Chapter 191 - 189: Once in Yunxiao, Sweeping the Nine Heavens

WHOOSH!

The dark-skinned middle-aged man leaped down from the Cyan Flying Eagle. The terrifying pressure of the Earth Element Realm descended like a mountain, suffocating the air.

Near the ground, both allies and enemies were shaken, their faces paling.

ROAR!

A trace of wariness appeared in Sleeping Beast Kun Ga’s crimson-black eyes for the first time, as if it sensed a threat on its own level.

"Junior, surrender now!"

One or two hundred meters in the air, the dark-skinned middle-aged man’s True Essence erupted, wrapping him in a layer of dark purple light.

The next moment.

He broke free from the shackles of gravity and soared through the air, charging toward Luo Tian at an astonishing speed.

"Flying? This is bad—"

Luo Tian’s heart leaped. Earth Element Realm experts had the ability to fly for short periods, a skill known as Soaring Over.

An unprecedented sense of crisis descended upon him!

SWISH!

With a flick of his Shadow Cloak, Luo Tian’s Divine Vein erupted. He activated his Perfect Body Technique, turning into a streak of cold, dark mist and displaying a speed far beyond that of the Spirit Sea Realm Initial Tier.

ROOAR!

Sleeping Beast Kun Ga roared, ignoring the Azure Cloud Kingdom’s Cloud Heaven Iron Cavalry and turning back to join Luo Tian.

’That kid’s speed! How is that possible for the Spirit Sea First Layer!’

The dark-skinned middle-aged man’s pupils constricted in the sky.

He had unleashed his full True Essence for this brief flight through the air, intending to capture Luo Tian with lightning speed.

Soon.

The dark-skinned middle-aged man closed to within a hundred meters of Luo Tian.

But Luo Tian was now only sixty or seventy meters away from Sleeping Beast Kun Ga.

’I can’t let them meet!’

The dark-skinned middle-aged man used a Secret Technique. His True Essence burned, and the purple light around him erupted into a dazzling, fiery blaze.

In that instant.

The dark-skinned middle-aged man’s speed nearly doubled, closing the distance to Luo Tian to just twenty or thirty meters.

"Got you!"

The dark-skinned middle-aged man bellowed, thrusting out a palm. A dark purple hand of light the size of a house materialized and shot through the air, grabbing for Luo Tian.

As the hand of light approached, the very air seemed to freeze, its power terrifying.

"Blood Burning Technique!"

At almost the same moment, a surging bloody aura enveloped Luo Tian. His speed increased dramatically, and he met up with Sleeping Beast Kun Ga.

WHOOSH! BOOM!

The massive dark purple hand of light grasped at empty air, leaving a giant, palm-shaped crater in the ground.

’It failed!’

The dark-skinned middle-aged man’s expression was grim. He hadn’t expected Luo Tian to react so quickly, unleashing a Secret Technique at almost the exact same time he did.

A heaven-shaking roar enveloped him.

ROAR! WHOOSH-BOOM!

Sleeping Beast Kun Ga spat out a vast, dark tornado that swallowed the dark-skinned middle-aged man.

In an instant.

A continuous series of explosive roars echoed out.

BOOM! BOOM! PFFT! PFFT!

The immense dark tornado tore apart layer by layer. A flurry of dark purple blades of light appeared within it, only to quickly dim.

A few breaths later.

A terrifying explosion rang out, kicking up a distorted shockwave dozens of meters high.

CRACK-BOOM!

A massive, silver-black claw was seen swatting the dark-skinned middle-aged man away.

BLEGH!

The dark-skinned middle-aged man spat out a mouthful of blood, the dark purple light around his body shattering.

At the same time.

A dark purple spear of light, like a giant crossbow bolt, flickered with dark electricity and emanated a destructive aura as it struck Sleeping Beast Kun Ga.

OOF!

Kun Ga’s massive belly swelled. The brownish-black fur on its body stood on end, shimmering with faint black patterns of light.

PFFT-BOOM! SIZZLE! SIZZLE!

