Chapter 816: Demon Flame Valley
The face of the man immediately rejoiced when he saw that Xiao Yan's footsteps had paused. However, the eyes of the surrounding black-clothed people became dark and chilly.
"Brat. if you don't wish to lose your life, you should lead your people and leave. Otherwise…" That leader of the black-clothed people's voice was dark and cold as he spoke.
Xiao Yan completely ignored this threat. He turned around, narrowed his eyes, and studied the man and the purple-clothed, young lady. His voice was a little surprised as he asked.
"The both of you are people from the Jia Nan Academy?"
The man who was called Mai Di and the purple-clothed, young lady were startled when they saw Xiao Yan's sudden change in attitude. The former continued to speak carefully, "I am an instructor of the Jia Nan Academy. She is my student Mo Ling."
Xiao Yan nodded slightly when he heard this. He immediately said with a smile, "In that case, please leave with me."
Mai Di and the purple-clothed, young lady widened their mouths when they saw Xiao Yan's smiling face. They were unable to recover. This continued for quite awhile before the man pulled the purple-clothed, young lady with some hesitation. They swiftly picked up their speed as they headed toward Xiao Yan's three man group.
"Brat, you are seeking death!" A cold glint flashed across the eyes of the black-clothed leader as he coldly cried.
"Kill all of the! Don't allow any news to be leaked."
The ten plus black-clothed people immediately responded with deep voices. They immediately brandished sharp longswords in their hands as their bodies moved and rushed toward Xiao Yan's group. The dense killing intent caused the air of this part of the forest to solidify.
Mai Di's expression suddenly changed when he sensed the dense killing intent that had suddenly surged. He immediately pulled the purple-clothed, young lady closer as he ran toward Xiao Yan's group with all their might.
However, the speed of the two of them were obviously no match for those black-clothed people. Hence, two longswords that contained chilly glints swiftly appeared behind the two of them within a couple of blinks. They immediately shot forth like two poisonous snakes.
The dense chill that appeared behind them was also noticed by Mai Di and the purple-clothed, young lady. Their faces drastically changed. Given their current condition, they did not have the ability to dodge this kind of vicious attack.
Panic rose in the hearts of these two people as the dense killing aura approached. However, just when they could only shut their eyes tightly and await death, the tiny sound of a thunderous roar suddenly resonated in the woods. The two people immediately sensed their bodies soar. The entire process continued for a short instant. By the time they recovered, they were shocked to discover that they were already between Xiao Yan's three people group. There was a hand on each of their shoulders.
The eyes of the both of them blinked. They immediately turned their heads slowly and the smiling face of a young, handsome man appeared in their sight.
"This… mister. Thank you very much." At this point, Mai Di understood that this young man who appeared to be only around twenty years old definitely had a strength that far exceeded his expectations, regardless of how stupid the former may be. A wild joy immediately surged in his heart as he excitedly spoke.
The purple-clothed, young lady called Mo Ling by the side also widened her small mouth. Her watery large eyes were surprised as she looked at this person whom she had just regarded as a coward. It was unexpected that this fellow, who had given her a poor first impression, had a strength that was much stronger than Instructor Mai Di.
"Zi Yan, finish them off."
Xiao Yan faintly swept his gaze over the black-clothed people rushing over as he spoke in a calm voice.
Zi Yan by the side curled her mouth when she heard this. She muttered something about 'mistreating a child worker' before slowly walking out.
"Be careful, they are all Da Dou Shi. That leader is a seven star expert Dou Ling… you… ugh…" Mai Di was immediately startled when he saw that Xiao Yan was actually asking a little girl to attack. However, he had just spoken when Zi Yan's body transformed into a light figure that rushed forward. Immediately, he heard the sound of numerous muffled impacts of bodies contacting each other. Soon after, the human figures came falling from the sky one at a time, and violently landed on the surrounding muddy ground. No one knew if they were dead or alive.
"Clap clap"
The lovely figure slowly landed on the ground as she gently patted her small hand. She curled her small mouth and said, "A group of mediocre Da Dou Shi actually dares to block us."
Mai Di and Mo Ling by the side stared at these black-clothed people on the ground whose fates were unknown. They were stunned. It had only been less than ten seconds, but over ten expert Da Dou Shi had already ended up in this manner? This little girl's strength was actually this terrifying?"
"Finish off that fellow too." Xiao Yan's eyes shifted up. He observed the black-clothed leader on a tree branch before carelessly speaking.
"You… who exactly are all of you? We are the people from the Demon Flame Valley!" The face of the leader of the black-clothed people quickly changed. He put up a brave front as he cried out.
Zi Yan shook her head with irritation after his voice sounded. Her body flashed and she appeared in front of this black-clothed person. Her small fist was tightened before it was ruthlessly swung at that black-clothed person.
The heart of the black-clothed person was greatly shocked when he saw Zi Yan's frightening speed. He hurriedly maneuvered the Dou Qi within his body to form a firm Dou Qi armor. Zi Yan's small fist swiftly arrived the moment the armor took shape. Immediately, a frightening strength formed from all directions. The seemingly firm Dou Qi armor instantly cracked apart. The remaining force heavily smashed against the black-clothed person's chest. Immediately, a mouthful of fresh blood that contained some broken internal organs was wildly spat out. His body also fell from the tree branch.
