Chapter 235: A Helping Hand

"Look, Liu Zong is actually injured!?"

In the crowd watching from the sidelines, many who had been stunned by the sudden appearance of the Snow-Winged Ice Dragon had finally regained their senses. When their gazes fell upon Liu Zong, who bore a gruesome wound on his chest, looks of utter disbelief washed over their faces.

They found it impossible to imagine that Liu Zong, a renowned figure in Shangzhou whose strength had reached the Spirit Sea Realm, had not only failed to defeat Yang Yan after such a long and bitter struggle, but had even been wounded in the stalemate!

Although this minor injury did not significantly affect his overall strength, the sight of him covered in blood and appearing utterly disheveled in front of such a crowd meant that Liu Zong had essentially brought total shame upon the Liu Clan.

"What kind of background does this guy have? To be able to subdue a Snow-Winged Ice Dragon, a beast that inherits the bloodline of ancient ferocious creatures!"

Many people couldn't help but sigh in wonder. Although Lan Xue's previous attack was technically a sneak attack, the fact that a single strike could wound Liu Zong proved that its strength was at least at the peak of the Spirit Connection Realm. A demonic beast of this caliber could be considered an overlord even in the Duan Yun Mountain Range.

Demonic beasts were naturally indifferent and harbored no goodwill toward humans. The Snow-Winged Ice Dragon, in particular, was notoriously ferocious. While Yang Yan had shown remarkable strength, it seemed impossible for him to so easily subdue a beast king at the peak of the Spirit Connection Realm and command it to follow his lead.

"I've heard some news. This Yang Yan is indeed from the Zhang family in Jinhuan City. He was an abandoned infant picked up by the family head, Zhang Tai, when he was small. About a year ago, he was still being called trash because he couldn't sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. To think that in just one short year, he has reached this point—it’s truly monstrous!"

Among the spectators, many who were well-informed were quite familiar with Yang Yan's history. The information they shared left the others gaping in astonishment.

In just over a year, the young man had not only shed his reputation as trash but had also defied common logic, leaping from a Spirit Sensing Realm cultivator to the peak of the Spirit Connection Realm. Not only was he personally formidable, but he also had a beast king at the peak of the Spirit Connection Realm willing to act as his enforcer. Looking at the strength he displayed, he was no longer inferior to powers like the Liu family, and everyone knew that the future potential of the two sides was not even in the same league.

While Liu Zong, the head of the Liu family, was a powerhouse in the Spirit Sea Realm, he was already nearing the end of his life; it was impossible for him to make any significant breakthroughs in his cultivation. Yang Yan, however, was different. Given his terrifying speed of progress, it was likely only a matter of time before he reached the Spirit Sea Realm—and he wouldn't even be twenty years old by then.

A Spirit Sea Realm expert under the age of twenty was a shocking prospect. By that time, Yang Yan's name would surely ring throughout the entire Feiyun Empire, and the young geniuses previously hailed as "pride of heaven" would appear dim and lusterless in comparison.

On the Tianyuan Continent, strength was supreme. If you possessed heaven-defying abilities, no one would show you the slightest disrespect, even if you appeared to be just a child. This was the law of survival in this world: the strong held the power to dictate everything, while the weak were forced to accept the arrangements of the strong.

Clearly, Yang Yan now fully possessed the qualifications to be considered a powerhouse. Based on the potential he was currently showing, even the Feiyun Empire might not be able to contain him in the future; the vast and boundless Tianyuan Continent would be the stage for his prowess.

However, Liu Zong was currently blinded by the humiliation burning in his heart. To be rendered so pathetic by a mere youth in front of so many people—if he didn't make Yang Yan pay a price, the Liu Clan would have no face left to stand in Shangzhou!

With this thought, a cold, sinister expression appeared on Liu Zong’s aged face. He stared coldly at Yang Yan and Lan Xue below, his voice indifferent as he spoke.

"Good, very good. To be able to force this old man to such a degree with your Spirit Connection Realm strength—I am willing to call you the strongest of the younger generation in the Feiyun Empire! But today, you must pay a price. I will make you understand that the cruelty of the cultivation world is far beyond what a brat like you can fathom, and I will show you the true power of a Spirit Sea Realm expert!"

