“Senior, there's something going on!”
Ye Yunfei's expression suddenly changed, and he rushed out from the depths of space.
Xuanlong Daozhang also charged out at the same instant.
The two of them appeared simultaneously in the sky above the ruins of the Ziwei Sect.
In the distance, they saw the World Fusion Realm experts of Tianxiong Domain had turned back.
A beautiful woman in palace attire was unconscious, suspended there, closely guarded by those World Fusion Realm experts.
This woman was none other than Cai Feng.
“So it was you who kidnapped Cai Feng!
Release her immediately, or I will slaughter you all, then march on your sects and crush them to dust!”
Seeing Cai Feng unconscious and in enemy hands, Xuanlong Daozhang was enraged to the extreme.
“It seems Master Xuanlong has very deep feelings for this woman,” Ye Yunfei thought to himself.
“Hehe...
Xuanlong, you truly live up to being Tianxiong Domain’s number one expert back in the day. Buried underground for so many years, and you still retain such power.
However, now your woman is in our hands. You’d better obediently do as we say. Otherwise, we will kill her.”
Sword Emperor Pavilion's Elder Jing stepped forward, pointed his finger, and a sword energy shot from his palm, pressing against Cai Feng’s throat. He spoke with a cold smile.
“Stop!”
Xuanlong Daozhang roared furiously, yet he dared not act rashly, fearing Cai Feng would be harmed.
“Impressive.
Today I've truly seen it all. Every one of you old fogies is considered a notable expert in Tianxiong Domain. Who would have thought you would stoop to such shameless actions, using a defenseless woman as leverage.”
Ye Yunfei sneered.
“Brat, don’t get cocky.
Today, you will not escape death!
The crimes of Purplestage Zhenjun must be repaid by you!”
A Tianliang Sacred Land elder stepped forward, glaring at Ye Yunfei as he spoke.
“Xuanlong, there are two conditions for us to release her.
First, hand over the Flame Emperor Bead.
Second, you must no longer protect this brat.
Otherwise, even if we must fight to the death, we will kill her today!”
This Tianliang Sacred Land elder addressed Xuanlong Daozhang. As he spoke, he moved closer to Cai Feng, ready to strike at any moment.
“The Flame Emperor Bead?
What is that?
An imperial treasure?
Could it be that the reason these people are hunting Xuanlong Daozhang is for this Flame Emperor Bead?”
Hearing the elder’s words, Ye Yunfei’s mind stirred.
Ye Yunfei had long suspected these Tianxiong Domain experts were hunting Xuanlong Daozhang because he possessed a priceless treasure. Now, it seemed that was indeed the case.
“How dare you!”
Xuanlong Daozhang was furious, his face contorted with rage.
“Xuanlong, you are welcome to gamble on whether we dare or not.
You have possessed the Flame Emperor Bead for so many long years, and it seems you haven’t managed to uncover its secrets. Wouldn’t it be better to hand it over in exchange for your woman’s life?”
An old man sneered.
The several dozen World Fusion Realm experts encircled Cai Feng, every one of them radiating murderous intent.
“So you are all after the Flame Emperor Bead.”
Xuanlong Daozhang’s fury threatened to boil over, but seeing Cai Feng’s life in the enemy’s hands, he dared not act recklessly. He spoke through gritted teeth.
“Of course. We bear you no grievance or grudge. If not for the Flame Emperor Bead, we would have no interest in fighting and killing with you.
Now, Xuanlong, make your choice.
The Flame Emperor Bead, or this woman.”
A small, thin old man moved to stand beside Cai Feng, raising his palm, which released rolling waves of energy pressure that enveloped Cai Feng’s body.
This was a World Fusion Realm Perfection expert!
“Xuanlong, do not doubt our determination.
Although your combat power is strong, we have gathered experts from over a dozen major forces here. As long as we, these dozen-plus forces, join hands, we will not fear you.”
Sword Emperor Pavilion’s Elder Jing also sneered as he spoke.
“It certainly wasn’t you who made the move to capture her just now.
Who else stands behind you?”
Xuanlong Daozhang suddenly asked.
Just now, these World Fusion Realm experts were retreating when Cai Feng was suddenly seized by a mysterious force. Xuanlong Daozhang was certain it wasn’t the work of the experts present.
“Hehe...
It is none of your concern.
Just make your choice now.”
The thin old man sneered.
“There are indeed others behind these fellows.
I can sense it—a group of beings with strange auras are lurking in the distance.
It was those beings who made the move and captured her just now.”
Hun Lao’s voice suddenly transmitted into Ye Yunfei’s Soul Sea.
Hun Lao was proficient in Space-Time Laws and could clearly sense every movement in the surrounding space. He had now detected a team of beings with strange auras lurking in the distant sky and reminded Ye Yunfei accordingly.
“Back then, I obtained the Flame Emperor Bead unintentionally. I originally thought it would bring me great fortune, but it turned out to be a curse.
