Just beyond the borders of the Inner Academy, Xiao Hua and Xun Er stood a short distance apart, the gentle breeze stirring their robes. A little farther away, the Little Fairy Doctor, Queen Medusa, and Zi Yan silently observed the scene, their gazes calm yet attentive.
"Brother Xiao Hua," Xun Er began softly, her gaze serene yet solemn, "within my clan, there exists a Dou Technique that has been closely guarded since ancient times. It was created by a mighty Dou Di and is known as the God Seal Technique—a High-Level Di Class Dou Technique."
As her voice echoed in the still air, golden Dou Qi surged through her body, illuminating her figure with divine brilliance and infusing her with a vigorous aura.
"The God Seal Technique comprises five mighty seals: Open Mountain Seal, Sea Flipping Seal, Overturning Land Seal, Sky Burying Seal, and finally, the Ancient God Seal."
With graceful movements, she began forming hand seals—each gesture slow and precise, as if demonstrating the foundational method of this powerful technique to Xiao Hua.
"That is not all," Xun Er continued, her voice carrying a trace of solemn awe. "Each of the five seals is intricately linked. Once one achieves complete mastery over them, they can flip seas, overturn oceans, and swallow the very Heavens and Earth! Its might surpasses even the power of a Tian-Class Dou Technique!"
As she spoke, the Dou Qi within her body surged like a wild tempest, galloping in sync with the rapid formation of hand seals. Under the solemn gaze of both cultivators, it coursed through several specific meridians, refined and precise.
"However," she warned, her tone turning serious, "one must at least reach the Dou Wang class before even daring to cultivate this technique. Otherwise, failure will result in devastating consequences—borne alone and in full!"
The golden Dou Qi flowed without end, channeling through the targeted veins before converging in her palms. As a torrent of majestic energy surged forward, a brilliant golden formation materialized before her—a vast handprint imbued with divine force. It radiated an intense, blinding brilliance, like a blazing sun suspended in midair.
The radiant glow that suddenly erupted from Xun Er caused Xiao Hua to let out a soft breath of amazement.
Though he possessed countless High-Level Di-Class Dou Techniques within his storage rings, he had to admit—even among such treasures, the God Seal Technique stood out as truly extraordinary.
'As expected of the Gu Clan… What a deep foundation they have…' A surge of respect and admiration rose within him as he silently acknowledged their profound heritage.
Continuing to watch in silence, Xiao Hua's eyes narrowed slightly as Xun Er suddenly closed her eyes. In that moment, the seal formed in her hands shifted without warning—and at once, a majestic and overwhelming energy erupted into the skies above!
"Open Mountain Seal!"
With a clear cry, Xun Er thrust her palm forward. A brilliant golden handprint surged out like a divine force, slamming directly into the golden formation before her.
Shiinnggg!!!
The instant the golden energy handprint struck the formation, a deep, resonant hum echoed through the air as the formation flared with dazzling brilliance. Moments later, an enormous energy imprint—spanning several dozen feet—suddenly emerged.
As the handprint materialized, the very air around Xun Er began to ripple and distort, fluctuating like waves disturbed by an unseen force.
The colossal handprint surged forward, its golden light casting long shadows. It bore down upon Xiao Hua with an overwhelming pressure and a fearsome wave of energy, shaking the space between them.
Yet Xiao Hua remained still, his expression calm and unshaken, as though he had long foreseen this. He understood Xun Er's intent.
Despite the strike's power, it was not meant to harm—it was a test, a probe to gauge his current strength. Knowing this, he saw no need to dodge, nor to raise his guard. He simply stood there, accepting the blow with quiet confidence.
Bang!
A thunderous explosion resounded across the skies, shaking the heavens. From the point where the colossal energy handprint collided with Xiao Hua, waves of tangible energy rippled outward, distorting space itself with chaotic force.
The surrounding space twisted violently, making it nearly impossible to see Xiao Hua's condition. Even the Little Fairy Doctor and the others could only stare anxiously, their vision obscured by the spatial turbulence.
Xun Er, though closest, was likewise unable to sense anything within the distorted void.
