In the Beast Region of Zhongzhou, within the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe's domain, a powerful and imposing voice rang out:
"Young ones of the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe, might I trouble you to release the mber of my Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe?"
The arrival of this voice sent chills down the spines of Huang Min, Huang Lingyun, and the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe elders. The pressure emanating from the newcor was suffocating, making any thought of resistance seem futile.
Monts later, a tall, burly middle aged man stepped through the rippling space, his expression carrying a dangerous smile. This was none other than Zhu Kun, the Dragon Sovereign of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe, fresh from his return to Zhongzhou.
"Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe!"
The words echoed in the minds of the onlookers as they realized the identity of this fearso newcor.
Breaking the Spirit Array
Zhu Kun's eyes swept over the group, eventually landing on the imprisoned Northern Dragon King, who was visibly drained of his Dou Qi. His brows furrowed as he recognized the glowing barrier encasing the dragon.
"That damned thing again!"
He muttered under his breath.
Without hesitation, Zhu Kun's figure flickered, appearing before the spirit array. His fists began to puml the barrier with incredible force.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
In just three strikes, cracks spiderwebbed across the array, and with a final thunderous blow, it shattered.
The collapse of the array released a surge of energy, but because the array didn't require active control, Huang Min suffered no backlash. Zhu Kun's intervention, however, allowed the Northern Dragon King to start regaining his Dou Qi.
Zhu Kun then turned his piercing gaze to Huang Min and Huang Lingyun, his tone light but laced with nace:
"I didn't expect to encounter two young ones of the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe upon my return. Should I consider this fate or just your bad luck?"
A Show of Defiance
Huang Min and Huang Lingyun's expressions darkened. The oppressive aura radiating from Zhu Kun made it clear that he wasn't soone they could contend with.
Despite their trepidation, Lingyun stepped in front of Huang Min protectively.
"Senior, what do you intend?"
Lingyun's tone was steady, his sharp gaze locked onto Zhu Kun.
Although fully aware of their disadvantage, Lingyun's confidence stemd from one fact: they had already sent a distress signal. It was only a matter of ti before Xiao Qing and Tianluo arrived to resolve the crisis.
Zhu Kun noticed Lingyun's guarded stance and let out a cold chuckle.
"What is your relationship with Xiao Tiance?"
Despite suspecting that these two were disciples of Xiao Tiance, Zhu Kun wanted to confirm it. If they weren't, perhaps he could enjoy a little snack today. However, using them as hostages against Xiao Tiance wasn't on his agenda he wasn't one to court disaster against a superior foe.
Acknowledging Xiao Tiance
Lingyun hesitated briefly before replying:
"It seems Senior knows our teacher."
The word "teacher" brought a slight nod from Zhu Kun.
"When the Tianyao Phoenix Tribe was annihilated, I thought there'd be no survivors. So, you two are related to Xiao Tiance… Very well. I've promised not to trouble him, and I'll keep my word."
Hearing this, both Huang Min and Lingyun exhaled in relief. Even though Zhu Kun was their enemy by lineage, this wasn't the ti for revenge.
Trained by Xiao Tiance, both Huang Min and Lingyun understood the importance of pragmatism. Survival always ca first.
Huang Min stepped forward, her tone calm but firm.
"Senior, if you've crossed paths with our teacher, then I trust you know of his strength. Surely, you've experienced it firsthand?"
She then gestured toward the Northern Dragon King.
"As for the one behind you, he trespassed on our land without cause and sought trouble. We've captured him, and naturally, we'll await our teacher's decision on how to deal with him."
Zhu Kun frowned. Huang Min's audacity surprised him even in the face of overwhelming power, she dared to assert herself.
"Hmph. Little girl, I'm showing you courtesy, but don't overstep. I'll be taking the Northern Dragon King with today, whether you like it or not."
Although Zhu Kun had no intention of harming them, he couldn't allow the Northern Dragon King to remain in their hands. As a royal blooded mber of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe, the Northern Dragon King held too much importance for Zhu Kun to leave him behind.
A Dangerous Bluff
Huang Min's face turned icy. She t Zhu Kun's gaze unflinchingly.
"Senior, I've planted a trace of spiritual energy within him. If you insist on taking him, know that he'll never escape our teacher's reach."
Zhu Kun narrowed his eyes.
Huang Min continued, her tone unwavering.
"Even if he flees across countless space tunnels, my teacher will find him. If you take him now, you'll only be signing his death warrant. Within a month, my teacher will co to your Dragon Island for his head."
Zhu Kun stared at her for a mont before laughing coldly.
"Little girl, you're bold. But don't think you can scare with baseless claims. What spiritual energy? I've never heard of such nonsense."
Though he dismissed her claim aloud, Zhu Kun's mind raced. Having spent two years with Xiao Tiance outside the Tuo She Ancient Emperor's Mansion, he had indeed heard of spiritual energy. Xiao Tiance had refused to explain its nature, leaving Zhu Kun intrigued but frustrated.
Now, Huang Min was offering information he'd long sought.
"Tell what this 'spiritual energy' truly is," Zhu Kun demanded, his tone hardening. "If you refuse, don't bla for disregarding Xiao Tiance's face."
Reinforcents Arrive
Before Huang Min could respond, a spatial ripple broke the tense atmosphere. Two powerful presences erged, their auras instantly stabilizing the situation.
A calm, commanding voice echoed through the air:
"Zhu Kun, it seems you're fond of overstepping boundaries. Care to test that against ?"
Another voice followed, cold and nacing:
"And if that isn't enough, I'll gladly help remind you why so lines shouldn't be crossed."
The newcors were Xiao Qing and Tianluo, their combined presence overwhelming even Zhu Kun's formidable aura.
