Chapter 97: Slaying the Venerable

A brilliant crystalline handprint hovered in Lin Ran's palm, releasing a formidable wave of pressure that caused the surrounding space to tremble violently.

This elder in purple robes was undoubtedly a Dou Venerable. With Lin Ran's current strength, ordinary techniques would barely scratch him. Therefore, if he struck, it had to be with everything he had—no room for hesitation.

Even the elder in purple showed a hint of surprise as he sensed the massive energy forming in Lin Ran's hand.

"To manifest such a threatening attack with only peak Dou Zong strength... This kid really has some tricks up his sleeve."

Still, to think he could defeat a Dou Venerable with that alone—it was a bit too naive.

But that technique… the Imperial Seal Art?! Could he really be of Gu Clan descent?

While doubt flickered in the purple-robed elder's eyes, Lin Ran unleashed the greenish handprint from his palm. As it detached, the space around him surged in violent ripples like spreading waves.

The moment it left Lin Ran's hand, the imprint trembled and suddenly vanished. Only someone with sharp vision could catch the faint green beam piercing through the space, silently shooting toward the elder.

This covert approach would catch an average opponent off guard. But a Dou Venerable like the elder had already locked onto every subtle move.

'Hmph.'

With a cold snort, he glared at the oncoming attack and didn't even bother to dodge.

As a revered elder of the Soul Clan, his pride forbade him from avoiding a mere Dou Zong—no matter how unusual or possibly of ancient blood this opponent might be.

The emerald imprint shot toward him with terrifying speed. Within seconds, it hovered mere meters above his head, and its energy surged out violently, shedding its stealthy disguise.

A blinding green radiance exploded forth. Han Feng beside them quickly shut his eyes as his spirit trembled in shock.

'Can a Dou Zong really unleash something like this?'

The elder's expression twitched—barely perceptible, but there. He knew the Imperial Seal Art well. But to cultivate it to this level? That was more than impressive.

Without further delay, he swiftly formed hand seals. Five streams of sticky black mist surged from his fingertips and coiled into eerie black chains, shooting out to intercept the green handprint.

Boom!

A thunderous explosion erupted as waves of energy spread in all directions. Lin Ran's figure was forced back in a flash of golden light.

'A mere Dou Zong dares face me head-on? Seeking death!'

With a cold sneer, the elder brushed away the residual energy and flicked his fingers. The black chains snapped forward like vipers, aiming straight for Lin Ran's vital points.

The chains were terrifyingly fast, leaving trails of afterimages in the sky.

'Aurora Thunder Dragon Step!'

Lin Ran's body turned into golden lightning, darting about at high speed.

'Hmm? That movement technique…'

Surprise crossed the elder's face. Lin Ran's body skill was swift and fluid, like a dragon weaving through clouds—refined and masterful.

'This brat hides many secrets...'

Crackling!

The black chains struck only illusions. Lin Ran's movement speed had already outpaced even a Dou Venerable's perception.

'He's no newly advanced Dou Zun. He's faster than expected.'

Dodging continuously, Lin Ran measured the old man's strength.

"I thought Han Feng gathered Black-Corner Region experts just for convenience. I didn't expect this bastard to summon a Soul Hall elder!"

He had nearly forgotten Han Feng once colluded with Soul Hall to bring down Yao Chen.

'To evade me this long with only Dou Zong strength—you're worthy of pride.'

The elder chuckled darkly and leaned forward like a predator ready to strike.

'But I don't have time to play. Once I capture you, I'll return to the Soul Mountain.'

In a flash, the elder vanished.

The instant he disappeared, Lin Ran sensed a dry hand piercing from nearby void, aiming straight for his throat.

Though no Dou Qi surrounded it, the hand tore space apart in its wake.

'A true Dou Venerable technique—space traversal!'

Lin Ran's expression sharpened as golden light erupted from his body, launching him away in a burst of speed.

'What?!'

Missing again, the elder's pupils contracted as Lin Ran reappeared and slammed a fist into his arms, numbing them instantly.

Before he could stabilize, another punch struck his lower back, sending him flying through the air.

'Lord Qin Tian!'

'How… how is this possible?!'

Han Feng was dumbfounded.

'A Soul Hall elder—a Dou Venerable—was just blown away?!'

Lin Ran stood bathed in golden radiance, his eyes gleaming, his body wrapped in shimmering light like armor.

Back when he was only a seven-star Dou Zong, he could already clash with Dou Zun. Now, having reached peak Dou Zong, he was effectively a first-tier Dou Zun in power!

'Saint Origin Burning Blood!'

In a flash, his phantom-like figure reappeared, launching a crushing golden punch at the elder's skull.

It hit again, sending Qin Tian tumbling through the sky like a sack.

'So you're a Soul Hall elder, huh? Acting like you're all-powerful!'

Blow after blow landed. The so-called Dou Venerable was reduced to little more than a sandbag.

'Enough!'

A surge of Dou Zun aura shattered the surrounding space, interrupting Lin Ran's attack.

Black mist swirled again as Qin Tian emerged, eyes dark and filled with rage.

'You think secret techniques alone can defeat me?!'

'Why not find out?'

Lin Ran answered calmly, killing intent in his voice.

'Madness!'

Qin Tian sneered, but just as he finished speaking, Lin Ran vanished again—his movements like golden lightning.

Cold sweat broke out on the elder's back as instinct made him retreat.

