Xiao Yao's gaze sharpened, purple-brown battle qi rippling faintly around him. "Whether I can protect Xun Er is not for the Ancient Clan to judge. All I know is that if Xun Er does not wish to leave, no one can take her away. If she suffers any grievance, I would dare become the enemy of the world. As for the Ancient Clan's demands..."
He looked at Gu Yao and the others ahead, a defiant curve lifting at the corner of his lips. "When I stand high enough, when I possess the strength to intimidate everyone, I will naturally make everyone acknowledge it—make everyone across the Battle Qi Continent acknowledge that I, Xiao Yao, am worthy of Xun Er!!!"
The instant his words fell, the purple-brown battle qi around Xiao Yao abruptly surged, forming a massive pillar of light that shot into the heavens and enveloped the entire Inner Academy.
Feeling the oppressive aura crashing toward him, Gu Yao's expression instantly turned grave. He stared fixedly at Xiao Yao, stormy waves rising in his heart—this presence was not the slightest bit weaker than his own as a Seven-Star Dou Zun. In terms of refinement, it was even superior! Xiao Yao had concealed far more strength than he appeared to possess!
Yet as one of the Ancient Clan's finest, the pride in Gu Yao's bones would never allow him to lower his head at this moment.
He took a deep breath, and dark-blue battle qi erupted around him, confronting Xiao Yao's purple-brown battle qi from afar. The two immense forces collided in the air, producing a deep, humming tremor.
Gu Yao looked at Xiao Yao ahead, battle intent blazing in his eyes like raging flames. His voice was cold and hard as iron. "Xiao Yao, you do have the right to