Demonic thunder flashed, and blood baleful intent surged.
A strange gleam entered Hope Sea's eyes, as though he had recognized the other man. His neck turned another three times before finally straightening.
"The Jiang clan-"
Among Former Chu's great clans, the Xiong were the Imperial Descendants, while the Jiang and Liu were royal houses. Yet the Jiang clan's origins reached back far earlier; they had been a prestigious tribe even in the Primordial Era. And the man before him even bore the extraordinary features of a sage!
But Hope Sea was a blood descendant of Dragon Lord Mandate Return, possessed of the blood of golden blessing, and had always been proud. To suffer such humiliation at the hands of a mere minister of a dynasty only sharpened his murderous intent.
Even at Great Flame's height, it had not dared challenge the Eastern Sea's might. Now that it had only just been reestablished, how dared it act so brazenly?
While he was still debating whether to strike to kill, Jiang Jie stepped forward first and cursed with a laugh, "Long worm-"
Another slap came flying, without any Spirit Artifact, Divine Ability, or spell. Yet even with the Divine Thunder speed of Hope Sea's [As the Law Commands], he could not dodge it!
Bam!
The blow sent golden scales flying and dragon blood burning. Much of Hope Sea's anger faded, replaced by bewilderment.
What sort of technique was this?
The man wasn't an exalted adept of altar thunder. How could I possibly fail to dodge him?
"The Heavenly Inquiry Path presides over the miraculous."
Dark ripples seemed to spread beneath Jiang Jie's feet. Countless crimson-black flames, fragrant orchids and grasses, azure wood vines and creepers surrounded him, while deities descended with the bellowing of oxen, chants, and wild songs.
Within his Inner