miàn róng niǔ qū ， yǎn zhōng yǐn yǐn yǒu bì guāng shǎn shuò bù yǐ ， yīn fēng rú mò ， tā shēn shàng suǒ sàn fà chū lái de bō dòng gèng shì gǔ guài yǐ jí 。~ dǐng ~ diǎn ~ xiǎo !~ shuō ~~23x
面容扭曲，眼中隐隐有碧光闪烁不已，阴风如墨，他身上所散发出来的波动更是古怪以极。~顶~点~小!~说~~23x
His face contorted, with a faint green light flickering in his eyes. The air around him was filled with dark, eerie winds that seemed to emanate an even more chilling aura. His body had expanded to several feet wide as he lunged at Tian Xiaojian with a ferocious expression.
shì mó fēi mó ， xiàng xiān què yòu bú shì xiān ， jiù rú tóng yóu zǒu yú èr zhě zhī jiān 。
似魔非魔，像仙却又不是仙，就如同游走于二者之间。
Possession!
tā de zuǐ jiǎo biān yǐn yǐn dài zhe lěng xiào zhī sè ， hū xiào jiān ， yīn fēng biàn dé gèng shì lǐn liè yǐ jí ， tā de tǐ jī yě kuò dà dào le zhàng xǔ ， xiàng zhe tián xiǎo jiàn è hěn hěn de yī pū ér qù 。
他的嘴角边隐隐带着冷笑之色，呼啸间，阴风变得更是凛冽以极，他的体积也扩大到了丈许，像着田小剑恶狠狠的一扑而去。
Though the move fell short by one step, Elder Kuruong still didn't want his thousand years of hard work to go to waste.
duó shě ！
夺舍！
What harm could a little risk do?
jǐn guǎn qí chà yī zhe ， méi néng zǒu wán zhè zuì hòu yī bù ， dàn kū róng shàng xiān yě bù yuàn qiān nián de xīn kǔ ， jiù zhè yàng fù zhū dōng liú diào le 。
尽管棋差一着，没能走完这最后一步，但枯荣上仙也不愿千年的辛苦，就这样付诸东流掉了。
He was prepared to proceed with the plan and possess Tian Xiaojian as scheduled.
mào yì diǎn xiǎn yòu rú hé ？
冒一点险又如何？
Tian Xiaojian naturally wouldn’t sit idly by. Having revealed the other party's plot, he couldn’t possibly be unprepared. This young man must have some backing.
tā hái shì zhǔn bèi àn jì huà duì tián xiǎo jiàn duó shě 。
他还是准备按计划对田小剑夺舍。
The opponent was now within striking distance, but his expression remained calm. Such composure was admirable.
tián xiǎo jiàn zì rán bú huì zuò yǐ dài bì 。
田小剑自然不会坐以待毙。
Elder Kuruong felt a chill run down his spine, but with no turning back, he had to take the plunge. There was no going back once an arrow is shot. Even if he knew there were treacherous cliffs ahead, he had to take that risk.
tā jì rán gǎn jiāng duì fāng de yīn móu jiē pò ， yòu zěn me huì yì diǎn zhǔn bèi yě wú 。
他既然敢将对方的阴谋揭破，又怎么会一点准备也无。
His thoughts raced like lightning, yet his actions remained swift and unhesitant as he lunged at Tian Xiaojian with a fierce attack.
zhè xiǎo zi tóng yàng shì yǒu suǒ yī zhàng de 。
这小子同样是有所依仗的。
Rabbit up!
duì fāng yǐ jīng jìn zài zhǐ chǐ ， tā de biǎo qíng yī jiù shì píng jìng yǐ jí ， guāng shì zhè fèn dìng lì ， jiù ràng rén xīn zhōng pèi fú 。
对方已经近在咫尺，他的表情依旧是平静以极，光是这份定力，就让人心中佩服。
An unusual light flashed in Tian Xiaojian’s eyes as his figure blurred slightly before retreating backward. As he retreated, his sleeves flailed out, releasing seven talismans of different colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
kū róng xīn zhōng yī lǐn ， rán ér shì yǐ zhì cǐ ， nǎ néng tuì què ， kāi gōng méi yǒu huí tóu jiàn ， jiù suàn míng zhī dào qián miàn yǒu xuán yá qiào bì děng zhe ， yě wéi yǒu fàng shǒu yī bó 。
枯荣心中一凛，然而事已至此，哪能退却，开弓没有回头箭，就算明知道前面有悬崖峭壁等着，也唯有放手一搏。
Arranged like a ladle pointing towards the heavens according to the HeavenlyXuanandBeidouconstellations, they appeared before Tian Xiaojian’s eyes.