But it was too late.

Lin Ran reappeared, golden fist crashing into space. Though it missed, the shattered void shook Qin Tian to the core.

'His movement technique is insanely advanced—and he's so fast now. Even I can't keep up!'

Furious and humiliated, Qin Tian roared, 'I'm a three-star Dou Zun! You think a Dou Zong brat can defeat me?!'

His fingers twisted into a seal, and space began to warp.

'Spatial Seal!'

Ripples spread like wrinkled cloth across the sky. Lin Ran's speed plummeted as his surroundings locked down.

Black mist exploded as ghostly figures rose behind Qin Tian—wielding chains and dripping malice.

'Nine Nether Bone Spirits!'

The ghost army surged with terrifying power.

'He's furious now.'

Qin Tian had unleashed his full might—every ounce of Dou Qi in his body summoned to crush Lin Ran.

The sky collapsed where the ghosts passed, revealing endless darkness.

"Hmph."

Despite being bound, Lin Ran only smiled.

Qin Tian's heart skipped a beat.

Lin Ran raised his right hand, and golden light surged. A palm-sized crimson-gold imprint formed.

Even Qin Tian felt breathless at the pressure.

'Heaven-Tier Technique?!'

'Great Sun Sacred Flame Palm!'

BOOM!!!

A palm brighter than the sun tore through reality. The entire sky lit up with holy golden fire.

All ghostly figures vanished in its blaze.

Qin Tian's mind reeled.

'A Heaven-tier technique? Even I don't have one!'

Panicked, he turned to flee.

But Lin Ran's cold voice echoed:

'Trying to run?'

The seal's brilliance surged. Qin Tian, caught mid-flight, was swallowed in golden light.

At the same time…

In Jia Nan Academy.

Central Plaza.

The arena was packed, the crowd boiling with excitement.

'So much youthful energy.' Elder Su Qian smiled as he observed from a nearby tower.

'The strong list is filled with talent lately. The Dean would be proud.'

Beside him sat two figures playing chess—Elder Qian and Elder Bai.

'Hmph, the Dean wouldn't care if the whole Academy fell,' Elder Qian said with a laugh.

Their teasing was only tolerated by those few old enough to dare.

'What about the girl in the outer court?' Elder Bai asked suddenly.

'Let her be,' Elder Qian sighed. 'Even the Dean wouldn't want trouble with her. Her two guards are both Venerable-level!'

'She's behaved well so far,' Su Qian noted. 'But what I'm really worried about is… that boy in the Black-Corner Region.'

The old men grew silent. Then their expressions shifted.

A violent surge of Dou Qi exploded in the distance—far beyond Dou Zong level.

'It's him! And it's not the same technique as last time.'

'He has more than one Heaven-tier technique?!'

'His strength's soared! He's at the peak of Dou Zong—maybe even Dou Zun!'

'This is bad!'

The two vanished in space, leaving only ripples behind.

Shortly after, two more Venerables arrived, then disappeared without a word.

'Things are out of our hands now,' Elder Bai sighed.

'A battle between Venerables… let's hope it doesn't involve the Academy.'

…

Golden light swallowed all shadows.

Qin Tian's screams echoed across the sky.

The Sacred Flame Palm was too powerful. Soul Hall elders were most vulnerable to its holy might.

When the light faded, only a shattered corpse fell from the sky.

Han Feng stood frozen.

'A Soul Hall elder—dead…'

Qin Tian's body was broken, his chest imprinted with Lin Ran's final strike.

Another Dou Venerable slain.

'Got any more tricks?' Lin Ran scoffed, storing the corpse.

Another body for future use. Refined into a Soul Puppet, even if it dropped a level, it remained a Dou Zun.

'No! Don't—!'

'You don't get a choice.'

Lin Ran clapped once. Han Feng exploded into blood mist.

From it, Lin Ran pulled his soul and the attached Heart Flame.

He stored both safely, as well as Han Feng's full storage.

'Slaughtering and looting as if this were your Yunyu Sect?'

A voice echoed coldly from space. Lin Ran paused, then calmly pocketed the last of his spoils.

He turned toward the one-armed elder before him, sneering.

'Still flapping that mouth, old man?'

Veins bulged on the elder's forehead.

'So arrogant! You think you're invincible?! What about the Soul Hall Heaven Venerables?'

'Them?'

Lin Ran laughed.

'They're not the only powerful ones in the world. As long as they're restrained, trash like what I just killed means nothing.'

He was bold. Insanely so. But he had the strength to match.

The elder gritted his teeth.

'Damned brat. You and your teachers…'

'What do you want?' Lin Ran asked bluntly.

He acted as if he were certain this ancient clan's elder wouldn't dare touch him.

The old man raised a brow.

'You're spent after that fight. What if I take you on now?'

'You lost an arm, not your brain. Did you forget my constitution?'

That mocking look enraged the elder.

'Damn. I really did forget.'

'Don't dawdle. That guy was a three-star Dou Zun. You're just one-star. Even with your backup… it's still only a hassle at best.'

As Lin Ran spoke, another figure stepped from the torn space—a cloaked elder.

'Old Han, trying to hide from him was pointless.'

'I just wanted to confirm a few things.'

Han replied mildly.

'You're strong, but against both of us… you still can't win.'

'Wanna bet?'

Lin Ran raised a brow.

The air around them froze.

A suffocating silence descended.

(End of Chapter)