"Big brother… big brother, please spare me! Back then, I was misled by the First Elder into committing those… monstrous acts!"
Yao Xiaotian's cry cut sharply through the air, his vicious expression contorted with terror as Yao Ming's presence pressed down upon him like a living weight.
"Only now do you realize I am your elder brother?" Yao Ming's voice was low and heavy, each word dripping with the weight of centuries of suffering. He lowered his bloodied frame slowly, his hand resting atop Yao Xiaotian's head. Despite the carnage that stained his own body, a rare gentleness softened his expression. "I once truly regarded you as a brother. Had you not betrayed me, the position of tribal chief would have been yours in time…"
"You've had all the comforts and pleasures since youth," Yao Ming continued, his voice dense and cold, "but if you kill me, forget ever enjoying a good life again."
Yao Xiaotian trembled violently beneath his touch. The murderous intent radiating from Yao Ming was unmistakable, a suffocating certainty that no amount of pleading or begging could escape. Desperation flared into savage defiance in Yao Xiaotian's eyes as he tried to circulate his Dou Qi for a last-ditch attack.
Before he could act, Yao Ming's hand moved like a blade, ruthlessly plunging into Yao Xiaotian's skull. Fresh blood erupted, spattering the ground, carrying fragments of bone and brain.
Bang!
Yao Ming's expression remained unreadable as he slowly withdrew his hand. Nestled in his grasp was a smooth, black, fist-sized bead. Wisps of black fog swirled within it, coalescing into a twisted, screeching visage—a ghastly semblance of Yao Xiaotian's own face, trapped forever within the bead.
All the Nine Serene Deep Ground Pythons in the area turned their gaze toward the mountain. Not a trace of Yao Xiaotian remained—his aura, his bloodline's ripple, completely erased from this world.
The younger Elders, who had once backed Yao Xiaotian and the First Elder, went pale. Not a single one dared to breathe too loudly or move; they could only tremble in silent terror.
Even the First Elder's face drained of color. He swallowed slowly, a chill crawling down his spine. He had not anticipated such ruthlessness. To extract the Monster Core from a Magical Beast was to utterly annihilate it—an irreversible death. Witnessing Yao Ming forcibly pull Yao Xiaotian's core out left him reeling with fear.
There was no hesitation, no mercy. Yao Ming had ensured there would be no chance for Yao Xiaotian to rise again.
Yet, he paid no heed to the stunned eyes upon him. His gaze lingered on the black bead in his hand, his expression empty. Revenge had been claimed, yet no satisfaction, no joy, no triumph filled him—only a hollow ache that stretched across the centuries of torment he had endured.
Xiao Hua watched silently, his eyes shifting to Ming Cheng and Mei Ling. They shook their heads and exhaled softly, choosing not to disturb him.
Bound by sworn oaths of brotherhood and sisterhood, they understood the weight of such a moment: the unbearable sorrow that would have consumed them had the roles been theirs, had they been forced to strike at one another.
Yao Ming drew a slow, deep breath, his chest rising with a weight of centuries-long resentment. A long sigh escaped his lips as his gaze swept over the battlefield.
"First Elder… it's your turn now."
With a subtle wave of his sleeve, Yao Xiaotian's corpse vanished, stored away effortlessly. Then, he lifted his head, eyes blazing with a ferocity that seemed to burn through the sky itself. His voice, low and dense, cut through the tense air.
The First Elder's body shivered violently at the sight. He understood with chilling clarity that whatever fate awaited him under Yao Ming's hands would make Yao Xiaotian's demise seem merciful in comparison.
"Demon Snake Sky Explosion!"
The First Elder's gaze darted across Yao Ming, Mei Ling, and Ming Cheng. Realizing there was no escape, a flash of grim determination ignited in his eyes. His teeth clenched, and both hands moved in a blur, forming a complex, ominous hand seal.
His body swelled, his skin quivering as though something monstrous strained to break free from within.
"He actually… dares to self-destruct!"
Yao Ming's expression flickered, momentarily caught off guard by the First Elder's desperate resolve. Instantly, he shifted his stance, pulling back with swift precision, eyes narrowing as the deadly energy began to surge around the Elder.
However, as Yao Ming stepped back, a massive hand suddenly landed on the First Elder's shoulder. Xiao Hua's voice, calm yet tinged with amusement, echoed, "Now, now… we can't really let you escape, can we?"
Instantly, the First Elder's bloated body shrank back to its normal form. The violent Dou Qi that had surged through him stilled, then abruptly ceased altogether, leaving him weak and lethargic, as if his strength had been completely stripped away.
