Chapter 91: Rebellion Within the Ancient Clan, A Protector of the Hall of Souls?!

A suffocating wave of terror blanketed the entire auction hall. That vast and overwhelming pressure caused everyone present to tremble uncontrollably.

They tried to flee, to hide, to escape the terrifying force pressing down on them.

But the dual pressure from both soul and Dou Qi was like a sharp blade, nailing them into their seats, rendering them completely immobile.

Those previously arrogant and extravagant scions of great factions now resembled dead dogs.

Even Dou Zong powerhouse Mo Tianxing was drenched in sweat, panic etched across his face.

"What kind of monster is this?!"

Mo Tianxing roared inwardly. He, a dignified four-star Dou Zong, felt like a helpless child in front of Lin Ran.

Majestic as a mountain, vast as the sea.

Lin Ran stood calmly at the center of the venue, gazing down at the kneeling crowd with detached indifference—like a noble king overlooking his subjects.

"It's soul pressure!"

Han Feng gritted his teeth and spat out the words.

"If it were merely Dou Qi suppression, it wouldn't have such a terrifying effect."

"This guy's soul realm has reached the Spirit Realm. Coupled with that overwhelming high-level Dou Zong Dou Qi, it's no wonder the suppression is this intense."

"He's not just a tier-six alchemist—he's also a high-level Dou Zong expert!"

"W-what?!"

"That's impossible!"

Innumerable people stared in disbelief upon hearing Han Feng's explanation.

'How old is this guy?! Even if he started cultivating from the womb, there's no way he could master both alchemy and Dou Qi to such terrifying heights.'

Was this guy… a monster?

Suddenly—clap, clap, clap…

Crisp applause broke the silence in the suffocating hall.

"As expected of Yao Chen's disciple. Such keen insight."

Lin Ran chuckled and casually stowed the Bodhi Fluid into his storage ring.

Then, with a flick of his hand, the soul pouch in his grasp quivered. Yuan Yi, who had been trembling beside him, suddenly convulsed as if seeing an unimaginable horror. He let out a gut-wrenching scream before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.

To the horror of all, Lin Ran's soul pouch stirred again, and a dull-gray wisp of soul force was forcibly drawn from Yuan Yi's body and sucked into the pouch.

The entire hall shuddered. Everyone—including Mo Tianxing—felt their scalps go numb.

"Hall of Souls…"

Many powerhouses from the Black-Corner Region revealed horrified expressions.

As a chaotic land, they had access to far more secret information than most regions. Of course they knew about the Hall of Souls—deemed the most terrifying faction on the continent.

Yet none of them had expected this youth before them to be from the Hall of Souls!

"Impossible! There's no way you're from the Hall of Souls!"

Han Feng muttered, utterly shaken. He was likely the one here with the deepest understanding of that organization.

The Hall of Souls coveted souls above all else, refining them into pure essence. Alchemists, blessed with strong soul power, were naturally prime targets.

Han Feng's master was Yao Zun-zhe, the top alchemist on the continent, and countless Hall of Souls members had targeted him. As his disciple, Han Feng had inevitably crossed paths with them—especially after betraying his master.

He had once sought refuge in the Black-Corner Region and even cooperated with members of the Hall of Souls. But never had he heard of a Protector like Lin Ran.

"It seems you've all recognized me."

Lin Ran smiled warmly as he stripped the storage ring from Yuan Yi's finger and tucked it away.

"Since you know, why not take a seat in my soul pouch and have a nice chat?"

"You brat, this is the Black-Corner Region, not your Hall of Souls! You think you can act lawlessly here?!"

"Exactly! You're just one person. We have nearly a thousand strong. Even if you're mighty, there's no way you can kill us all before exhausting your Dou Qi!"

"You think being from the Hall of Souls gives you a free pass?!"

Only those at the Dou Huang level or above could still speak under Lin Ran's oppressive soul and Dou Qi pressure.

In the VIP sky seats, the top experts of each faction exchanged grim looks.

"Don't underestimate the Hall of Souls. If we don't kill this man here and now, we'll have hell to pay in the future."

Han Feng sneered coldly, his eyes flicking toward the Gold and Silver Brothers, Fang Yan, and finally settling on Mo Tianxing of the Black Emperor Sect.

They were the strongest present. The Gold and Silver Brothers, once fused, could fight a Dou Zong. Fang Yan, the Grand Elder of Demon Flame Valley, was at half-step Dou Zong. Mo Tianxing himself was a genuine four-star Dou Zong—formidable beyond compare.

Defeating Lin Ran required their combined efforts.

"No need for further words, I understand."

Fang Yan inhaled deeply, Dou Qi surging around him.

"Didn't think this brat would be this terrifying… Han Feng, does your offer still stand?" asked the Gold and Silver Brothers.

'Damn vultures, even now they're bargaining!' Han Feng cursed inwardly. These Black-Corner Region scum would rob a corpse of its bones—but with such a powerful foe before them, he could only suppress his irritation and smile.