The dark purple spear of light struck, and purple electric light exploded outwards.

Kun Ga’s body swayed slightly. Only a few scorch marks remained on its body; it was largely unharmed.

"This... How is this possible!"

The dark-skinned middle-aged man was aghast. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his face a little pale.

His killing blow had barely harmed the Sleeping Beast.

’What kind of Ancient Exotic Beast is this? For its physical Defense to be so tyrannical.’

ROAR!

Sleeping Beast Kun Ga once again whipped up a dark tornado, engulfing the dark-skinned middle-aged man and forcing him into a continuous retreat.

"The Sleeping Beast’s strength is too terrifying!"

Eldest Prince Li Sheng’s face was filled with horror.

This dark-skinned middle-aged man, known by the title "Dark Thunder Celestial King," was a veteran Earth Element Realm expert from the Qiu Yue Kingdom. He had a record of severely wounding Earth Element Realm experts from the Azure Cloud Kingdom.

It could be said that in the entire Azure Cloud Kingdom, no one would dare claim they could defeat the Dark Thunder Celestial King.

"Eldest Prince! The Sleeping Beast is tied down! This is the perfect opportunity!"

A Royal Family expert exclaimed in a low voice.

"Excellent! Luo Tian is alone!"

Eldest Prince Li Sheng’s eyes lit up.

Although the Dark Thunder Celestial King was no match for the Sleeping Beast, he had managed to pin it down for a short time.

The Eldest Prince’s side still had several experts from the Spirit Sea Fourth Layer to the Sixth Layer, as well as two hundred Iron Cavalry.

"Surround and kill Luo Tian!"

Li Sheng led the experts and the Cloud Heaven Iron Cavalry to charge Luo Tian.

"A battered remnant like you is still no match for me."

Luo Tian was calm and composed.

With a flick of his Dark Night Cloak, he used the Perfection level of Cloud Traveling Step and leaped into the nearby mountain forest.

The terrain prevented the two hundred Cloud Heaven Iron Cavalry from charging straight in.

"Surround the area!"

A sneer appeared on Li Sheng’s face as he ordered the Cloud Heaven Iron Cavalry to spread out and encircle the forest.

Afterward.

He led a group of Spirit Sea Realm experts into the forest in pursuit.

"That kid! Where did he hide?"

Li Sheng and the other Royal Family experts searched everywhere, but to no avail.

After entering the forest.

Luo Tian’s figure and aura had vanished completely, as if he had evaporated into thin air.

Li Sheng didn’t notice.

Dozens of meters behind him, among the branches and leaves of a large tree, a cloaked youth’s figure and aura were almost completely hidden.

It turned out that in such a dim area, Luo Tian’s Shadow Cloak could also achieve a near-invisible effect.

Combined with the cover of the branches and leaves, it was tantamount to Invisibility unless someone came very close or stared intently.

SWISH!

Like a wisp of smoke, Luo Tian silently distanced himself from Li Sheng and the others.

The Qiu Yue Kingdom’s Earth Element expert was being held up by the Sleeping Beast.

As long as he could shake these people off, Luo Tian could escape the border between the two kingdoms.

It seemed Luo Tian was getting closer and closer to success.

CHIRP!

A sharp, clear cry came from the sky above.

It was a Cyan Flying Eagle, its sharp gaze locked firmly on Luo Tian.

A chill ran through Luo Tian’s body and mind, like needles on his back.

This Cyan Flying Eagle was the Spiritual Bird the dark-skinned middle-aged man had been riding. Its vision was far superior to that of a human Martial Artist.

Luo Tian had managed to deceive the Eldest Prince and his men, but he had been spotted by this Spiritual Bird.

"Luo Tian! If you don’t come out, this Prince will burn this forest to the ground!"

Li Sheng laughed heartily.

Soon.

Raging fires were lit around the forest, spreading from the perimeter toward the center.

Billowing smoke covered a stretch of the sky.

’In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, at most, the entire forest will be burned to ashes.’

