Eerie black mist poured out from Protector Wu's body, enveloping Yun Shan's soul.
A chewing sound emanated from within the fog.
Hai Bo Dong and the others' expressions changed dramatically; just the sound alone was chilling.
What was happening in that invisible fog?
"Gulp..."
Xiao Li's Adam's apple moved as his fingers, holding the long spear, faintly showed white knuckles.
It seemed they had rejoiced too soon... This mysterious figure had many cards up his sleeve, and even Yun Shan's death was likely part of his plan.
"What's going on, teacher?"
Xiao Yan lightly bit his tongue, using the pain to fight off his body's fatigue while continuously stuffing Pills into his mouth to replenish Dou Qi.
"The Hall of Souls people have a method to devour souls to strengthen their own power. This guy might have planned this from the beginning. We can't let him succeed; we must stop him!"
Old Yao's face was very serious, white flames swirling around him as he took the initiative to attack Protector Wu.
"Help! We must stop him!"
Shouting towards Hai Bo Dong and the others, Xiao Yan gripped the Heavy Black Ruler and followed.
Then, Hai Bo Dong and the others also launched their attacks.
However, to everyone's surprise, their attacks turned into nothingness upon hitting the black mist.
"With just you people, you think you can break my Hall of Souls Secret Technique?!"
From within the mist, Protector Wu let out a triumphant laugh.
His laughter grew louder, and Xiao Yan and the others' faces grew grimmer.
"Lin Xiu, what's going on? Why are their attacks ineffective?"
Medusa couldn't figure it out and instinctively sought an answer from him.
Nihility Devouring Flame?
Murmuring to himself, Lin Xiu shook his head, not voicing his guess. But he felt it was likely related to the Nihility Devouring Flame.
Just when Hai Bo Dong and the others thought the situation couldn't get worse, something unexpected happened.
The black mist suddenly unleashed a strange suction force.
This power had no effect on them, but the elders of the Misty Cloud Sect became rigid, standing motionless like puppets, pain etched on their faces.
"What are you doing? Stop! I said stop!"
Yun Yun was horrified to see this; those elders were the backbone of the sect.
Once they were in danger, the Misty Cloud Sect would truly be on the verge of collapse.
"Helping them enhance their strength back then, now it's time for the Hall of Souls to reap the rewards."
Protector Wu sneered.
One by one, souls surged out the bodies, flying towards the black mist in the sky.
"No wonder the Misty Cloud Sect has produced a large number of Dou King and Dou Emperor level elders in the past two years. So this is what was behind it."
Medusa's face showed realization, and a chill swept through her body.
The Hall of Souls' methods were truly bizarre and terrifying. They could not only grant others power but also reclaim it at will.
Clang!
A sword rang out.
With Yun Shan's death, the seal within Yun Yun dissipated. After regaining her strength, she charged towards the black mist with her sword, shouting, "Bastard, give their souls back!"
"Hmph, overestimating yourself!"
A disdainful snort responded to her. The black mist surged, unleashing a force that directly sent her flying.
The long sword slipped from her hand as Yun Yun crashed to the ground and rolled a few times.
"Xiao Yan!"
Distracted by the dust-covered Yun Yun, Xiao Yan suddenly heard his teacher's voice in his ear.
Turning his head, Xiao Yan was startled.
Old Yao's expression was more serious than ever. "Every word I say next, you must remember carefully. I'll seal the Chilling Bone Flame in the Spatial Ring. When you are confident enough, swallow it to evolve your Qi Method.
If you encounter unsolvable trouble, take my ring and go to the Central Plains, to a place called Falling Star Pavilion. Find Venerable Feng. Just show him the ring, and he will understand and protect you with all his might."
"Teacher..."
Xiao Yan's heart tightened, his voice choked. His teacher's tone sounded like a final instruction, something that had never happened before.
From the moment he left Wu Tan City, he had been with his teacher.
He carved paths through mountains and built bridges over rivers.
Now his teacher was about to leave him.
"No matter what, teacher, I will not let you fall into the hands of the Hall of Souls."
Xiao Yan's expression was resolute.
Hearing this, Old Yao chuckled and shook his head. "Protector Wu is clearly willing to do anything to achieve his goal. It's unnecessary to make a meaningless sacrifice for a mere remnant soul like me."
He placed his hand on Xiao Yan's head. "I've taught you everything I can. I believe that with your potential, you will one day have the ability to contend with the Hall of Souls."
No! It can't be! There must be a way out! There must be hope!
Xiao Yan couldn't accept it, shaking his head repeatedly, his eyes gradually reddening.
Suddenly, a name flashed in his mind.
He looked at Old Yao. "Teacher, there's still... there's still Senior Brother Lin Xiu. He promised me. Everyone in the Academy knows that Senior Brother Lin Xiu always keeps his promises. He will come, he definitely will!"
"It's useless. Lin Xiu is indeed very strong, but he is ultimately just a Dou Emperor, while Protector Wu, even among Dou Ancestors, is one of the strongest."
Old Yao looked at the black mist.
After a brief buildup, the black mist began to shrink until it entirely adhered to the armored Protector Wu.
A terrifying, cold aura emanated from Protector Wu, enveloping the entire Misty Cloud Mountain.
This aura was much stronger than before.
The previously clear sky darkened, and gusts of chilling wind blew.
"You all should leave. The upcoming battle is beyond your ability to participate in."
Old Yao waved his hand forcefully, and his solitary figure floated forward, facing Protector Wu directly.
His back seemed like a mountain, blocking all danger from Xiao Yan.
"Yao Chen, I will take both you and your disciple back to the Hall of Souls, so there's no need for goodbyes here."
Protector Wu moved, leaving an afterimage in his place.
White flames spread out, with Old Yao in the center of the sea of fire, sparks clashing against the dark claws.
The flame's range was rapidly diminishing.
Everyone could see that Yao Chen, in his soul form, couldn't hold on for much longer under such an attack.
"Xiao Yan!"
A voice came from behind, and Xiao Yan felt a pulling force on his arm.
"Second Brother."
He looked at Xiao Li.
"Go! Quickly! We can't stay here any longer. You must not fall into the hands of the Hall of Souls, or else Father and your teacher will be doomed."
Without giving him a chance to argue, Xiao Li tried to pull him away.
His younger brother was the most talented person in the Xiao Family. As long as he lived, the Xiao Family still had hope.
"Want to leave? Do you really think you can escape?"
Protector Wu held a ball of black mist in his palm, emanating a familiar aura.
In the sky, Yao Chen's figure was no longer visible.
"Teacher!"
The veins on Xiao Yan's neck bulged.
"Jie jie..."
Protector Wu's lips curled up, his smugness unabashed.
After years of pursuit, capturing the Medicine Sovereign was a success. If he could find what the hall master needed from Xiao Yan, his status in the Hall of Souls would be secure.
"Go! Little brother, go!"
Xiao Li pushed Xiao Yan with all his strength, but couldn't move him at all.
"Senior Brother! Lin Xiu!"
In utter despair, Xiao Yan shouted a name with all his might, almost without any hope.
The next second.
A somewhat gentle voice slowly resonated.
"Leave the rest to me."
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