"Dharma Image of Heaven and Earth!"

As the icy words fell, the surrounding natural energy suddenly became violently turbulent, surging into Liu Zong’s body. To the shock of the crowd, his physical form began to expand rapidly.

"This is a unique combat technique that only Spirit Sea Realm experts can use—the Dharma Image of Heaven and Earth! By absorbing the endless energy of heaven and earth into the body, the user’s size increases instantly, and their attack power grows geometrically. To think that Liu Zong has been forced to such an extent!"

"But for him to be forced to use the Dharma Image of Heaven and Earth means Liu Zong is truly enraged. I'm afraid this kid named Yang Yan won't be leaving Shangzhou easily today!"

As the massive, surging energy continued to pour into him, the once thin and frail Liu Zong grew larger and larger, eventually reaching nearly fifty feet in height, truly blocking out the sky.

In comparison, Lan Xue, at five or six feet long, looked like nothing more than a loach.

A grave expression appeared on Yang Yan’s face. The means of a Spirit Sea Realm expert were indeed not something he could rival at the Spirit Connection Realm. It had already been an incredible feat to hold out this long; cross-stage combat remained immensely difficult.

However, it was impossible for Yang Yan to submit just because of this. After exchanging a look with Lan Xue, the beast’s massive pupils showed no fear, only a fiery intent to fight.

With a shout from Yang Yan and a piercing dragon roar from Lan Xue, the man and the beast charged head-on toward the mountain-like Liu Zong in mid-air!

"Fireflies dare to compete with the moon for brilliance!"

Seeing this, Liu Zong let out a cold snort. His massive, aged face rippled like water, and he smashed his lean, giant fist toward the incoming Yang Yan and Lan Xue.

*Boom!*

As the mountain-sized fist descended, the air in its path was obliterated. Low, muffled explosions rang out incessantly, creating terrifying spiritual energy storms that swept outward.

*Bang!*

Facing such a terrifying attack, Yang Yan and Lan Xue did not retreat. Blue energy from the dragon’s claws and transparent water-based spiritual energy from Yang Yan’s palms surged forth, clashing violently against the massive, aged fist.

A thunderous explosion rang out, and terrifying energy storms swept away from the point of impact. It was like a horrific tornado. The crowd then saw the man and the beast blasted backward hundreds of meters by the force of the blow before they could barely stabilize their footing.

"Truly troublesome!" Yang Yan rubbed his arm, which was aching from the impact, his expression deepening.

***

The attack power of a Spirit Sea Realm expert after manifesting the Dharma Image of Heaven and Earth was indeed something Yang Yan could not block head-on. At this rate, Yang Yan feared he wouldn't be able to take another five moves before suffering defeat.

*I cannot choose to clash with him head-on!*

A realization dawned on Yang Yan.

On the other side, although Lan Xue—being a demonic beast—possessed greater natural defense than Yang Yan, it still could not compare to Liu Zong, who was now manifesting the Dharma Image of Heaven and Earth.

At that moment, the man and the beast reached a silent consensus. Yang Yan pushed his movement technique to the absolute limit, weaving around the massive Liu Zong like a slippery eel. His fingers flicked continuously, sending fierce streaks of spiritual energy flying out to strike Liu Zong’s body.

Because Lan Xue possessed wings, attacking was even easier for it than for Yang Yan. As it opened its massive dragon maw, beams of blue energy blasted against Liu Zong’s body like lasers.

With the Dharma Image of Heaven and Earth active, Liu Zong had gained a massive boost in strength and defense, but his speed had decreased significantly. Facing the two as they buzzed around like flies, Liu Zong grew increasingly furious. He swung his massive arms and legs, but he simply could not catch Yang Yan or Lan Xue. The battle entered a stalemate once again.

"This guy is truly formidable, to force Liu Zong, a Spirit Sea Realm expert, to this extent! His future achievements will surely be extraordinary!"

