Kuzan's expression changed, and he moved to rush up the steps.
But there was no doubt that Xia Ming had no time to dodge this swift, lethal strike. Worse still, it was aimed at the neck, one of the human body's most vulnerable points.
Tragedy was about to strike!
Suddenly.
"Hum!"
A savage, domineering aura erupted outward. In an instant, it enveloped the entire Amien Holy Capital, and it continued spreading farther still.
Everything froze.
Everyone's eyes widened, stunned by the vast, overwhelming aura.
Lightning flashed and landed in front of Xia Ming.
Then a figure stepped out of the lightning and hurled a punch at the black-and-red hooked spike ahead.
"Bang!"
A heavy crash rang out. The black-and-red hooked spike was knocked away, soaring into the sky.
Xia Ming finally reacted. A sharp gleam burst from his eyes as he looked down, instantly locking onto the figure shrouded in a black robe.
Those around him naturally came to their senses as well, retreating to either side.
Large numbers of Empire troops surrounded the area in moments, while the powerful fighters gathered there all fixed their attention on the mysterious figure.
At the same time, their eyes turned toward the platform, to the figure standing in front of Xia Ming.
He was enveloped in lightning, his expression imposing, radiating an intense sense of pressure.
"Is that...?!"
Someone cried out upon recognizing him.
"The founding emperor!!"
"It's Emperor Xia Le!"
"He's still alive!"
"Of course he's still alive! Going by his age, His Majesty must be eighty or ninety by now. But it's hard to believe he still looks so young!"
"..."
The crowd erupted.
The founding emperor's appearance stunned everyone.
Especially with him standing beside Xia Ming—the resemblance between father and son was striking.
"The way he looks!"
"Could he