Chapter 45: Xiao Xuan’s Failure and the Soul Heaven Emperor’s Scheme

Chapter 45: Xiao Xuan's Failure and the Soul Heaven Emperor's Scheme

Tianxing Mountains

If the term "heaven and earth collapse" were merely a description from literature, the current scene deep within the Tianxing Mountains would vividly bring it to life.

As Xiao Xuan's aura surged, a massive vortex of Dou Qi formed above his head, spanning hundreds of meters in diameter. Within the vortex, crackling wind and thunder carried enough force to tear through metal and stone.

Standing beneath this vortex, Xiao Xuan's eyes burned with fervor. With a powerful stomp, he propelled himself upward at lightning speed.

Moments later, he positioned himself at the heart of the vortex and began absorbing its chaotic Dou Qi.

"Not enough... Not enough!"

Though his aura continued to climb, it still fell far short of the breakthrough he desperately sought.

Gritting his teeth, Xiao Xuan pushed his Dou Qi cultivation technique to its limit, accelerating the absorption process. As his technique operated at full power, the vortex itself spun even faster, pulling in more energy from the heavens and earth.

"HAHAHAHA!"

Feeling the influx of energy surge through him, Xiao Xuan couldn't help but laugh triumphantly.

Yet, just as his pride peaked, two distant observers Soul Heaven Emperor and Void Swallowing Flame sighed simultaneously.

"Xiao Xuan, what a peerless talent. Alas, born in the wrong era. Such is fate," the Soul Heaven Emperor lamented.

The moment he finished speaking, Xiao Xuan abruptly spat a mouthful of blood.

From within the vortex, a massive golden lightning bolt descended, crashing into Xiao Xuan with overwhelming force and sending him hurtling to the ground.

Upon impact, Xiao Xuan spat out another mouthful of blood. His eyes burned with indignation as realization dawned his attempt to ascend to the Dou Di realm had failed.

Yes, he had failed.

The golden lightning had severely damaged his internal organs, especially his heart. Though his prior precautions had prevented his heart from being completely obliterated, the injury was irreparable.

"Curse the heavens!"

With blood trickling from his lips, Xiao Xuan raised a trembling hand and pointed skyward, cursing bitterly. His overwhelming frustration and anger verged on madness.

But in this world, there was no "heavenly will" to respond to his curses. If such a force existed, his defiance might have provoked it further.

As the vortex above him dissipated and the world returned to calm, Xiao Xuan's attempt to ascend to Dou Di was officially over.

"HAHAHAHA! Xiao Xuan, in the end, you couldn't take that final step."

With the vortex gone, the Soul Heaven Emperor emerged with a group of Soul Clan powerhouses.

Xiao Xuan turned to face him, his expression cold. "Soul Heaven Emperor... you've come, after all."

He had expected this. Xiao Xuan had made no effort to hide his movements, knowing full well that destroying the Soul Clan's scouting Dou Zuns at the Xiao Realm's entrance would prompt the Soul Heaven Emperor to act.

"Of course. After knowing you for centuries, how could I miss this moment your final one?"

Hovering in the air, the Soul Heaven Emperor's tone was calm, even courteous, as though catching up with an old friend.

"You knew I would come, didn't you?"

"Heh, at least you're honest," Xiao Xuan chuckled. His laughter carried neither joy nor anger.

Even though he now stood gravely injured, the Soul Heaven Emperor had been a worthy adversary for many years. Missing an opportunity to strike at him would have been out of character.

"It's only right to be candid with an old acquaintance. Once, you were so dazzling, so awe inspiring. But now? You're nothing more than a broken, defeated man, no better than a stray dog."

The Soul Heaven Emperor's voice remained calm, but a subtle excitement colored his words.

"Xiao Xuan, our struggle has stretched on for years, but now, it all ends. Rest assured, once you're gone, I'll send the rest of the Xiao Clan to accompany you in the afterlife. You won't walk the Yellow Springs alone."

Xiao Xuan's laughter rang out again. "Soul Heaven Emperor, you're awfully bold today. Did you forget how I crushed you so thoroughly before? Even your mother wouldn't have recognized you back then!"

The insult stung, but the Soul Heaven Emperor didn't flinch.

**"Why waste your breath, Xiao Xuan? Strength is all that matters in this world. In your prime, I had reason to fear you. But today? You're a shadow of your former self, gravely injured and at death's door.

Even if I let you live, you'll never recover. To honor your legacy, I've brought the best my clan has to offer all our Eight Star Dou Shengs are here. Consider this your grand farewell. Do you like the arrangements?"**

The Soul Heaven Emperor smiled, as if hosting a lavish celebration.

"You've certainly put in the effort," Xiao Xuan sneered, surveying the gathered forces.

"Soul Yuan Tian, Soul Sheng Tian, Soul Yao, Soul Mo Tian..."

Xiao Xuan listed the names of the ancient Eight Star Dou Shengs. Then, his gaze landed on another figure.

"Ah, and there's Void Swallowing Flame. It seems Xiao Tiance nearly caught you back then. I must admit, you've recovered well an Eight Star Dou Sheng at his peak. Impressive."

Void Swallowing Flame's expression darkened at the mention of his near capture, but he said nothing.

The Soul Heaven Emperor chuckled, unfazed. **"Xiao Xuan, only a handful of you in the Xiao Clan have ever earned my respect you, Xiao Chen, and Xiao Tiance.

I thought Xiao Tiance might someday lead your clan back to the pinnacle. But you? You extinguished that hope yourself when you killed him. Such a pity."**

Hearing this, Xiao Xuan's eyes flashed with sorrow. The Soul Heaven Emperor misinterpreted it as regret over Xiao Tiance, but Xiao Xuan's sadness was for the Xiao Clan's imminent slaughter.

To further aid Xiao Tiance, Xiao Xuan decided to play along. He sighed. "Yes... I was wrong. If only I had joined forces with Tiance back then, we could have crushed you."

The Soul Heaven Emperor laughed triumphantly. "Hindsight is cruel, isn't it? Oh, by the way, that scroll that convinced you to collect the Dou Di bloodlines? That was my doing. A little prank but one that left you crippled. Truly a delight!"

Xiao Xuan smirked coldly. "You may think you've won, but remember there's nothing I do unwillingly. Not even you can force my hand."

He straightened, suppressing his injuries, and fixed his gaze on his enemy.

"Enough talk. You're here to end me. Come on, then. Let's see what you've got!"

(To be continued)

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