Night had completely fallen, but Shrek City was still lively, the streets bright and bustling with people. Under the clear night sky, a lone crescent moon cast its soft, chilly light, draping the streets in a delicate, silvery glow.
A youth in a bulky black cloak walked down a quieter street, hands tucked in his sleeves. After a few hundred meters, he halted. Ahead, sitting in the middle of the street, was an old man, greasy and disheveled, his eyes gleaming faintly. In one hand, he held a chicken leg, and in the other, a wine gourd, switching between bites and sips.
This man was none other than the Gluttonous Douluo, Elder Xuan, a Level 98 Titled Douluo, one of the Sea God Pavilion's elders, also known as the "Chicken Leg Douluo."
"Teacher, it's that old man we encountered by Sea God Lake yesterday," Xiao Yan thought, staring at the figure before him.
"Yes," Yao Lao's ancient voice echoed in Xiao Yan's mind. "He doesn't look friendly. Could someone have exposed our whereabouts?"
"You mean someone from the auction house?" Xiao Yan's face tightened, a glint of coldness flashing in his eyes. He then whispered, "Teacher, in your current state, how much strength can you exert?"
"Hmm?" Yao Lao's voice was calm but evasive. "Don't worry. Even in my soul form, with the Heavenly Flame at my disposal, I won't let this old man gain the upper hand."
Elder Xuan finished the last bite of his chicken leg, took a swig from his gourd, then slowly stood, his sharp gaze fixed on Xiao Yan. "Tell me, why did you sneak into Shrek Academy?" he demanded.
"Sneak into Shrek Academy?" Xiao Yan's heart clenched, but his response, tinged with Yao Lao's ancient tone, was calm. "When did I ever sneak into your academy? You're the one blocking the road. What do you want?"
"Playing dumb, are you? Are you saying the mysterious figure at Sea God Lake wasn't you?" Elder Xuan's eyes narrowed, clearly annoyed. In one swift motion, he flicked a chicken bone straight at Xiao Yan.
"Baji Burst!"
Xiao Yan's eyes sharpened. He clenched his fist and struck forward, his blow colliding with the bone mid-air.
"Snap!" The bone shattered instantly, but Xiao Yan staggered back a few steps, feeling a dull ache in his fist and a numbness throughout his arm.
Elder Xuan's assessment was swift. From that one move, he judged Xiao Yan's strength to be no higher than that of a Soul King.
"With this meager strength, you expect me to believe you're the one behind those high-grade pills? Tell me, who's supporting you? And why the disguise?" Elder Xuan continued, raising his gourd for another drink.
Xiao Yan sighed, his voice emerging once again with Yao Lao's detached, aged tone, "None of your business."
"Oh, playing tough, are we? I suppose I'll just capture you first, then take my time with questions." Elder Xuan took another swig, stepping forward as a vibrant yellow aura expanded around him, his oppressive spirit energy radiating outward.
Nine soul rings—two yellow, two purple, four black, and one red—rose around him, casting a terrifying glow. Behind him appeared the spectral image of a monstrous creature with a massive pair of horns, a goat-like body, and eyes placed beneath its arms, emanating a fierce yellow light.
"Hmph." With a snort, Elder Xuan stomped, sending a wave of spirit power crashing down, immobilizing Xiao Yan. In a flash, Elder Xuan appeared before him, his hand reaching for Xiao Yan's shoulder.
Unable to move, Xiao Yan felt a wave of frustration. "Teacher, if you don't step in soon, I'll have to sell you out," he thought wryly.
"You brat, threatening your teacher now?" Yao Lao chuckled, his tone playful yet resolute. "All right, let me handle this. This old fool does need a lesson, after all."
Xiao Yan closed his eyes as Yao Lao's formidable spirit power surged through him, his energy building within. Moments later, Xiao Yan's eyes snapped open, now filled with an eerie, ancient white light.
As Elder Xuan's hand touched Xiao Yan's shoulder, he suddenly sensed something amiss. A bone-chilling aura erupted from the black-robed youth, matching his own in intensity.
"What… what's happening?" Elder Xuan was visibly shaken, his calm expression replaced by one of astonishment.
"What's wrong? Are you scared?" Yao Lao's voice taunted, emerging from Xiao Yan's cloaked form.
Elder Xuan's face grew grim. "Who… who are you?" His mind raced, struggling to reconcile this unexpected power with the seemingly ordinary youth he had encountered.
"Sixth Soul Skill, Gluttonous Meteor Shower!"
Suppressing his shock, Elder Xuan released his grip and retreated swiftly, his sixth soul ring lighting up. His spirit energy condensed into countless golden meteors that filled the sky.
"Reckless! Facing my sixth soul skill without even releasing your spirit," Elder Xuan sneered, though his surprise lingered.
Unfazed, Xiao Yan, now channeling Yao Lao's power, let out a soft breath. He extended his hand, and ghostly white flames ignited around his palm.
In a burst of movement, Xiao Yan shot forward, the pale flames blazing fiercely as his fist hurtled toward the oncoming golden meteors.
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