"Indeed. Never mind the younger generation of Shangzhou; among the younger generation of the entire Feiyun Empire, how many can compare to him in terms of strength and cultivation talent?"

Watching the intense battle, many were left dumbfounded.

They had never imagined that a mere competition between juniors would involve a Spirit Sea Realm expert, and even after using the Dharma Image of Heaven and Earth, Liu Zong still couldn't take Yang Yan down quickly. This scene was simply too shocking and unbelievable.

The attacks launched by Yang Yan and Lan Xue, utilizing their speed, did not cause any major damage to Liu Zong, but they left him seething with rage and blood rushing to his head.

"You forced me to do this!"

At this moment, the massive aged face that occupied most of the sky was completely consumed by fury.

The situation today was an utter disgrace to Liu Zong. Since the founding of the Liu Clan, they had never experienced such provocation, and the reputation built by his ancestors was being tarnished in his hands. The thought made Liu Zong feel as if his sanity was about to be swallowed by madness and rage.

He no longer cared about whatever backing Yang Yan might have; he only wanted to kill this person who dared to challenge the dignity of the Liu Clan on the spot!

"Ultimate Energy Explosion!"

As his shout fell, the crowd saw Liu Zong’s expanded body rapidly shrinking, while the turbulent natural energy within him coalesced into a half-meter-wide energy orb before him.

The orb was a chaotic color, resembling the scene of the world at the dawn of creation. Although the form inside was indistinct, it seemed to contain the infinite cosmos, suns, moons, and stars, giving off a profound and mysterious feeling.

A moment later, Liu Zong’s body returned to its normal size, and the half-meter-wide chaotic orb became even more intense, releasing a terrifying ripple of energy.

"Run! He’s going to detonate that energy!"

Among the surrounding crowd, many finally reacted and understood Liu Zong’s intent.

Spirit Sea Realm experts could manipulate the natural energy of their surroundings to their own ends. Looking at the current situation, Liu Zong was clearly acting out of madness. He intended to release that terrifying natural energy all at once. If he succeeded, the area for dozens of miles around would likely be leveled, and nothing would survive such an explosion.

"Run!"

The crowd screamed in panic. Although they were watching from a distance, if the explosion truly detonated, it would surely affect them. It would be too late to leave then!

While they were here to watch the spectacle, the choice between curiosity and their lives was obvious.

The dense crowd fled in all directions. Within a few breaths, the entire area around the plaza became empty, leaving only a grim-faced Yang Yan and Lan Xue.

With Yang Yan’s keen soul perception, he could sense the terrifying power contained within that chaotic orb. Even he did not have full confidence in being able to withstand such an attack.

*I’ll fight him to the death!*

It was too late to retreat. After a moment of hesitation, Yang Yan made up his mind, a flash of ruthlessness appearing in his eyes.

He hadn't expected the old bastard to resort to lethal force when pushed into a corner. Since there was no way to avoid it, Yang Yan decided that even if he died, he would make the old man pay a price.

He had already resolved that once the guy detonated the chaotic orb, he would risk losing his sanity again to use his internal origin spiritual energy to resist. Once the suppression of the origin spiritual energy was gone, the residual energy of the Tiger-Headed Profound Ice Python within him would also explode. Even if it didn't kill the old man, it would surely leave him severely wounded!

This was Yang Yan’s character: he would rather break than bend. Whoever dared to target him or take his life had better be prepared to pay a bloody price.

"Explode!"

Amidst the cold, sinister roar, when the energy within the orb reached its peak, Liu Zong let out a sudden, thunderous shout. The chaotic orb became extremely unstable, its colors flickering and shifting, and a terrifying energy storm erupted.

***

At a certain moment, the chaotic orb burst with a loud bang. A mixture of violent energy spread in all directions like a torrential storm at a speed invisible to the naked eye. Centered on Liu Zong, even the void showed ripples in space, as if space itself could not bear the pressure of the explosion.

The terrifying energy surged rapidly toward Yang Yan!

Just as Yang Yan hardened his heart, preparing to unseal his body and unleash his origin spiritual energy, a voice like a booming bell echoed through the void.

"Enough!"

