Battle Through the Heavens: Harmony of Flame and Shadow

Accompanied by the deepening of the two, the surrounding space twisted and changed, transforming after a dizzying spin. In front of them, a sea of black mist extended beyond sight.

"It's that loathsome aura!" Seeing the black sea, Zi Yan revealed her strong distaste without reservation, tightening her grip on Jiang Yun's arm.

Jiang Yun felt a slight shift in his heart and a green light shield fell upon Zi Yan as he raised his hand, making her look much better.

"Xiao Yun, look over there!" Suppressing her disgust, Zi Yan's eyes rolled around before she shouted loudly while pointing ahead.

Focusing his eyes, Jiang Yun saw evil energies erupting in the distance, and above it, a massive formation was visible, resisting these assaults.

In the center of the formation, a colossal ancient tree stood quietly at the formation's eye, seemingly existing there since ancient times.

This gigantic tree's trunk was about a thousand feet wide, resembling a pillar connecting the heavens and the earth. The ancient patterns on its trunk were dense, exuding an aura of ancientness.

From time to time, faint clear energy emanated from the tree, dispersing the evil energy lingering in the air.

"Is that the Bodhi Tree?" For a moment, Zi Yan was mesmerized, even with her usually careless nature, she was awestruck by the massive tree before her.

"This is indeed the Bodhi Tree, a true rarity. I wonder how miraculous the ancient Bodhi Tree must be!" Jiang Yun was equally stunned and couldn't help but be filled with emotion.

"The Bodhi Tree!" Qing Ming's form appeared quietly beside Jiang Yun, though invisible to Zi Yan. Qing Ming's tone was filled with regret and nostalgia, "Unfortunately, it's already dead!"

"Dead?" Jiang Yun was taken aback, focusing his gaze again. That immense vitality couldn't possibly be fake, how could it be dead?

"Don't be fooled by its vibrant life force. Look closely, its roots have lost vitality. What you see now is merely the residual life force dissipating naturally. In a hundred years, this vitality will have completely dissipated. Also, according to my observations, the corpse of the Soul-Eater clan will also vanish in about a hundred years."

"That junior was indeed impressive. Without the limitations of heaven and earth, the Grand Thousand Worlds might have seen a new Supreme. Even achieving the Immortal rank wouldn't have been impossible!"

Qing Ming explained to Jiang Yun while lamenting the downfall of the Purifying Lotus Demon Sage.

Jiang Yun remained silent, aware that on the Dou Qi Continent, many peerless talents were trapped at the Semi-Imperial level due to the limitations of source energy, ending their paths regretfully.

Geniuses like the Yellow Springs Demon Sage, the Purifying Lotus Demon Sage, and Xiao Xuan all had similarly regretful endings due to these constraints.

"I will not end like them, leaving with regrets!" Reflecting on the exploits of these individuals, Jiang Yun silently vowed, his desire for power growing even more fervent.

"Xiao Yun, look over there!" At this moment, Zi Yan's urgent voice, tinged with fear, drew his attention.

This kind of fear was rare for Zi Yan. Jiang Yun quickly looked over, seeing streams of clear energy falling into the endless sea of demonic energy. Where the clear energy passed through, the surrounding evil energy was frantically corroded. When they clashed, hissing sounds erupted, and both energies evaporated.

At the source of the evil energy, a colossal demonic figure was bound by several thick chains.

Its body was as dark as refined iron, covered in fierce wounds. It had eight eyes, walked on all fours, and possessed a gigantic mouth filled with black teeth. On its massive body, four enormous wings extended.

This creature lay quietly, and despite being dead for many years, the fierce, evil aura emanating from it had not diminished in the slightest.

No wonder Zi Yan felt fear!

The gap between a Dou Saint and a Dou King was immense, representing a difference in the level of life itself.

"Don't be afraid, it's already dead!" Feeling Zi Yan's slightly cold little hand, Jiang Yun gently comforted her.

He himself, having encountered a Demon Emperor, would not be influenced by a mere Dou Saint.

