Flame Splitting Wave Ruler

On Rubble Slope, jagged rocks rose like the fangs of savage beasts. Moonlight filtered through sparse branches, casting mottled shadows across the ground like scattered silver, yet it could not illuminate the killing intent hanging in the air. Xiao Yan darted over the uneven stones like a phantom, every step landing precisely in a depression to conceal his movements with the terrain. Behind him, Lei Batian's furious roars drew closer and closer. Green Dou Qi flickered through the night like ghostly flames, carrying the unique pressure of a Da Dou Shi, pressing down so heavily that one could barely breathe.

"Kid, have you run enough?" Lei Batian's voice boomed like thunder through the valley, shaking leaves from the surrounding trees. "If I don't tear you to pieces today, I'll never quell the hatred in my heart!" Before the words fell, he sprang into the air, leaving an afterimage behind him. The Mountain Splitting Axe in his hand, wrapped in dense green Dou Qi, cleaved toward Xiao Yan's back as if it could split mountains and sever peaks. The axe blade tore through the air with a mournful howl, as though it would rip space itself apart.

The hairs on Xiao Yan's back stood on end. Relying on the instincts honed through years of experience, he rolled sideways and barely avoided the fatal blow. The Mountain Splitting Axe crashed into a nearby boulder with a thunderous boom. The massive rock was instantly split in two, flying rubble scattered everywhere, smoke and dust filled the air, and even the ground trembled slightly. A Da Dou Shi's strength truly is terrifying. Xiao Yan tightened his grip on the Black Iron Dagger, his fingertips turning white from the force. He touched the empty spot at his waist, and a trace of regret appeared in his heart—if only the Black Heavy Ruler sleeping within his Storage Ring could be put to use, he might not have been in such a passive position. It was an exotic treasure Elder Yao had collected in his early years. It weighed a thousand jin; ordinary people found it difficult even to lift, yet it could suppress enemies and temper Dou Qi in battle. Unfortunately, Xiao Yan was still too weak to wield it fully.

Lei Batian landed, and Dou Qi exploded beneath his feet, blasting the loose stones across the ground in all directions. His face was twisted with ferocity. Green Dou Qi wreathed his body like armor, gleaming with a cold light. Every breath came with heavy panting. The continuous pursuit had clearly consumed much of his strength, but it only made him more vicious. "Only know how to dodge? Where's that ruthlessness from when you killed my men? Come out and die!" He stomped the ground, shooting toward Xiao Yan like an arrow released from a bow. His Mountain Splitting Axe danced in an air-tight barrage, accompanied by bursts of piercing wind. Every strike targeted a vital point, forcing Xiao Yan to continuously retreat. Wherever the axe wind swept across the rocks underfoot, it left deep gouges behind.

The surrounding mercenaries also closed in, holding curved blades as they formed an encirclement more than ten meters wide. Step by step, they narrowed the ring, intending to trap Xiao Yan to death on Rubble Slope. Their eyes were vicious, their faces flushed with bloodthirsty excitement. They were clearly eager to see Xiao Yan torn apart. While dodging Lei Batian's attacks, Xiao Yan kept watch on the surrounding movements. He knew that once he was fully surrounded, even Windwalk Steps would not make escape easy. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted the western side of the encirclement. There stood a boulder three zhang tall, and behind it seemed to be a narrow crack in the rocks. It might have been his only opening, but Lei Batian's attacks came like a raging storm, giving him no chance to catch his breath.

"Kid, let's see where you can run now!" Lei Batian roared as Mad Wolf Strength circulated at full force. His green Dou Qi instantly expanded, burning over his body like flames. A dense radiance appeared over the Mountain Splitting Axe, and a faint Qi Vortex even formed along the edge of its blade. "Take my move—Mad Wolf Mountain Split!" Gripping the axe in both hands, he leaped high into the air. The axe descended toward Xiao Yan's head with violent Dou Qi, like a fierce tiger rushing down a mountain. The air around them seemed to tear apart, issuing sizzling sounds. Even the distant mercenaries felt the terrifying power of the attack and instinctively retreated several steps.

