Chapter 61: Gold Crocodile's Wrath, Qian Daoliu Arrives
The smoke over the Diamond Mountain Range gradually dissipated, leaving the air thick with the pungent scent of scorched earth and blood. After a day and night of purging and looting, the allied forces of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had seized control of the entire core region of the Diamond Mountain Range. The remaining resistance was sporadic and desperate, quickly extinguished.
The inventory and distribution of spoils were carried out in an intense but orderly manner. As expected, multiple Soul Bones were recovered from Huyan Kuang, Tuoba Feng, and Tuoba Yulong, all of extraordinary quality. In particular, the Torso Bone found within Tuoba Yulong, which appeared to share the same origin as his Vajra Dragon Elephant Martial Soul, emitted a heavy, dark-gold luster. Its energy fluctuations were incredibly startling, and its value was immeasurable.
Following their pre-war agreement and battlefield contributions, Yu Boxuan and Ning Zhiyuan conducted a fair distribution. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan primarily took portions compatible with thunder and strength attributes, as well as those related to dragon types. Meanwhile, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect obtained gem and diamond-type Soul Bones better suited for them, along with a vast amount of rare minerals and medicinal resources. Both sides were delighted; this joint operation had not only eliminated a major threat but also yielded rich rewards, drawing their relationship even closer.
The allied forces did not engage in an endless pursuit of the scattered remnants of the Dragon Elephant Allied Forces. After all, Spirit Hall's three-day limit hung over them like the sword of Damocles. To truly exterminate the opposition would undoubtedly be a slap in Spirit Hall's Face. In the end, only a handful of Soul Saint-level Elders, relying on their familiarity with the mountain range's hidden routes, managed to escape with a small number of Core Disciples. This remnant force was no longer capable of causing significant trouble. More importantly, with their core leadership lost and the wealth and territory accumulated by the two great Sects over centuries gone, they were destined to become mere vassals with little future, even if Spirit Hall took them in.
On the third day, the rising sun cast a somewhat tragic hue over the devastated Diamond Mountain Range.
Just as the allied forces began their orderly withdrawal to return to their respective Sects and digest the spoils of war, an extremely terrifying pressure, carrying a savage and fierce Aura, suddenly swept in from the western horizon like a descending storm cloud!
The strength of this pressure far exceeded that of an ordinary Titled Douluo. It was filled with a primal, overbearing, and soul-shredding will, causing every Soul Master present—including Soul Saints and Soul Douluos—to tremble in spirit. Their Soul Power circulation became sluggish, and those with weaker cultivation turned pale, nearly falling to their knees.
Experts like Yu Boxuan, Super Douluo, Ning Zhiyuan, and Green Peak Douluo immediately took on solemn expressions. They soared into the air, their sharp gazes fixed on the direction from which the pressure originated.
A golden streak of light pierced through the sky at incredible speed, arriving above the Diamond Mountain Range in the blink of an eye. As the golden light faded, a figure as towering as a mountain was revealed. The man appeared to be about sixty years old with a rugged Face. His hair and beard were a pale gold, standing stiff like needles, and his eyes flashed with aggressive, unquestionable majesty. He wore dark-gold martial attire that hugged his knotted muscles; merely by standing there, the surrounding space warped slightly, as if unable to bear his weight.
Most heart-stopping were the nine Soul Rings slowly rotating beneath his feet—Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black, Red! That final Soul Ring was a blood-red hundred thousand year spirit ring! The Soul Power fluctuations radiating from him were as vast as the sea and unfathomably deep, clearly reaching the Rank 97 Peak Realm!
"Spirit Hall, Gold Crocodile Douluo!" Yu Boxuan said in a low voice, his eyes filled with intense gravity. Although he was also Rank 97, he could sense that the opponent's Aura was more ancient and overbearing. The pressure brought by that hundred thousand year spirit ring, combined with the sheer power of his Golden Crocodile King Martial Soul, suggested his strength was likely superior to his own.
Gold Crocodile Douluo's gaze swept over the ruins and the corpse-strewn Diamond Mountain Range below. He then glanced at the shivering remnants of the Dragon Elephant Allied Forces in the distant valley, who numbered fewer than a hundred. His brow furrowed deeply, a flash of displeasure crossing his Face as he cursed under his breath, "A bunch of useless trash who don't know the heights of the heavens!"
