Chapter 260: Arrival at the City of Annihilation, Clash with Yuan Gate!
The Domain of Annihilation was located in the central region of the Eastern Xuan Region.
This area was one of the most famous and feared places in the entire region.
The ancient war between Heaven and Earth was a distant memory for today's people.
Though they didn't know exactly what caused that great conflict, they did know that countless ancient powerhouses had perished within this land.
Hidden across this dangerous expanse were countless ancient relics and legacies that tempted the bold and the brave.
Even outside of special occasions, the area surrounding the Domain of Annihilation was always bustling with activity.
One of the many cities surrounding it was the most massive and majestic of them all: Annihilation City.
...
As Dao Sect's massive group entered the region, they saw numerous figures tearing through the sky from every direction.
All of them clearly had the same destination.
As one of the grandest events in the Eastern Xuan Region, the Sect Competition carried immense weight and influence.
As the group continued forward, a vast black city came into view, stretching endlessly across the horizon like a coiled, ancient black dragon, exuding an air of age and coldness.
Countless figures flew in and out of the city's sky like swarming locusts.
"So that's Annihilation City..." said Pang Tong, who was near Lin Fan, pointing toward the dark, massive structure with a grin.
"Follow me. Annihilation City is crawling with all sorts of people—stay alert," said Qi Lei at the front of the formation with a serious look. He exchanged a glance with the other three Hall Masters before leading the way, flying into the city with the rest following behind.
Many of the people entering and leaving the city quickly noticed their arrival and recognized them as Dao Sect disciples. A wave of murmurs broke out almost instantly.
Some even began comparing them to disciples of Yuan Gate, sparking a surge of anger among the Dao Sect members—many of whom were itching to fight then and there.
But Lin Fan paid it no mind. Once the Sect Competition started, everything would be settled on the battlefield.
The Dao Sect group settled on the western side of Annihilation City. Once there, the disciples were allowed to explore freely, though they were reminded to be careful in this chaotic place.
After all, not everyone in Annihilation City respected even the super sects.
Not long after they arrived, Ying Huanhuan came to find Lin Fan, dragging him out for a stroll around the city.
Lin Fan teased her a bit but ultimately agreed.
Just as they stepped outside, they bumped into Xiao Xiao and Wang Yan.
Ying Huanhuan averted her gaze guiltily for a moment when she saw Xiao Xiao, who only smiled knowingly at her before turning to Lin Fan and saying, "We were just about to head out too. Let's go together. There's a treasure market here—it's really something. I think you'll be interested."
She then gave Lin Fan a brief overview of the treasure market.
Lin Fan smiled. "Sounds good. Let's check it out."
...
The treasure market was located in the northern sector of Annihilation City and was one of its busiest areas.
The treasures sold here were of surprisingly high quality—if you had enough Nirvana Pills, that is.
As Lin Fan and the others entered, the loud chatter and bargaining hit them like a wave, making their eardrums throb slightly.
The area was lined with giant smooth bluestones, each covered in a light barrier.
Sellers sat cross-legged behind their makeshift stalls, displaying all sorts of strange and rare items to attract passing buyers.
Ying Huanhuan was clearly in her element, flitting between the stalls like a butterfly, her ponytail dancing with youthful energy and drawing plenty of attention.
"There are a lot of super sect disciples here," Wang Yan remarked as they moved deeper into the market.
Lin Fan glanced around and saw several figures wearing various sect insignias. Clearly, many sects had sent disciples to this competition.
After a casual look, Lin Fan stopped paying attention and returned to browsing the items on display.
In just a few moments of distraction, Ying Huanhuan had wandered a little too far ahead.
Just as Lin Fan was about to look for her, a commotion arose ahead, and he faintly heard a girl's angry voice.
In a flash, Lin Fan appeared beside Ying Huanhuan. Xiao Xiao and Wang Yan arrived right behind him.
They found Ying Huanhuan visibly annoyed, facing three smirking young men.
One of them was tossing a jade-green hairpin that radiated a powerful energy—it was clearly a fine spirit treasure.
"What now? Causing trouble again?" Xiao Xiao frowned and shot Ying Huanhuan a sharp look.
"I did not!" Ying Huanhuan pouted. "I was the one who saw it first, and I'd already agreed on a price. Then these jerks jumped in and snatched it away."
"They're from Yuan Gate," Wang Yan said coldly, having recognized the insignia on the three men's chests.
"Wang Yan? Xiao Xiao?"
The Yuan Gate disciples recognized them as well—the two most renowned names among Dao Sect's younger generation. Their expressions shifted slightly.
"Heh, Wang Yan. I thought you got kicked out of Dao Sect. Didn't expect to see you here for the Sect Competition," the leader sneered.
"This guy's name is Jiang Tao—he's one of Yuan Gate's Eight Spirit Generals. Didn't expect to see him here," Xiao Xiao whispered to Lin Fan.
Lin Fan gave a slight nod, unconcerned. He'd already killed Yuan Gate Spirit Generals before.
"Hand it over. Now," Wang Yan said coldly, hand tightening around his massive black greatsword.
"Heh, as long as no one's paid, anyone can buy it. Who the hell do you think you are, telling me to get lost?" Jiang Tao's smile turned cold.
"Then I'll just beat you until you do," Wang Yan replied, killing intent seeping from his voice as he slowly drew his sword.
"Trying to intimidate me with numbers? Bring it on!"
Jiang Tao sneered and flicked a jade token into the sky, where it exploded in a brilliant firework of Yuan Gate's insignia.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
In response, numerous Yuan Gate disciples quickly rushed over.
"Hmph! You're not the only ones with backup!"
Infuriated, Ying Huanhuan also activated Dao Sect's signal.
Before long, Dao Sect disciples began arriving as well.
With both sides gathering fast, the surrounding area quickly cleared as onlookers gave them space.
It looked like a brawl between the two super sects was about to erupt—before the tournament had even begun.
"Ha! Wang Yan, you loser—you dare tell my Yuan Gate brothers to back off? Last time, you got lucky. Let's see if that luck holds!"
A loud, arrogant laugh echoed through the sky as one of Yuan Gate's "Three Young Kings," Lei Qian, descended from above.
"Lei Qian, control your people. Their behavior's nothing short of street thuggery," Xiao Xiao said coldly.
"I think our people are fine. It's your Dao Sect that needs to stop pretending to be noble," Lei Qian mocked.
Anger surged through the Dao Sect ranks.
"All this over a trinket?" Lei Qian turned and took the green hairpin from Jiang Tao, holding it up casually.
"How about this—if any of you can take it from me, I'll pay for it, and we'll leave immediately without another word. How's that?"
Wang Yan's expression darkened. He gripped his greatsword, ready to charge—but a hand blocked him.
"I'll handle it," Lin Fan said with a smile.
Just then, the familiar voice of the system rang out in Lin Fan's mind once more.
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