"Relax, I've never gone back on my word."

"Then let's begin!"

The Gold and Silver Brothers stepped forward, Dou Qi flaring.

The other powerhouses followed suit, eyes filled with killing intent.

Mo Tianxing's expression was grim. He had tried to use his Dou Qi to teleport Mo Ya and the others out, but failed—Lin Ran had sealed the space. The only way out… was through Lin Ran.

"Father, I think that brat has ties with those three girls. Let me take them hostage first," suggested Mo Ya, a twisted smile on his face.

"Go," Mo Tianxing nodded.

He had long noticed the three girls—one Dou Shi, one Da Dou Shi, one early Dou Huang. Mo Ya, a six-star Dou Huang, could handle them easily.

And frankly, he didn't want Mo Ya participating in the main fight and getting himself killed.

"Everyone, attack now!" Han Feng barked.

At his command, a cold and potent aura erupted from his body. Deep-blue flames surged in his palms.

The Gold and Silver Brothers grinned and released pale-green Dou Qi beams.

The three Grand Elders of Demon Flame Valley vanished, only to reappear around Lin Ran in a deadly triangle, striking with precision toward his blind spots.

Almost simultaneously, Mo Tianxing materialized before Lin Ran, Dou Qi condensed on his fists, warping the air.

"You may be strong, brat, but you made one mistake—picking a fight with too many of us!"

"Die!"

"Heh."

Lin Ran laughed lightly. Despite being surrounded, he showed no fear—only excitement flickering in his eyes.

His Dou Qi surged, blasting the three ambushers away. Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he blocked Mo Tianxing's punch.

"Eleven Dou Huangs, seven peak Dou Huangs, and one Dou Zong…"

"Let's try this trick."

Lin Ran grinned and formed a hand seal.

Whoosh!

Countless black chains erupted from his soul pouch, spreading like a demonic web with Lin Ran at the center—like a true devil god.

The chains pierced through flesh, drawing out souls with horrifying screeches. The souls clung to the chains, then were devoured, leaving behind eerie black glows.

"Nether Soul Spider Web!"

The venue became a slaughterhouse. In mere moments, ninety percent of the crowd was dead. The remaining few watched in stunned horror.

Lin Ran had cleansed the entire arena. From a thousand participants, only a handful remained.

"Such a terrifying Dou Technique… we can't let this guy live!" Fang Yan wiped the sweat from his brow, his voice cold.

"Han Feng, let's assist Mo Tianxing together!"

Before he could finish, Fang Yan barked, "Second! Third!"

The other two elders retreated and began casting. Three pale-gray flames rose from their bodies and merged mid-air into a strange gray-brown flame.

Its heat twisted the air—nearly comparable to a Heavenly Flame.

"A man-made Heavenly Flame…" Han Feng's eyes gleamed.

The gray flame hovered above Fang Yan like a second sun.

With a sneer, Fang Yan split the flame into three and absorbed it with the other elders. Their auras surged violently.

'If I can master that Flame Control Art, it'll patch up the flaws in my Flame Mantra nicely!'

Han Feng had already decided—after killing Lin Ran, he'd take Demon Flame Valley's technique for himself.

With the three elders at full power, Han Feng joined in.

He pressed both palms forward—deep-blue flames exploded like a tidal wave.

Sea Heart Flame!

Blue merged with gray. Temperatures soared. Han Feng conjured a deep-blue trident from flame and hurled it.

"Sea Flame Trident!"

Meanwhile, Fang Yan shouted, "Starfire Phoenix!"

A massive gray firebird emerged from the merged flames, spreading its wings with a deafening cry.

Even Lin Ran looked surprised.

With Heavenly Flame aid, Han Feng was a half-step Dou Zong, and Fang Yan—with the help of the other elders—had reached true Dou Zong strength.

'These Black-Corner rats do have some tricks up their sleeves…'

"Very well. Let's see you try."

Emboldened, Mo Tianxing attacked.

Under twin fire assaults, even Lin Ran's soul pressure began to burn and weaken.

This thrilled the group.

"You're trash."

Lin Ran tossed aside his soul pouch. It was ineffective against fire and lightning—too direct and explosive.

Instead, Dou Qi surged through his body. Forming seals at lightning speed, brilliant crystalline light formed in his palms.

"Mountain Splitting Seal!"

He struck the Sea Flame Trident—shatter! It broke into blue flames, scattered by the shockwave.

Then—"Ocean Turning Seal!"

He smashed into the giant firebird. It screamed in agony and collapsed into feathers and sparks.

Left and right—Mountain Splitting and Ocean Turning!

Two peerless attacks, destroyed by Lin Ran's palms alone.

Seeing this, Mo Tianxing's pupils shrank.

"What… what kind of technique is this?!"

"No—it's just that he's too strong! Han Feng and Fang Yan's attacks can't even match him!"

Mo Tianxing, terrified but with no way out, gathered all his strength.

