Fierce Battle

Xiao Ling rose into the air, standing with his hands behind his back. His robes snapped in the cold wind blowing across Yellow Springs Lake as his gaze slowly swept over the current clan chief of the Nine Nether Underworld Python Clan before him.

The two faced each other in midair at the same height. Yao Xiao Tian was wrapped in black robes, and his features could even be called handsome. Yet the viciousness surging within those narrow eyes was like a poisoned blade, impossible to conceal, utterly at odds with the calm demeanor he had deliberately put on.

"You are the current clan chief of the Nine Nether Underworld Python Clan, Yao Xiao Tian?" Xiao Ling's voice was as calm as autumn water, yet it carried an unquestionable pressure. "Do you not recognize me?"

"Your words are correct, Sir. I am Yao Xiao Tian, currently in charge of the Nine Nether Underworld Python Clan." Yao Xiao Tian cupped his hands, deliberately softening his tone, though the wariness in his eyes did not diminish in the slightest.

"As for your esteemed name, I truly have never heard it before. However, my clan has always respected the strong. If you are willing, the Nine Nether Underworld Python Clan would be more than happy to befriend someone like you and foster a lasting friendship."

His tone shifted slightly, and his words now carried a subtle threat.

"No matter how you infiltrated my clan's Nether Snake Earth Vein, you should know that beneath these Yellow Springs lies the forbidden domain of the Nine Nether Underworld Python Clan. As long as you hand this criminal of the clan over to me today, I can let bygones be bygones. Not only will I refrain from pursuing your trespass into our forbidden ground, I will also