Xiao Yan's pupils contracted sharply. Clearly feeling the terrifying power contained within that strike, he knew he could never meet it head-on. He ducked abruptly, using a waist-high rock as cover, and slid behind it like a loach. The axe crashed down with world-destroying force. With a crack, the rock was instantly reduced to powder. The residual Dou Qi swept over him like a shockwave, and a sharp pain erupted from Xiao Yan's chest as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer. He could not help spitting out a mouthful of blood. Staggering back several steps, he slammed into an icy rock, and a bone-piercing chill spread through his back.

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, but his gaze only grew more resolute. At this moment, he had no room to think of anything else. There was only one thought in his mind—survive. Seeing Xiao Yan injured, Lei Batian revealed a smug, vicious grin. "Finally hurt? I thought you were really invulnerable!" He charged at Xiao Yan again, sweeping the Mountain Splitting Axe toward his waist with fierce Dou Qi, intending to cut him in half. Enduring the severe pain in his chest, Xiao Yan circulated his Dou Qi madly and used Windwalk Steps. His body flickered rapidly, avoiding the attacks like a phantom. But Lei Batian was too fast, and his battle experience was extensive. He had already predicted Xiao Yan's movements. The axe seemed to have eyes, relentlessly pursuing Xiao Yan's vital points.

Pfft! The axe fiercely smashed into Xiao Yan's shoulder, and the sound of bone shattering was clearly audible. Xiao Yan cried out in pain, feeling as if his shoulder had been torn apart alive. Blood instantly dyed his clothes red. His body flew backwards like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the ground. The Black Iron Dagger also fell to one side, sliding across the earth with a series of metallic clinks.

Lei Batian walked toward Xiao Yan step by step, each one seeming to land upon Xiao Yan's heartbeat. His face was full of smug cruelty. "Kid, I told you long ago that before Absolute Strength, all your struggling is futile. Now, die for me!" He raised the Mountain Splitting Axe. The axe blade glinted with a chilling light beneath the moon as it was about to cleave down toward Xiao Yan's head.

At the critical moment, a trace of determination flashed through Xiao Yan's eyes. He abruptly pulled several smoke bombs he had prepared long ago from his Storage Ring and hurled them fiercely onto the ground. With several muffled bangs, smoke instantly filled the air, forming a screen over ten meters wide and obscuring Lei Batian's vision. Xiao Yan seized the chance to scramble to his feet. Enduring the agonizing pain in his shoulder and chest, he used all his strength to run toward the crack in the western rocks he had noticed earlier—it was his only hope. But after taking only a few steps, he discovered that the crack was blocked by a huge boulder. There was no way through.

"Damn it!" Xiao Yan cursed inwardly, knowing he had fallen into a desperate situation. He turned toward the cliff. Clouds and mist swirled there, and its depths could not be seen. Falling from it meant Nine Deaths, One Life, but it was still better than being tortured to death by Lei Batian. Gritting his teeth, he ran toward the cliff. Even if there was only the slightest chance of survival, he had to try.

"Trying to run? No chance!" Lei Batian burst out of the smoke. When he saw Xiao Yan running toward the cliff, he roared, Dou Qi erupting beneath his feet as his speed increased once more. He chased after Xiao Yan as swiftly as a leopard. Leaping forward, he caught Xiao Yan by the ankle in midair and grinned viciously. "Kid, even if you run to the ends of the earth, you won't escape my grasp! Today, I'll make you a burial object for my dead brothers!"

Xiao Yan's heart sank. He knew he could no longer escape. He abruptly twisted around and, using all his strength, threw a punch at Lei Batian's face. Lei Batian had not expected Xiao Yan to fight back, and in his moment of carelessness, Xiao Yan's fist struck his nose. Blood immediately gushed out, staining his cheeks red and making his expression even more savage. The pain caused his grip to loosen slightly. Xiao Yan took the opportunity to break free, but the momentum sent his body plunging down beneath the cliff.

Lei Batian stood at the edge of the cliff, watching Xiao Yan fall with a twisted smile on his face. "Hmph. Falling from such a high cliff, even a Dou Shi faces certain death!" He lowered his head to look at his bleeding nose, a cruel gleam flashing through his eyes. Then he turned and ordered the mercenaries, "Search! Search this entire area carefully and see whether that kid left behind any treasures! As for the rest, we'll deal with it after we finish here!" The mercenaries answered in unison and began searching the surrounding area.

