Zhou Qing

The icy voice carried an unquestionable will, striking the minds of all three like a sledgehammer.

The expressions of Yue Yao, Huang Yan, and Liu Yu changed drastically.

They sensed a genuine threat of death from Chen Xia.

It was the crushing weight of absolute power, leaving them unable to muster even the slightest thought of resistance.

They exchanged glances, each seeing the fear and helplessness in the others' eyes.

"Fellow Daoist, your divine abilities are unrivaled. We have offended you. We shall take our leave!" Huang Yan yielded first, gritting his teeth as he spoke.

Yue Yao gave Chen Xia a long look, her gaze complicated, but she dared not say anything more.

Liu Yu drew a deep breath, suppressed her surging blood and qi, and bowed slightly to Chen Xia. Her voice retained its uniquely alluring timbre, but now carried greater solemnity. "I had eyes yet failed to recognize Mount Tai. Forgive my intrusion. If fate permits, I shall seek your instruction another day."

Yet just as the fox maiden of the Green Hill Fox Kingdom, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan's Huang Yan, and the Seven Emotions Demon Cult's Liu Yu were cowed into retreat by Chen Xia's might, their figures about to vanish—

Something unexpected happened.

"Chen Xia, you little thief! Your life is mine!"

A roar filled with boundless hatred and killing intent suddenly erupted like thunder from the highest heavens.

Before the voice faded, a golden sword aura, condensed from the utmost imperial dragon aura and a will to destroy, cleaved down through the lake above as though it had broken through the limits of space and time.

The lake water parted wherever the sword aura passed, exposing a passage of vacuum. Its target was Chen Xia, who had just reined in his aura.

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