Moments passed. Then, under everyone's watchful gaze, the wild energy ripples gradually faded, and the warped space slowly began to restore itself.
As the distortion cleared, Xiao Hua's figure reappeared—standing precisely where he had been, completely motionless, like an immovable mountain. Not a single wound marked his body. Despite the terrifying might of Xun Er's handprint, he had emerged utterly unscathed.
While the others stared in stunned silence, disbelief flickering in their eyes, a faint, proud smile appeared on Xun Er's lips. She had never expected the technique to harm him—this had merely been a test, a gesture to probe his strength. And clearly, he had understood that as well.
'As expected... the Open Mountain Seal would never be able to harm him,' Xun Er mused silently in her heart.
Without delay, she retrieved several recovery medicinal pills and swiftly swallowed them. As the potent medicinal essence coursed through her veins, replenishing her Dou Qi, she lifted her head and fixed her gaze on Xiao Hua—her eyes shimmering with a smile that held both challenge and warmth.
Naturally, Xiao Hua understood the meaning behind that look. He responded with a calm smile of his own.
'The true punishment begins now.'
Yet, even knowing this, he made no move to defend himself—no intent to evade, block, or retaliate. No matter what technique Xun Er unleashed next, he would meet it without resistance.
He knew she bore no malice. This was not an attack, but a punishment—a quiet reprimand from someone who cared. And he accepted it, for deep down… he knew he deserved it.
Xun Er saw Xiao Hua return her smile, silently acknowledging that he was prepared.
She drew in a deep breath. Then, with a gentle lift of her delicate hands, she began to form a series of unique hand seals. Her movements were swift and precise—so fast that afterimages began to blur the space around her fingers, creating the illusion of countless hands moving at once.
Moments later, a fearsome energy fluctuation surged forth, gradually coalescing in the midst of her rapidly shifting hand seals. A terrifying aura began to gather, vast and oppressive.
"Th-this... what kind of technique is Sister Xun Er preparing to unleash?" Zi Yan, standing off to the side, stared in shock. Even from her distance, she could feel the overwhelming pressure rolling off the forming technique.
The Little Fairy Doctor furrowed her brows, her expression tinged with awe. She could sense it clearly—this was no ordinary Dou Technique.
"Only those of the Dou Huang class or higher can endure something of this magnitude..." She murmured, her voice low with astonishment.
After all, the amount of Dou Qi required to execute a technique of such terrifying strength was simply overwhelming. Moreover, it demanded an extraordinary degree of precision in controlling that Dou Qi.
From what the Little Fairy Doctor could discern, the formation of the hand seals had to perfectly synchronize with the rhythm of Dou Qi circulation. Such exacting coordination would cause even elite Dou Zong experts considerable strain—unless they had devoted themselves to relentless practice.
Without mastery of both elements—control and synchronization—the backlash from failure would be immense.
In less severe cases, one might suffer crippling internal injuries. In more extreme instances, death was not out of the question.
And yet, despite the danger, Xun Er's execution was flawless. The speed and stability of her hand seals, combined with the smooth, unbroken flow of Dou Qi within her, revealed her deep proficiency with the technique.
It was clear she had practiced it to the point of complete understanding—familiar with both its strengths and its hidden flaws.
"It seems Sister Xun Er has truly devoted herself to growing stronger," Queen Medusa murmured softly, a hint of awe and respect flashing in the depths of her eyes.
She could clearly tell that mastering such a technique required not only exceptional talent—but tireless effort and unwavering determination.
A moment later, the final hand seal was completed.
Suddenly, a blinding radiance burst forth, its brilliance tangible like a beam made of solid light.
The powerful Dou Qi within Xun Er's body surged along her Qi Paths, flowing unimpeded toward her hands. As the hand seal solidified, an intense jade-golden glow erupted from her body like a rising divine flame.
In response to that overwhelming surge, a strange layer of jade-golden crystal began to form, radiating outward from her hands. The crystal energy expanded in tandem with the luminous glow, spreading with both elegance and might.
Within moments, a radiant formation composed entirely of jade-crystal manifested in front of her. At its very center was an intricate hand seal—bearing an uncanny resemblance to the Open Mountain Seal, though it pulsed with far greater power and complexity.