Beneath the cliff, clouds and mist coiled like an immortal realm, yet deadly danger lurked within. Xiao Yan's body plummeted rapidly, wind howling by his ears like the wails of ghosts and wolves. The aura of death enveloped him. His consciousness grew increasingly blurry. The sharp agony in his shoulder and chest nearly robbed him of all sensation, and his body fell uncontrollably like a kite with a broken string. Am I really going to die here today? Xiao Yan was unwilling to accept it. He had yet to fulfill the Three-Year Pact with Nalan Yanran, had yet to restore the Xiao Clan to its former glory, and had yet to repay Elder Yao's kindness. I cannot die!

At that moment, an aged figure suddenly condensed before him—it was Elder Yao's soul form. He wore a simple gray robe, with white hair and beard, a lean face, and eyes as bright as stars. Faint Soul Power wreathed around him. Though he was not corporeal, he carried a reassuring pressure. "Kid, don't give up. I'm still here." Elder Yao's voice no longer echoed within Xiao Yan's mind. It sounded directly beside his ear, as real as a living person's voice, carrying a gentle smile.

Xiao Yan suddenly came to his senses. Looking at Elder Yao's soul form before him, he was both shocked and overjoyed. "Elder Yao! You... your soul form can actually manifest outside your body?"

"Why the rush? It's only a fall off a cliff. You won't die." Elder Yao floated in midair and extended an aged palm, gently pressing it against Xiao Yan's chest. A stream of warm Dou Qi, denser than before, instantly flowed into Xiao Yan's body. It wrapped around his falling body like a warm current, and his descent abruptly slowed. "I expected you would face such a day, so I left a wisp of Soul Imprint and protective Dou Qi within your body beforehand. At a critical moment, it can not only preserve your life, but also condense my soul form to help you."

As he spoke, the two of them landed steadily upon a grassy field at the bottom of the cliff. The grassland was exceptionally fertile, and many rare medicinal herbs grew around it. A faint medicinal fragrance filled the air. Xiao Yan ached all over, as if his bones had fallen apart. The wounds on his shoulder and chest split open again, blood dyeing his clothes red, but he had at least survived. He struggled to sit up and leaned against a large tree, gasping heavily. His chest heaved violently, and every breath tugged at his wounds, bringing bursts of agony. His eyes were filled with gratitude as he looked at Elder Yao's soul form. "Elder Yao, thank you. Without you, I truly would have died here today."

Elder Yao's soul form floated before Xiao Yan and examined him from head to toe, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Kid, this time you were lucky. But I will not help you deal with the Wolf Head Mercenary Group. Remember this: on the path of cultivation, you must ultimately rely on yourself. Others can help you for a time, but not for a lifetime. If you want revenge, if you want to protect those you care about, then you must rely on your own strength and grow stronger step by step." His soul form flickered faintly, carrying an illusory quality, but it did nothing to weaken the gravity in his voice.

Hearing this, Xiao Yan's heart sank, and a trace of disappointment appeared on his face. "Elder Yao, I know you do not want to act lightly, but Lei Batian is a Da Dou Shi, an entire major realm above me. I'm badly injured now and am no match for him at all. Even after recovering, with my Fighter Four Stars strength, it will be extremely difficult to defeat him. If the Black Heavy Ruler could be put to use, I might still have a chance, but I can barely wield it now, let alone use it in battle."

A trace of approval flashed through Elder Yao's soul form's eyes, as though he was pleased that Xiao Yan still remembered the Black Heavy Ruler. He slowly floated to Xiao Yan's side and lightly tapped Xiao Yan's Storage Ring with a finger. A streak of black light flashed. The entirely black Black Heavy Ruler, covered in ancient patterns, flew out of the Storage Ring and landed steadily in Elder Yao's soul form's hand. Though he was only a soul form, Elder Yao held the Black Heavy Ruler as though it were solid, the thousand-jin ruler as light as nothing in his grasp. "Kid, it's good that you recognize your shortcomings and still remember the Black Heavy Ruler. The reason I never allowed you to use it before was because you were too weak. Forcing its use would only injure you. But now, it is time for you to truly master it—because the Dou Technique I am going to teach you can only unleash its true power with the help of the Black Heavy Ruler."

A light instantly flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes, like hope appearing in the darkness. He said excitedly, "Elder Yao, what Dou Technique is it? As long as it can make me stronger, I'm willing to learn it no matter how difficult it is!"

