Chapter 457: The Imprisoned Clan Leader
Xiao Yi Xian, Medusa, and Qing Lin watched in astonishment as the strange serpents fled in a panic. They marveled at the madness of such a species. The bloody battle had decimated the serpent swarm, leaving barely one in a thousand alive. If it were not for Xiao Ze's consistent and unwavering golden Emperor Flame, which left the serpents without any hope of overcoming it, they might have fought to the very last one.
Through this battle, Xiao Yi Xian, Medusa, and others truly witnessed the terrifying extent of Xiao Ze's fighting spirit. He maintained the protective Emperor Flame around them while simultaneously expending vast amounts of fighting spirit to forge the golden needles that slaughtered the serpents. Such a horrifying consumption of energy would likely overwhelm even a Dou Saint warrior.
Yet, Xiao Ze remained calm throughout, seemingly unaffected by the extensive drain on his powers. After glancing around at the murky blood pool that the battleground had become, he shook his head and decided against pursuing the fleeing serpents. This fight had been enough to severely intimidate them. They would likely feel fear when faced with powerful presences in the future.
"What a wildly ferocious race! Even after being slaughtered so massively, they would have fought to the last if they saw any hope of victory," remarked Xiao Yi Xian thoughtfully, with Qing Lin and Medusa nodding in agreement. Beyond their awe, they harbored no pity or mercy. Previously, they were clearly on opposing sides with the serpents—in a life-or-death struggle. Since the serpents had initiated the attack with the intent to kill, they had no reason to feel guilty about the bloody outcome.
"Now those serpents probably won't dare to attack us again," Xiao Ze commented, shifting the topic away from the previous fight. He led Xiao Yi Xian and the others deeper into the depths of the Nine Nether Underworld. The bottom of the Nine Nether Underworld was filled with extreme chilling forces, making it a barren and desolate place. The vast sandy bottom was littered with fist-sized rocks that glimmered with energy.
As they descended, what little light that filtered down from above seemed dimmed by the brilliant golden sun—Xiao Ze's protective flame. Soon, they reached the very bottom of the Nine Nether Underworld.
"Is this the bottom of the Nine Nether Underworld? It's so desolate!" Xiao Yi Xian observed, somewhat somberly.
"It makes sense. This place might be the origin of the chilling force. Even those strange serpents probably couldn't endure staying here long," Qing Lin added slowly, her unique vision probing the surroundings for more insights.
Xiao Ze turned to Medusa, "What do you feel? Any sensations here?"
Medusa frowned slightly, "It's strange. I feel a faint calling, but the chilling force here is so overwhelming that it's blurring my senses."
"As long as you feel something, that's a good sign. It means we haven't come here for nothing," Xiao Ze reassured her, nodding. "If necessary, we'll search every inch of the Nine Nether Underworld's bottom!"
Medusa smiled at his determination, her gratitude evident. "Thank you, Xiao Ze, for all your efforts on my behalf."
Just then, Qing Lin suddenly exclaimed, "Master Xiao Ze! There's a life force emanating from the bottom of the Nine Nether Underworld!"
Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa looked shocked. They had assumed that nothing could survive in such chilling desolation.
"Help... help..." A weak, eerie voice then reached their ears.
"Talking? It can't be a serpent, can it?" Xiao Yi Xian tilted her head curiously.
"Let's go and see," Xiao Ze suggested, clearly aware of the source of the voice. He had no reservations; even if the voice's owner had fully regained strength, Xiao Ze was confident of victory and was not overly cautious. His immense strength was his assurance.
Xiao Ze led them towards the source of the voice. After a short distance, sensing something, he waved his hand over the sandy ground. The sand moved aside as if brushed by an invisible hand, revealing a massive iron chain in the soil.
The presence of a man-made chain at the bottom of the Nine Nether Underworld surprised everyone. Before they could react further, Xiao Ze flicked his fingers and the chains rattled powerfully, revealing more chains linked to a large mound of mud at their center.
"Master Xiao Ze, that's where I sensed the life force. It's weak but has a powerful essence," Qing Lin reported.
"Indeed, this essence feels even stronger than yours, Xiao Ze. Could it be a two-star or even a three-star Dou Saint?" Xiao Yi Xian added seriously.
Medusa's sword was already half-drawn, ready for any threats. Encountering a two-star or three-star Dou Saint at the bottom of the Nine Nether Underworld could mean they were from the Nine Nether Earth Ming Python clan, potentially engaged in secluded cultivation.
As they were intruding on the clan's sacred ground, they naturally stood in opposition to the Nine Nether Earth Ming Python clan.
Xiao Ze gestured towards the ground, and with an unseen force, scattered the mud. Revealed beneath was a figure, gaunt as a skeleton.
As the mud broke away, the figure's sunken eyes snapped open, staring wildly at Xiao Ze and his companions despite the blinding light, and roared in a hoarse, chilling voice, "I am the clan leader of the Nine Nether Earth Ming Python clan. Save me, and I will lead my entire clan to serve you!"
The eerie, desperate plea echoed chillingly around them. Xiao Ze remained calm, but Xiao Yi Xian, Medusa, and Qing Lin were visibly shocked. If this desiccated figure was telling the truth, then the implications were profound.
The clan leader of the Nine Nether Earth Ming Python, imprisoned like a criminal at the bottom of the Nine Nether Underworld, appeared tortured and insane. His willingness to pledge allegiance in exchange for rescue suggested his extreme desperation and the intense struggles he had faced.
Xiao Yi Xian, Medusa, and others were filled with speculation, but they awaited Xiao Ze's decision, facing the clan leader's mad gaze. Xiao Ze's calm demeanor did not waver.
(End of Chapter)
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