As the jade-crystal handprint formation fully emerged, the space around Xun Er began to fluctuate violently. The sheer pressure radiating from it caused even formidable experts like the Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa to narrow their eyes, their expressions turning solemn.
"Brother Xiao Hua, here I come!" Xun Er called out softly, yet her voice carried a force that rippled through the air.
"Sea Flipping Seal!"
With a graceful yet powerful motion, she thrust her palm forward. A jade-crystal hand seal burst forth from her hand, wrapped in radiant golden energy. It streaked through the sky and merged seamlessly into the waiting formation before her.
The moment it struck, the formation pulsed with dazzling light and let out a deep, resonant hum. The immense jade-crystal handprint, initially suspended upright, slowly rotated—first tilting to the right, then halting at a downward angle.
In the next instant, several dozen jade-crystal handprints erupted from the formation, all facing downward. Each one emitted a crushing aura and vast energy, rushing toward Xiao Hua with an overwhelming momentum.
Yet Xiao Hua did not move.
With a faint smile, he calmly circulated his Dou Qi. Brilliant five-coloured Dou Qi surged through his meridians and poured out from his body like a rising storm. Cloaked in this radiant energy, he stood tall, unwavering—as the jade-crystal handprints crashed down upon him with thunderous might.
Bang!
A thunderous explosion echoed across the sky as a violent storm of energy swept outward in all directions. Within that tempest, Xiao Hua's figure was hurled backward. His feet dragged through the air, leaving behind distorted spatial tears as the pressure forced him to skid through the void.
After being pushed back several steps, Xiao Hua finally came to a halt. As he steadied himself, a faint trace of fresh blood could be seen trickling from the corner of his lips—a clear sign that he had taken a minor injury from receiving the Sea Flipping Seal head-on.
Little Fairy Doctor and the other two widened their eyes, their faces painted with disbelief and shock. Although they felt relieved that Xiao Hua had not suffered any serious harm, they were also deeply shaken.
He had chosen to receive such a devastating attack directly, without even raising a single layer of defense other than using his Dou Qi.
And yet, the result... was merely a thin line of blood.
Had it been any ordinary Dou Zong attempting such madness, their corpse would have long been buried six feet beneath the earth—if not obliterated entirely.
"Isn't Xiao Hua's physical body… a little too tyrannical?" Zi Yan murmured softly, her voice laced with shock and a trace of frustration. Her wide eyes were fixed on Xiao Hua, unable to conceal her disbelief.
Though she prided herself on her formidable physical strength, in comparison to him—she now felt like nothing more than a brittle boulder before a divine mountain.
Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa exchanged dry smiles, nodding helplessly in silent agreement. Even with their cultivation, neither of them could hope to replicate the monstrous resilience and durability of Xiao Hua's body.
As Xiao Hua stabilized himself, a calm gleam in his eyes, Xun Er moved once more.
Her jade-like hands danced through the air, gracefully weaving through a series of dazzling hand seals. Each transformation of her fingers caused faint ripples to spread outward, laced with a mysterious rhythm.
From her palm, a radiant golden glow surged forth. In the next instant, it condensed into a fist-sized crystal imprint—gleaming like divine jade—before expanding into a majestic formation shaped like a grand, upright handprint.
The crystal handprint began to rotate, slowly tilting to the right. As it did, a heavy, oppressive energy surged into the surroundings, distorting the air and sending out invisible ripples that resonated with overwhelming might.
"Overturning Land Seal!"
As Xun Er's clear voice rang out, she thrust her palm forward for the third time. A radiant golden energy palm burst forth, streaking through the sky like a shooting star.
In the blink of an eye, it merged seamlessly into the golden formation hovering before her. The moment the golden energy palm connected with the formation, it let out a deep, resonant hum.
A brilliant radiance surged outward, and from within the glowing array, an enormous golden palm materialized—its descent carrying with it the power to overturn mountains and shatter earth. It rushed forth toward Xiao Hua with unstoppable momentum.
At that moment, a voice echoed calmly within Xiao Hua's mind.
"Child, don't tell me you intend to receive this one without guarding as well?" Lady Azure's voice held a trace of exasperation.
