The snowstorm howled, yet as if in fear, it detoured around Hyuga Xiao and the patch of snow completely cleared behind him.
The airborne fortress a hundred miles away, along with every Starsea Alliance mercenary aboard it, had been reduced to a negligible bit of wreckage, casually smashed before him by Hyuga Xiao as though he had crushed an insect.
All was silent save for the wind and Kurenai Yuhi's uncontrollable, ragged breathing.
She knelt on one knee, the newly awakened Eye of Time glowing faintly as it nearly failed to support her body. Witnessing that golden beam piercing the heavens and personally feeling that tyrannical force capable of erasing everything had once again completely shattered and reshaped her understanding of the man before her.
This was not a ninja.
This was a... god walking among mortals.
"Lord Xiao..." she said with difficulty, her voice hoarse from exhaustion.
Hyuga Xiao did not turn around. His cold gaze shifted away from the sparking wreckage, and deep within his azure Tenseigan was utter indifference.
The word "home" held no warmth for him. It merely represented a geographic coordinate, a stage where a bloody drama was about to unfold.
"Erase this place."
He gave the order. His voice was not loud, yet it pierced Kurenai Yuhi's eardrums like an ice pick.
"Yes!" Kurenai Yuhi did not dare hesitate in the slightest and forced herself to stand.
However, Hyuga Xiao slowly raised his left hand, spreading his fingers toward the massive metal wreckage and every trace left behind by the battle.
"No need. Save your strength."
He said indifferently, "You'll need to remain conscious for the journey ahead."
Before his words had even faded—
Bzzzz—!
An invisible, terrifying force of attraction suddenly erupted!
Centered on the wreckage, everything within a hundred-meter radius—twisted metal, charred