"Hmph, I'm not afraid at all!" Feeling underestimated by Jiang Yun, Zi Yan was a bit indignant but her tightly clasped hand betrayed her anxiousness.

"Xiao Yun, there doesn't seem to be anything here we can use!" Zi Yan calmed down with Jiang Yun's warm hand, looked around, and spoke with some disappointment.

"No, there is!" Jiang Yun replied with a smile, his gaze shifting to the demonic corpse and the Bodhi Tree under Zi Yan's puzzled look.

As an Evil Spirit tribe member, Jiang Yun held dual attributes of evil energy and spiritual power. This demonic corpse could provide him with rapid growth nourishment.

Although he hadn't decided whether to cultivate evil energy, securing valuable items was always beneficial.

Besides, having come this far, it wasn't acceptable to leave empty-handed. The Bodhi Tree, containing massive life force, could sustain for at least another hundred years.

The clear energy it emitted was an invaluable aid in the journey of cultivation; Jiang Yun wouldn't let it go.

Having decided to take the Bodhi Tree also made the demonic corpse an issue to deal with accordingly.

"Grandpa Qing Ming," Jiang Yun communicated in his mind.

"Heh, since you've made up your mind, I fully support you. Luckily, I've recovered considerably over this time, or else I wouldn't be confident enough to take these two big guys." Qing Ming knew Jiang Yun's thoughts and supported him unconditionally.

Qing Ming's attitude moved Jiang Yun deeply. Even in the absence of Jiang Hong, Jiang Yun felt Qing Ming's caring presence!

"Zi Yan, what we're about to see must never be revealed, not even a bit, alright?" With a solemn expression, Jiang Yun warned Zi Yan after receiving Qing Ming's approval.

Qing Ming Tower was Jiang Yun's biggest secret. Although he completely trusted Zi Yan, he was extremely cautious.

Seeing the serious Jiang Yun, Zi Yan was slightly startled but earnestly replied, "I promise not to reveal a bit of what happens next. If I do, let me never taste delicious pills again!"

This serious situation was almost comical thanks to Zi Yan.

Jiang Yun's serious demeanor made Zi Yan, feeling embarrassed, stomp repeatedly on his foot.

"What's so funny? I'm being very serious!"

"Alright, I believe you!" Jiang Yun reassured her, smiling.

"How are you going to move these things?" Zi Yan's curiosity was piqued by Jiang Yun's mysterious smile.

Jiang Yun didn't answer directly. He tossed out a small tower which grew dramatically in size!

Next, Zi Yan witnessed the most astonishing scene in her life!

Meanwhile,

Outside, a disheveled figure was spat out of the spatial tunnel.

"Pfft—"

This figure was Han Feng, no longer his usual refined self, but covered in blood and injuries. As soon as he emerged, he spat out a mouthful of black blood.

Not daring to delay, Han Feng shakily took out an emerald-green pill emitting a medicinal aroma and swallowed it.

If anyone saw this, they'd exclaim in shock, recognizing it as the sixth-grade Healing Resurrection Pill, a precious pill known for reviving anyone with even a breath of life left.

"Han Feng, where do you think you're going—"

A cold voice echoed from the spatial tunnel behind him, making Han Feng's face change dramatically.

"Mo Tianxing!" Han Feng gritted his teeth, calling the name of the pursuer who forced him to flee. Without hesitation, he bolted towards the distance.

After Han Feng's departure, Mo Tianxing emerged. He too looked battered, as the chaotic conditions in the Black-Corner Region had taken a toll, and Han Feng's amassing of people through medicinal bait had caused many to attack.

Even as a three-star Dou Zong, Mo Tianxing found it challenging.

Watching Han Feng's retreat, Mo Tianxing's face grew grim. Once Han Feng reached Feng City, it would be difficult for the Black Emperor Sect to retrieve the Bodhi Revitalization Saliva due to Han Feng's extensive network gathered over the years.

If the news spread, Mo Tianxing couldn't guarantee that it wouldn't attract a Dou Zun. By that time, he wouldn't even get a hair of it. This predicament left Mo Tianxing at an impasse.