nǎo hǎi zhōng de niàn tou rú diàn guāng shí huǒ ， ér tā de dòng zuò què yì diǎn chí zhì yě wú ， yī jiù è hěn hěn de xiàng tián xiǎo jiàn pū luò 。
脑海中的念头如电光石火，而他的动作却一点迟滞也无，依旧恶狠狠的像田小剑扑落。
"What is this?"
tù qǐ hú luò ！
兔起鹘落！
Elder Kuruong had an ominous feeling. He saw Tian Xiaojian’s hands move rapidly as if playing a musical instrument. Spell after spell shot out from his fingertips like shooting stars.
tián xiǎo jiàn de yǎn zhōng yǒu yì máng shǎn shuò ， shēn xíng lüè yī mó hú ， jiù cháo zhe hòu fāng tuì qù le 。
田小剑的眼中有异芒闪烁，身形略一模糊，就朝着后方退去了。
All seven talismans lit up, just like the legendary Big Dipper constellations.
ér tuì de guò chéng zhōng xiù páo yī shuǎi 。
而退的过程中袖袍一甩。
Beautiful and dazzling!
chì chéng huáng lǜ qīng lán zǐ ， qī zhāng bù tóng yán sè de fú lù bèi tā jì le qǐ lái 。
赤橙黄绿青蓝紫，七张不同颜色的符箓被他祭了起来。
However, what captivated the eye was the flow ofrulepower emanating from within them.
yǐ tiān xuán běi dǒu de fāng wèi pái liè ， rú yí gè yǎo jiǔ de sháo zi yì bān ， chéng xiàn zài tián xiǎo jiàn de miàn qián 。
以天璇北斗的方位排列，如一个舀酒的勺子一般，呈现在田小剑的面前。
Like a dam breaking or floodwaters surging, it engulfed Elder Kuruong in an instant.
“ zhè shì ……”
“这是……”
He then transformed into a translucent light ball that enveloped him.
kū róng shàng xiān de xīn zhōng ， yǒu bù hǎo de yù gǎn 。
枯荣上仙的心中，有不好的预感。
"What is this?"
què jiàn tián xiǎo jiàn shuāng shǒu fān fēi bù yǐ ， rú gǔ sè qín xián ， yī dào dào fǎ jué shì liú xīng xù yǔ ， yóu tā de zhǐ jiān fēi shè chū qù 。
却见田小剑双手翻飞不已，如鼓瑟琴弦，一道道法诀似流星絮羽，由他的指尖飞射出去。
Elder Kuruong’s eyes widened as his hysterical voice echoed inside the light ball: "This is a Soul Sealing Talisman. Even in the heavenly realm, such talismans are rare. How did you obtain it and how could you deceive me?"
nà qī zhāng fú lù quán bù liàng le qǐ lái ， zhēn rú chuán shuō zhōng de běi dǒu qī xīng yì bān 。
那七张符箓全部亮了起来，真如传说中的北斗七星一般。
His reaction was so extreme because not only were Soul Sealing Talismans hard to come by, but he had been constantly watching Tian Xiaojian. It made no sense for him to be deceived.
měi lì xuàn làn ！
美丽绚烂！
"Old man, those who calculate others will also be calculated. Do you really think I am a fool that can be easily manipulated?"
rán ér lìng rén xīn dòng de shì 。 yī gǔ gǔ fǎ zé zhī lì ， yóu lǐ miàn liú tǎng chū lái 。
然而令人心动的是。一股股法则之力，由里面流淌出来。
Tian Xiaojian’s cold voice rang in his ears.
rú jiāng hé jué dī ， shì hóng shuǐ dào guàn ， qǐng kè jiān ， jiù jiāng kū róng shàng xiān yān mò zài le lǐ miàn 。
如江河决堤，似洪水倒灌，顷刻间，就将枯荣上仙淹没在了里面。
"You..."
suí hòu huà wèi yí bàn tòu míng de guāng qiú ， jiāng tā bāo guǒ zài qí jiān 。
随后化为一半透明的光球，将他包裹在其间。
Elder Kuruong was both shocked and angry as he struggled left and right. However, Tian Xiaojian’s face wore a mocking expression, and his hands continued to move. As he did so, magical runes the size of his thumb emerged from his sleeves.
