight of mountains. "Hun Miesheng leave behind the Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame. If you intend to take a single step out of the Ancient Realm you shall not succeed."
The void quivered. From that trembling space emerged a dried withered hand large enough to blot the horizon. It shot forward like lightning seizing toward the flame suspended before Hun Miesheng. The oppressive aura of the hand made the void groan as if unable to contain its power.
Hun Miesheng's gaze sharpened. He gave a mocking chuckle. "So when the battle was raging you hid far away unwilling to risk your old bones. Yet now that the prize has appeared you crawl forth to steal."
He raised his palm. Dark Dou Qi roared from within him and gathered to form a vast black hand. The two hands collided in midair. With a dull thundering boom they annihilated each other and vanished.
From the dissipating ripples stepped forth an elder clad in gray robes. His skin was dry and sunken his features stern and withered yet his eyes gleamed like sharp blades. His presence spread like a vast sea and pressed down on all.
It was the aura of an Eight Star Dou Saint at the peak.
The Ancient Clan members present immediately bowed. Their voices rose in reverence. "We greet the Supreme Elder."
The Great Elder Gu Nanhai and others lowered their heads with respect. For this was none other than Dao Xuan one of the two Supreme Elders of the Ancient Clan. He usually remained in closed seclusion between life and death seldom revealing himself. Only when calamity struck would he emerge.
Xun Er's voice trembled slightly as she explained quietly. "Other than my father the only person in the Ancient Clan with strength to rival him is Dao Xuan the Supreme Elder. He is a true pillar of our lineage."
Hun Miesheng stared for a breath before cold laughter spilled from his mouth. "So this is what you call a clan treasure. A Heavenly Flame is born from the heavens and earth and belongs to none. Whoever possesses the ability to seize it deserves to claim it. Now that it rests within my grasp it naturally becomes mine."
His hand rose and brushed against Xun Er's silky hair that cascaded down her shoulder. The girl's delicate body shivered under the touch. Hun Miesheng's tone carried deliberate provocation. "Furthermore I saved this girl and subdued the Golden Emperor Burning Sky Flame. I have rendered service to your Ancient Clan. Yet you still dare to call me thief. Is this the shameful face of your so called noble clan."
Gu Yao clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. His voice was harsh. "Release Xun Er now."
The elders shouted as well. "Hun Miesheng you slaughtered tens of thousands of our Black Abyss Army. Today you dare to trespass our realm and steal our flame. Do you truly believe our Ancient Clan so easy to trample."
From the skies countless figures rose one after another. Shadows filled the air blotting out the heavens with their numbers. The Ancient Clan had mobilized its forces.
Hun Miesheng's lips curled with disdain. "So it is Jian Ya elder. Yet I wonder how much of your strength remains now that your sword heart has been shattered."
His palm struck casually. The blow summoned a storm of Dou Qi that roared across the sky. Jian Ya's face darkened but his eyes held unyielding will. His heavy sword trembled in his grip then flew into the air. With a roar of Dou Qi and soul force countless sword shadows appeared numbering in the thousands. They split the air and plunged toward the storm.
The clash rang out with metallic cries. But the instant the sword shadows touched the storm they rebounded violently. The tide of chaotic blades turned and slashed back toward Jian Ya himself. His face paled. He braced for impact.
Yet before disaster struck Dao Xuan moved. His withered hand swept outward once. The countless sword shadows and the raging storm shattered simultaneously under his strike.
"An Eight Star Dou Saint is not someone you can challenge." His rebuke was stern. Jian Ya lowered his head bitterly and retreated in shame. A month ago he could at least fight Hun Miesheng for several exchanges. Now he could not withstand even one casual strike.
Hun Miesheng frowned as he looked around. More and more figures were gathering. If he unleashed his full might he could break through their lines but if he delayed too long and Gu Yuan returned then escape would become impossible.
His gaze slid toward Xun Er. His decision was made. His hand suddenly clamped around her slender neck.
Her body trembled. A faint sound escaped her lips. "I owe you my life. Consider this my repayment." Though her words were weak she did not struggle too fiercely.
Hun Miesheng's brow furrowed. His grip loosened slightly though he still held her fast. With her as his shield the elders hesitated.
He swept his gaze across the crowd. His voice cut through the air like a blade. "All of you stand aside. Otherwise I cannot guarantee the safety of your precious young lady."
He laughed coldly. Between his fingers danced a strand of purple black fire. It moved dangerously close to Xun Er's flawless face.
The elders cried out. Xun Er herself turned her head aside trembling. She pressed unconsciously against Hun Miesheng's chest where his heartbeat thudded steadily. Fear fluttered in her eyes yet she forced herself to speak. "Do not harm my face. A girl without her face has nothing left."
Hun Miesheng smirked. "Do you think I jest." His steps carried him toward the exit of the realm.
The elders' faces twisted but none dared to strike.
Xun Er's voice rang out hurriedly. "Let him pass. If anything happens to me my father will not forgive you." Her words made several elders falter.
They knew she was the daughter of Gu Yuan. She bore the rare god grade bloodline. She was the jewel of the clan. No one could take responsibility if harm befell her. In the end none dared block the way.
Hun Miesheng forced his way to the dark gate of the Ancient Realm. The crowd followed from a distance unwilling to give him room yet fearful to close in.
He stared at the gate. Once beyond it he would vanish like a dragon returning to the deep sea. He glanced at Xun Er. His tone was casual. "I must borrow your blood once more."
A cold gleam flashed. A few drops of her blood fell onto the surface of the gate. With a rumbling boom the great door began to open revealing a crack of darkness.
Hun Miesheng's smile carried amusement. "You have helped me much today. For that I shall spare you." His finger traced gently across her cheek before tapping her forehead.
Her face flushed with color. Her heart thudded rapidly. Then with a flick of his finger a puppet erupted from within her body. It crashed to the ground as her form was freed.
By the time she regained her bearings Hun Miesheng was gone. Only the sound of the autumn wind remained rustling her hair and robes. She stood alone clutching the puppet. A strange emptiness filled her chest. She wondered faintly if she had already lost all value to him.
Soon the sky filled with figures as elders arrived. They sighed in relief to see her safe. None wished to face Gu Yuan's wrath.
Gu Yao rushed forward. "Xun Er are you unharmed."
She forced a small smile. "I am only tired." She turned away unwilling to linger. Gu Yao's expression dimmed as he watched her walk off.
Jian Ya's voice was grim. "Supreme Elder will we truly allow Hun Miesheng to escape." His sword trembled in his grip unwilling to accept this outcome.
Dao Xuan's eyes glinted with cold light. His voice rumbled. "Do you think he can run. He dared bring chaos to our clan. He will not leave alive. The Ancient Sacred City has already been surrounded with a Heaven and Earth Net. No matter what means he holds he will never escape."
Xun Er heard this. Her eyes narrowed with anger. "Did you not agree to let him go if he released me. He even saved me once. To turn against your word is no different from the villains you despise."
Dao Xuan frowned. His tone was dismissive. "The young lady must be weary. Take her back to rest."
A strand of Dou Qi struck her body. Xun Er let out a muffled sound and fainted. The maids quickly carried her away.
Dao Xuan's figure stepped forward. In a single stride he crossed out of the Ancient Realm to pursue Hun Miesheng.
(End of Chapter)
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