In response, Lin Ran simply smiled.

And slapped.

"Earth Covering Seal!"

A crystalline palm print shot out and slammed into Mo Tianxing's body.

Boom!

A thunderous explosion shook the auction hall. Buildings shattered. The venue was on the verge of collapse.

"That's… the Imperial Seal Art! How can you possibly know that?!"

Han Feng screamed. As Yao Chen's disciple and a former member of Starfall Pavilion, he recognized the technique—a signature of a faction that loathed the Hall of Souls.

'Could this guy be a traitor from that force who later joined the Hall of Souls?!'

His heart pounded with panic. This man was beyond what he could handle—even his master wouldn't dare confront him.

Escape. He had to escape.

But how?

His eyes swept across the battlefield—and landed on Mo Ya, who was being beaten by Lin Ran's three female attendants.

'Got it!'

With a sinister smile, Han Feng flicked a blue flame at Mo Ya.

Mo Ya, in the middle of a clash, suddenly faltered. Green-clad Lü Yi seized the opportunity.

"Wood Bind Execution!"

A jade-white palm struck Mo Ya's chest—vines exploded from within, skewering him like a porcupine.

"Ya'er!!!"

A heart-wrenching scream echoed—Mo Tianxing, battered and bruised, had just risen to his feet in time to see his only son perish.

His eyes turned blood-red.

"You killed my son! You all deserve to die!!"

His full Dou Zong aura erupted.

In the air, Han Feng feigned urgency.

"Calm down, Sect Master Mo. If you lose your mind now—"

"My son is dead and you want me calm?!"

Mo Tianxing flew into a rage.

He had poured his life into Mo Ya. The child had promise, talent, and potential to surpass even him.

Now, all gone.

"I'll bury you with him!!"

He charged at Lin Ran.

Han Feng sighed and muttered, "Fang Yan, we must go all-out. Or we'll end up like Mo Ya."

"I know!"

Fang Yan's face twisted with fury.

"Blood Flame Offering!"

The three elders each bit their tongues, spitting out blood essence. The blood merged and entered the Starfire Phoenix.

Its color turned blood-red. Its aura grew tenfold. The beast gained rudimentary sentience and shrieked into the sky.

"Kill him!"

With a cry, Fang Yan pointed.

"Chirp!!"

The phoenix shrieked and flew like a spear toward Lin Ran—joined by Mo Tianxing.

Even Lin Ran's expression shifted slightly.

Seeing this, Mo Tianxing laughed.

"Die, brat!!"

"Hmph… first time testing this move in real combat. Let's see how it performs."

Lin Ran's hand seals blurred.

Suddenly, the wind stopped.

Even the Sea Heart Flame froze in place.

A monstrous aura of annihilation spread from Lin Ran's body…

Sensing it, everyone—including Han Feng and Mo Tianxing—turned pale.

"A monster! He's really a monster!!"

Han Feng shrieked, detonated his own Heavenly Flame, tore space, and fled in panic.

But the rest weren't so lucky.

Too close.

Too late.

Too doomed.

…

Meanwhile, in Twilight City of the Black-Corner Region—

"Terrifying… so terrifying…" Zi Yan panted, finally safe after escaping Black Seal City. She removed her black robe, collapsing in exhaustion.

"You're exaggerating," Su Qian chuckled. "That boy is strong, but not enough to scare you like this."

"You don't get it! He's worse than a magical beast! In front of him, I felt like I'd be eaten at any moment!"

Su Qian was about to reply when two elderly figures appeared—Cloaked in grey.

Startled, he bowed. "Seniors, why—"

"Buzz—!"

Without a word, the two elders formed seals. Space distorted like rippling cloth.

"Hey hey! Old man Su Qian, what are they doing?!" Zi Yan tugged at his sleeve.

Thwack! A bonk landed on her head.

"Show respect! They're the academy's guardians—Elder Qian and Elder Bai!"

"Guardians?!" Zi Yan was stunned.

"Yes. They're powerful protectors left behind by the dean. If they're acting… something serious is happening."

Realization struck Su Qian.

The space barrier they formed was near the route to Jia Nan Academy. If Lin Ran's attack spread—!

"Don't dawdle! Help us stabilize it before the fluctuation hits the academy!"

One elder barked. Su Qian quickly obeyed, channeling his Dou Qi.

As space twisted and the guardians frowned, Zi Yan blinked in confusion.

"What are they rambling about?"

Su Qian forced a bitter smile.

"Honestly? I don't know either… but I'm guessing—it has something to do with that guy."

"That guy…?"

Zi Yan shivered as Lin Ran's calm, smiling face surfaced in her mind.

…

Back in Black Seal City—

Lin Ran raised a single finger and gently pressed it into the void.

At that moment, all of Black Seal City froze. A wave of deathly annihilation surged from his finger like a hurricane from the depths of the underworld.

"Great Annihilation Finger!"

(End of Chapter)