“ zhè shì ……”
“这是……”
These runes were intricate and complex, forming a fine chain with each movement.
kū róng dèng dà le yǎn ， xiē sī dǐ lǐ de shēng yīn yóu nà guāng qiú zhōng chuán le chū lái ：“ zhè shì fēng hún fú ， biàn shì xiān jiè yě bù duō ， nǐ cóng hé chù suǒ de ， yòu zěn me kě néng jiāng wǒ mán guò ？”
枯荣瞪大了眼，歇斯底里的声音由那光球中传了出来：“这是封魂符，便是仙界也不多，你从何处所得，又怎么可能将我瞒过？”
"Fall!"
yě nán guài tā de fǎn yìng rú cǐ lí pǔ 。 qiě bù shuō fēng hún fú nán dé ， zuì guān jiàn de shì ， zì jǐ shí shí kè kè shǒu zài tā de shēn biān ， yú qíng yú lǐ ， tián xiǎo jiàn dōu bù kě néng jiāng zì jǐ mán guò ， wèi shén me tā dé dào zhè yàng de bǎo wù ， zì jǐ què yì diǎn yìn xiàng yě wú 。
也难怪他的反应如此离谱。且不说封魂符难得，最关键的是，自己时时刻刻守在他的身边，于情于理，田小剑都不可能将自己瞒过，为什么他得到这样的宝物，自己却一点印象也无。
With a command, the chain emitted a brilliant glow, enveloping the translucent light ball layer by layer. A strangerulepower spread out.
“ lǎo jiā huǒ ， suàn rén zhě rén yì suàn zhī ， nǐ zhēn rèn wéi běn shào yé shì chǔn huò 。 kě yǐ rèn yóu nǐ yú ròu de me ？”
“老家伙，算人者人亦算之，你真认为本少爷是蠢货。可以任由你鱼肉的么？”
"What is this?"
tián xiǎo jiàn bīng lěng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
田小剑冰冷的声音传入耳朵。
Elder Kuruong suddenly stopped his movements, showing signs of pain but more astonishment: "This is a secret technique from the Nine Holy True Demons Art, but I deliberately kept it hidden and didn’t teach you. How did you learn it?"
“ nǐ ……”
“你……”
His voice was filled with panic as he realized a terrifying possibility.
kū róng yòu jīng yòu nù ， zuǒ chōng yòu tū ， tián xiǎo jiàn de liǎn shàng què mǎn shì jī cháo zhī sè ， shuāng shǒu hái zài fēi wǔ 。 suí zhe tā de dòng zuò , yí gè gè mó wén yóu tā de yī xiù zhōng fēi chū lái le 。
枯荣又惊又怒，左冲右突，田小剑的脸上却满是讥嘲之色，双手还在飞舞。随着他的动作,一个个魔纹由他的衣袖中飞出来了。
"Hmph, you never taught me, but someone else did."
zhè xiē mó wén yǔ mǔ zhǐ dà xiǎo xiāng chà fǎng fú ， què shí fēn de shēn ào fán fù ， suí zhe tián xiǎo jiàn de dòng zuò ， pái liè zǔ hé 。 jū rán huàn huà chū yī tiáo xiān xì de suǒ liàn lái le 。
这些魔纹与拇指大小相差仿佛，却十分的深奥繁复，随着田小剑的动作，排列组合。居然幻化出一条纤细的锁链来了。
"Someone else? That old man. Impossible! His soul has long been devoured," Elder Kuruong said hysterically.
