The figure that had emerged was none other than Yao Ming, freed from the bindings of the Nine Serene Spring by Xiao Hua. His body, once withered and frail, now radiated strength, towering with newfound vitality.
Though restored, his face bore a dark pallor, a sinister aura coiling faintly from his frame. His eyes gleamed with a strange light, flickering between calm and cold fury, carrying the weight of centuries of torment.
The countless members of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe were struck dumb at the sight of his features. His visage bore undeniable resemblance to Yao Xiaotian, though hardened by suffering and age. Murmurs broke out across the gathered experts, disbelief spreading like wildfire.
"Tribal Chief Yao Ming?!" one elder cried out, his voice trembling. "Impossible! Did you not perish when your training went astray?"
"Tribal Chief Yao Ming?"
"That's… that's Xiaotian's elder brother, the former chief!" another voice rang out.
"But Chief Xiaotian said he died long ago—his body vanished without a trace! It has been centuries! How can he appear now?"
The uproar swelled into a storm.
Yao Xiaotian's face stiffened, his expression twitching violently as the words stabbed at his composure. His gaze sharpened, turning abruptly toward the crimson-snake elder at his side. His voice exploded like thunder, cold and venomous.
"Silence!" His roar cut through the clamor. "Do not be deceived! This man is no brother of mine, but an accomplice of that intruder. He has come here disguised as Yao Ming to sow chaos within our tribe. Elders, why are you hesitating? Activate the formation and kill him at once!"
The command rang with fury, but hesitation rippled among the Elders. Their gazes wavered, doubt clouding their eyes as they glanced between the towering black serpent form of Yao Xiaotian and the figure who called himself Yao Ming.
"Ha ha ha!" Yao Ming's laughter thundered into the skies, unrestrained and mocking. "Yao Xiaotian, your fear betrays you. You rush to silence me because you know the truth cannot be hidden!"
His eyes swept over the gathered Elders, sharp as blades, before settling upon three familiar figures. "Elder Xian, Elder Ming, Elder Liu… back then, the three of you stood closest to me. Look well upon me now. Will you deny the truth before your very eyes? Will you claim you cannot recognize me?"
The three white-haired Elders trembled as his voice fell upon them. They scrutinized his aura, his face, his very presence. Recognition dawned in their expressions, followed by uncontained emotion.
"This… this is indeed Tribal Chief Yao Ming!" Elder Xian exclaimed, his voice hoarse with excitement.
"Yes, his aura—how could we mistake it?" Elder Ming muttered, eyes glistening.
"Even across centuries, it is unmistakable… this is the former chief!" Elder Liu declared solemnly, his words shaking the hearts of all present.
"Ming Cang, the three of you should not stir unrest within the tribe. The current chief of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe is Yao Xiaotian. Do you intend to betray the tribe?" The elder with a bright-red serpent coiled on his shoulder glared at them with venomous eyes, his tone sharp and cold.
"First Elder, this is truly Chief Yao Ming. Could there be some misunderstanding?" the three Elders quickly protested, their voices tense.
"There is no misunderstanding," Yao Ming's laughter was low, yet filled with venom. "The reason I vanished back then was because this 'good brother' of mine and the First Elder joined hands to poison me. They crippled my strength and sealed me beneath the Nine Serene Spring. Were it not for this young friend and his group rescuing me, I would have rotted there for eternity. Now that I have escaped, they naturally wish to silence me before the truth is revealed."
"What?"
His words struck like thunder, shaking the square. Countless gazes locked onto Yao Xiaotian and the First Elder, disbelief and suspicion clouding their eyes.
"First Elder, is what Chief Yao Ming said… true?" some Elders demanded, their voices trembling.
"This person is nothing but a pretender! How can you so easily believe his lies?" the gray robed First Elder snapped back, his voice laced with poison. His sleeve flung outward as his tone turned icy. "Very well. I shall seize him myself. Once I have crushed him, I will wring out the truth before you all!"
His figure blurred into nothingness, reappearing before Yao Ming in an instant. His shriveled hands had turned pitch black, exuding a nauseating stench that caused those nearby to recoil in alarm.
"Withered Leaf Great Poison Palm!"
"Old dog, you are quick to silence him indeed!"
Before the poisonous strike could land, a mocking laugh resounded from below. A fiery brilliance erupted, illuminating the skies as the colossal figure of the Phoenix-Goddess manifested. With a sweep of her jade-like hand, she thrust forward, colliding head-on with the First Elder.
Clang—!
The collision unleashed a storm-like hurricane of energy that ripped through the heavens. The mountains below trembled and cracked apart, boulders rolling down like an avalanche under the pressure.
