Chapter 187: A Difficult Choice
Just how destructive was the Four-Colored Fire Lotus? Even Yao Yan himself wasn't entirely sure. According to the original novel's description, its power was enough to overwhelm even Dou Zun-level experts. Let alone a Dou Zong—on the scale of Dou Techniques, the Fire Lotus was undeniably beyond its class. Even if it wasn't quite a true heaven-tier technique, it was likely not far off.
After all, the Five-Wheel Departing Flame Technique that gathered five heavenly flames could already go toe-to-toe with heaven-tier Dou Techniques!
At that moment, Cai Lin had no time to be annoyed by Yao Yan's earlier antics—her sharp gaze was locked on the swirling, collapsing cloud of frost in the distance. That technique, formed by a seven-star Dou Zong's all-out defense, now looked like a tattered sieve, with multicolored flames erupting from within, tearing it apart. The energies inside churned violently—ice and flame, two completely opposite forces, had clearly reached their breaking point.
BOOM—
Space itself seemed to tremble as a pillar of light shot skyward, visible even from hundreds of miles away. The devastating force within the beam tore rifts through space—hideously black and dense.
Even Dou Zong experts went pale at the destructive force. Fear flickered in their eyes.
Farther back, Yuan Yi, the master of the Eight Gates, swallowed nervously. His mouth was dry, overwhelmed with awe—and a bit of relief. If that attack had struck Black Seal City directly, it would have reduced the city and everything within a hundred miles to ruins.
And yet the pillar of light was still expanding at a visible rate, indicating that its energy hadn't finished discharging.
The terrifying sight caused many of the surrounding onlookers to flee in panic. Even Dou Huangs didn't hesitate—if they were caught in the aftermath of such an attack, they wouldn't survive.
"It's out of control…" Yao Yan's expression changed slightly. He lowered the hand that had covered Cai Lin's ears and stared at the rapidly swelling light pillar. The energy inside was on the verge of a second explosion. He had clearly underestimated the power of the Four-Colored Fire Lotus. This super-tier Dou Technique rivaling heaven-tier ones was well beyond his current ability to control. If left unchecked, the explosion would engulf Black Seal City entirely.
Cai Lin sensed his intent. She grabbed his arm and asked coldly, "What are you trying to do?"
"It's about to detonate. I'm going to redirect it slightly."
Yao Yan spoke lightly.
"…Are you sure you can do that?" Cai Lin frowned deeply. The energy within the expanding beam hadn't weakened in the slightest. Just the spatial rifts swirling around it were enough to make most Dou Zongs tremble in fear.
Dou Zong cultivators might control space—but that didn't mean their bodies could withstand its ravaging force. Even high-tier Dou Zongs could be bisected if caught in those rifts. Space was not a playful element; only Dou Zuns could truly master it.
"I'm somewhat confident. If not… I'll run." Yao Yan smiled calmly, reassuring her with a glance. Then he gently pulled his arm from her grasp, formed hand seals, and unleashed his soul power like a massive hand to suppress the beam. His dou qi surged forth.
If this immense fire energy could be transformed into the Eight Desolation Heaven-Burning Seal, it might elevate the technique several grades.
Unfortunately, Yao Yan's current strength wasn't enough.
It was like a child wielding a broadsword—he couldn't use it smoothly, only shift it slightly. But that would suffice.
Before everyone's eyes, Yao Yan's emerald-flamed figure appeared before the beam. With his hand seals, the wild pillar of fire began to slow its expansion.
"Condense!"
With a soft shout, veins popped in Yao Yan's eyes. The pillar compressed, then violently redirected in a different direction.
From a distance, it looked like the massive pillar of energy had bent.
"When are we moving? That kid can't hold out much longer," the Heavenly Flame Master said seriously. He could feel Yao Yan's weakening soul. That Four-Colored Fire Lotus had already drained him, and now he was forcibly redirecting the detonation—putting immense pressure on his soul.
"Any moment now…" Yao Lao said grimly.
As soon as he finished, his figure vanished.
The Heavenly Flame Master hesitated—then followed.
…
At that moment, the destructive energy surged toward the horizon. Everywhere it passed, space twisted and collapsed. The fiery beam extended nearly a kilometer until space itself warped violently.
And then, a battered figure was forcibly ejected.
It was Earth Demon Old Ghost.
He had endured the full force of the Four-Colored Fire Lotus—but he was in terrible shape. Most of his robe had been incinerated. His skin was grotesquely burned, with patches of coagulated blood making him look like a peeled, bloodied ghoul. His skeletal face was almost unrecognizable—his eyes and nose barely distinguishable.
Even a seven-star Dou Zong had been reduced to this.
"That damned brat…" Earth Demon Old Ghost seethed, glaring at Yao Yan with venomous eyes. Never in his life had he been pushed this far by a junior. Even against Elders Qian and Bai, he had only lost an arm. But now, his entire body had been ravaged. If not for his space-tempered body, he would have died.