“ luò ！”
“落！”
"Really consumed clean? Just your wishful thinking. Although the demon lord’s spiritual power is inferior to yours, he still has some resistance. He's just biding his time in the shadows."
bàn suí zhe yī shēng chì hè ， nà suǒ liàn háo guāng dà fàng ， jiāng nà bàn tòu míng de guāng qiú céng céng bāo guǒ 。 yī gǔ guǐ yì de fǎ zé zhī lì suí zhī mí sàn ér chū 。
伴随着一声叱喝，那锁链毫光大放，将那半透明的光球层层包裹。一股诡异的法则之力随之弥散而出。
"Biding his time... Does he want..."
“ zhè shì ……”
“这是……”
"He wants revenge. No matter what, you can’t be left alive. You think everything is under control, but every hundred years, he regains consciousness for a day. After that, you will fall into a deep sleep and won't feel any discomfort when you wake up."
kū róng shàng xiān yuán běn zuǒ chōng yòu tū ， zhè shí què tū rán tíng xià le shǒu lǐ de dòng zuò ， liǎn shàng fú xiàn chū yī sī tòng kǔ ， dàn bù kě sī yì de chéng fèn gèng duō ：“ zhè shì jiǔ shèng zhēn mó gōng zhōng de mì shù ， dàn wǒ què gù yì yǐn nì xià lái ， bìng wèi chuán shòu yú nǐ ， nǐ …… nǐ zěn me xué huì de ？”
枯荣上仙原本左冲右突，这时却突然停下了手里的动作，脸上浮现出一丝痛苦，但不可思议的成分更多：“这是九圣真魔功中的秘术，但我却故意隐匿下来，并未传授于你，你……你怎么学会的？”
"So it was like this." Elder Kuruong’s face showed intense anger and sorrow as he finally understood his defeat: "But you just said it was because of Lin Xiao..."
tā de shēng yīn zhōng chōng mǎn le jīng huáng zhī sè ， yǐn yǐn xiǎng dào yí gè fēi cháng kě pà de kě néng le 。
他的声音中充满了惊惶之色，隐隐想到一个非常可怕的可能了。
"Stupid fool! That was merely a diversion to trick you. If you weren’t vigilant, how could you fall into the trap so easily?"
“ hēng ， nǐ shì bù céng jiào guò wǒ ， dàn bié rén ne ？”
“哼，你是不曾教过我，但别人呢？”
Tian Xiaojian’s cold laughter echoed in his ears as he continued his actions, casting more chains around the light ball.
“ bié rén ， shì nà lǎo jiā huǒ ， bù kě néng ， tā de hún pò zǎo jiù bèi wǒ tūn shì dé yī gān èr jìng le 。” kū róng shàng xiān xiē sī dǐ lǐ de shuō 。
“别人，是那老家伙，不可能，他的魂魄早就被我吞噬得一干二净了。”枯荣上仙歇斯底里的说。
Then Tian Xiaojian took a deep breath and his head grew ten times its size, looking comically large. Yet, it added several sinister intentions.
“ zhēn de tūn shì gān jìng le me ， nà bù guò shì nǐ de yì xiāng qíng yuàn bà le ， mó zú dà tǒng lǐng de shén hún zhī lì suī bù jí nǐ ， dàn yě bìng fēi méi yǒu yì diǎn fǎn kàng zhī lì ， tā zhǐ bù guò shì duǒ zài àn chù ， jìng jìng de yǐn rěn bà le 。”
“真的吞噬干净了么，那不过是你的一厢情愿罢了，魔族大统领的神魂之力虽不及你，但也并非没有一点反抗之力，他只不过是躲在暗处，静静的隐忍罢了。”
His blood-filled mouth opened wide, releasing an terrifying suction force that seemed to want to swallow him whole.
“ yǐn rěn ， nán dào tā xiǎng yào ……”
“隐忍，难道他想要……”
Elder Kuruong’s face showed intense anger as he realized the situation had turned around. He had intended to possess Tian Xiaojian, but now things were going south.