"An Earth-tier Low-grade Dou Technique—Flame Splitting Wave Ruler." Elder Yao's soul form spoke with a trace of pride. He gently swung the Black Heavy Ruler, and a faint red radiance appeared on its black surface. "I obtained this Dou Technique by chance in my younger years. It is among the finest Fire Attribute Dou Techniques, and its core secret lies in the fusion of weapon and technique—it must use a Black Heavy Ruler containing gravity attributes as its vessel to unleash the power of flame Dou Qi to its fullest. With an ordinary weapon, at most thirty percent of its power can be displayed. Only the Black Heavy Ruler can suppress opponents with its thousand-jin weight before tearing apart their defenses with flame Dou Qi, creating a double strike: heavy as Mount Tai, fierce as blazing fire."

As he spoke, Elder Yao's soul form gripped the Black Heavy Ruler and began to demonstrate slowly. First, he merged his Soul Power into the Black Heavy Ruler. The ruler's patterns seemed to come alive, giving off a dark red light. Then, he mobilized a thread of flame Dou Qi—Dou Qi simulated by his soul form—and injected it into the ruler. The red light instantly expanded, as if magma had enveloped its body. Finally, Elder Yao swung the ruler fiercely. A flame Dou Qi wave half a zhang long erupted from its tip and swept forward like a tsunami. Where it passed, the grassland was scorched black, the air sizzled from flame scorching, and even the distant rocks became hot to the touch. "Do you see? The Black Heavy Ruler is not merely a weapon. It is also the container of this Dou Technique. It can absorb the flame Dou Qi within your body, compress and purify it, then release it through the patterns on its body, forming attacks that surge endlessly like ocean waves. Moreover, the Black Heavy Ruler's gravity can disrupt an opponent's Dou Qi circulation and slow their movements, creating the perfect opportunity for you to attack."

Xiao Yan was dumbfounded. Such power had far exceeded his imagination! His body trembled slightly with excitement. "Elder Yao, teach me quickly! I must learn this Dou Technique, master the Black Heavy Ruler, and defeat Lei Batian!"

Elder Yao's soul form smiled and nodded, extending the Black Heavy Ruler toward Xiao Yan. "Good. Grip it first and feel its weight and aura. Let it become familiar with your Dou Qi. Remember, the Black Heavy Ruler recognizes its master. Only by truly accepting it will it truly serve you. I will use Soul Power to stabilize your aura and reduce the impact of its gravity upon your body."

Following his instructions, Xiao Yan gripped the Black Heavy Ruler's handle with both hands. Its thousand-jin weight bore down instantly, making his arms sink sharply. His shoulder wound was tugged, sending a wave of pain through him. Just as he was about to be unable to hold on, Elder Yao's soul form extended a palm and pressed it against the back of Xiao Yan's heart. A warm stream of Soul Power flowed in, not only easing the pain of his injuries, but also helping him stabilize himself. Xiao Yan took a deep breath and slowly infused his own Dou Qi into the Black Heavy Ruler. A faint red glow appeared over its black body. The patterns along its surface wriggled softly, as if responding to his Dou Qi. Xiao Yan clearly felt that the Black Heavy Ruler was absorbing his Dou Qi while also releasing a warm power that gradually merged with his aura.

"Very good. The first step, 'acknowledging the master and merging Qi,' is complete." Elder Yao's soul form withdrew his hand and floated beside Xiao Yan, patiently explaining. "Next, listen carefully as I explain the cultivation method of Flame Splitting Wave Ruler. Its key lies in three fusions. The first is the fusion of Dou Qi and the Black Heavy Ruler, allowing your Dou Qi to control the heavy ruler freely. Even a thousand-jin weight should move as flexibly as your own arm. The second is the fusion of flame and Dou Qi. Compress the flame Dou Qi cultivated through your Heaven Burning Art and merge it into the Black Heavy Ruler, allowing the ruler to contain the power of burning fire. The third is the fusion of gravity and flame. Use the Black Heavy Ruler's gravity to release flame Dou Qi in surging waves. With a single strike, it carries both gravitational suppression and flame scorching, its power without limit."