In the next instant—
He vanished like a ghost and reappeared beside Yao Yan, forming a blood-colored ghost claw to strike Yao Yan, hoping to kill him while he was weakened.
Swish—
A rainbow-colored energy beam intercepted him. Cai Lin appeared, her gaze icy. Without a word, she swung her sword, unleashing another rainbow slash.
"You think a one-star Dou Zong can stop me?" Earth Demon Old Ghost sneered. He was injured, yes—but far from helpless.
Cai Lin didn't reply. She simply clashed with him head-on, terrifying energy exploding around Yao Yan.
"Should I step in?" Yao Lao and the Heavenly Flame Master reached Yao Yan's side, hidden in the Bone Flame Ring, and sent him a message.
"No need. I can handle it."
Yao Yan chuckled, retrieved a tier-7 Instant Qi Pill, and restored much of his energy. Then he called out:
"Cai Lin, come!"
Without hesitation, Cai Lin backed toward him. Earth Demon Old Ghost chased, eyes gleaming with vicious intent.
"Perfect timing."
Yao Yan grinned. He released control of the energy beam, pulled Cai Lin behind him, and let the destructive energy detonate fully.
Earth Demon Old Ghost's expression shifted—he tried to retreat, but it was too late.
Buzz—
Without restraint, the energy erupted into a blinding sun, swallowing everything—including Yao Yan and Earth Demon Old Ghost.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion rocked the heavens. A colossal mushroom cloud rose. The shockwave devastated more than half of Black Seal City. A vast crater remained where buildings once stood.
As the smoke cleared, three figures appeared in the sky.
Two of them were still fighting—burned and tattered. The tall and elegant Cai Lin stood aside, unharmed thanks to Yao Yan's protection. Her clothes were barely singed.
Yao Yan, on the other hand, looked terrible. Most of his hair was scorched, his body blackened. He was far from unscathed.
Earth Demon Old Ghost was even worse. His body bore deep wounds, blood spilling endlessly. He had no time to treat them—because the boy before him was fighting like he had nothing to lose. Yao Yan took every attack without dodging, while Earth Demon Old Ghost didn't dare take a single hit in return.
It was maddening.
"Let's end this, kid! I swear I won't cause you trouble again!" Earth Demon Old Ghost finally relented after another exchange. Despite his reinforced arm, it felt like it could snap at any moment.
Dignity?
Only the living have dignity. Dead men have nothing. Earth Demon Old Ghost knew this all too well. He'd seen countless idiots die for pride. He'd rather live.
"Heh… Save that line for a three-year-old. You think I'll let a seven-star Dou Zong walk free to plot revenge? You're not leaving today."
Yao Yan sneered, attacking even harder, fists relentless.
"You think you can keep this up forever?! When your strength runs out, we'll see who's laughing!" Earth Demon Old Ghost roared, unleashing all his dou qi as he clashed with Yao Yan.
Glamorous Dou Techniques might be impressive—but at the end, it was still raw power that determined life and death.
"Strength? I'm much younger than you~" Yao Yan smirked. His injuries looked gruesome, but inside, he was already healed—his Spirit Clan bloodline ensured immense vitality. Combined with Stone and Yao Clan traits, he didn't even suffer side effects.
That was why he dared to brawl so recklessly.
Each blow helped him unleash his body's hidden potential. The true power of his multiple Dou Emperor bloodlines had never been pushed this far. Earth Demon Old Ghost was the perfect whetstone.
If he wanted rapid growth, battle was the best path.
BOOM BOOM!
Their fight grew more savage—like beasts tearing at each other.
Onlookers, even Dou Huangs and Dou Zongs, were stunned. A four-star Dou Huang alchemist fighting a seven-star Dou Zong like this?
The Four-Colored Fire Lotus might've been flashy, but this brawl shattered their understanding.
If any of them stepped in, they'd be dead within minutes.
"…,"
Su Qian was speechless. He finally realized Yao Yan had been modest before—this boy could probably kill him in a fair fight. And worse, Yao Yan was getting stronger mid-battle. His strikes were growing sharper and deadlier.
Earth Demon Old Ghost noticed too. His expression darkened. This kid might outlast him. He cursed inwardly—young people had way too much energy!
With a grunt, he unleashed blood-colored cold mist, his blood boiling.
Yao Yan didn't flinch. He punched again—but this time, Earth Demon Old Ghost struck back with force multiplied several times over, sending Yao Yan crashing into the ground.
"You dare treat me like your training dummy?!"
Now surrounded by blood-colored cold mist, Earth Demon Old Ghost lunged again. A few punches drove Yao Yan into the earth. Then he formed a crimson ghost claw to finish him.
…
"Heh heh… That old ghost's almost done. Should we step in?"
"Which one do you want?"
"Tier-7 alchemist or seven-star Dou Zong… What a tough choice~"
(END CHAPTER)
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