The First Elder staggered two steps back, his expression twisted into a feral snarl. His eyes glowed with killing intent as he fixed them on the blazing figure shielding Yao Ming. "Little wench… you dare to oppose me? You are courting death!"
"Hmph, First Elder, you seem far too anxious…" Yao Ming's cold voice rang out as he stepped forward. His eyes, dark and icy, locked onto the First Elder like venomous fangs seeking flesh. Without another word, his mouth widened.
A flash of black light burst forth, transforming into a five-foot-long scepter. The scepter was pitch black, exuding an ominous aura. At its head, two lifelike serpents coiled and twisted, their scales glimmering with sinister luster. Between their fanged maws rested a fist-sized bead, black as ink yet shimmering with a chilling glow that pierced to the bone.
"All Elders, do you still recognize this item?"
The instant the scepter appeared, the atmosphere shifted. The Elders' faces changed drastically; their eyes flickered with disbelief, then surged with recognition. Whispers of shock and excitement echoed throughout the area.
The Nine Serene Profound Scepter—!
The symbol of the tribal chief, thought to be lost for centuries, now rested in Yao Ming's hand.
There was no need for anyone to question its authenticity. The moment it revealed itself, every Nine Serene Deep Ground's tribe members felt a pressure stir within their veins—a primal call from deep in their bloodline that could not be faked.
Legend held that the serpent bead set within the scepter contained the purest essence of the Nine Serene King Tribe's bloodline. If the current Nine Serene Deep Ground Python Tribe could absorb even a fraction of it, the thinning of their bloodline would be halted, and their strength would soar to heights unseen in generations.
"No wonder I could never find the Nine Serene Profound Scepter, no matter how thoroughly I searched. It had been swallowed by you all along!" Yao Xiaotian's face darkened with fury as he glared at Yao Ming, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
"The elders must hear both sides of the story," the First Elder interjected quickly, his sharp eyes sweeping across Ming Cheng, Mei Ling, and especially Yao Ming. He sensed the tide was turning and sought to sway the masses, framing Yao Ming as a relic of the past.
"Hand over the Nine Serene Profound Scepter, and there is still a place for you in this tribe," he urged, trying to appeal to their sense of order and benefit.
Murmurs of agreement rose among the crowd—but only faintly. Most of these voices belonged to Yao Xiaotian's loyalists, who had long benefited under his rule. The possibility of leadership returning to Yao Ming threatened their power and privileges, making them quick to vocalize support for the current chief.
Yao Ming's lips curved into a cold, measured smile.
"The First Elder is mistaken," a voice called out firmly, cutting through the heated debate.
Not all had rallied behind the First Elder and Yao Xiaotian. Several Elders spoke up, asserting the unbroken rule of the tribe: whoever possesses the Nine Serene Profound Scepter is the rightful tribal chief. They emphasized that Yao Xiaotian's temporary claim had always been a concession, and that both he and Yao Ming had agreed that the scepter—and thus the title—would revert to Yao Ming upon his return.
Those speaking against the First Elder were the three Elders Yao Ming had named earlier. They faced each other briefly, then spoke in unison. Their authority and insight were unquestionable; they had long understood the true balance of power in the tribe. Their statements carried weight, and slowly, other Elders began to murmur in agreement.
"Fools…" Xiao Hua murmured under his breath, his gaze sweeping over the First Elder, Yao Xiaotian, and their supporters. He shook his head lightly, the corner of his lips curling with a trace of disdain. As the tension in the hall thickened with debate, he moved closer to Cai Lin, Xun Er, and Little Fairy Doctor, who watched silently from a distance.
In a low, measured voice, he explained, "By revealing the scepter, Yao Ming makes his confidence visible to all. The display is not merely to assert authority or to rally support—it is a test, to see who truly stands with Yao Xiaotian. Now, everyone knows their place. Those who opposed him have no room to complain when he enforces consequences."
Though his words were soft and not heard by the masses, Cai Lin, Xun Er, and the Little Fairy Doctor understood immediately. A light giggle and a subtle nod of agreement passed among them, their eyes glinting with approval and anticipation.
"Bastard, go and die!"
Yao Xiaotian's eyes blazed with fury, and the First Elder's expression hardened into cold steel. Realizing that their attempts to rally unanimous support had faltered, the two exchanged a brief, sharp glance before surging forward in perfect synchrony.
In an instant, they materialized before Ming Cheng and Mei Ling, a violent gale ripping through the air in their wake. Their attacks struck like a coordinated blitzkrieg, aimed to crush their targets before anyone could intervene—only by eliminating them could the situation be brought under control.