Xiao Hua let out a soft sigh, a helpless smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Xun'er wishes to punish me, not slay me, Sister Azure. Naturally, she knows I won't foolishly take this one without putting up at least a token resistance."
As he finished speaking, his fingers began to move swiftly, weaving a series of profound and mysterious seals. His Dou Qi stirred in response, surging with the rhythm of his intent, ready to meet the divine might of the Overturning Land Seal.
"Heavenly Tribulation Body, Embryo Form! Azure Tribulation Peak!"
As Xiao Hua's voice thundered through the air, his aura surged explosively, climbing rapidly until it reached the peak of a One-Star Dou Zun. In that instant, a ferocious, beast-like tattoo manifested between his brows—half etched in golden lightning, the other half blazing with verdant flame.
The conflicting powers of thunder and fire pulsed from his body like a tempest restrained by sheer will.
Once the storm of energy reached its apex, he slowly lifted his head—eyes calm, unyielding—and met the oncoming strike head-on.
Bang!
A thunderous explosion shook the heavens as the golden palm violently collided with Xiao Hua's body.
His figure trembled violently before being flung backward through the sky. Each step he took in retreat carved tears into the fabric of space, dozens of rifts trailing in his wake before he finally came to a stop, grim-faced and silent.
Blood lingered faintly at the corner of his lips, a testament to the brutal force of the Overturning Land Seal.
Yet those who witnessed the clash could only stare in utter disbelief.
He had forcibly elevated his cultivation and, without utilizing any technique to resist the strike, had received such a powerful strike using nothing but his own flesh, shrouded only by his majestic five-colored Dou Qi.
It was madness—an act no ordinary Dou Zong, nor even many Dou Zun, would dare to imitate.
"This is the last one, Brother Xiao Hua!" Xun Er smiled gently as she gazed at him. Unlike the others, she understood Xiao Hua far more deeply—and so, she remained utterly composed.
After all, this was the man who had endured multiple descents of Heavenly Lightning—each capable of obliterating elite experts. For him to withstand the Overturning Land Seal was already well within her expectations.
"Come, Xun'er." Despite the faint paleness on his face, Xiao Hua responded with a confident smile—his eyes calm, unshaken.
Xun Er offered no further words. She quietly took a few more recovery pills, refining them swiftly. As the medicinal strength coursed through her body, her jade-like hands began forming a series of intricate, mysterious hand seals.
However, those with sharp eyes could detect it—this time, her hand seals were slightly slower, subtly revealing that she had yet to fully master the fourth level of this technique.
Despite this, she did not falter. Her hands danced rapidly, and the jade-golden glow surrounding them grew thicker and more radiant with each seal.
The jade-golden glow surrounding her hands intensified, growing thicker and more radiant. A moment later, the light condensed like streaks of lightning into a majestic formation with an enormous handprint at the center before her.
The handprint slowly rotated to the left, radiating a pressure so intense that even the air and space around it began to distort and tremble.
Xun Er slightly hesitate of releasing this fourth level but she thrust her hand forward and a soft cry emitted from her lips.
"…Sky Burial Seal!"
The formation shook and emitted a powerful fluctuation with a muffled booming sound. Then, an enormous palm shot out and surged forth towards Xiao Hua with powerful momentum. As it surged forth, the space around the palm split apart and form numerous dark-black cracks...
For the first time, Xiao Hua's expression turned solemn as he stared at the incoming palm. He knew that he has to treat this strike with solemn seriousness.
Xiao Hua's hand swiftly moves once more and formed another mysterious and profound seal.
"Velvet Amethyst Change!"
As his cry echoed through the skies, the aura within Xiao Hua's body erupted once more—surging with even greater ferocity than before. His long, jet-black hair shimmered faintly with a violet luster with faint sky-blue lines traced across his skin as clusters of sharp amethyst and sapphire crystal shards began to form around him.
His right eye radiated a brilliant violet gleam. His left deepened into the color of the vast ocean—a profound sapphire hue that pulsed with might. At the center of his forehead, the beast-shaped tattoo stirred, splitting into six distinct colors.
