Chapter 32: Venerable Yanhuo (New book, please give recommendations!)
"Pay respects to Venerable Yanhuo!"
Xuetian Ji's pupils constricted, and he hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects. Venerable Yanhuo was a colossal existence on the Western Heaven Continent, and Xuetian Ji naturally had to show respect.
"Xuetian Ji, you are the head of a sect, yet you have been reduced to such a pitiful state by a junior!" Venerable Yanhuo glanced at the disheveled Xuetian Ji with a faint expression.
Hearing this, Xuetian Ji could only listen respectfully. In front of Venerable Yanhuo, he did not dare to show any temper.
"Your Sword Sect people come to our Western Heaven Continent to show off your might. Are you mocking us for having no one capable here?" Venerable Yanhuo's gaze turned to Jian Ling, his tone cold and indifferent.
"Venerable Yanhuo, you jest. The Western Heaven Continent is full of talented individuals. I am here merely to find someone." Jian Ling's eyes flickered, and he smiled, speaking more seriously now, though he did not show much fear, as the Sword Sect was not much weaker than the Yanhuo Sect.
As he spoke, Jian Ling gave a subtle look to Xiao Yan and the others. Xiao Yan understood Jian Ling's intention and planned to leave. Cai Lin also flew over to Xiao Yan's side.
"Now that I have found the person, I will not disturb Venerable Yanhuo any further. Farewell!" Jian Ling bowed to Venerable Yanhuo and then summoned a surge of sword qi, enveloping Xiao Yan, Xun Er, and Cai Lin, preparing to leave.
"You three may go, but this boy must stay!"
At this moment, Venerable Yanhuo's indifferent voice rang out. As he spoke, his palm slowly lifted, and a purple flame rose, pointing directly at Xiao Yan.
As Venerable Yanhuo's finger fell, the space around Xiao Yan instantly solidified. Xiao Yan was greatly alarmed, a chill rising from his feet. His body was completely immobilized, the surrounding space sealed. This was the power of a Heavenly Supreme? It was terrifying beyond measure.
This scene took everyone by surprise, and they were all shocked. Was Venerable Yanhuo here for Xiao Yan?
"What is the meaning of this, Venerable Yanhuo?" Jian Ling's gaze turned cold as he stared at Venerable Yanhuo, his voice deep.
"He must stay, that's all!" Venerable Yanhuo said indifferently, as if it were a trivial matter.
"Isn't it beneath your dignity to target a junior, Venerable Yanhuo?" Jian Ling said, his tone tinged with sarcasm. He had not expected Venerable Yanhuo to target Xiao Yan.
In fact, Jian Ling did not know that Venerable Yanhuo had come specifically for Xiao Yan today.
"If you do not leave now, all three of you will stay!" Venerable Yanhuo said coldly, his voice exuding a terrifying pressure that made everyone's breathing quicken.
"Master Jian Ling, what should we do now?" Xun Er asked, her face filled with worry. It seemed that Venerable Yanhuo would not let Xiao Yan go today. Even Jian Ling, with his Earth Supreme Great Perfection strength, could not contend with a Heavenly Supreme, who was a vastly superior existence!
Earth Supremes are divided into three realms: Lower Earth Supreme, Upper Earth Supreme, and Great Perfection Earth Supreme. Jian Ling was at the Great Perfection level, while Xuetian Ji, the head of the Blood Sky Sect, was at the Lower Earth Supreme level.
The difference between Lower and Upper Earth Supremes was like an unbridgeable chasm, let alone the Great Perfection Earth Supreme. The Blood Sky Sect had not dared to act earlier, not only because of the Sword Sect's strength but also because of the gap in strength between them and Jian Ling.
"It seems we have some trouble today. Even the head of a sect must show respect to Venerable Yanhuo." Jian Ling's expression was grim as he whispered to Xun Er. Hearing Jian Ling's serious words, Xun Er and Cai Lin's faces fell. It seemed that Xiao Yan would not be able to leave today.
"Isn't it just for my flames? A Heavenly Supreme of the Great Thousand World, to brazenly snatch others' possessions, what a fine display!"
At this moment, a voice filled with sarcasm came from Xiao Yan. Venerable Yanhuo possessed fire-elemental spiritual energy and a powerful soul force, likely reaching the Imperial Realm, just like Xiao Yan. Clearly, he was also an alchemist, and Xiao Yan knew that Venerable Yanhuo's true intention was to take the Imperial Flame from him.
Upon hearing this, some perceptive individuals immediately realized that Venerable Yanhuo was obsessed with heavenly flames and, being a great alchemist, would not easily let go of a powerful flame. Especially a flame as terrifying as Xiao Yan's, which they had witnessed. It was clear that Venerable Yanhuo was here for Xiao Yan's flames.
"Since you know my intentions, I will not beat around the bush. Hand over your flames and the cultivation technique that fuses multiple flames. In consideration of the Sword Sect, I will spare your life!"
Venerable Yanhuo's expression remained unchanged. Since Xiao Yan had guessed his intentions, there was no need to hide them. In the face of absolute power, words were meaningless.
"Hand over the flames and the technique, and I will spare your life." Hearing this, a self-mocking smile appeared on Xiao Yan's face.
He never thought he would be forced to such a desperate situation. However, his dark eyes were filled with a cold resolve. Ultimately, it was his lack of strength. In front of a Heavenly Supreme, Xiao Yan was like an ant, and any struggle was futile.
"Heavenly Supreme!" Thinking of this, a sharp glint flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. One day, he would reach the pinnacle of the Great Thousand World!
His dark eyes flickered with various emotions, but his face remained calm. Xiao Yan knew the value of patience. He had endured being a waste for three years and even being humiliated and forced to break his engagement. He would not fight Venerable Yanhuo to the death, as that would be no different from suicide. The only option now was to hand over the Imperial Flame and the Burning Heaven Technique.
Temporary endurance would allow him to avenge today's humiliation in the future. Xiao Yan had no doubt about his talent. Given the strength, he would surely have a place in the Great Thousand World!
Endurance was not weakness; it required greater courage. Sometimes, endurance was harder than fighting. Anyone could rush forward in a fit of passion, but what was the point? It would only earn temporary praise for one's bravery. Impulsiveness was the act of the foolish.
Enduring in front of a powerful opponent and rising from that endurance was the path to becoming the last one standing. Bravery without wisdom was meaningless. True strength was forged through trials and tribulations, and Xiao Yan understood this. He would not foolishly fight Venerable Yanhuo, a Heavenly Supreme.
With a thought, the Imperial Flame surged from within him. Looking at the brilliant flames before him, he sighed.