Yet, as their strikes landed, it was as if they had collided with an immovable mountain. An unyielding, impervious force blocked them, and their blows seemed to vanish into nothing.
"You two are far too anxious," Mei Ling murmured, her voice lightly tinged with amusement. A playful giggle followed as she observed the First Elder's hand, entirely blackened and exuding a deadly stench of poison capable of felling even a Ban Sheng elite with the slightest touch. She extended her hand lazily and intercepted his strike as if swatting away an insect.
"Stop fooling around…" Ming Cheng let out a soft sigh at Mei Ling's teasing, his attention shifting to Yao Xiaotian. He raised his hand deliberately, clenching it into a fist, and then launched it outward.
His palm collided with Yao Xiaotian's in a controlled, violent impact. The force reverberated through the space, yet Ming Cheng's movements were measured—he did not strike with his full power, instead buying precious moments for Yao Ming to finish his recovery.
The display was unmistakable: this was not a true contest of strength. Mei Ling toyed with the First Elder as if he were a mere child, while Ming Cheng met Yao Xiaotian's aggression with restrained force, revealing their absolute superiority.
Neither displayed even a shred of urgency or fear; their composure underscored the vast gulf between them and their attackers, turning what should have been a fierce battle into a demonstration of effortless dominance.
Nonetheless, each clash between Ming Cheng and Mei Ling and their opponents tore through the very fabric of space.
Shockwaves radiated outward, shaking mountains within a fifty-kilometer radius until jagged cliffs crumbled and massive pits, each tens of thousands of feet wide, formed across the ground. The sheer destructive force of a battle between elite Dou Shengs was enough to leave even seasoned observers awestruck.
Though Ming Cheng and Mei Ling were merely toying with their attackers, restraining rather than annihilating them, the terrifying impact of their strikes could not be denied. The sky itself seemed to shiver under the magnitude of their power.
The Elders and other members of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe instinctively retreated, eyes wide with alarm as they watched the display of overwhelming might.
"Should we intervene? Those two colossal figures appears extraordinarily powerful. Even Tribal Chief Xiaotian and the First Elder together cannot gain the upper hand against the two of them," one Elder murmured, a trace of unease in his voice.
"Do not rush to act," another replied calmly. "This unknown group seems to be protecting Tribal Chief Yao Ming. Under Xiaotian's rule, the tribe has become oppressive—he cannot compare to Yao Ming. Perhaps it is in our interest if Yao Ming returns as the true Tribal Chief."
"Yet Xiaotian has cultivated loyal aides over the years," another warned. "Look at them. They are already plotting to strike at Yao Ming in secret."
"Hmph. Stop them!"
A council of the oldest and most powerful Elders gathered quickly, whispering in urgent tones. Moments later, their gaze turned sharply toward a younger group preparing to intervene. Instantly, Dou Qi surged through their bodies, and they shot forward in a flash, intent on halting the scheming younger Elders before they could act.
Yet, even as they advanced, a brilliant light suddenly flared before them. Ming Cheng had arrived. With a single sweep of his hand, he effortlessly suppressed each of the younger Elders, freezing them in place and preventing any further interference. His presence alone radiated absolute authority, leaving no doubt that any attempt at sabotage would be met with immediate and overwhelming restraint.
"This…" Elder Ming and the others froze, shock etched across their faces. They had seen Ming Cheng fight Yao Xiaotian before—so why was he here now?
Their gaze shifted, and they noticed Yao Xiaotian locked in combat with Yao Ming. What truly startled them, however, was the aura radiating from Yao Ming. It was formidable—unmistakably the strength of a 2-Star Dou Sheng!
"My good brother, today, I shall repay all the bitterness I have suffered these hundreds of years!" Yao Ming appeared before Yao Xiaotian in a blur, his expression ferocious, every muscle coiled with restrained fury.
"You bastard…!" Yao Xiaotian ground his teeth as his fist collided with Yao Ming's, immediately sensing the overwhelming suppression of his power.
From Yao Ming's words, they understood the depths of his past imprisonment: he had been suppressed by Yao Xiaotian and the First Elder for centuries. Yet rather than diminishing, his strength had grown during his confinement, forged like steel under relentless pressure.
They were Magical Beasts. Though their cultivation might not match the speed of humans, their lifespans spanned centuries. For a Magical Beast to rise from Ban Sheng to a 2-Star Dou Sheng in just a few hundred years was nothing short of astonishing.
"He is truly worthy of being Tribal Chief Yao Ming. His talent surpasses Yao Xiaotian many times over," Elder Ming whispered, awe and joy sparkling in their eyes.