"Young ones, are you unaware of who I am? Zhu Kun, one of the strongest beings on this continent!"
Beast Region, Tianyao Phoenix Tribe's Territory.
Huang Min was ready to counter Zhu Kun with force, but Huang Lingyun gave her a subtle signal, one she understood instantly after years of cooperation.
"Spiritual energy is what powers the spirit arrays," Huang Min began, her tone calm but firm. "When a person struck by a spirit array lacks the strength to surpass its grade, the spiritual energy lingers in their body for a month."
She gestured toward the Northern Dragon King.
"I used an eighth grade spirit array earlier. With the Northern Dragon King's strength at the level of a seven star Dou Saint, he falls short of its grade. The spiritual energy will remain within him for a month. During that ti, my teacher could track him down effortlessly, no matter where he hides."
Huang Min's voice was sharp, but Huang Lingyun quickly chid in to balance the tone.
"Senior, we acknowledge your strength. None of us here can rival you. However, since you know our teacher, you should understand that we're not individuals you can easily suppress."
Zhu Kun's Dismissive Response
Zhu Kun sneered, his voice laced with contempt:
"Little girl, your mouth is full of lies. As for your teacher, I admit I'm not his match. But if I wish to leave, no one in this world can stop . So, spare the empty threats. Anger , and I'll kill you both what could he possibly do then?"
He turned his attention to the Northern Dragon King and, after a mont of sensing his strength, asked with a raised brow:
"You're a descendant of Zhu Huo, aren't you? I don't recall eting you before."
The Northern Dragon King lowered his head respectfully, his tone deferential:
"My na is Zhu Guang from Northern Dragon Island. Zhu Huo was my grandfather. I failed to pay my respects earlier; I humbly ask for forgiveness, Old Dragon Emperor."
In a mont, Zhu Guang's earlier ambitions to unite the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe vanished. Zhu Kun's presence alone crushed any hope of rebellion.
Zhu Kun laughed heartily, his tone approving:
"Rise. For you to have reached this level at your age speaks to your potential. Follow , and serve well."
"Yes, Old Dragon Emperor. I shall obey."
Reinforcents on the Horizon
While Zhu Kun recruited Zhu Guang, Huang Min smirked faintly. She had already sensed the arrival of Xiao Qing and Tianluo. Zhu Kun noticed the shift in her deanor, his expression darkening.
"Ah, I see. So this is why you delayed. Waiting for backup, were you?"
His words were barely spoken when space rippled behind Huang Min and Lingyun, and two powerful figures erged.
"Xiao Qing of the Xiao Clan," one announced.
"Tianluo, Master of Tianji Tower," the other followed.
Both bowed slightly in acknowledgnt of Zhu Kun.
"Two nine star Dou Saints?" Zhu Kun's mind raced as he took in the sight of the newcors. "Just how strong is the Xiao Clan to have two Dou Saints like these and then there's Xiao Tiance on top of that!"
Confrontation with Zhu Kun
Huang Min and Lingyun hurried to greet their allies. The Tianyao Phoenix Tribe mbers quickly followed suit, bowing in reverence.
"You may rise," Tianluo and Xiao Qing said in unison.
Tianluo stepped forward, his tone calm but firm:
"Zhu Kun, for the sake of the Northern Dragon King, you wouldn't risk antagonizing the Xiao Clan, would you? Surely, that would be unwise."
Zhu Kun snorted, unwilling to concede even an inch.
"Are you here to lecture on what's wise, Tianluo? This isn't your place."
He showed no concern for appearances after all, Xiao Tiance wasn't here, and Tianluo and Xiao Qing, while formidable, were no match for him.
The Unexpected Twist
As if reading Zhu Kun's mind, Xiao Qing's storage ring glowed, and a golden figure erged beside him.
Zhu Kun's eyes narrowed. "Another nine star Dou Saint? No... this isn't a living being it's a Tianyao Puppet!"
The sight of the nine star Dou Saint grade Tianyao Puppet rattled Zhu Kun. Alone, he could handle Tianluo and Xiao Qing. But with the puppet in the equation, the odds shifted dramatically.
He gave a strained chuckle.
"The Xiao Clan never ceases to amaze. Such resources..."
Ignoring the complint, Xiao Qing turned to Huang Min and Lingyun.
"What do you think should be done?"
The question left Zhu Kun montarily stunned.
"These Xiao Clan mbers are insane," he thought. "They bring two nine star Dou Saints and a Tianyao Puppet, yet let these juniors make the decision?"
All eyes turned to the young pair. After exchanging a glance, Lingyun spoke, his tone steady:
"Senior, you refrained from harming us earlier, so we will not act against you now. However, the Northern Dragon King must face consequences. Leave one of his arms behind. Our teacher enjoys hotpot."
The Demand for Hotpot
Zhu Guang's face turned ashen at the ntion of "hotpot." The humiliation of being treated as food consud him, but he dared not speak.
Zhu Kun, however, erupted:
"Ridiculous! Zhu Guang carries the royal bloodline of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Tribe. To mutilate him for so absurd demand would disgrace our entire tribe! I'll not agree to such terms!"
Lingyun didn't flinch. Turning to Xiao Qing and Tianluo, he said,
"If Senior Zhu Kun won't comply, then I leave the matter in your capable hands."
Huang Min added with a mischievous grin:
"Tianluo, my teacher truly loves hotpot. Imagine how pleased he'd be with Taixu Ancient Dragon at."
Xiao Qing and Tianluo exchanged a glance before laughing heartily.
Tianluo stepped forward, his voice cool and composed:
"In that case, Zhu Kun, it seems we must trouble you for a lesson."
(End of Chapter)
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