Chapter 95: The Nine Dragons Ascend Array A Fierce Battle
Zhongzhou, Tianji Tower Headquarters
"Heh, you want to know? Let me enlighten you!" Xiao Tiance said, smirking.
As soon as he finished speaking, a series of mysterious seals began to manifest in his hands. Moments later, a colossal formation rose into the sky, instantly enveloping Hun Tiandi and his group.
"This is bad. There's something unusual about this array!" Hun Tiandi and Void Swallowing Flame immediately retreated. Their reactions were swift, but not swift enough to evade Xiao Tiance's formation.
As the group was ensnared, Hun Tiandi's expression darkened. Though there was no discernible Dou Qi emanating from the array, it reminded him of the aura left behind at the Xiao Realm's entrance when he had investigated the disappearance of over 100 Soul Clan Dou Shengs.
Boom!
Hun Tiandi struck the barrier with a palm strike, only to watch his attack dissolve upon contact, as if its power had been inexplicably diminished. Worse, he realized that his attempts to transmit messages were also intercepted by the barrier.
A brief test was enough to make Hun Tiandi understand why none of the Soul Clan Dou Shengs had escaped from the Xiao Realm or managed to send any information before their soul tablets shattered simultaneously.
Gazing at the massive array above, which rotated silently without launching an attack, a rare trace of dread flickered in Hun Tiandi's heart.
As a Nine Star Dou Sheng at the peak of his strength, few things in this world could threaten him. Yet the unease and trepidation emanating from the rotating array were undeniable.
"Xiao Tiance, is this the reason none of the Soul Clan's Dou Shengs could send out a message back then?" Hun Tiandi asked coldly.
Xiao Tiance chuckled as he observed his opponents' missteps. "Indeed. This is the same type of array that trapped and eliminated your 100 Dou Shengs.
"They were forced to use all of your clan's secret techniques. Sadly, they were still too weak and didn't stand a chance."
"An array, huh?" Hun Tiandi murmured to himself, his gaze growing colder. "Xiao Tiance, do you think you can rely on this so called array to keep us here? You're underestimating us!"
As his words fell, a terrifying surge of Dou Qi began emanating from Hun Tiandi, like a volcano on the brink of eruption, ready to annihilate everything in its path.
Hun Tiandi's current strength was terrifying, comparable to what Xiao Xuan had displayed at his peak. It wasn't surprising after all, centuries of effort and resources had brought him to this level.
But Xiao Tiance wasn't fazed. He, too, had spent a thousand years honing his skills and had mastered every Nine Grade Spirit Array. While he hadn't reached the level of a true Spirit Array Grandmaster due to the world's rules, his current abilities were more than sufficient to deal with Hun Tiandi.
"Ha! You'll find out soon enough. Don't say I didn't warn you I won't even activate the array's offensive capabilities. You're free to try and break it," Xiao Tiance said with a mocking laugh.
Hun Tiandi's eyes turned colder, but he didn't immediately act. He was well aware of Xiao Tiance's cunning nature. If forced to choose between battling Xiao Xuan or Xiao Tiance, Hun Tiandi would have preferred Xiao Xuan. The latter was a straightforward warrior who disdained scheming. Xiao Tiance, however, was a strategist, a man who had made him suffer time and again.
Hun Tiandi couldn't afford to trust a single word from his opponent.
While Hun Tiandi hesitated, Hun Sheng Tian and the other three Demon Saints didn't.
"Attack together!" Hun Sheng Tian shouted. The four Eight Star Dou Shengs unleashed a combined technique, channeling their Dou Qi into a devastating strike equivalent to a high level Heavenly Rank Dou Technique.
"Focus on one spot!"
Their coordinated attack barreled toward the array's barrier with earth shaking force.
Outside the formation, Xiao Tiance smirked as he watched. A focused strike to pierce the barrier? A clever idea, worthy of the Demon Saints.
If this were an Eight Grade Spirit Array, it might have worked. But unfortunately for you, this is the Nine Dragons Ascend Array. Unless you find the array's core, your efforts are futile.
Inside the array, Hun Tiandi closely observed Xiao Tiance's expression. He noted with unease that Xiao Tiance remained composed, even smirking disdainfully as the Demon Saints' attack closed in.
Boom!
The explosive collision of the attack against the array's barrier created a deafening roar. But as the dust settled, the glowing runes on the barrier absorbed the impact, rendering the attack useless.
"Stop wasting your Dou Qi," Hun Tiandi ordered sharply. "Xiao Tiance is cunning. Don't believe a single word he says!"
The four Demon Saints halted their attacks, casting anxious glances toward Hun Tiandi.
Outside the array, Tian Luo laughed and teased, "Ha! My lord, it seems you've left quite a lasting impression on Hun Tiandi. Even now, he's haunted by the shadow you cast on his psyche.
"Shall we calculate the exact size of Hun Tiandi's psychological trauma?"
The Xiao Clan members didn't quite grasp the humor, but Xiao Tiance couldn't help but chuckle. "Not a bad idea. Tian Luo, since you're so interested, I'll leave that glorious task to you!"
"Heh, then forget it! Don't make this harder for me, my lord. It's been years since I've touched math; I gave it all back to my teacher long ago. I'm just someone who doesn't like owing favors…"
Before Tian Luo could finish his self deprecating remarks, Xiao Tiance interrupted with a wave of his hand, exasperated. "Alright, enough nonsense. Shall we step inside and test the Four Demon Saints of the Soul Clan?"
