What is going on?!
This sudden change caught the seven Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm experts completely by surprise. Each of them was greatly astonished, their figures retreating violently to distance themselves from the Hudao Stele.
Perhaps it is...
Xie Changkong, the six Guardian Elders, Dean Shangguan, and Dean Zhou stared at the dazzlingly radiant Hudao Stele, seemingly recalling something. They trembled from head to toe, overcome with excitement.
Boom!
In the next moment, to everyone's shock, the Hudao Stele abruptly pulled itself from the ground and rose into the air.
Dare to assault my Hudao Academy, and you shall die!
A voice brimming with immense authority rang out from within the Hudao Stele.
Then, as if ignited, the stele erupted with a shocking radiance, sweeping toward the seven Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm experts.
At this moment, the aura emanating from the Hudao Stele was truly terrifying.
The seven Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm experts were so frightened they didn't dare to confront it head-on, each desperately retreating.
Bang!
Lian Yankong of the Tianyan Sect was closest to the Hudao Stele. Unable to dodge in time, his body was grazed by the monument's form. His left arm exploded outright, and the smaller half of his torso, including the left shoulder, instantly vaporized and disappeared.
Ah!
Lian Yankong let out a miserable scream.
Boom!
The Hudao Stele swept horizontally through the air, chasing after the seven Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm experts.
Rumble...
Waves of powerful energy surged from the monument's body, spreading out to blanket the heavens and earth.
In the face of such terrifying energy pressure, the seven Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm experts had not the slightest fighting spirit, fleeing for their lives.
It must be understood, the Hudao Stele was a magical treasure used by Hu Dao Shangren in the past to oppose formidable enemies from beyond this realm. Having undergone repeated tempering, its might was unimaginable.
Ah!
Soon after, Fengyun Chi was also struck by the Hudao Stele. His physical body was smashed into a tattered, ruinous state, like a ragged burlap sack, and sent flying far into the distance.
Rumble...
The Hudao Stele was incredibly formidable and unrelenting, continuing to chase down the seven Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm experts.
So, Hu Dao Shangren sealed away a portion of his energy within the Hudao Stele, leaving it as a hidden trump card to protect Hudao Academy. However, I'm afraid this energy can only be used a few times before it is exhausted.
Ye Yunfei understood the situation clearly, thinking to himself.
Dean Hu Dao! It's Dean Hu Dao making his move!
Xie Changkong, the six Guardian Elders, Dean Shangguan, and Dean Zhou—the academy's high-ranking personnel—now harbored no more doubts. Tears of excitement streamed down their faces.
Within Hudao Academy, there had always been a legend that Hu Dao Shangren had left behind a clone. Now, these academy leaders finally confirmed that this legend was true!
Retreat! Hurry!
The seven Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm experts were thoroughly frightened now. Each employed their movement techniques, desperately fleeing out of Hudao Academy.
This was because the Hudao Stele was persistently hunting them down, striking them down without allowing any chance to fight back!
All seven Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm experts were already injured!
Ah! Save me!
Xiao Zuyuan suddenly cried out in agony.
The Hudao Stele had caught up to him, hovering above his head, unleashing a wave of energy pressure that drowned him like furious tides and savage waves.
Boom!
The Hudao Stele descended from the sky, sweeping across his torso.
Pfft!
The right half of Xiao Zuyuan's body exploded directly, splattered gruesomely.
Whoosh!
Even in this state, he managed to execute a secret technique, transforming into a streak of bloody light that shot into the distance in an instant.
Finally, all seven Fifth-Level Grotto-Heaven Realm experts escaped from Hudao Academy. Not daring to linger for even a moment, they fled far away without looking back.
Boom...
The Hudao Stele hovered above Hudao Academy, erupting with a blazing radiance like a scorching sun.
Look! It's the Hudao Stele! The stele has risen into the air by itself!
Everyone within the entire Hudao Academy saw it, and waves of astonished exclamations rang out.
It was only after a short while that the Hudao Stele slowly descended, returning once more to the Hudao Plaza, settling in its original spot and resuming its usual appearance.
The entire Hudao Academy fell into tranquility.
However, after experiencing that dreadful battle, the place was left in complete disarray everywhere, as if swept through by a typhoon.
Nonetheless, the academy's leaders had no time for such matters yet. One by one, they gathered around the Hudao Stele, their emotions running high.
Dean Shangguan, Dean Zhou, what exactly happened here? How was the Hudao Stele suddenly activated?
Xie Changkong asked curiously.
Earlier, Ye Yunfei, Dean Shangguan, and Dean Zhou were the first to arrive at Hudao Plaza.
Dean Xie, regarding this matter, you should ask Ye Yunfei. I estimate only he understands it best.
Dean Shangguan said with a bitter smile.
He simply had no idea what had transpired.
Indeed. Ye Yunfei, tell us, what exactly happened here?
Dean Zhou also looked toward Ye Yunfei.
Both Dean Shangguan and Dean Zhou had witnessed Ye Yunfei sit cross-legged before the Hudao Stele, after which the stele underwent the recent transformation. They felt certain the events were connected to Ye Yunfei.
Oh? Ye Yunfei knows best?
The gazes of Xie Changkong and the six Guardian Elders turned toward Ye Yunfei in surprise.
For a moment, all the leaders focused their attention on Ye Yunfei.
However, at this time, Ye Yunfei's Soul Power had already entered the Hudao Stele.
He had been summoned inside via a Soul Power voice transmission from Hu Dao Shangren.
Young man, I find I cannot quite see through you.
Hu Dao Shangren looked at Ye Yunfei and said.
Everyone has their own experiences and secrets. What matters is that I am a student of Hudao Academy, and that should suffice. Isn't that right, Dean Hu Dao?
Ye Yunfei replied.
Although Hu Dao Shangren had once been the most powerful expert on the Tianxuan Continent, Ye Yunfei appeared remarkably composed.
Hah! Well said! Truly well spoken, young man! Who would have thought our Hudao Academy could produce an outstanding student like you! Very well, I shall not inquire further into your secrets.
Hu Dao Shangren laughed heartily.
After all, he was a master of his generation, possessing the dignity of an expert. He would not stubbornly pursue or probe the secrets of a junior.
This is one of my Soul Clones. Moreover, within the Hudao Stele, I have left behind a portion of my energy. This was a hidden trump card I prepared for Hudao Academy in my time. The energy I have left can be used at most five times. Each use can unleash combat power equivalent to eighty percent of my peak strength. After these five uses, both the energy I left behind and this Soul Clone will vanish completely.
Hu Dao Shangren explained to Ye Yunfei.
Also, young man, since you have already comprehended every one of the more than five hundred cultivation methods and martial arts techniques I left behind, you are qualified to become the next Dean of Hudao Academy—to inherit my legacy. Moreover, I shall bestow the Hudao Stele upon you as well. Henceforth, the Hudao Stele shall be your magical treasure.
Hu Dao Shangren gazed at Ye Yunfei and spoke slowly.
What?! Become the next Dean?
Upon hearing Hu Dao Shangren's words, Ye Yunfei couldn't help but be stunned.