Behind him, a majestic halo of composed of intertwining arcs of lightning and streams of flame. Its edges flickering with arcs of golden, blue, and violet lightning, while the inner ring swirled with flames of azure, deep purple, and an invisible blaze tipped in red.
As the final trace of his transformation settled, the turbulent aura within Xiao Hua came to a sudden halt. Yet within that stillness lay immense power—a terrifying pressure that burned silently at the very peak of the Nine-Star Dou Zun realm… merely a step away from breaking into the realm of Ban Sheng!
Xiao Hua slowly lifted his gaze, watching as the colossal palm surged toward him with overwhelming might. A flicker of silver light glimmered at his hands—and in the next instant, his arms were encased in a pair of snow-white metallic gauntlets, their surface adorned with silvery veins and razor-sharp tips.
With a thought, he circulated his Dou Qi into the gauntlets. As the energy surged within, they responded with a soft, resonant hum, emitting a radiant white glow.
"Pure Crystal Armour!"
As his cry echoed, translucent layers of snow-white crystal swiftly formed across the surface of his body. Though their glow was gentle and ethereal, the immense density and toughness they exuded were unmistakable—like an indestructible armor of crystallized essence, born from the convergence of purity and power.
This was the defensive technique of the Heavenly Suppression Band, a hidden trump card he had never needed to employ. His tyrannical physical strength had always been sufficient to suppress even those of higher cultivation.
But now, even he knew—meeting this attack head-on without a trace of defense would be no different than courting death.
Bang!
The colossal jade-crystal palm collided violently with a figure clad in snow-white crystal armor, erupting in a dazzling explosion of light. A deafening boom reverberated across the heavens, shaking the very sky.
As the two forces clashed, each seeking dominance, terrifying energy ripples surged outward, tearing through the void. Countless dark-black fissures—hundreds of meters long—silently split open across the sky like scars, as though the heavens themselves had been forcefully riven apart.
It was a scene as if the sky had bared its fangs—cold, merciless, and boundless—striking fear into the hearts of all who witnessed it.
The resulting energy storm rolled outward in waves, accompanied by hurricane-force winds that swept across the heavens. Entire swathes of forest were uprooted, ancient trees torn from the earth and flung into the distance like leaves caught in a tempest. It was a spectacle akin to the descent of apocalypse.
As the energy storm howled across the sky, Little Fairy Doctor hovered at the edge of the battlefield, her eyes narrowing into slits. Her delicate brows knit together as she raised a slender sleeve to shield herself from the raging gales. Even from such a distance, the overwhelming force pressed against her like a mountain, making it difficult to breathe. Her heart trembled involuntarily.
"What a terrifying clash of power… This level of destruction has far surpassed what two ordinary elite Dou Zongs could ever produce…"
Within her gaze flickered not just concern, but admiration—for Xiao Hua's ability to withstand such a fearsome palm strike with nothing but his own body and a single artifact's power. It was his strength that had birthed this apocalyptic storm of energy.
Besides her, Queen Medusa stood silently amid the chaos. Her long, flowing hair and regal robes danced wildly in the wind, as though nature itself bowed before her presence. A shimmering layer of Dou Qi encased her form, yet even she was forced to circulate her energy continuously to maintain her stance.
Her gaze was fixed intently on the lone figure standing against the heavens, the one who met the might of the palm without retreat. Deep within her grey-black pupils, a rare light of concern flickered.
"Just how much has that man endured… to forge a body this monstrous?" She murmured, voice soft as a whisper yet heavy with emotion. A glimmer of sorrow and admiration flickered within her eyes.
She understood well the pain such a transformation demanded. This wasn't merely brute force—it was the result of an unshakable will, one that could only be forged through countless trials, standing alone at the edge of death again and again.
Though she knew Xiao Hua had suffered more than most could imagine, not once did she pity him. To do so would be to insult the iron will and unyielding resolve that led him down this path.
His suffering was not a burden—no, it was the price he had willingly paid to become stronger and achieve his desire.
Zi Yan had once witnessed Xiao Hua endure one of the nine trials of Heavenly Judgement Lightning, and she could say without hesitation—it was not a tribulation that could easily be passed simply by strength alone.
