From the initial moment up until now, three of their companions had their souls destroyed in rapid succession, yet they were utterly powerless to prevent it, forced to watch helplessly as their comrades collapsed unconscious on the spot.
In truth, the three remaining Fifth-Level Sovereign Gods knew perfectly well: the Soul Bodies of their fallen comrades had been shattered into fragments, equivalent to being utterly annihilated.
And even at this point, they still hadn't truly confirmed whether it was indeed the Dark Queen taking action, nor had they directly engaged her in combat.
To make matters worse, these three Greater Sovereign Gods hadn't even discerned that their companions were injured by a Heart Force Martial Skill.
Such a situation filled the remaining three Fifth-Level Sovereign Gods with dread and unease.
The strength of their three fallen companions was roughly equal to their own. That meant if this unseen opponent targeted their own Soul Bodies, their fate likely wouldn't be any better.
"Damn it!
We never imagined the Dark Faction to be so terrifying. I think we should withdraw our forces for now and report the situation back to headquarters. Relying on just the three of us today probably won't end well."
By this point, the three remaining Fifth-Level Sovereign Gods had all begun contemplating retreat. One of them transmitted a sound message to the other two.
"I agree!
It appears the three of us alone are definitely no match. Instead of courting death, it's wiser to return and report the situation truthfully. That's the most sensible course of action.
After all, the Dark Faction is an ancient power that has inherited its legacy within the Chaotic Void Sea for an extremely long period. It certainly holds hidden depths. The idea that just the three of us could annihilate the Dark Faction is simply unrealistic."
Another Fifth-Level Sovereign God immediately chimed in.
Of course, these three Fifth-Level Sovereign Gods communicated via discreet sound transmissions.
They soon decided to withdraw their forces and retreat to headquarters to report the situation here.
"You members of the Guardian Faction have repeatedly sent forces to our Dark Faction headquarters to cause trouble. Did you really think our Dark Faction is easy to bully?"
At this moment, Lü Dandan stepped forward from the crowd. Boundless dark energy surged forth from her tall, elegant figure, instantly transforming this vast expanse of void into a dark world.
Lü Dandan walked through this world of darkness. Set against the dark energy and dark laws, every living being felt an immense oppressive force.
"Damn it!
This little wench is also a Fifth-Level Sovereign God, but why does she give off such a terrifyingly oppressive aura?
It seems she really was the one who attacked earlier!"
The three Fifth-Level Sovereign Gods stared at Lü Dandan, who was striding towards them through the darkness, feeling a tremor of fear in their hearts.
"Dark Queen, you dare kill Greater Sovereign Gods of our Guardian Faction! This is an unforgivable crime. Just you wait; you'll soon learn the consequences!"
One of the Fifth-Level Sovereign Gods fixed Lü Dandan with a furious glare as he spoke.
"Let's go!"
The Fifth-Level Sovereign God beside him waved a hand, issuing the order to retreat.
The densely packed army of the Guardian Faction, standing in formation within the void and originally poised for battle, was momentarily stunned upon receiving the sudden retreat order.
However, the Guardian Faction had always upheld strict discipline. Willing or not, understanding or not, orders were to be carried out promptly, otherwise, severe repercussions would follow after the fact.
Thus, upon the command, the Guardian Faction's army began its withdrawal, surging away like a tidal wave into the void in the distance.
"Your Majesty, it seems the Guardian Faction members are trying to leave."
Seeing the Guardian Faction army retreating, the higher-ups of the Dark Faction all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Since you've come, there's no need to leave in such a hurry. Let me test just how strong the Greater Sovereign Gods of your Guardian Faction really are."
Despite her recent breakthrough, Lü Dandan's fighting spirit burned fiercely facing the three Greater Sovereign Gods from the Guardian Faction. She was eager to test her true current strength through a battle.
"Damn it! This little wench truly intends to fight us!"
Confronted by a Lü Dandan brimming with murderous intent, the three Fifth-Level Sovereign Gods felt their hearts drumming with fear, because they were convinced that their three companions were reduced to this state by Lü Dandan using a Soul Power Martial Skill.
They possessed no courage whatsoever to face Lü Dandan in combat. Under her relentless advance, they continuously retreated.