His original plan was to let the Elephant Armored Academy and the Tuoba Family suffer a bit so they would recognize reality, then step in as a savior to incorporate them. This would both discipline these restless vassals and demonstrate the majesty of Spirit Hall. He had indeed thought highly of Tuoba Yulong's Vajra Dragon Elephant Martial Soul, believing it had great potential. He never expected the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to strike so ruthlessly and decisively. Within three days, they had not only breached the natural defenses but also uprooted the high-level combat power of both Sects. Even the Tuoba Yulong he favored had not been spared! This was practically grinding Jin E's Face into the dirt!
His gaze, like two cold golden swords, shot toward the leaders Yu Boxuan and Ning Zhiyuan, finally landing on the deep-aired, youthful-looking Yu Yuanchen standing beside Yu Boxuan. He had long heard rumors of this youth defeating Qian Daoliu. Seeing him now, although he perceived his Soul Power Rank to be only 76, the mountain-like composure and the faint True Dragon Pressure emanating from within his body—which even made his Golden Crocodile King Martial Soul feel a hint of discomfort—could not be faked.
"Yu Boxuan, Ning Zhiyuan," Gold Crocodile Douluo said, his voice low and carrying unquestionable authority, "I gave you three days to settle your grievances, not to commit such acts of extermination! Given the current state of affairs, shouldn't you give me an explanation?" The powerful pressure surged toward the allied camp like a tide, focusing heavily on Yu Boxuan and Yu Yuanchen, clearly intending to intimidate the two leaders.
Yu Boxuan gave a cold snort as lightning exploded around him. The majestic Aura of a Rank 97 Super Douluo soared into the sky, forcefully withstanding Gold Crocodile Douluo's pressure. He said deeply, "Why does Elder Jin E say such things? We did not exceed the three-day limit. Huyan Kuang and Tuoba Feng repeatedly offended us; their crimes were unpardonable. As for extermination... on the battlefield, blades have no eyes and the loser bites the dust. It has been so since ancient times. Besides, Your Excellency can see that survivors were indeed left behind." His words were neither humble nor arrogant, pointing out that his side was in the right and had shown restraint.
"Hmph! Sophistry!" A fierce light flashed in Gold Crocodile Douluo's eyes, and his pressure intensified, pressing down like a physical mountain. "The talent I favored has fallen here. Do you truly think a few reasonable words can settle this?"
Before his voice finished, the Golden Crocodile King phantom behind him let out a low roar. The hundred thousand year spirit ring shimmered slightly, and an even more terrifying, fierce Aura filled with tearing and devouring intent spread out. It made Super Douluo, Green Peak Douluo, and the others feel their breath hitch, forcing them to release their Soul Power fully to resist.
Standing behind his grandfather, Yu Yuanchen felt the terrifying pressure akin to a prehistoric Ferocious beast. The Thunder True Essence within him began to circulate automatically, a purple-gold light faintly flowing over his skin as the thunder rune on his brow warmed, neutralizing most of the targeted pressure. He raised his head and met Gold Crocodile Douluo's oppressive gaze with a calm look. He did not speak, but his composure and faint sense of defiance caused a flash of surprise in Gold Crocodile Douluo's eyes.
"This boy... is indeed extraordinary!" Gold Crocodile Douluo thought to himself, his evaluation of Yu Yuanchen rising further, but his dissatisfaction grew as well. Such a Genius could not be used by Spirit Hall and had instead repeatedly damaged Spirit Hall's Face!
The situation became instantly tense, the air thick with the smell of gunpowder. Gold Crocodile Douluo was immensely powerful and overbearing. If he truly disregarded the agreement and acted by force, the allied forces would suffer heavy losses even if Yu Boxuan could barely hold him off. Ning Zhiyuan's brow was locked in a frown, while Green Peak Douluo and the others were already on edge, ready to strike at any moment.
At this critical juncture, a clear and peaceful voice drifted from afar, like a spring breeze blowing across an ice field, instantly easing the strained atmosphere:
"Elder Jin E, please stay your anger."