Moreover, she knew he had once failed a trial, suffering grievous consequences that nearly claimed his life. It was only through the meticulous care of Lady Xue Yue that he had clawed his way back from the brink.
Knowing this, though Zi Yan often felt a trace of frustration at how his tyrannical strength now surpassed even hers, she could never bring herself to envy him.
That power had been earned through agony that few could endure.
While these thoughts flickered through the ladies' mind, the terrifying energy storm continued to rage. In the center of the battlefield, two immense forces still clashed, neither yielding as they vied for supremacy.
Yet it was becoming clear—resisting the Sky Burial Seal using only the Pure Crystal Armour and his physical body was proving far too difficult. Even with Xiao Hua's terrifying resilience, the might of the heavenly seal pressed onward.
A faint crack began to form across the snow-white crystalline armor, spiderwebbing its way outward. The soft glow that once pulsed from its surface began to flicker and dim, like a dying flame.
Then—
Boom!
The Sky Burial Seal unleashed one final, ruthless surge of force. Like kites with their string cuts, Xiao Hua's figure was mercilessly flung backward and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.
The snow-white crystal armor that once glimmering on the surface of his body had been completely shattered by the final, devastating force of the Sky Burial Seal.
His feet scraped across the air as he struggled to stabilize himself. With each step, black spatial fissures split open beneath him—rending the very fabric of space as he slid backward uncontrollably. The air twisted and screamed around him, unable to contain the sheer pressure radiating from his body.
Wherever he passed, a deep spatial scar unfurled—stretching hundreds of meters beneath his feet like a wound torn across the heavens. Only after this harrowing retreat did his figure finally come to a halt, floating silently in midair as he forcefully steadied himself.
As Xiao Hua was flung back, the once-raging energy storm began to dissipate. The howling winds died down. The oppressive force faded.
Silence descended upon the area.
"Xiao Hua!"
As the energy storm quietly receded, Little Fairy Doctor, Queen Medusa, and Zi Yan simultaneously shot forth, their expressions filled with urgency and concern. The moment they neared him, a wave of shock rippled through their hearts upon seeing his condition.
Though Xiao Hua still stood suspended in midair, his state left no doubt—he had sustained grievous injuries, even if they were not fatal. His face was pale as white sheet, his breath shallow, and a thin stream of blood trailed from the corner of his lips.
His once-pristine robes were tattered, fluttering weakly in the lingering breeze. Beneath them, fresh wounds marred his body, blood seeping freely from gashes that refused to close. His frame trembled faintly—not from fear, but from the sheer toll of that final, earth-shattering blow.
And yet… his eyes were tranquil. No panic, no anger. His expression remained serene—unwavering, like still water untouched by storm. A gentle smile even curled at his lips, as if nothing in the world could shake his heart.
"Xiao Hua, are you alright?" Little Fairy Doctor asked, her voice trembling with worry.
"I'm fine," Xiao Hua replied paired with a faint reassuring smile.
But those soft words did little to ease the storm in their hearts.
The worry in Little Fairy Doctor's eyes, the anxiousness etched on Zi Yan's face, and even Queen Medusa—so often aloof and composed—could not conceal the turmoil in her gaze.
After all, though Xiao Hua smiled gently to comfort them, his voice was faint and slightly hoarse. It was not a voice of someone unscathed—but of one who bore unimaginable pain with silent strength.
"Are you certain? Do not act tough before this Queen!" Queen Medusa's voice was cold, her sharp eyes narrowing in warning.
"Haha…"
Xiao Hua let out a light, awkward laugh, clearly aware that his attempt to reassure them had failed. But just as he was about to speak further, a light cough escaped his lips—followed by a fresh stream of blood slipping from the corner of his mouth.
At once, Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa stepped forward and supported him, their movements swift and decisive. Xiao Hua lifted a hand, gently wiping the blood away as a faint smile lingered on his lips.
His chest rose and fell slowly, each breath shallow yet steady. From deep within, a faint rumble echoed—his five-colored Dou Qi still circulating through his meridians, but its flow had become sluggish and disordered. It was clear that his internal organs had suffered considerable shock.