"Miss Lu, there's no need for you to intervene. I can help you eliminate them all."
Just then, Lü Dandan suddenly received a sound transmission.
"Young Master Ye! So it's you."
Lü Dandan answered with delight.
"So, it was you who attacked earlier."
Lü Dandan immediately grasped this point.
She had previously wondered if it might be Ye Yunfei secretly intervening, but she thought his strength shouldn't have reached such a level yet.
But now, having received Ye Yunfei's transmission, she understood that it must have been Ye Yunfei acting from the shadows earlier.
"Yes, I was indeed the one dealing with those fellows earlier."
Ye Yunfei replied.
"You've actually become strong to this extent!"
Upon hearing Ye Yunfei's words, Lü Dandan couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.
"But this is the him I know in my heart. From the day I met him until now, he has always been this way—a monstrous talent who constantly creates miracles!"
Lü Dandan mused inwardly.
"Miss Lu, you needn't fight. Let me handle the rest and eliminate all of these individuals.
My grudge with the Guardian Faction runs deep; whenever I encounter members of the Guardian Faction, I won't let them off easily."
Ye Yunfei transmitted again.
"No, I want to use these three for practical combat experience and test my current fighting strength."
Lü Dandan said.
"After my breakthrough, I urgently need a fight to test and consolidate my gains."
She added.
"Very well, Miss Lu. These three will be left to you. The rest will be my responsibility."
Ye Yunfei nodded.
*Boom!*
Lü Dandan's figure blurred as she soared into the air. A gigantic black phoenix materialized behind her, spreading its wings and charging forward at incredible speed.
The two outstretched black wings resembled enormous black blades of heaven. Wherever they passed, space was cleaved apart, leaving behind two inky-black spatial rifts.
In an instant, Lü Dandan arrived before the three Fifth-Level Sovereign Gods. Rampant dark energy surged forward like a vast black ocean, making their scalps prickle in fright.
"This little wench is too powerful! Everyone, be careful!"
The three Greater Sovereign Gods found themselves suddenly trapped by Lü Dandan's advance with no escape route left. Shocked and enraged, they had no choice but to meet her head-on.
Meanwhile, Ye Yunfei also strode out from his concealed spatial pocket, hands clasped behind his back, and walked step by step toward the Guardian Faction army.
Considering Ye Yunfei's character, he would certainly not let these Guardian Faction troops in front of him slip away.
"Look!
It's Young Master Ye!"
As Ye Yunfei emerged from his hidden space, the Dark Faction higher-ups in the distance immediately sensed his presence. Their gazes turned toward him, and upon recognizing Ye Yunfei, they were all greatly excited.
Though Ye Yunfei's walking pace seemed measured, it was deceptively fast. The others merely saw a blur before their eyes, and Ye Yunfei was already standing before the Guardian Faction army, his expression cold.
"It's him!
That kid named Ye Yunfei!"
Immediately, the Sovereign Gods within the Guardian Faction army recognized Ye Yunfei.
After all, Ye Yunfei had previously encountered the Guardian Faction of this Third Void, and his appearance and aura had long since been circulated throughout the Guardian Faction's headquarters.
"Headquarters has issued a kill order for this surnamed Ye youngster! Executing him would count as a major merit!"
Immediately, several Fourth-Level Sovereign Gods activated their movement techniques and charged toward Ye Yunfei, eager to strike.
Ye Yunfei maintained his cold expression, hands behind his back, advancing step by step, seeming utterly oblivious to the approaching Fourth-Level Sovereign Gods.
"Kid! You dare act tough in front of us! Hand over your life!"
The fastest Fourth-Level Sovereign God reached Ye Yunfei first, letting out a roar as he extended a clawed hand to grab him.
As a Fourth-Level Sovereign God, while perhaps not the absolute peak in the Third Void, he was still a significant figure capable of commanding respect within his sphere. He naturally looked down on some Heavenly God-level junior.
Though these Fourth-Level Sovereign Gods had heard various legends about Ye Yunfei, as beings of their rank now facing a junior still at the Heavenly God realm, there was simply no way they could treat him seriously.