“ bù cuò ， tā xiǎng yào bào fù ， rú lùn rú hé ， yě bù néng ràng nǐ yí gè rén huó zhe ， nǐ yǐ wéi yī qiè dōu zhǎng wò ， què bù zhī dào měi guò yì bǎi nián ， tā dōu néng gòu qīng xǐng yī tiān ， ér nà yī tiān ， nǐ zé huì xiàn rù chén shuì zhōng ， shāo hòu jí biàn xǐng lái ， yě bú huì gǎn dào rèn hé bù tuǒ 。”
“不错，他想要报复，如论如何，也不能让你一个人活着，你以为一切都掌握，却不知道每过一百年，他都能够清醒一天，而那一天，你则会陷入沉睡中，稍后即便醒来，也不会感到任何不妥。”
This was too frustrating!
“ yuán lái rú cǐ 。” kū róng shàng xiān liǎn shàng mǎn shì bēi fèn zhī sè ， zhōng yú míng bái zì jǐ jiū jìng shū zài nǎ lǐ le ：“ kě nǐ gāng cái shuō ， shì yīn wèi lín xiǎo zi de yuán gù ……”
“原来如此。”枯荣上仙脸上满是悲愤之色，终于明白自己究竟输在哪里了：“可你刚才说，是因为林小子的缘故……”
Despite his dire circumstances, he wouldn’t sit idly by.
“ chǔn huò ， nà bù guò shì shēng dōng jī xī ， gù yì piàn nǐ de ， nǐ bù fàng sōng jǐng tì ， yòu nǎ ér yǒu nà me róng yì rù wèng ne ？”
“蠢货，那不过是声东击西，故意骗你的，你不放松警惕，又哪儿有那么容易入瓮呢？”
He struggled desperately, but it was futile.
tián xiǎo jiàn lěng xiào de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， ér tā zài shuō huà de tóng shí ， hái méi yǒu tíng xià shǒu lǐ de dòng zuò ， yī dào dào fǎ jué dǎ chū ， gèng duō de suǒ liàn jiāng nà guāng qiú bāo guǒ 。
田小剑冷笑的声音传入耳朵，而他在说话的同时，还没有停下手里的动作，一道道法诀打出，更多的锁链将那光球包裹。
As he approached Tian Xiaojian’s mouth within a few feet, Elder Kuruong showed fear: "Stop! Do you really want to die with me?"
suí hòu tián xiǎo jiàn xī le kǒu qì ， nǎo dài biàn dà le shí bèi yǒu yú ， kàn shàng qù kě xiào wú bǐ ， wú xíng zhōng què yòu duō chū jǐ gǔ zhēng níng zhī yì 。
随后田小剑吸了口气，脑袋变大了十倍有余，看上去可笑无比，无形中却又多出几股狰狞之意。
"You contributed greatly to your success. We can part ways if you don't go too far."
xuè pén dà kǒu yī zhāng ér kāi ， kě pà de xī lì cóng lǐ miàn shì fàng chū lái ， kàn tā de yàng zi ， jìng xiǎng yào jiāng duì fāng tūn luò rù dù 。
血盆大口一张而开，可怕的吸力从里面释放出来，看他的样子，竟想要将对方吞落入肚。
...
kū róng shàng xiān de liǎn shàng mǎn shì huì nù ， yuán běn zì jǐ xiǎng yào duó shě ， méi xiǎng dào yī zhuǎn yǎn què biàn chéng le zhè zhǒng jié guǒ 。
枯荣上仙的脸上满是恚怒，原本自己想要夺舍，没想到一转眼却变成了这种结果。
But Tian Xiaojian ignored him. He wasn’t easily frightened.
shí zài tài kě wù ！
实在太可恶！
"Fine, fine. You’re like a newborn calf not afraid of tigers. Since you force me into this corner, let’s both perish together."
tā xiàn zài de chǔ jìng bù miào yǐ jí ， dàn zì rán bú huì zuò yǐ dài bì 。
他现在的处境不妙以极，但自然不会坐以待毙。
Elder Kuruong said with malice. Before he could finish, his entire body was enveloped by chaotic energy. Even though he had only a soul left, his explosive self-destruction would still be formidable at such close range.
pīn mìng zhēng zhá ， kě yòng tú bù dà 。
拼命挣扎，可用途不大。
Though Tian Xiaojian knew the danger, he remained indifferent.
yǎn kàn jù lí tián xiǎo jiàn de zuǐ bā zhǐ shèng xià zhàng xǔ ， kū róng shàng xiān de liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī wèi jù ：“ zhù shǒu ， nǐ nán dào zhēn xiǎng yào yú sǐ wǎng pò ？”
眼看距离田小剑的嘴巴只剩下丈许，枯荣上仙的脸上露出一丝畏惧：“住手，你难道真想要鱼死网破？”
A bad feeling arose in Elder Kuruong’s heart...
