Void Flash

The golden afterglow of the setting sun draped softly over the leaves of Sunset Forest like a veil of gold, giving every leaf a dazzling golden edge.

A gentle breeze quietly brushed past, making the leaves sway and rustle as though they were telling ancient tales.

At that moment, the corner of Jun Lin's stern mouth curved slightly upward as he spoke in an icy voice. "Take one attack from me. If you survive, this matter ends here."

In an instant, Jun Lin's five extraordinary soul rings—one yellow, two purple, and two black—lit up. Soul Power surged and roared around him like raging tides. The powerful fluctuations made even the air seem heavy.

Jun Lin slowly raised his right hand and extended his index finger. An endless stream of Soul Power coiled around it like nimble currents, radiating a heart-pounding glow as it gathered into an increasingly brilliant sphere of light.

The terrifying energy within the sphere seemed capable of destroying everything at any moment. Its radiance grew brighter and brighter, like a tiny sun on the verge of eruption. Even the space around his finger twisted slightly under that immense power, and the dreadful pressure made everyone present struggle to breathe, as if their hearts had skipped several beats.

The gray-robed elder, Uncle Fu, widened his eyes in terror. He knew full well that if this attack landed, his chances of survival would be slim.

Liu Erlong's heart tightened. Though she resented her father, Uncle Fu had always cared for her. She could not simply watch him get hurt. "Uncle Fu, be careful!" she cried anxiously.

Staring at the terrifying sphere of Soul Power, Uncle Fu inwardly sighed that he had indeed acted rashly this time. But as a member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he could not easily show weakness.

He focused completely as he prepared to receive the attack, while saying to Liu Erlong, "Miss, don't worry. I will do my best to block it. This old servant watched you grow up, and the master ordered me to ensure your safe return. So I have no choice but to take this attack."

Suddenly, Jun Lin's finger trembled slightly, and the dazzling sphere instantly transformed into a world-destroying beam that shot toward Uncle Fu. The instant it was fired, the surrounding air seemed to be torn apart, releasing a piercing shriek.

That "Soul Power version of Void Flash" charged toward Uncle Fu like a roaring dragon baring its fangs and claws. Wherever it passed, the trees of Sunset Forest exploded one after another, scattering wood chips through the air and leaving behind a horrifying trail of destruction.

Uncle Fu roared as six soul rings—two yellow, two purple, and two black—spun rapidly around him. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's unique Soul Power surged forth as he thrust both hands forward, attempting to block Jun Lin's attack.

The instant the attack collided with Uncle Fu's Soul Power, an intense flash erupted. The powerful impact shook the surrounding air, sending out ring after ring of visible ripples.

Uncle Fu felt an indescribable force crashing toward him, as though a towering mountain had come smashing down. His body was forced backward, but he gritted his teeth and desperately held on.

Seeing Uncle Fu struggle so hard against the attack, Liu Erlong was filled with worry. "Uncle Fu, don't force yourself if you can't hold on!" she shouted. But Uncle Fu stubbornly replied, "Miss, I cannot allow you to suffer any harm. Protecting you is my duty."

However, the attack was simply too powerful, and Uncle Fu soon could no longer withstand it. An indescribable force struck him, and he instantly lost his balance and was blasted away. He traced an arc through the air before crashing heavily to the ground. The earth around him immediately caved in, forming a crater. Amid the swirling dust, Uncle Fu lay at the bottom, his face pale as paper. His clothes were torn even more badly, his body covered in wounds of every size, blood continuously seeping out.

Uncle Fu slowly forced his injured body upright, his heart full of shock and lingering fear. He now clearly realized that the unknown young man had shown mercy. If that young man had continued gathering Soul Power without end just now, he would undoubtedly have died without a grave.

Uncle Fu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and looked at Jun Lin with a complicated expression, filled with bitterness and helplessness. He knew that he had truly provoked someone he should not have. Though the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was powerful, it still had to proceed cautiously when faced with the unknown great force behind this young man.

He secretly decided that once he returned, he would report this matter to the clan and let its higher-ups decide how to handle their relationship with this young man.

At that moment, Liu Erlong hurried to Uncle Fu's side, supporting him as she said, "Uncle Fu, how are you? It's all my fault. If I hadn't been so willful, I wouldn't have put you in such danger."

Uncle Fu said weakly, "Miss, this isn't your fault. This old servant acted rashly and brought about all this trouble."

Liu Erlong said, "Uncle Fu, you watched me grow up. I know you mean well, but you still have to judge the situation properly. I may resent my father, but I have always respected you."

Warmth filled Uncle Fu's heart. "Miss, rest assured. As long as this old servant still draws breath, I will not let anyone harm you."

Uncle Fu wiped the blood from his mouth and looked at Jun Lin with a complicated gaze. After steadying himself, he cupped his hands toward Jun Lin and said, "Young master, your strength is extraordinary. I acted rashly today. Thank you for showing mercy. I will remember it."

A Soul Emperor... around ten seconds? Jun Lin ignored the old man and silently counted the time needed to gather Soul Power, as well as the attack's power.

After a while, Jun Lin looked coldly at Uncle Fu and said, "Since you survived one of my attacks, this matter is over. If there is a next time, I will show no mercy." With that, Jun Lin ignored Uncle Fu, who had already lost the ability to resist, and walked over to Liu Erlong.

Having never seen such a grand scene before, Liu Erlong looked flustered. She bit her lip, then resolutely said, "This happened because of me. If you still think it isn't enough, come at me. Let Uncle Fu go."

Jun Lin smiled faintly, amusement in his eyes as he looked at Liu Erlong. "I didn't expect that aside from your terrible temper, you actually have some sense of responsibility. I know you meant well but caused trouble instead. Still, with a temper as explosive as yours, if you walk the world of soul masters, one day it will bring disaster upon you."

Liu Erlong froze slightly. A complicated emotion flashed through her eyes. She seemed unconvinced, yet had no way to refute him.

Jun Lin continued, "Your Uncle Fu's matter ended the moment he took my attack. Today's matter ends here. Remember, being a hero is not so easy. I hope you take care of yourself." There was a hint of authority in his words, along with a measure of advice.

After saying that, Jun Lin turned and walked toward Ah Yin. He took her hand, lifted her into his arms again, then leapt into the forest. Soul Power clung to his feet as they sped together toward the outskirts of Sunset Forest.

Before long, Jun Lin and Ah Yin disappeared into the dense forest.

Liu Erlong stared blankly in the direction Jun Lin and Ah Yin had gone, biting her lip tightly as countless thoughts churned through her mind. She understood that Jun Lin's words were not false; her impulsiveness could indeed bring grave consequences. Yet her nature made it difficult for her to bow her head so easily.

Uncle Fu watched from the side, his heart filled with emotion. He understood his young miss's temperament well, and he also knew that Jun Lin's words made sense. His injuries had yet to subside, but what worried him even more was Liu Erlong's future path.

Within Sunset Forest, the breeze continued to brush softly through the leaves, making them rustle. It was as though it were reminding Liu Erlong that this world contained more than just her stubbornness and courage.