Turning to Xiao Qing, who was listening intently, Xiao Tiance ordered, "Qing'er, release Lao Huang. Let Tian Luo and Huang Jiuji take on the Soul Clan's Four Demon Saints together."
"Yes, Third Uncle," Xiao Qing replied respectfully. He activated his spatial ring, and a towering, golden figure emerged.
Xiao Tiance glanced at Lao Huang, a hint of surprise flashing through his eyes. He had to admit that Xiao Qing had poured considerable effort into upgrading Huang Jiuji over the years.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Tian Luo raised his hands in mock surrender. "Have you forgotten about the Soul Clan's Deathly Domain Array? Sure, they're trapped inside your Nine Dragons Ascend Array, but that doesn't stop them from using their array. You know, the Deathly Domain Array has a track record of trapping even Half Emperor level powerhouses."
Hearing this, the gathered Xiao Clan members also chimed in, clearly uneasy.
"Clan Leader, should we reconsider? The Soul Clan's Deathly Domain Array is extremely dangerous. Otherwise, we would've avenged ourselves on the Soul Clan long ago!"
Indeed, the Soul Realm had not been hidden away in recent years, but the Xiao Clan had refrained from attacking due to their fear of the Soul Clan's infamous array.
"Exactly, Third Uncle. This is too risky. Why not isolate three of the Four Demon Saints from their array? Once it's incomplete, I can handle them myself," Xiao Qing urged, concern in his tone.
Listening to their concerns, Xiao Tiance smiled calmly. "Relax. I've considered the Deathly Domain Array it's their trump card, after all. But it's worth testing. What's wrong, Tian Luo? Grown timid as your strength has increased?"
Tian Luo stared at Xiao Tiance, noting the unwavering confidence in his expression. Realizing this wasn't a joke, Tian Luo sighed, his aura suddenly surging with force. A fierce wind swept through the room as he laughed. "Fine, let's test it then! I've long wanted to see the famed Deathly Domain Array up close, but never had the chance!"
Xiao Tiance chuckled, and with a slight nod, Tian Luo and Huang Jiuji vanished into the array.
Inside the Array
Hun Tiandi's pupils contracted as he observed Tian Luo and Huang Jiuji effortlessly pass through the barrier without it dissipating.
"They can enter but not exit?" Hun Tiandi muttered, unsettled. He had assumed Xiao Tiance would lower the barrier to allow them in, but it remained intact, seamlessly absorbing the pair.
Watching Tian Luo and Huang Jiuji inside the array, Hun Tiandi felt a strange sense of familiarity emanating from Tian Luo. After a brief investigation, his expression darkened.
"A Tian Yao Puppet?" he exclaimed.
Huang Jiuji said nothing, but Tian Luo, ever the chatterbox, grinned as he scrutinized Hun Tiandi, Void Swallowing Flame, and the Four Demon Saints. "Sharp eyes you've got, but I can't say I like them!"
With that, Tian Luo stopped wasting time. He and Huang Jiuji darted forward, launching a ferocious attack on the Four Demon Saints.
Void Swallowing Flame, observing from the sidelines, maintained his usual icy demeanor. Turning to Hun Tiandi, he offered, "Should I deal with them? My flames have a distinct advantage over these Tian Yao Puppets."
As the second ranked flame on the Heavenly Flame List, Void Swallowing Flame had every right to make such a claim.
But Hun Tiandi shook his head. He glanced at the Four Demon Saints, who were already being forced to wield the Deathly Domain Array, and spoke gravely, "No need to rush. The Four Elders have the array; this won't be resolved quickly.
"The real priority is finding a way to break this Nine Dragons Ascend Array. As long as it encloses us, our escape routes are cut off.
"Void, you're more knowledgeable about arrays. I'll leave finding its weak point to you. I must conserve my strength for any unexpected developments."
Void Swallowing Flame considered briefly before nodding. His figure flickered, moving rapidly along the array's barrier in search of vulnerabilities. Within moments, his shadow flitted across the entire formation.
From outside, Xiao Tiance watched the scene with calm detachment, his gaze steady.
Hun Tiandi sought to buy time and study the array, but Xiao Tiance had his own objectives. For him, this was an opportunity to observe the legendary Deathly Domain Array up close.
The array's fearsome reputation was well known among the ancient clans. Created by a Soul Clan Dou Di, it had claimed countless lives, particularly among the devoured Tunling Clan.
Even when the Soul Clan battled the Xiao and Gu Clans, the array had been a major deterrent. Its infamy had influenced the continent's strongest clans to establish rules barring Star Dou Shengs and above from fighting freely.
Now, facing the array directly, Xiao Tiance was determined to make the most of this rare opportunity.
"Capture the Door of Silence," Xiao Tiance transmitted to Tian Luo. "Killing them is secondary."
Inside the Array
Receiving the command, Tian Luo immediately refocused his attacks on Hun Sheng Tian. In a flash, his golden figure surged forward, delivering a devastating punch.
Clang!
Hun Sheng Tian reacted swiftly, pulling the Door of Silence in front of him. The immense force of Tian Luo's blow reverberated through the door, leaving Hun Sheng Tian trembling. Blood trickled from his ears as the sound alone seemed to tear his eardrums.
Even Tian Luo was shaken as he was knocked back. Staring at the door, completely unscathed, he couldn't help but marvel. "What a masterpiece! Not even a dent from my full strength attack."
But beneath his mask, Tian Luo smirked. "Let's try that again!"
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