A shock ran through him as he realized the hand on his shoulder pressed down like a mountain, immobilizing him entirely. Every instinct, every ounce of Dou Qi in his body, was held in check. He could not so much as twitch.
With effortless precision, Xiao Hua maneuvered the First Elder before Yao Ming, relying solely on his mastery of spatial energy and the Spiritual Strength of the Di State—no Dou Qi was expended. The First Elder's helpless form was deposited gently but firmly in front of Yao Ming.
Yao Ming gave a simple command to one of the remaining elders: imprison him. The captured First Elder was promptly escorted away, no one daring the slightest disobedience.
The display of Yao Ming's might—his unrelenting force against Yao Xiaotian, and now his control over the First Elder—cemented his legendary prestige within the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe. Though absent for hundreds of years, the members of the tribe now trembled at the sheer weight of his authority.
"Congratulations, Tribal Chief, on reclaiming your rightful position! We pledge our loyalty to you until our last breath!"
The eldest and most senior members of the tribe stepped forward in unison, voices ringing with respect and sincerity, swearing their allegiance to Yao Ming.
"All Elders, thank you for your efforts. The affairs of the tribe will now be managed by all of you. Those who do not belong should be removed without hesitation," Yao Ming said in a measured, faint voice. To truly consolidate his authority, he needed to purge the remnants of Yao Xiaotian's cronies—any who remained would only bring future trouble.
"Understood!"
The Elders responded with solemn respect, their voices echoing in agreement.
Xiao Hua, returning to stand beside Xun Er, Cai Lin, and Little Fairy Doctor, quietly observed Yao Ming as he brought order to the tribe with calm authority. Ming Cheng and Mei Ling, now reverted to their original forms, stood beside him, their presence reinforcing the sense of stability.
Watching the tribe gradually return to normal, each of them nodded silently. Though Yao Ming had been sealed away for centuries, his composure and command had not waned. Given time, the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe would flourish once more.
"Brother Xiao Hua, and his fellow friends, thank you for lending your strength this time," Yao Ming said, turning to them with a respectful bow. He cupped his hands in gratitude, the sincerity in his tone unmistakable, even as he continued to oversee the reestablishment of order within the tribe.
"Xiao…Hua?"
At the utterance of his name by Yao Ming, every member of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe froze in place—from ordinary soldiers to the Elders, even the leaders of other tribes present. Slowly, their gazes shifted toward Xiao Hua, taking in his figure with disbelief and awe.
"Xiao Hua…? Does Tribe Leader Yao Ming mean the Mansion Master of Moonlit Chaos Mansion? That young expert who rules the Western Region of the Central Plains…?"
"There's no way it's him. Why would someone of his caliber appear here, in our Nine Serene Deep Ground Python?"
"Look at his eyes—crimson on the left, cyan on the right. That matches the description perfectly. I've seen his portrait before… it's exactly him."
"That's not all," another voice whispered urgently. "The one standing beside him… that's Sir Ming Cheng, Hall Master of Thunder Heaven Hall, and Fairy Mei Ling, Hall Master of Scarlet Phoenix Hall!"
"My god… the three of the six upper echelons of Moonlit Chaos Mansion are here, in our territory?"
The initial quiet murmur of disbelief quickly escalated into a tumultuous commotion. No one had expected that the very people assisting Yao Ming would be among the top experts of Moonlit Chaos Mansion. The sheer weight of their presence sent waves of shock and awe through the assembled tribes.
Yao Ming was momentarily taken aback by the sudden uproar. Before he could question it further, one of the senior Elders hurriedly stepped forward and explained in detail the status and immense strength of the Moonlit Chaos Mansion—especially the shocking feats Xiao Hua had accomplished to rise to such terrifying fame.
Only then did Yao Ming finally comprehend the truth. His heart trembled, and he became speechless as he stared at the young man before him. To have already reached the peak of the Dou Sheng realm at such an age and even forcing one of the apex figures of the Dou Qi Continent to retreat… it was nothing short of monstrous.
"However…" Yao Ming's brows furrowed slightly, his voice low with uncertainty, "I thought there was an agreement that those at 5-Star Dou Sheng or above were not to intervene casually…"
"Ha ha… we never intended to meddle in the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe's affairs," Xiao Hua laughed dryly, his expression a touch awkward. "We only needed to borrow the Nine Serene Spring in secret… for one of my wives."
