Chapter 96: Slaying the Demon Elder—Soul Hall Envoy Arrives

The atmosphere within the council hall was slightly oppressive. Han Feng swept his gaze across the room and slowly opened his mouth.

'Everyone.'

'I believe by now you've all heard the recent news. That man—founder of the so-called Sacred Rain Sect—has begun a massacre across the Black-Corner Region, seizing territory and eliminating sects.'

There was a stir within the hall. Clearly, Han Feng's words had struck a nerve among the gathered elites.

'Muchen City, Skull City, Flame City—these three major cities have all fallen into Sacred Rain Sect's hands.' Han Feng gently tapped the armrest of his chair. His voice, though calm, landed like a thunderclap among the seated powerhouses.

Though many had heard whispers over the past couple of days, no one had dared to confirm them. After all, the sect leaders of those three cities were all supposedly present. But now, Han Feng had effectively announced the truth.

'That man's strength is terrifying, and his greed knows no bounds. Back at the Black Seal Auction, he slaughtered everyone for a drop of Bodhi Essence. I was the sole survivor. If he turns his blade on us, how many here can guarantee they'll escape alive?'

His words sent a cold silence through the hall.

All turned to look at each other, grim-faced. Only the eerie calm of the Demon Elder, seated at Han Feng's right, remained unchanged.

Some present were renowned old monsters—Dou Huangs, ancestral figures of old sects. Yet even the once-dominant Mo Tianxing of the Black Emperor Sect had fallen to Lin Ran. What hope did they have?

'Haha… Brother Han, you speak truthfully. That man is strong—no doubt. But are we to simply sit here and wait to die?' A grey-robed old man with a sinister face finally broke the silence.

'We've gathered here today to unite—to resist this madman and bring light back to the Black-Corner Region! I believe, as long as we stand together, we can bury him!'

'Well said! United we stand!'

'For the future of us all!'

'Brother Han, we recognize your leadership. Please guide us!'

Their voices rose in unison, pledging loyalty. Han Feng's expression slowly relaxed into a smile.

'Very well. As you've all said—we meet today for one reason: to solve this threat and restore balance to the Black-Corner Region.'

But there was a faint trace of malice behind that smile.

'Of course, not to discourage morale, but that man's power is indeed overwhelming. Thus, I've invited two more exceptional individuals to assist us.'

'First—Demon Flame Valley's founder, the Demon Elder!'

Han Feng turned to the withered, skeleton-like old man seated beside him. 'The valley master's cultivation has reached perfection—seven-star Dou Zong. Though that brat has slain Sect Master Mo, he's merely a high-tier Dou Zong at best. With the valley master by our side, this battle is already halfway won.'

The Demon Elder gave a slight nod. 'Greetings.'

Though no aura was released, his vacant, ghostly gaze alone silenced the hall. No one dared meet his eyes.

His name rang like thunder in this region. Though not of the current generation, everyone knew the tales: how he had created Demon Flame Valley single-handedly and stood toe-to-toe with Jia Nan Academy's principal in the past.

'And besides the valley master… we have another supreme ally.'

Han Feng smiled mysteriously. 'This one's identity is… special. Due to certain engagements, they couldn't attend today, but know this—with the valley master and our mysterious benefactor, Sacred Rain Sect is nothing to fear.'

A stir of curiosity rippled through the crowd. Though unsure who this mystery figure was, the Demon Elder alone was enough to assure them.

Seeing no objections, Han Feng's smile deepened.

'Once we defeat Lin Ran, all of Sacred Rain Sect's resources shall be yours to plunder. I only ask that you leave Lin Ran to me.'

'In exchange, I'll offer generous compensation.'

Laughter erupted. No one refused. They all knew Han Feng bore a deep grudge—being the only one to survive the Black Seal massacre had stained his pride forever. Naturally, he would want revenge.

But beneath his smile, Han Feng's thoughts darkened.

"I don't just hate him… What I truly want is the fragment of the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame in his possession."

Ranked third on the Heavenly Flame List, a flame that could purify all things—Han Feng hadn't told anyone about it. The fewer who knew, the better his chances of claiming it.

Just as the crowd began strategizing…

The Demon Elder's eyes suddenly opened, a flicker of unease appearing on his face. He turned sharply toward the southern sky—where a terrifying presence now lingered in the air.

He recognized this aura. He had felt it once before, when a tier-seven pill emerged in the desolate mountains…

'Lin Ran…'

'What?!' Han Feng also turned, sensing the pressure.

Confused by their reactions, a cautious elder asked, 'Brother Han… Valley Master… what's wrong?'

'Our prey has arrived,' the Demon Elder cackled.

Lin Ran hadn't hidden his aura, nor did he unleash it fully—but the moment he entered Maple City, all could sense him. The bustling city quieted instantly, all eyes turning toward the sky.

'That's the Blood Sect's Fan Lao! And the Skull Tomb's sect master!'

'The Medicine Sovereign is gathering every powerhouse in the region!'

'Wait… is that… the Demon Elder?!'

The crowd in Maple City exploded with noise. Han Feng's name held unmatched prestige, but strength ruled here. Once someone stronger appeared, prestige could shatter in an instant.

'Lin Ran! How dare you waltz into my Maple City?! This isn't Black Seal City!' Han Feng shouted.

Looking down at him from the skies, Lin Ran smiled calmly.

