The Battle Begins

Within the silent valley, a torrent of Stone Devouring Ants suddenly surged in, a vast black mass swarming toward the pitch-black palace.

The guards spotted the Stone Devouring Ants immediately and swiftly organized their defenses. But they soon realized something was wrong. Before one of them could attack, the space around him suddenly twisted and tore him to pieces.

"Who dares come to the Soul Hall seeking death?!" In the next instant, seven Venerable Elders appeared in midair, glaring furiously at the group before them.

"Xiao Yan? You're actually still alive!" A rather familiar voice rang out. Xiao Yan focused his gaze and saw an old acquaintance—Old Man Mu Gu.

"Old Freak Mu Gu!" Xiao Yan called out his name, overwhelming killing intent blazing in his eyes.

"You've come for Yao Chen, haven't you? I have to say, you've got a lot of nerve. But since you're here, you can stay behind with Yao Chen!" Old Man Mu Gu stared at Xiao Yan. As soon as he finished speaking, he attacked without hesitation. Vast Dou Qi erupted as a huge black hand crashed down toward Xiao Yan.

Before the giant hand could fall, a silver spear shot out abruptly, lightning flickering around it. With a single thrust, it scattered the enormous Dou Qi palm.

Gu Yue gripped her spear, her clothes transforming into a set of Dragon Scale Armor. Standing before Xiao Yan, she said, "Leave him to me."

With that, her figure flashed. The silver spear danced in her hand as various elements condensed into energy spheres several meters wide, which crashed down upon Old Man Mu Gu.

Sensing the power within them, Old Man Mu Gu did not dare be careless. Flames surged forth and wrapped around the black chains, which shot out and collided with the several