“ nǐ yǒu jīn rì de chéng jiù ， lǎo fū gōng bù kě méi ， dà bù liǎo wǒ men fēn dào yáng biāo ， nǐ bú yào jiāng shì qíng zuò dé tài jué le 。”
“你有今日的成就，老夫功不可没，大不了我们分道扬镳，你不要将事情做得太绝了。”
What did this young man have to rely on?
rán ér tián xiǎo jiàn shì ruò wú dǔ ， tā kě bú shì bèi xià dà de 。
然而田小剑视若无睹，他可不是被吓大的。
Before that thought could fully form, half of his face turned black. The demon lord's essence had awakened and was fighting for control over his body.
“ hǎo ， hǎo ， zhēn shì chū shēng niú dú bù wèi hǔ ， jì rán nǐ yào jiāng lǎo fū bī shàng jué lù ， nà wǒ men jiù yì qǐ yǔn luò hǎo le 。”
“好，好，真是初生牛犊不畏虎，既然你要将老夫逼上绝路，那我们就一起陨落好了。”
"Old man, do you really want to be devoured?" Elder Kuruong said hysterically.
kū róng shàng xiān è hěn hěn de shuō ， huà yīn wèi luò ， tā hún shēn yǐ bèi kuáng luàn de qì xī bāo guǒ ， suī rán zhǐ shèng xià yí gè hún pò ， dàn shòu sǐ de luò tuó bǐ mǎ dà ， zhè me jìn jù lí de zì bào ， wēi lì yě shì fēi tóng xiǎo kě 。
枯荣上仙恶狠狠的说，话音未落，他浑身已被狂乱的气息包裹，虽然只剩下一个魂魄，但瘦死的骆驼比马大，这么近距离的自爆，威力也是非同小可。
"Hmph, I would rather die than live in this world. Besides, with you by my side, even if my soul is scattered, what of it?" Another voice echoed, unmistakably the former demon lord.
zhè dào lǐ tián xiǎo jiàn bú shì bù xiǎo de ， rán ér tā shì ruò wú dǔ 。
这道理田小剑不是不晓得，然而他视若无睹。
PS: Sweat, today’s New Year's Eve dinner was too much to handle; writing this chapter was quite a struggle. I’ll definitely work harder tomorrow! (To be continued...)
His face contorted, with a faint green light flickering in his eyes. The air around him was filled with dark, eerie winds that seemed to emanate an even more chilling aura. His body had expanded to several feet wide as he lunged at Tian Xiaojian with a ferocious expression.
Possession!
Though the move fell short by one step, Elder Kuruong still didn't want his thousand years of hard work to go to waste.
What harm could a little risk do?
He was prepared to proceed with the plan and possess Tian Xiaojian as scheduled.
Tian Xiaojian naturally wouldn’t sit idly by. Having revealed the other party's plot, he couldn’t possibly be unprepared. This young man must have some backing.
The opponent was now within striking distance, but his expression remained calm. Such composure was admirable.
Elder Kuruong felt a chill run down his spine, but with no turning back, he had to take the plunge. There was no going back once an arrow is shot. Even if he knew there were treacherous cliffs ahead, he had to take that risk.
His thoughts raced like lightning, yet his actions remained swift and unhesitant as he lunged at Tian Xiaojian with a fierce attack.
Rabbit up!
An unusual light flashed in Tian Xiaojian’s eyes as his figure blurred slightly before retreating backward. As he retreated, his sleeves flailed out, releasing seven talismans of different colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Arranged like a ladle pointing towards the heavens according to the HeavenlyXuanandBeidouconstellations, they appeared before Tian Xiaojian’s eyes.
"What is this?"
Elder Kuruong had an ominous feeling. He saw Tian Xiaojian’s hands move rapidly as if playing a musical instrument. Spell after spell shot out from his fingertips like shooting stars.