"Your Tribal Chief has asked me to let him personally deal with Yao Xiaotian. I will remain on the sidelines to ensure no one interferes," Ming Cheng said calmly to Elder Ming and the others. He ignored the younger elders struggling under his suppression, keeping his full focus on the unfolding battle.
"Ha ha, thank you, friend, for your assistance in this matter," Elder Ming and his group responded, cupping their hands with sincere gratitude, their relief and respect clear.
"I agree to his request to let him confront Yao Xiaotian simply because I believe he should personally settle the debt between them…" Ming Cheng murmured, a faint, cold laugh brushing his lips.
"Aye."
Elder Ming and the others exchanged quick glances before nodding. None of them could deny the truth: Yao Ming's desire to face Yao Xiaotian and extract his vengeance was unparalleled.
They would watch from the sidelines, ready to intercept any ill-intentioned interference and ensure no one dared harm Yao Ming.
...
Bang!
Mei Ling's palm collided with the dense, foul-black Dou Qi of the First Elder. In an instant, a tiny seed of blazing fire leapt forward, consuming the poisonous wisp and scattering it into nothingness. The force of her strike sent the First Elder staggering, the blood in his body churning violently as a deep unease settled in his heart.
'Heavenly Flame… Even with all her combined power, it shouldn't feel this overwhelming…' His expression darkened, a cold dread creeping through him as he realized how completely suppressed he was.
"First Elder, you should surrender. You cannot defeat me," the fiery phoenix-shaped giant of Mei Ling's manifestation spoke from above, her voice elegant yet filled with authority. "Yao Xiaotian will be subdued by Yao Ming within ten exchanges. Once that happens, your fate will be most regrettable."
The First Elder's face twitched at the words, his gaze flicking to Yao Xiaotian's battlefield. His heart sank as he watched: Yao Xiaotian was being methodically restrained by Yao Ming, incapable of retaliating. From the scene unfolding before him, it was painfully clear—the tribal chief would not endure much longer.
"That useless bastard! I've told him countless times to kill him, yet he let him live, indulging his twisted pleasure! All these years of effort… wasted!"
The First Elder's chest burned with fury and dissatisfaction. He had believed the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe was firmly under their control, tamed and obedient. But the reality now mocked him—this control was nothing but an illusion, fragile and meaningless.
And it was all because Yao Xiaotian had selfishly kept Yao Ming alive for his own perverse whims. The injustice of it gnawed at him, filling him with bitter indignation.
"My good brother… after all these years, your progress is pitiful. You've truly disappointed me!"
A cold, cutting laugh suddenly echoed from a short distance, slicing through the First Elder's rage. Then came a shockingly loud impact, followed by Yao Xiaotian's agonized scream.
"Has he… been defeated?!"
The First Elder's heart jolted violently at the cry. He spun around, only to see Yao Xiaotian sprawled atop a flatbed rock like a mangled beast. Over half of the towering spikes—once colossal enough to resemble a mountain—had been reduced to rubble. The clash of elite Dou Shengs had turned them to dust with ease, leaving only devastation in its wake.
Bang!
Yao Ming's foot slammed down onto Yao Xiaotian's body with bone-shattering force. A fierce wind erupted from the impact, blasting the surrounding rocks into pulverized dust. Yao Xiaotian coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood, followed by another gush speckled with shattered internal organs.
The eyes of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe members twitched in shock at the brutality unfolding before them. The battle was merciless, far beyond what anyone could have anticipated.
Even in victory, Yao Ming was not untouched. Blood streaked across his body from countless wounds, dripping from his hairline and staining his face with a feral intensity.
Yet he held nothing back; every strike, every stomp radiated pure ruthlessness. Each blow carried the weight of a lifetime of torment, leaving no room for mercy. It was this unrelenting ferocity that allowed him to crush a 1-Star Dou Sheng so swiftly.
"Indeed… Yao Ming's hatred for Yao Xiaotian is monstrous. Every strike, every motion… utterly merciless," Little Fairy Doctor murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief as she stared at the bloodied forms of both combatants.
"He was betrayed by his own brother—bound by blood—tormented, tortured, left alive only to satisfy that twisted desire. How could anyone fail to feel such hatred?" Cai Lin responded softly, though even she could not conceal her astonishment at the scene.
Xun Er remained silent, nodding quietly. They had all been briefed by Xiao Hua on Yao Ming's past and suffering; his deep-seated hatred and fury were no surprise.
Yet even so, the three of them, having only known bonds of warmth and loyalty among family and siblings, could not fathom the depths of Yao Xiaotian's cruelty—his envy, greed, and sadistic desire to torment a brother who had done nothing but suffer.
The sheer darkness of his betrayal remained incomprehensible, a horror that could scarcely be imagined.
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