Of course, he had no intention of revealing his true plan—that he wanted nothing to do with Yao Xiaotian's filth and betrayal, and instead had deliberately set Yao Ming free to unleash chaos.
Ming Cheng and Mei Ling remained silent, but a trace of disdain flickered in their eyes. Within their hearts, they scoffed at Xiao Hua's casual excuse.
"I see… so it is for your wife," Yao Ming said after a pause, his gaze briefly sweeping over Cai Lin before he nodded in understanding. "If that's the case, Brother Xiao Hua need not hold back. Compared to the debt I owe you, this matter is nothing."
Hearing those sincere words of gratitude, Xiao Hua felt a pang in his chest, as though his own conscience pierced him. He could only give a dry laugh, inwardly admitting to himself that he was indeed being hypocritical.
At the same time, Xun Er, Cai Lin, and the Little Fairy Doctor let out soft giggles. Their eyes sparkled with mirth as they quietly delighted in Xiao Hua's awkwardness, secretly enjoying his rare moment of embarrassment.
"Anyway, if it is Brother Xiao Hua," Yao Ming mused, a faint glimmer flashing in his eyes before he let out a low laugh, "there is something I know that will surely pique your interest."
Xiao Hua lifted his brows slightly but remained silent. Ming Cheng and Mei Ling exchanged glances, equally curious. With their current strength, very few things in this world could stir their hearts, yet Yao Ming's tone hinted at something extraordinary.
"I wonder," Yao Ming leaned forward slightly, his smile carrying a trace of mystery, "has Brother Xiao Hua ever heard of the Demon Saint, Huang Quan?"
"I have…" Xiao Hua's eyes flickered as he fell into thought before giving a faint nod. His voice was calm, but sharp as a blade. "If I recall correctly, however, Demon Saint Huang Quan did not belong to the Serene Deep Ground Python tribe, did he?"
"Ha ha." Yao Ming laughed heartily, the sound echoing with a strange undertone. "You are not mistaken. Demon Saint Huang Quan was not of my tribe, but his connection with us runs deeper than most imagine. After that supreme expert fell in the distant past, the inheritance he left behind was lost amidst the currents of time."
His laughter gradually faded, replaced by a quieter, heavier tone.
"Yet within my Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe lies a stone tablet—passed down since antiquity. Upon it is recorded the profound knowledge left behind by Demon Saint Huang Quan. Moreover…"
His voice dropped, carrying a trace of reverence and danger, "rumor has it that the essence blood of Demon Saint Huang Quan still slumbers deep within that very stone tablet."
"Essence blood?"
Xun Er, Cai Lin, and the Little Fairy Doctor were visibly shaken, their eyes widening in astonishment. Even Ming Cheng and Mei Ling, who prided themselves on their composure, could not hide the tremor in their expressions.
It was said that Demon Saint Huang Quan had once placed half a foot into the realm of the Dou Di. His strength had nearly touched the peak of existence. Though he ultimately failed to break through, a single drop of his essence blood was enough to drive countless elites into madness. For a Dou Sheng, obtaining it meant the certainty of a great surge in power—an opportunity no one could ignore.
Xiao Hua had long known of this, but the others had never uncovered such a secret, even after their extensive investigations into the Serene Deep Ground Python tribe. The fact that this tablet remained concealed so deeply—hidden even more thoroughly than the Nine Serene Spring itself—spoke volumes of its significance.
"Since the Huang Quan stone tablet conceals such a secret, why has your Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe not extracted it even now?" Ming Cheng finally spoke, his tone calm, but his sharp gaze hinted at suspicion.
"Ke ke, Hall Master Ming's caution is truly admirable." Yao Ming chuckled lightly.
He then explained slowly, "The Huang Quan stone tablet is one of the most important treasures of my tribe. For countless generations, we have worshipped it and received guidance from it. Two of the supreme Dou Skills it bears—the Yellow Spring Finger and the Yellow Spring Palm—have already been obtained. The first stands as a Tian-Class low-tier technique, while the second has reached the Tian-Class middle tier. Even these alone are enough to shake the world."
"For the final Dou Technique, it is known as the Yellow Spring Divine Anger—a high-level Tian-Class Sonic-type Dou Technique!" Yao Ming declared with a grin, his voice carrying a trace of reverence when spoke of the last technique within the stone tablet.
Mei Ling suddenly lifted her head, her slender fingers rubbing thoughtfully against her chin. Her eyes gleamed as she spoke slowly, her tone laced with solemnity.