All seven talismans lit up, just like the legendary Big Dipper constellations.
Beautiful and dazzling!
However, what captivated the eye was the flow ofrulepower emanating from within them.
Like a dam breaking or floodwaters surging, it engulfed Elder Kuruong in an instant.
He then transformed into a translucent light ball that enveloped him.
"What is this?"
Elder Kuruong’s eyes widened as his hysterical voice echoed inside the light ball: "This is a Soul Sealing Talisman. Even in the heavenly realm, such talismans are rare. How did you obtain it and how could you deceive me?"
His reaction was so extreme because not only were Soul Sealing Talismans hard to come by, but he had been constantly watching Tian Xiaojian. It made no sense for him to be deceived.
"Old man, those who calculate others will also be calculated. Do you really think I am a fool that can be easily manipulated?"
Tian Xiaojian’s cold voice rang in his ears.
"You..."
Elder Kuruong was both shocked and angry as he struggled left and right. However, Tian Xiaojian’s face wore a mocking expression, and his hands continued to move. As he did so, magical runes the size of his thumb emerged from his sleeves.
These runes were intricate and complex, forming a fine chain with each movement.
"Fall!"
With a command, the chain emitted a brilliant glow, enveloping the translucent light ball layer by layer. A strangerulepower spread out.
"What is this?"
Elder Kuruong suddenly stopped his movements, showing signs of pain but more astonishment: "This is a secret technique from the Nine Holy True Demons Art, but I deliberately kept it hidden and didn’t teach you. How did you learn it?"
His voice was filled with panic as he realized a terrifying possibility.
"Hmph, you never taught me, but someone else did."
"Someone else? That old man. Impossible! His soul has long been devoured," Elder Kuruong said hysterically.
"Really consumed clean? Just your wishful thinking. Although the demon lord’s spiritual power is inferior to yours, he still has some resistance. He's just biding his time in the shadows."
"Biding his time... Does he want..."
"He wants revenge. No matter what, you can’t be left alive. You think everything is under control, but every hundred years, he regains consciousness for a day. After that, you will fall into a deep sleep and won't feel any discomfort when you wake up."
"So it was like this." Elder Kuruong’s face showed intense anger and sorrow as he finally understood his defeat: "But you just said it was because of Lin Xiao..."
"Stupid fool! That was merely a diversion to trick you. If you weren’t vigilant, how could you fall into the trap so easily?"
Tian Xiaojian’s cold laughter echoed in his ears as he continued his actions, casting more chains around the light ball.
Then Tian Xiaojian took a deep breath and his head grew ten times its size, looking comically large. Yet, it added several sinister intentions.
His blood-filled mouth opened wide, releasing an terrifying suction force that seemed to want to swallow him whole.
Elder Kuruong’s face showed intense anger as he realized the situation had turned around. He had intended to possess Tian Xiaojian, but now things were going south.
This was too frustrating!
Despite his dire circumstances, he wouldn’t sit idly by.
He struggled desperately, but it was futile.
As he approached Tian Xiaojian’s mouth within a few feet, Elder Kuruong showed fear: "Stop! Do you really want to die with me?"
"You contributed greatly to your success. We can part ways if you don't go too far."
...
But Tian Xiaojian ignored him. He wasn’t easily frightened.
"Fine, fine. You’re like a newborn calf not afraid of tigers. Since you force me into this corner, let’s both perish together."
Elder Kuruong said with malice. Before he could finish, his entire body was enveloped by chaotic energy. Even though he had only a soul left, his explosive self-destruction would still be formidable at such close range.
Though Tian Xiaojian knew the danger, he remained indifferent.
A bad feeling arose in Elder Kuruong’s heart...
What did this young man have to rely on?
Could it be...
Before that thought could fully form, half of his face turned black. The demon lord's essence had awakened and was fighting for control over his body.
"Old man, do you really want to be devoured?" Elder Kuruong said hysterically.
"Hmph, I would rather die than live in this world. Besides, with you by my side, even if my soul is scattered, what of it?" Another voice echoed, unmistakably the former demon lord.
PS: Sweat, today’s New Year's Eve dinner was too much to handle; writing this chapter was quite a struggle. I’ll definitely work harder tomorrow! (To be continued...)