After acquiring it, I was constantly hunted down, severely injured. To heal my wounds, I infiltrated the War God Hall intending to steal the Nine-Aperture Jade Lingzhi, only to be discovered by its experts and pursued even more fiercely, forcing me to bury myself underground.
Who would have thought, after such a long stretch of time had passed, I would still be hunted because of the Flame Emperor Bead.”
Xuanlong Daozhang stared at the Tianxiong Domain experts, suddenly feeling a sense of disillusionment, and he sighed softly.
Indeed, he naturally knew why these Tianxiong Domain experts had come hunting him—it was for the Flame Emperor Bead!
“Brat, you haven't heard of the Flame Emperor Bead before, have you?”
Xuanlong Daozhang suddenly waved his hand, and a burning red precious bead appeared before him, rotating gently. Clusters of small flames constantly formed and vanished around the bead, an illusory cycle of creation and extinction.
“So it is truly an Imperial Treasure!”
At the sight of the Flame Emperor Bead, Ye Yunfei’s gaze sharpened.
“The Flame Emperor Bead!”
The Tianxiong Domain World Fusion Realm experts’ eyes lit up upon seeing it, greed evident on their faces.
“Brat, you must be curious about what the Flame Emperor Bead really is.
The Flame Emperor Bead is said to be a relic left behind by a Heavenly Emperor from ancient times.
That Heavenly Emperor was called Yandi.
It is said that the Flame Emperor Bead contains Yandi's lifelong legacy, along with a vast collection of treasures he amassed.
Whoever obtains the Flame Emperor Bead can inherit his mantle and have a great chance of cultivating into an Emperor in the future.
Who would have thought this Flame Emperor Bead fell into my hands, yet instead of bringing me fortune, it brought immense calamity.”
Xuanlong Daozhang gazed at the gently rotating Flame Emperor Bead before him with a complex expression, speaking softly to Ye Yunfei.
“This treasure bead contains a Heavenly Emperor's legacy and his collection of treasures?”
Ye Yunfei stared at the bead before Xuanlong Daozhang, showing a doubtful expression.
“Brat, this bead seems to contain an extremely terrifying energy inside!
And it’s energy at the Heavenly Emperor level!”
Hun Lao suddenly transmitted to Ye Yunfei.
“Indeed.”
Ye Yunfei nodded, his expression grave.
“Xuanlong, hand over the Flame Emperor Bead to me immediately! Otherwise, this woman will not live!”
Sword Emperor Pavilion’s Elder Jing suddenly manifested a large hand, grabbing hold of Cai Feng, and shouted harshly.
“Elder Jing, what is the meaning of this?
Trying to monopolize the Flame Emperor Bead?!”
The other surrounding World Fusion Realm experts grew wary immediately at Elder Jing’s move.
One after another, they moved, encircling Elder Jing to prevent him from using Cai Feng to take the Flame Emperor Bead for himself.
Xuanlong Daozhang saw Cai Feng grabbed by Elder Jing; though frantic, he dared not take any action.
“Fine.
Release Cai Feng immediately.
I will give the Flame Emperor Bead to you.”
Xuanlong Daozhang suddenly said.
The several dozen World Fusion Realm experts immediately showed looks of delight upon hearing this.
“Wait!
Xuanlong, besides handing over the Flame Emperor Bead, you must also not protect this brat!
Only after we kill him will we release your woman!”
Elder Jing suddenly pointed at Ye Yunfei, speaking coldly.
“Don’t push for an inch after gaining a foot!”
Xuanlong Daozhang raged.
“You have no choice.”
Elder Jing raised Cai Feng with his large hand, speaking coldly.
“Senior, don’t worry about me. He cannot kill me.”
Ye Yunfei said to Xuanlong Daozhang.
“Brat, you killed my beloved grandson. I must bring your corpse before his grave to pay my respects; only then will the hatred in my heart be relieved!”
Elder Jing held Cai Feng with one hand and strode towards Ye Yunfei, murderous intent rolling off him.
He was at World Fusion Realm Perfection; he believed that if Xuanlong Daozhang did not protect Ye Yunfei, he could easily kill him.
“Elder Jing, don't stir up more trouble!
You can postpone avenging your grandson. Getting Xuanlong to hand over the Flame Emperor Bead immediately is the most important matter!”
Someone shouted.
But Elder Jing ignored them. These past days, he had been consumed with thoughts of avenging his grandson. Now that the murderer was right before his eyes, how could he possibly let it go?
“Brat, go die!”
The next moment, Elder Jing had arrived before Ye Yunfei, holding a long sword in his hand, slashing toward Ye Yunfei.
Seeing this, Xuanlong Daozhang’s expression changed drastically. He wanted to rush over to help, but Ye Yunfei transmitted a message telling him not to come.
As Elder Jing attacked, thousands upon thousands of thick, brilliant sword energies appeared throughout heaven and earth, slashing toward Ye Yunfei from all directions.
Instantly, the space where Ye Yunfei stood was shredded to pieces by those terrifying sword energies.
This Elder Jing was a top expert of the Sword Emperor Pavilion; his mastery in the Sword Dao was exceedingly high. Moreover, with his heart set on avenging his grandson, he showed no mercy in his attack.