"Yellow Spring Finger, to decide life and death… Yellow Spring Palm, to suppress heaven and earth… and Yellow Spring Divine Anger, a roar that shatters the very soul? The very Dou Skill once wielded by Demon Saint Huang Quan himself?"
"The very same…" Yao Ming nodded, his smile tinged with both pride and helplessness. With a sigh, he continued, "Our tribe has managed to obtain the first two, but the last one lies sealed deep within the stone tablet. No method to practice it can be drawn forth. And none among us dare to forcibly tamper with the stone tablet, for fear of damaging the Demon Saint's essence blood sealed within…"
Little Fairy Doctor tilted her head slightly, her soft voice tinged with confusion as she asked, "But what does this have to do with our Xiao Hua? Surely it cannot be related to his flame, lightning, or ice…"
Xun Er's eyes narrowed, her mind racing as countless possibilities flickered past. Finally, a thought crystallized, and her delicate lips parted as she asked softly, her voice carrying a sharp weight of certainty:
"…Is it because of Brother Xiao Hua's Spiritual Strength?"
"Ke ke, that's correct." Yao Ming nodded, not bothering to conceal the truth. "After a thousand years of probing, we discovered that only a soul at the Heavenly State or above can successfully enter the stone tablet. However, there are two problems with this revelation."
"The first," Little Fairy Doctor spoke softly, having already pieced it together, "is that Magical Beasts rarely cultivate their Spiritual Strength. At most, Tribe Leader Yao Ming's Spiritual Strength is only on par with a peak Tier 7 Alchemist. With such a level, he naturally cannot subdue the remnant spirit sealed within the tablet."
"The second," Cai Lin added calmly, her eyes flickering with realization and exasperation, "is that such a soul is usually only possessed by true grandmaster alchemists. Few others are capable of reaching such heights."
Yao Ming gave a bitter laugh but did not deny their words. "Indeed. Long ago, our tribe considered secretly hiring a grandmaster alchemist. But in the end, the idea was abandoned. We feared that once news of the Huang Quan stone tablet spread, it would bring more disaster than benefit."
His expression grew solemn as he continued, "Do not forget—the Demon Saint's essence blood is sealed within the stone tablet as well. If word of this ever leaked, even elite Dou Shengs would be drawn here. That is why, even within the tribe, only a handful of people know of the tablet's existence, and even fewer are aware of the secret it hides."
Ming Cheng frowned slightly, his tone puzzled. "If that is the case, why reveal such a matter to us now? Was it truly just because of our chance of succeding?"
Yao Ming's gaze sharpened as if cutting through Ming Cheng's thoughts. He spoke in a grave tone, each word carrying weight. "Hall Master Ming, these random guesses are unnecessary. I revealed this secret to you for two reasons. First, as repayment for the grace you have shown me—I am not someone who forgets such debts. Second, because I wish to borrow your strength to open the stone tablet. Only by obtaining what lies within can I completely consolidate my rule over the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe."
Xiao Hua's eyes locked onto Yao Ming, sharp and unwavering. Yao Ming did not evade, meeting that gaze with equal steadiness.
In that silent clash of eyes, Xiao Hua discerned the truth—this man harbored no ill intent, his words carrying genuine sincerity. Still, Xiao Hua chose silence, allowing Xun Er and the others to hear the matter in full and form their own understanding.
After a long moment, he shook his head lightly and withdrew his gaze. His voice was calm yet carried a trace of dominance. "We have no interest in Huang Quan's inheritance. Once I resolve the Demon Saint's remnant soul within the stone tablet, the rest will belong to you."
"Ha ha! Then I must thank Brother Xiao Hua for his aid!" Yao Ming's voice rang with joy, his composure slipping for a moment as delight surged through him. Xiao Hua's words meant more than assistance—they meant that the essence blood of Huang Quan would fall into his hands, a boon that could elevate his strength to an entirely new realm.
Suppressing his excitement, Yao Ming quickly added, "However, there is no need to hurry, Brother Xiao Hua. Rest here for the night while I settle the tribe's affairs. At dawn tomorrow, I will personally lead you to the Huang Quan stone tablet."
"We understand."
The Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe had undergone an upheaval. Blood would inevitably be spilled through the night as Yao Ming cleansed hidden threats. Yet Xiao Hua's group remained detached, unshaken by the chaos. These were internal matters of another tribe; it was not their place to meddle. Their earlier intervention had already been more than enough.
That night, screams and slaughter echoed through the darkness, a storm of retribution purging the remnants of Yao Xiaotian's faction. By dawn, silence had returned, the tribe now steady under Yao Ming's control.
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