As Elder Yao's soul form spoke, he continued demonstrating before Xiao Yan. At times, he swung the ruler slowly, explaining how to use the strength of one's waist and abdomen to drive the heavy ruler and reduce the burden on the arms. At times, he paused so Xiao Yan could observe the flow of Dou Qi along the ruler's patterns. At other times, he slashed rapidly, displaying the proper method of exerting force for wave-surge attacks. Every movement was incomparably clear, and combined with his detailed explanations, Xiao Yan immediately understood many crucial points. "You must remember: when swinging the ruler, control it with Qi, not strength. The Black Heavy Ruler's gravity may seem like a burden, but it is actually assistance. Once you can use gravity to drive your Dou Qi circulation, your attacks will grow several times stronger. When infusing flame Dou Qi, you must keep it even. Do not rush for quick results, or the heavy ruler will lose control and injure you instead."

Xiao Yan watched with complete concentration, committing every detail to memory. He tried swinging the Black Heavy Ruler according to Elder Yao's guidance. At first, his movements remained clumsy. His arms ached from the pressure of the gravity, and every swing was extremely difficult. But under Elder Yao's soul form's continual corrections and the support of his Soul Power, Xiao Yan gradually found the trick—he used the flow of Dou Qi through the ruler's patterns to drive the heavy ruler, and the burden on his arms was instantly reduced considerably. When he successfully infused flame Dou Qi evenly into the heavy ruler for the first time, causing a uniform red glow to spread over its body, an indescribable sense of power surged into his heart—he could clearly feel that the Black Heavy Ruler was like a part of his body. With a single thought, it could unleash astonishing might.

"Kid, you cannot rush the cultivation of this Dou Technique. You are badly injured now, so your highest priority is to recover." Elder Yao's soul form floated before Xiao Yan, his gaze gentle. "I will use Soul Power to regulate your body and guide the medicinal energy to repair your wounds quickly. At the same time, spend one shichen each day familiarizing yourself with the Black Heavy Ruler. Let your body adapt to its weight and let your Dou Qi merge with it completely. When your injuries are healed, Flame Splitting Wave Ruler will have entered its beginner stage."

Xiao Yan nodded. He placed the Black Heavy Ruler at his side, took out healing medicine from his Storage Ring, and swallowed it. Then he sat cross-legged and began circulating the Heaven Burning Art to treat his injuries. Elder Yao's soul form floated behind him, forming seals with both hands. Faint Soul Power wrapped around Xiao Yan's body like a thin veil, guiding the medicinal energy through him and repairing his damaged meridians and bones. The Black Heavy Ruler rested beside Xiao Yan's legs. Its black body glowed faintly red, echoing his Dou Qi aura as though they were growing together.

Over the following days, Xiao Yan recovered while training. Every morning, Elder Yao's soul form accompanied him as he slowly walked through the grass holding the Black Heavy Ruler, teaching him how to use Dou Qi to balance its gravity. At noon, the two sat beneath a large tree while Elder Yao's soul form explained in detail the mysteries of the ruler's patterns and how to use them to amplify Dou Qi. In the evening, Xiao Yan practiced swinging the ruler under Elder Yao's guidance. Every incorrect movement was promptly corrected, and every small improvement earned Elder Yao's approval.

As time passed, Xiao Yan's shoulder injury healed quickly under the combined effects of Elder Yao's Soul Power and healing medicine. His control of the Black Heavy Ruler also became increasingly skilled—from needing both hands to hold it at first, to being able to swing it easily with one hand later; from being able to make its body glow red only by infusing Dou Qi into it, to gathering flame Dou Qi at its tip into the phantom of a wave half a chi long. Elder Yao's soul form watched his progress with satisfaction. Occasionally, he used Soul Power to simulate Lei Batian's attacks, allowing Xiao Yan to adapt in advance to the combat rhythm of a Da Dou Shi.

That day, Xiao Yan was practicing the basic wave-surge attack of Flame Splitting Wave Ruler. As the Black Heavy Ruler swung, flame Dou Qi continuously surged out like small waves, scorching black marks across the grass ahead. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came from the distance, interrupting his training.

"Someone is coming." Elder Yao's soul form instantly floated to Xiao Yan's side, his eyes turning vigilant. "Conceal your aura. Hide and see what is happening."