Ye Yunfei drew his Quasi-Emperor longsword, unleashed the sword intent of “One Sword to Pacify the World,” and slashed out a huge sword beam that spanned across the sky, colliding with the surrounding sword energies.
Clang clang clang...
However, Elder Jing’s swordsmanship was far too sublime. Many sword energies that were not blocked continuously slashed onto Ye Yunfei’s body.
One deep sword wound after another, revealing bone, appeared on Ye Yunfei’s body; blood gushed from him like a torrent.
“My precious grandson, Grandfather has finally avenged you with his own hands!”
Seeing Ye Yunfei submerged by the dense sword energies, Elder Jing believed Ye Yunfei would surely die and could not help but speak out, feeling as though a burden had been lifted from his heart.
“Hmph!
Brat, my regret is not being able to kill you personally.”
A Tianliang Sacred Land elder watched as Ye Yunfei was being shredded by the countless sword energies and snorted coldly.
“Can you withstand this?
I will help you!”
Seeing this scene, Xuanlong Daozhang grew somewhat concerned.
“Senior, rest assured. I’m fine.”
Ye Yunfei replied.
“A full-powered strike from a World Fusion Realm Perfection expert cannot deal me a fatal injury.
My body’s quality can be considered quite good.”
Ye Yunfei suddenly murmured to himself.
“Old bastard, I will surely return this sword strike twofold.”
In the next instant, Ye Yunfei shot a cold glance at Elder Jing and spoke icily. After speaking, Ye Yunfei directly escaped into space.
The Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm appeared, utilizing its unique spatial energy to carry Ye Yunfei far away instantly, vanishing from sight.
“How is this possible?!
This brat took one of my sword strikes and not only didn't die but could still escape?!”
Elder Jing roared furiously.
What was going on?
The other World Fusion Realm experts were all dumbfounded as well.
Elder Jing’s previous sword strike was terrifyingly powerful; even an expert of the same level would not dare face it head-on. Yet it couldn’t kill a Star-Gazing Realm junior? This was practically impossible.
“Excellent!”
Seeing this, Xuanlong Daozhang finally relaxed completely.
“Now release Cai Feng immediately, and I will give you the Flame Emperor Bead.”
Xuanlong Daozhang looked at Elder Jing and spoke coldly.
“Fine!
Hand over the Flame Emperor Bead!”
Elder Jing found that his Soul Power could no longer sense Ye Yunfei’s aura, realizing that avenging himself would be difficult this time. The most important matter now was obtaining the Flame Emperor Bead.
“Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm, Hun Lao, work together and send me to Elder Jing’s location. I need to seize that treasure bead!”
In a certain distant corner of space, Ye Yunfei instructed the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm and Hun Lao.
Both the Golden-Horned Dragon Silkworm and Hun Lao were proficient in space-time principles. Within such a short distance, they could deliver Ye Yunfei to the designated spot silently and instantaneously.
The other surrounding World Fusion Realm experts were also eager and ready to make their move to seize the Flame Emperor Bead.
Of course, they would not stand by and let it fall into Elder Jing’s hands.
“Give the Flame Emperor Bead to me!”
At this moment, Elder Jing had already manifested a large hand, extending it in front of Xuanlong Daozhang.
The other Sword Emperor Pavilion experts had all positioned themselves defensively in front of Elder Jing.
“Take it.”
Xuanlong Daozhang sighed softly and sent the Flame Emperor Bead outward.
“I have planted three sword energies inside her. You must suppress and dispel them within one breath, or she will explode and perish.”
Elder Jing was overjoyed and grabbed for the Flame Emperor Bead, while his other hand flung Cai Feng far away as he shouted.
He feared Xuanlong Daozhang might suddenly strike to retrieve the bead, so he planted three explosive sword energies inside Cai Feng to ensure Xuanlong had no time to seize the bead.
“You are seeking death!”
Xuanlong Daozhang flew into a rage, but he had no choice but to rush and catch Cai Feng, immediately working to dispel the sword energies inside her.
Boom! Boom!
Xuanlong Daozhang could not attack, but the surrounding World Fusion Realm experts had no such scruples. The moment they saw Xuanlong Daozhang push out the Flame Emperor Bead, they launched frenzied charges one after another, manifesting large hands, releasing horrifically terrifying energy pressures as they reached out to grasp the Flame Emperor Bead.
Swish!
Ye Yunfei directly appeared beside the Flame Emperor Bead, blocking Elder Jing’s large hand with a sword strike, while his own hand reached out to grab the bead.
Elder Jing had been the first to stretch his hand toward the treasure, seizing the initiative. Just as he was about to grasp it, Ye Yunfei’s sword strike blocked him, causing him to pause for a moment and lose his initial advantage.
“Brat, it’s you!
You're courting death!”
Elder Jing was utterly enraged, seething with fury.
At this moment, one spirit power hand after another surrounded the precious bead, vying for control.
Wave after wave of terrifyingly powerful energy pressures suppressed the bead.