'Impressive, Han Feng. You've done well collecting all this trash for me.'

That one phrase stunned the audience—but realization quickly followed. Furious glares turned skyward. Han Feng laughed coldly.

'Arrogant fool! Do you think yourself invincible? This is Maple City! You'll find no escape today!'

'He must die!'

'He dares steal my city, massacre my sect! Today, we settle this!'

But before they could act, Lin Ran casually raised a finger. A beam of emerald Dou Qi streaked through the air. Blood splattered. A headless corpse fell—Fan Lao.

The crowd fell silent.

'Fan Lao… Lord Fan Lao…'

A four-star Dou Huang had fallen in a single move.

Han Feng's face turned ashen.

This madman had the same disregard for life as before—calm and utterly ruthless.

'Valley Master!' Han Feng barked. The Demon Elder rose slowly.

'Boy… so you're the one who killed my three elders?'

Lin Ran sighed.

'Really, Han Feng? This is the ace you prepared for me? A mere seven-star Dou Zong? Do you actually believe he can beat me?'

'"Mere" seven-star Dou Zong?! Very well…' The Demon Elder's voice grew cold, and his fingertips released five sharp, icy blasts of Dou Qi toward Lin Ran's head.

But Lin Ran didn't move. His Pure Yang Dou Qi shield easily deflected the attack.

'I've heard tales of you matching Jia Nan Academy's principal in your prime. But he became a Dou Zun long ago. And you… you're still here.'

'Ah… I see. You're just part of the trash tier.'

'Die!!'

The Demon Elder roared. Dark energy surged. Ice shards erupted, morphing into a massive black ice sword.

'Ice Condensation Sword Art!'

Han Feng joined in, summoning a long flame blade from his Sea Heart Flame. Their combined technique radiated freezing and burning force alike.

'Everyone, now! Attack the Sacred Rain Sect!' Han Feng shouted.

Their confidence surged. With Lin Ran pinned down, they rushed to attack. But just as they moved, they froze mid-air.

'Space lockdown?!'

Han Feng's expression twisted. Lin Ran had not only withstood their dual attack, but still maintained the energy to suppress dozens of Dou Huangs.

'No need to worry. I'll break it!' the Demon Elder snarled, unleashing his cold Dou Qi.

But nothing changed. The space remained sealed.

The Demon Elder's face twitched. He understood now.

'He's not just a high-tier Dou Zong…'

'He's peak Dou Zong.'

Terror set in.

'Lord Lin… perhaps we've had a misunderstanding. I… I'll take my leave…'

His fearful words echoed across the silent sky. No one could believe what they heard.

A legendary powerhouse… begging for mercy?

Lin Ran chuckled.

'You've come this far. Why not stay a little longer?'

His voice fell, and a tremendous pressure exploded forth, shaking the heavens. Even Han Feng felt helpless.

'Time to clean up the trash.'

Lin Ran clenched his fist.

'No!'

Space collapsed. Screams echoed. Blood and limbs flew. Dozens of Dou Huangs perished in an instant.

'That's… space collapse…?!' Han Feng's voice trembled.

The Demon Elder panicked. He had to act. Pouring his blood essence into his technique, he summoned a monstrous dark cloud that dropped the temperature around him to terrifying levels.

'Blood Ice Annihilation!'

The entire sky frosted over.

But against Lin Ran's Pure Yang Dou Qi and Green Lotus Core Flame, it was laughably ineffective. His barrier didn't even flicker.

The Demon Elder vanished.

'Damn coward actually ran?!'

Han Feng's heart collapsed.

But Lin Ran turned calmly toward a spot in the void.

With a casual clench of his fist, the air twisted—and the Demon Elder's mangled corpse fell from a spatial rift.

'Trying to escape? You really are brainless.'

With a sneer, Lin Ran stowed the corpse.

Han Feng's body trembled. His hope was gone.

'Your turn, dear "filial" son.'

Lin Ran raised his hand. Space around Han Feng distorted.

'No—!'

A sudden spatial ripple tore him free—but not before his right arm was shredded.

'Consider this mercy. Now, count the price of that saved life.'

A cold voice echoed as a purple-robed figure stepped from the void.

This newcomer glanced at Han Feng indifferently before shifting his eyes toward Lin Ran.

'What rich blood and soul power… and a spirit domain soul, no less. Seems I came at the right time.'

'Boy… you've been impersonating a Soul Hall envoy, haven't you?'

Lin Ran said nothing. But every sense was now locked on this figure.

'A Dou Zun from Soul Hall… So this is Han Feng's true ace.'

The elder's expression was calm.

'You impersonated one of our envoys. Why not become a real one? Join Soul Hall as a Heaven-Class Envoy. With your talent, I guarantee you'll become a Dou Zun within years.'

'With that status, you'll be equal to me.'

Han Feng's face twitched—but dared not interrupt.

Lin Ran grinned.

'Nice offer. But…'

His hands suddenly moved, forming ancient seals. His Dou Qi surged like a flood.

'Mountain Crushing Seal.'

'Sea Turning Seal.'

'Earth Shattering Seal.'

Three seals formed into one. Even Lin Ran's face flushed from the strain.

A radiant palm imprint lit the sky, distorting space.

The moment it struck, the Soul Hall elder's expression changed dramatically.

'That's… the Emperor Imprint Art?! Are you from the Ancient Clan?!'

(End of Chapter)