The voice was as calm as water, but to Yang Yan and the others, it was like a thunderclap, vibrating their eardrums and causing even their souls to tremble.

Yang Yan and the others looked up in shock and saw the sky suddenly tear open. A fair, delicate hand reached out from the rift and made a light grasping motion toward the spreading energy storm. The violent, explosive energy suddenly acted like a mouse seeing a cat; it slowly gathered toward the spatial rift and dissipated completely.

After the energy hand vanished, the fair hand in the void slowly retracted, and a slightly cold, ethereal voice drifted out.

"Liu Zong, remember, there will not be a next time. If you so easily wipe out someone the Martial Dao Gate has taken an interest in, then what is the point of us risking a war with the Mysterious Heaven Palace and the Wind and Cloud Pavilion?"

The voice was hoarse and cold, instantly snapping Liu Zong, who had been driven to madness by rage, back to his senses.

"A... a powerhouse of the Forget-Life Realm?! Are you the Sect Master of the Martial Dao Gate?!"

After the appearance of that slender, jade-like hand in the void, Liu Zong’s complexion turned ghastly. The power to tear through space and descend was something only those who had reached the Forget-Life Realm could barely accomplish. Although he could sense that the owner of that hand was still a great distance away, he did not doubt for a second that if that hand were to slap down on him, he would have no chance of survival!

"It seems you still have some discernment. I won't settle accounts with you for today's matter, but remember: Yang Yan is someone you cannot afford to provoke. If I find out in the future that you have used any underhanded schemes, the Liu Clan will have no need to exist!"

The voice from the void was calm, but to Liu Zong, it felt bone-chilling. He hurriedly cupped his hands toward the void and said, "Sect Master, please do not blame me. It was my recklessness; I did not know that young friend Yang Yan was a person of the Martial Dao Gate. If that is the case, I certainly will not dare to cause him any more trouble!"

"That is for the best!"

A cold snort came from the void, and after a pause, the voice sounded again.

"To reach this level at such an age, his cultivation talent is truly monstrous. However, I must warn you: although the Mysterious Heaven Palace and the Wind and Cloud Pavilion are currently being held in check because of the Martial Dao Gate, you must not let your guard down. Once they find the opportunity, they will come for you. Understand that time is running out for you—take care of yourself!"

Yang Yan had also come to his senses. He had been equally shocked and surprised by the intervention from across the void. From the dialogue, he gathered the identity of the person: the leader of the Martial Dao Gate, a titan of the world!

*Is this the power of a Forget-Life Realm expert?*

Yang Yan was secretly astonished. A mere sliver of power manifested by tearing through space was enough to easily resolve the full-force attack of Liu Zong. Such means were truly god-like and unfathomable!

"Junior Yang Yan thanks you, Senior, for saving my life. I will remember this favor from the Martial Dao Gate and will surely repay it in the future!"

Gradually calming his shock, Yang Yan cupped his hands toward the void and spoke with composure.

"Mm, be careful yourself. I hope the Martial Dao Gate can hold out until the day you successfully grow strong enough..."

The voice in the void faded, eventually disappearing entirely.

If any other youth had made such a promise in front of a Forget-Life Realm expert, the expert would have dismissed it as nothing more than a fart. But for some reason, when it came to Yang Yan, it gave the Sect Master a feeling that he had to believe it.

This feeling came from Yang Yan’s talent, which far exceeded that of ordinary people; from his tenacious and unyielding character; and from his brave, fearless heart in the face of powerful enemies.

In short, Yang Yan possessed all the qualities of a powerhouse and even potential that surpassed his own.

For the Sect Master, this was undoubtedly a high-stakes gamble. He was not an indecisive man; since he had chosen Yang Yan over the others, he would use every means to protect him until the day he grew strong enough to shift the balance of power within the Feiyun Empire.

After this first "meeting," he felt even more fortunate about the decision he had made.

Even a powerhouse as strong as Liu Zong had groveled and shown his obsequious side upon seeing him, yet the youth before him remained unchanged—neither elated by external favor nor saddened by personal loss, as if nothing in the outside world could influence his mind. A person like this would certainly achieve great things!