"Father, what about Han Feng?" The newcomer had a handsome face mixed with a hint of effeminacy, clearly a smiling tiger like Mo Tianxing.

He, too, was bloodstained, losing his usual grace and looking more sinister.

"Let him go!" Mo Tianxing said with a grim expression and gritted teeth.

"Sect Master, we should head straight to Feng City, or it will be hard to deal with Han Feng once he regains his strength!" Qi Shan, chief alchemist of the Black Emperor Sect, immediately suggested.

As an alchemist, he was well aware of the influence a master alchemist could command, evidenced by the chaos in the ruins a moment ago.

"Han Feng is cunning. With a chance to escape, he won't show himself without absolute assurance!" Mo Tianxing, regaining his calm, spoke with composure.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"

At this moment, numerous figures began emerging from the ruins, making the air hum.

"Is Master Han Feng safe from the chase?"

"With Mo Tianxing there, it seems Master Han Feng is alright!"

"Hahaha, with this, my Breaking Emperor Pill will be ensured. Thanks to Sect Master Mo!"

"Indeed, without Sect Master Mo, who knows when I'd get my Dou Ling Pill!"

Various conversations erupted as people gathered, some showing outright glee, clueless about Mo Tianxing's growing anger.

Idiots!

Many cursed inwardly. Picking at Mo Tianxing's wound was unwise before they were united and undistracted.

Most distanced themselves from the group, looking at them as if they were dead men walking.

Unsurprisingly, Mo Tianxing's darkened face and cold tone followed, "Do you find me amusing?"

"…"

A heavy killing intent hung over the crowd, reminding them that speaking ill of a Dou Zong was no trivial matter.

"No, Sect Master Mo, let me explain—"

"Explain in your next life!" Mo Tianxing coldly said, clenching his hand toward the individuals. Instantly immobilized, they were overwhelmed by a terrifying spatial force.

"Nether Hands!" Mo Tianxing roared, unleashing a powerful palm strike.

"Boom"—the explosion turned a dozen Dou Kings and Dou Lings into blood mist.

"Hmph—" Mo Tianxing's anger eased slightly. With a wave of his sleeve, the blood mist dispersed.

Coldly scanning the remaining crowd, including Su Mei, the Golden-Silver Elder, and Kui Shan, Mo Tianxing soon wore a fake smile that only heightened everyone's alertness.

"It seems our Black-Corner Region might soon see an Alchemist Saint's rise," Mo Tianxing nostalgically said, turning to address the others. "With an Alchemist Saint's help, becoming Dou Zong or Dou Zun will no longer be a dream. We should rejoice."

Everyone recognized Mo Tianxing's undisguised message but remained guarded.

Noticing no response, Mo Tianxing turned to Mo Ai and Qi Shan, "Let's return. We'll visit Feng City to apologize to the future Alchemist Saint another day!"

"Yes, Father (Sect Master)!" Mo Ai and Qi Shan responded, exchanging glances and bowing.

With the Black Emperor Sect's departure, the remaining crowd shared polite farewells before dispersing. Everyone understood Mo Tianxing's words were not to be taken lightly.

The ruins of the Dou Zun now concluded, leaving Han Feng the biggest winner.

No one had yet noticed the disappearance of Yuan Yi and Fan Lao, which would have stirred another wave.

A dizzy spell and a firm landing brought them to an ancient forest.

"We've gained much this time. Let's return to the academy and digest our gains!" Jiang Yun declared, confirming safety around them with his soul power before pulling out a map.

"Uh-huh! This time I'll advance to Dou Huang." Zi Yan returned to her usual boisterous self, full of fighting spirit.

"When I become Dou Huang, Xiao Yun, I'll take you for a 'tour' of the Black-Corner Region!" She said, winking mischievously.

Is that tour serious?

"Sure!" Jiang Yun agreed, estimating Zi Yan's advancement would take time, by which he'd likely be a Dou Wang. Together, they'd have enough strength to gain a foothold on the continent.

Their collective strength would finally allow them some liberty in roaming the land.

(The End of this Chapter)