Luo Tian’s eyes flickered, but he didn’t panic.

He had two plans in mind.

The most direct method.

Take out the [Red Lotus Sword], kill as many of Li Sheng’s experts as possible, and fight his way out.

The second plan was unorthodox and unexpected.

Luo Tian preferred the latter. If it succeeded, he could soar to the clouds and escape without paying any price.

WHOOSH! SWISH SWISH!

Luo Tian used his Cloud Traveling Step and quickly leaped to the top of a large tree, concealing himself with the branches and leaves.

Smoke filled the sky.

The Cyan Flying Eagle’s vision was affected. It lowered its altitude, beating its wings to disperse the smoke as it hovered overhead.

’This beast is quite intelligent, and it’s sticking to me like a ghost.’

A cold smile touched the corners of Luo Tian’s mouth.

WHOOSH! FWOOSH!

The flames around the forest grew larger and larger, turning into a raging sea of fire.

It could be seen clearly from dozens of miles around.

The battle between Sleeping Beast Kun Ga and the Black Thunder Celestial King was still ongoing.

The Dark Thunder Celestial King was heavily injured, fighting as he retreated.

The Sleeping Beast clung tightly to the dark-skinned middle-aged man, giving him no chance to escape.

"Heh heh! To think a mere junior at the Spirit Sea Initial Tier would cause the Qiu Yue Kingdom’s ’Black-faced Celestial King’ to come in person."

An old voice traveled from far away, drawing closer.

A white-haired old man in brown robes was seen Soaring Over from the distance.

"Li Changqing of the Azure Cloud Royal Family!"

The dark-skinned middle-aged man’s expression changed abruptly.

"Supreme Elder!"

Eldest Prince Li Sheng and several Royal Family experts were shaken, their faces showing reverence.

The Azure Cloud Kingdom’s Earth Element Realm expert had also arrived.

’He’s finally here!’

Eldest Prince Li Sheng was greatly relieved.

Without an Earth Element Realm expert presiding, he wouldn’t have felt secure even if they had captured Luo Tian alive.

After all, either the Sleeping Beast or the Dark Thunder Celestial King could have slaughtered them all.

"Supreme Elder! Luo Tian is trapped in the forest."

Li Sheng went to pay his respects, speaking deferentially.

"You’ve done well!"

Li Changqing showed his approval. A cyan light shone from his body as he prepared to fly toward the forest.

The sea of fire in the forest couldn’t stop an Earth Element Realm expert. Capturing a Spirit Sea Realm Initial Tier cultivator alive would be as easy as flipping his hand.

"Brother Li, I trust you’ve been well!"

Suddenly, a completely ordinary voice sounded out.

Li Changqing’s steps froze.

At some unknown time.

A scholar with a youthful face and white hair had slowly walked up from behind.

The scholar seemed to move slowly, but in just a few steps, he was in front of Li Changqing.

"Hermit Hidden Dragon! Do you intend to make an enemy of the Royal Family?"

Li Changqing’s expression was grim.

This white-haired scholar was none other than Luo Tian’s semi-grandmaster, Hermit Hidden Dragon.

"Brother Li, don’t be so serious. We haven’t seen each other in over a decade. It’s been a long time since we had a good chat."

Hermit Hidden Dragon appeared calm and carefree.

Li Changqing snorted coldly and struck out with his palm. The move was completely unadorned.

CLAP!

A faint smile on his face, Hermit Hidden Dragon met the attack with a light, floating palm of his own.

From a distance.

It looked as if two ordinary mortals were high-fiving in celebration.

STOMP! STOMP!

Li Changqing, however, retreated two steps, his expression changing slightly.

A few breaths later.

BOOM! CRACK!

The ground around the two of them spiderwebbed with large cracks and fissures, like the aftershock of an earthquake.

"Hermit Hidden Dragon, your strength has grown considerably!"

Li Changqing’s pupils shrank.

"You flatter me."

Hermit Hidden Dragon smiled faintly.