Xiao Yan followed his instructions. He put the Black Heavy Ruler into his Storage Ring, then hid behind a large tree with Elder Yao's soul form. Through the gaps in the leaves, he looked toward the source of the noise. Three mercenaries approached holding torches, grumbling and cursing as they walked. "The boss really is something else. It's been five days already. Even if that kid isn't dead, he must have been crippled by the fall. Yet he still sent us down here to search. What a waste of effort." "Exactly. But I heard that kid has some good things on him. If we find them, we'll strike it rich!" "Stop talking nonsense. Search quickly and get back up there. It's creepy as hell down here at the bottom of the cliff. I keep feeling that something is wrong."

Xiao Yan's eyes turned cold as he gripped the Black Iron Dagger at his waist. But Elder Yao's soul form lightly shook his head and transmitted his voice, "Don't use the dagger. Use the Black Heavy Ruler. You can already control it at a basic level, so Take this opportunity to test it and familiarize yourself with its use in actual battle. I'll watch from the side. If there is danger, I will help you."

Xiao Yan's heart stirred, and he nodded. He quietly took the Black Heavy Ruler from his Storage Ring, feeling the familiar aura coming from its body as he infused a thread of flame Dou Qi into it. The Black Heavy Ruler gave off a faint red glow. Its thousand-jin weight felt like nothing in his hands. Elder Yao's soul form floated behind him, ready to assist at any moment.

When the three mercenaries came within ten meters of the tree, Xiao Yan suddenly rushed out from behind it. The Black Heavy Ruler swept out with the sound of wind, aimed directly at the chest of the mercenary in front. The man did not even have time to react before the heavy ruler struck him. With a crack, the sound of his ribs breaking was clearly audible. Blood sprayed from his mouth as his body flew backwards like a kite with a broken string. He smashed onto the ground and died on the spot.

The other two mercenaries turned deathly pale with fright. They instinctively raised their curved blades and were about to shout when Xiao Yan had already stepped forward. Using the method of controlling the ruler with Qi that Elder Yao had taught him, he twisted his wrist. The Black Heavy Ruler cleaved down with flame Dou Qi, instantly cutting the curved blade of the mercenary on the left in half like a wave of fire. Before the man could react, the heavy ruler smashed onto his shoulder. With a bang, the mercenary screamed and fell to the ground, his shoulder reduced to a bloody pulp and his fighting ability completely lost.

Seeing that the situation was bad, the mercenary on the right turned and tried to flee. Xiao Yan used Windwalk Steps, catching up like a phantom. The Black Heavy Ruler swept out from behind, its gravity pressing down as it knocked the mercenary to the ground. Xiao Yan stepped forward, raised the heavy ruler high, and was about to strike.

"Wait!" Elder Yao's soul form suddenly spoke. "Leave him alive. Ask about Lei Batian."

Hearing this, Xiao Yan pulled back his strength in time. The Black Heavy Ruler stopped three inches above the mercenary's head. The heat waves from the flame Dou Qi scorched his hair, frightening him until he trembled all over and begged repeatedly, "Don't kill me! Don't kill me! I'll tell you everything!"

Xiao Yan looked at him coldly. "Where is Lei Batian now? How many people does the Wolf Head Mercenary Group still have?"

The mercenary answered in a trembling voice, "Lei... Boss Lei is at the camp on the mountain. We still have more than ten brothers... He... he said that if we can't find you, we'll search the entire area and withdraw tomorrow..."

Xiao Yan's eyes turned cold. He knew he could not leave trouble behind. His wrist sank, and the Black Heavy Ruler came down, ending the mercenary's life.

Elder Yao's soul form floated to his side and nodded. "Very good. You used it well in actual combat. It seems that it will not be long before you completely master Flame Splitting Wave Ruler."

Xiao Yan looked at the three corpses on the ground and felt the sense of power flowing from the Black Heavy Ruler. His heart filled with confidence. He knew that once he had fully mastered this Dou Technique and completely recovered from his injuries, it would be the day he took revenge on Lei Batian. The Wolf Head Mercenary Group above the cliff had no idea that a terrifying opponent wielding the Black Heavy Ruler and possessing an Earth-tier Dou Technique was quietly rising at the bottom of the cliff. Guided by a powerful soul form, he would soon launch a fatal counterattack against them with the double fury of blazing fire and gravity.