Wuuuh!
The black mist was torn apart as countless wailing souls dissipated. The massive formation of shadows collapsed under Xuan Kongzi's might — the foremost figure of the Pill Tower.
Even the so-called Ten Thousand Souls Devouring Formation was powerless before him. Against an opponent of his level, ordinary Dou Zun experts were nothing more than fragile candles in a storm.
Seeing Xuan Kongzi's overwhelming strike, the black-robed rescuers grew spirited. Xiao Yan and the others seized the opening, slaughtering their way through the disarrayed shadows while pressing toward the giant hall.
The defenders were already in shambles, unable to halt their advance — when suddenly, an immeasurable, majestic aura swept through heaven and earth.
"Hmph… a pack of useless trash. You can't even handle something this simple!"
The hoarse, deathly voice seemed to echo straight from the Nine Nether Underworld, carrying with it boundless malice and destruction.
The battlefield stilled for an instant. Then the reactions split — the Hall of Souls' side erupted in ecstatic relief. Even being scolded as trash, they welcomed it like divine grace.
"It's the Second Tianzun — Lord Gu You! A Half Saint! None of them can stand against him!"
"This is Lord Gu You's territory. They dare attack the Human Hall — they'll never return alive!"
By contrast, Xiao Yan's side turned grim. That suffocating might left no doubt — a true powerhouse had arrived.
All eyes shifted toward Xiao Yan. When he'd first sought their aid, he'd promised that someone possessing Dou Saint-level strength would join them. That assurance was the only reason so many Dou Zun experts had dared to come.
Otherwise, even with their power, none would risk facing the monstrous Hall of Souls head-on. They had donned these concealing black robes precisely so that if they failed, their sects and families would not suffer reprisal.
Xiao Yan's own heart tightened. The oppressive pressure was far stronger than even what he'd felt from Liu Xi. Yet, when his hand clenched, a space jade slip appeared between his fingers — and his tense expression eased slightly.
Seeing that, the others also relaxed. Xiao Yan would not gamble with his life without a trump card.
Above, space shattered like fragile glass. From the rift stepped a gaunt figure, skin stretched over bone, clutching a bone staff as white as ivory — Gu You, the Hall of Souls' Second Tianzun.
The Hall of Souls' Elders and Protectors instantly rallied to him, crowding close as though welcoming the lord of the underworld himself.
Gu You did not strike immediately. His sunken eyes gleamed with cruel curiosity as he swept his gaze over the black-robed intruders — and finally settled on Xiao Yan.
"So you fear my Hall of Souls like a tiger — and yet still dare follow this boy here. Truly a bunch of fools courting death." His tone sharpened. "And you — you're Xiao Yan, aren't you? The last of the Xiao Clan, Yao Chen's disciple. Had you stayed hidden among the Gu Clan, this old man might not reach you. But since you've come here yourself… you'll die here today."
Already recognized, Xiao Yan cast aside his hood, revealing his plain yet resolute young face. The hatred in his eyes was razor-cold.
Once, he might have had other grudges — but now, nothing compared to the Hall of Souls. They had destroyed his family, hunted his teacher, and forced him into endless exile.
He stepped forward through the crushing aura, face flushed, veins bulging, and — without hesitation — crushed the jade slip in his hand.
"The Hall of Souls destroyed my clan and captured my teacher. I came only to bring him home — and to collect a little interest!"
Xuan Kongzi, Xuan Yi, and the others held their silence. This mission had always been unofficial; they would not drag the Pill Tower into open war for personal vengeance.
Gu You, of course, noticed Xiao Yan's action — but by the time he sensed the spatial power activating, it was already too late to stop it.
He gave a shrill, mocking laugh, arrogance radiating from every movement. He trusted his own might, and the Hall of Souls' prestige besides.
"Good! You've come prepared, boy. I'd like to see just who dares strike at my Hall of Souls!"
The heavens trembled. Space twisted and shattered again, forming a vast black vortex. From within stepped a white-robed figure — silver hair, youthful face, eyes sharp as blades.
Hands clasped behind his back, he walked calmly upon the air, surveying the battlefield with detached disdain.
In that instant, the world fell silent. Even the wind ceased. The white-robed elder's mere presence became the axis of heaven and earth.
He had every right to look down upon them — for he was a Dou Saint.
Even Gu You's expression changed drastically. His shadowed eyes locked tightly onto the newcomer, skeletal fingers clenching his bone staff until it creaked. Dou Qi surged through his body uncontrollably before he bit out the words:
"Gu Clan… a Dou Saint!"
It was the realm he had long yearned for — the boundary forever out of reach. Though only a Half Saint, he had insisted on being called "Saint Gu You," revealing how deeply he obsessed over that level.
"Gu Clan! Do you mean to wage war against my Hall of Souls? Sending out a Dou Saint — can your clan bear the consequences?"
The white-robed elder frowned faintly. A Half Saint daring to question him? The Hall might be powerful, but the Ancient Clan did not fear them.
"What consequence is there to fear?" he said coolly. "The Hall of Souls grows bolder by the year. Tell me — what exactly does your clan intend?"
His calm retort cut sharper than any blade.
Relief rippled through Xiao Yan's group. Excitement followed — this was a Dou Saint, after all. A hundred Dou Zun experts together could not equal one of his kind.
Even Xuan Kongzi and Xuan Yi felt their tension ease. The Pill Tower possessed Dou Saints too, yet none would act lightly; aiding Xiao Yan today already crossed forbidden lines.
Bowing respectfully, Xiao Yan said, "Senior, I'll leave this Gu You to you. We'll go rescue my teacher!"
The elder gave him only a faint glance — no words, just a trace of disdain in his eyes — before turning his cold gaze back to Gu You.
"Did you hear that?" he said evenly. "Yao Chen once showed kindness to my young lady. Hand him over, and I'll take my people away. Otherwise, the Hall of Souls will lose one of its Tianzun today."
His voice rang firm and absolute — until, abruptly, it shifted, carrying a hint of amusement as his gaze pierced the shadows behind the black hall.
"Come out, then. Let's see how your Hall of Souls' Dou Saints have improved over the years."
Gu You's face twisted with fury, his murderous intent surging — yet he dared not move. Between a Half Saint and a true Dou Saint, the gulf was vast beyond imagination.
Hidden in the darkness beyond, Liu Xi watched silently, his ethereal soul form drifting unseen.
'The Gu Clan really spares no expense… and Gu Xun'er is impressive indeed — she actually sent a Dou Saint to aid Xiao Yan. All the better. Once the Hall of Souls' Dou Saint is drawn out… the Soul Essence will be mine for the taking.'
(End of Chapter)
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