If his external injuries were already this severe, then naturally, the internal damage was far worse. And yet, despite it all, not a single groan of pain escaped his lips.
Such silent endurance—it was not the pride of arrogance, but the quiet will of one who had long grown accustomed to dancing on the edge of life and death.
Immediately, the Thousand Immortal Flame and Life Execution Flame ignited within Xiao Hua's body. The former surged with gentle brilliance, swiftly mending his wounds and knitting torn flesh with divine precision. The latter pulsed with dense, verdant life force, pouring vitality into his weary body and driving away every trace of fatigue.
His once-pale complexion gradually regained its glow, now flushed with renewed strength and vigor.
"Haaa…"
Xiao Hua exhaled a long breath of turbid air, a visible mist of impurities escaping from his lips as his body returned to its peak state.
Little Fairy Doctor and Queen Medusa twitched slightly upon witnessing this scene. With a quick probing, they discovered that not only had his external wounds vanished, but even the internal damage and exhaustion had been fully restored.
A trace of irritation flickered across their beautiful faces. With a sharp glare—cold and accusing—they shot him a look filled with silent reprimand before stepping back lightly, no longer offering support.
"I'm sorry…"
Facing their piercing, ice-cold gazes, Xiao Hua offered a sheepish apology accompanied by an awkward chuckle.
He had intended to show them he was fine all along, but that untimely cough had betrayed him—causing them to worry even more deeply than he anticipated.
While this was happening, a soft and melodious chuckle drifted through the air as Xun Er approached them with her usual grace, an amused smile playing on her lips.
"Fu fu. Brother Xiao Hua, you really shouldn't make Sister Little Fairy Doctor and Sister Medusa worry so needlessly."
Though she appeared calm and her expression radiated delight, hidden beneath that gentle demeanor was a deep current of concern and anxiety for Xiao Hua's condition.
She knew better than most the terrifying might contained within the Burial Sky Seal. It was a technique that demanded an incredibly solid Dou Zun foundation just to withstand its backlash.
The only reason she could practice it at her current level was due to her extraordinary physique, capable of enduring the violent force unleashed by the seal.
Even so, executing it had placed a considerable strain on her. In truth, Xun Er doubted she could wield such a technique again in a real battle—not until she had truly mastered it.
"It's not like I wanted to..." Xiao Hua let out a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his neck as he chuckled dryly. "The Burial Sky Seal was far more powerful than I expected."
"In any case, consider your punishment repaid." Xun Er's warm gaze softened further, and her smile remained gentle as she shifted the topic with graceful ease.
She had long known that there was another woman who held a subtle place in Xiao Hua's heart. However, since the bond between them had not yet deepened beyond a faint warmth, she chose not to pursue the matter—for now.
"I'll go get some rest," Xiao Hua said at last, nodding slightly. Without hesitation, he wrapped one arm around Xun Er's slender waist and, with a light movement of his other hand, brought Little Fairy Doctor, Queen Medusa, and Zi Yan back to the wooden cabin nestled in the heart of the Chaos Spiritual Forest.
He could tell that Xun Er wished to remain behind for a while, likely to speak with the three old men who had been concealing their presence in the shadows—watching over her in secret. Xiao Hua had noticed them only after calming his mind during his earlier conversation with her.
To his surprise, all three were Dou Zuns, each radiating a strength far superior to even Su Qian. It was clear that the Gu Clan held Xun Er in the highest regard, ensuring she was always accompanied by formidable elders whenever she left the Gu Realm.
'One of them even shot a cold glare at me when I embraced Xun'er… and was about to release a wave of pressure upon me,' Xiao Hua recalled, thinking back to the moment he and Xun Er concluded their discussion.
'Fortunately, the other two stopped him. A wise choice... for his sake.' His expression darkened for an instant, and a cold glint flickered within his eyes—then vanished without a trace.
Though Xiao Hua always carried himself with humility and showed due respect to others, it would be a grave mistake to assume that such demeanor signified submission.
Should anyone dare cross the line, he would not hesitate to let them taste what it truly meant to kick an iron plate—an iron plate that has been tempered by Primordial Heavenly Flames and Heavenly Lightnings!
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