Before the voice had even faded, a holy golden light slid down from the horizon at extreme speed, yet it carried a tranquil power that soothed the heart. The light dissipated to reveal a young man with flowing golden hair and clothes as white as snow. His Face was as handsome as a Divinity, and the six wings on his back fluttered gently. Who else could it be but Qian Daoliu?
He first bowed slightly to Gold Crocodile Douluo: "Elder." He then turned his gaze toward Yu Boxuan, Ning Zhiyuan, and the others, nodding in greeting: "Clan Chief Yu, Sect Master Ning, and—" Finally, his gaze fell upon Yu Yuanchen. A flash of complexity appeared in his golden eyes, but it was mostly replaced by frankness as he smiled and said, "Brother Yuanchen, I hope you have been well."
Qian Daoliu's sudden appearance shifted the situation immediately. Gold Crocodile Douluo's brow furrowed slightly, clearly somewhat displeased by Qian Daoliu's intervention, but he seemed to have some reservations. He gave a cold snort and retracted some of his outward pressure.
Yu Boxuan and the others also let out a small sigh of relief, cupping their hands in return: "Young Master Qian."
Yu Yuanchen looked at Qian Daoliu and also cupped his hands: "Brother Qian, it has been a long time."
Qian Daoliu turned to Gold Crocodile Douluo, his tone respectful yet firm: "Elder, Daoliu already knows the general reasons for this matter. The Elephant Armored Academy and the Tuoba Family indeed sought their own deaths. Clan Chief Yu and Sect Master Ning acted according to the agreement and did not overstep. As for Tuoba Yulong... though it is a pity, since they were enemies, life and death on the battlefield are determined by fate. Since our Spirit Hall gave its word beforehand, if we pursue this now, I fear it will invite criticism and damage the Hall's prestige."
He paused and continued, "Furthermore, Brother Yuanchen and I are close friends; I benefited greatly from our sparring at the Savage Beast Hills. I ask the Elder to let this matter drop for my sake. I will assist you in handling the aftermath, how does that sound?"
Qian Daoliu's words were logical and well-reasoned. He pointed out that Spirit Hall was technically in the wrong first and brought up his "friendship" with Yu Yuanchen, giving Gold Crocodile Douluo a graceful way out.
Gold Crocodile Douluo's eyes flickered as he stared at Qian Daoliu for a moment, then coldly swept his gaze over Yu Boxuan and Yu Yuanchen before finally snorting, "Since the Saint has spoken, I will give you this Face."
Without another look at the allied forces, he flickered and descended into the valley where the terrified remnants of the Dragon Elephant Allied Forces were gathered, clearly going to handle the handover. The terrifying pressure dissipated along with him, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.
Qian Daoliu turned and said apologetically to Yu Boxuan and Ning Zhiyuan, "Elder Jin E has a blunt temperament. If he has caused any offense, Daoliu apologizes on his behalf."
Yu Boxuan waved his hand and said, "Young Master Qian is too kind. His Excellency Jin E is simply a man of character. We thank Young Master Qian for resolving the situation."
Qian Daoliu smiled slightly, his gaze returning to Yu Yuanchen as he said, "Brother Yuanchen, we haven't met for months, and your elegance surpasses the past. The feat of you summoning Heavenly Thunder to level the natural barriers during the battle of the Diamond Mountain Range has already spread; it is truly inspiring. I wonder if you would do me the honor of finding a quiet place where we can drink and catch up?"
Seeing the sincerity in Qian Daoliu's eyes and knowing he intended to further ease the atmosphere and gather some information, Yu Yuanchen nodded and said, "Since Brother Qian invites me, how could I refuse?"
The two smiled at each other as if the tension of the previous sectarian confrontation had never happened. This mutual appreciation that transcended factional strife caused a flash of emotion in Ning Zhiyuan's eyes as he watched from the side.
The grievances of the Diamond Mountain Range temporarily came to a close with Gold Crocodile Douluo's retreat and Qian Daoliu's arrival. However, everyone understood that the undercurrents of the continent had not settled; instead, this incident might stir up even greater waves.
Yu Yuanchen and Qian Daoliu, these two young men destined to stand at the pinnacle of the era's tides, once again walked side-by-side toward a relatively intact mountain Peak. Their conversation might very well influence the future landscape of the world.
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