The two did not fight again, adopting a refined posture as if they were just chatting amiably.

"Brother Hidden Dragon, your grand-disciple is trapped in a sea of fire, surrounded by numerous Royal Family experts and the Cloud Heaven Iron Cavalry. He can’t escape even if he grows wings."

Li Changqing stroked his beard and smiled.

"The Dark Thunder Celestial King’s defeat is already sealed. He won’t last much longer."

Hermit Hidden Dragon seemed unconcerned.

A sideways glance confirmed it.

The Sleeping Beast was beating the dark-skinned middle-aged man into a sorry state, leaving him wounded in several places.

"These two old bastards!"

A look of desperation on his face, the dark-skinned middle-aged man once again used his Secret Technique, burning his True Essence.

BUZZ! WHOOSH!

A dazzling, deep-purple fiery blaze erupted from his body as he clashed head-on with the Sleeping Beast.

BLEGH!

The dark-skinned man spat out a mouthful of blood but used the force of the blow to fly back nearly a hundred meters.

SWOOSH!

Then, suppressing his injuries, he Soared Over toward the burning forest.

"Not good!"

"The Black Thunder Celestial King is actually overdrawing himself to use his Secret Technique! Isn’t he afraid of damaging his foundation?"

The expressions of Li Changqing and Hermit Hidden Dragon changed.

It was too late for them to intervene.

The dark-skinned middle-aged man was flying over from the other side of the forest.

Just as this Earth Element Realm expert from the Qiu Yue Kingdom flew above the flames at the forest’s edge.

At that very moment.

A sharp screech came from the smoky area above the forest.

The three Earth Element Realm experts focused their gazes.

They saw a Cyan Flying Eagle, hooked by a leather whip, struggling fiercely.

Sitting on the Cyan Flying Eagle’s back was a youth in a faint black cloak.

It was Luo Tian!

"The Crying Eagle!"

The Black Thunder Celestial King’s expression changed.

Then, he burst out laughing. "Junior, don’t struggle in vain. A Spiritual Bird that has been tamed for many years like this won’t obey your commands."

"Is that so?"

Luo Tian smiled faintly.

Suddenly.

An overwhelming aura of an Ancient Demon Emperor radiated from Luo Tian’s body.

The Crying Eagle, bound by the Black Whip, immediately began to tremble. The resistance in its eyes gradually turned into obedient fear.

Then, Luo Tian used his Spirit Communication Secret Skill and Demon Thought Technique, using both threats and promises to gain control of the Spirit Level Flying Bird.

SCREE!

A loud, sharp cry echoed through the sky.

The Crying Eagle suddenly spread its wings and soared, carrying Luo Tian into the heavens.

"This... how is this possible!"

The Black Thunder Celestial King’s face was ashen, his voice trembling.

The Spirit Level Flying Bird he rode had actually become a stepping stone, allowing Luo Tian to soar into the sky, unstoppable.

Earth Element Realm experts could use Soaring Over for short bursts, but they were ultimately human and not adept at true flight. They were powerless to stop Luo Tian now.

"Luo Tian escaped?"

Eldest Prince Li Sheng, the Royal Family experts, and the two hundred Cloud Heaven Iron Cavalry were all dumbfounded.

"This kid..."

Li Changqing and Hermit Hidden Dragon had priceless expressions on their faces as they stared blankly at the figure of the youth who, riding the Spiritual Bird, shot into the clouds.

At this moment.

The numerous experts from both kingdoms, including the three Earth Element Realm masters, stared up at the sky in stunned silence.

"I leap from mortal dust, a dragon from a fish! I enter the heavens to shake the nine skies!"

A proud, long laugh came from the horizon, filled with an unyielding, indomitable fighting spirit.

Everyone watched as the cloaked youth on the Crying Eagle stood proudly with his hands behind his back, flying into the heavens until he gradually became a black dot.

ROOAR!

Sleeping Beast Kun Ga roared at the heavens. Its world-shaking cry echoed the long laugh from the horizon, as if it were seeing off a friend.