"A mere Dou Ling actually dares to receive my fist? Hmph, you are looking for death…" Zi Yan glanced at the falling corpse as her toes pressed against a tree branch. Her lovely small body twisted in the air before steadily landing. She snorted at Xiao Yan, "By getting me to act this time, you must return that 'Blood Spirit Grass' to me."
The price that Zi Yan requested only caused Xiao Yan to roll his eyes. He immediately flipped his gaze to Mai Di and Mo Ling.
Mai Di hurriedly cupped his hands and started to speak when he saw Xiao Yan look over. "Mister, thank you very much for helping us. May I know your name?"
"Ke ke, Instructor Mai Di, there is no need to be so courteous. You can just call me Xiao Yan. If we were to talk about it, we are all comrades…" Xiao Yan laughed.
"Comrades?" Mai Di was also startled when he heard this. A moment later, he spoke with surprise, "Don't tell me you are also someone from the Jia Nan Academy?"
Mo Ling by the side was stunned when she heard Mai Di's words. Her eyes immediately swept over this young, black-robed man, who possessed an unusually frightening strength, in a bizarre manner. A moment later, her delicate willow-like eyebrows were tightly pressed together while she muttered to herself, "Xiao Yan? It seems quite familiar?"
"Xiao Yan? You… you are that Xiao Yan from the Inner Academy?" Mai Di also frowned. He mused for a moment before suddenly recalling something. After which, he suddenly cried out in an involuntary manner.
Xiao Yan smiled as he looked at the surprise on the faces of the two people. He said, "If there is no one else with a similar name in the Inner Academy, I think that the person whom you are speaking of should be me."
The shocked expression on Mai Di's and Mo Ling's faces was even denser when they saw Xiao Yan nod his head. The name Xiao Yan had become renowned so that everyone within the Jia Nan Academy knew of it during these few years. Everyone knew that this young man, who had merely trained for three years within the Inner Academy, had already killed some extremely fierce experts from the 'Black-Corner Region' with his hands. The faction 'Pan's Gate' he had established within the Inner Academy had currently become the largest faction within the Jia Nan Academy. Almost every new student who entered would hear about this renowned faction until they became extremely familiar with it. Moreover, 'Xiao Gate' within the 'Black-Corner Region' had provided the greatest protective umbrella when the many students gained experience in the 'Black-Corner Region'. Similarly, this enormous faction's founder was a person who was regarded as an idol and even a legend within the hearts of a countless number of students.
Although it had been over two years since Xiao Yan left the Jia Nan Academy, his reputation did not become weaker following the flow of time. Instead, it was brewed during this time until he became the idol within the hearts of many people. There were even many young ladies within the academy who held some beautiful illusions about this senior, who had never shown himself… Mo Ling at the front had once heard her good friend used an extravagant tone while speaking about Xiao Yan's stories. Although her face had remained calm, a faint impression was indeed left behind in her heart…
Currently, the one who was rumored to be a mythical perfect person within the Jia Nan Academy had actually appeared in front of her. This would undoubtedly cause her to feel a somewhat surreal moment.
"It is unexpected that there is someone who still remembers me despite not having returned for two years." Xiao Yan involuntarily laughed as he observed the expressions of the two people.
Mai Di finally recovered from his shock after hearing Xiao Yan's laughter. He suddenly took a step forward, grabbed Xiao Yan's hand and spoke anxiously, "They are safe. Elder Wu and the others are saved!"
"Elder Wu? What's the matter?" Xiao Yan frowned slightly and asked in a deep voice.
"This is a long story. Our Academy would basically send out quite a number of students to train every half a year. Most of the students who come out to train are quietly followed by people from the Inner Academy or by the Elders." Mai Di bitterly laughed when he spoke until this point. He immediately sighed, "This time around, Elder Wu from the Inner Academy is leading the group. Originally, everything was progressing smoothly. However, information was leaked in the end. When this training group of ours were hunting Magical Beast in this mountain, the Demon Flame Valley launched a sneak attack on us. In this emergency, Elder Wu went all out to stop them. Finally, he lead quite a number of students, who were out training, to hide in a small valley. Nevertheless, they were completely surrounded by the people from the Demon Flame Valley. Mo Ling and I went all out to escape. Originally, we were hoping to search for help but we were discovered by the Demon Flame Valley's patrol. Hence, they began chasing us…"
"Senior Xiao Yan… there are over thirty students trapped there. If they were to land in the hands of the Demon Flame Valley, it is likely that they would have difficulty escaping death. This damn faction is the enemy of 'Xiao Gate'. They purposefully target our Jia Nan Academy." Mo Ling by the side bit her lower lip with the back of her teeth as she softly spoke.
Xiao Yan's expression sank slightly when he heard the words of these two. He had quite a deep relationship with the Jia Nan Academy. Regardless of what he was thinking, he must definitely intervene in such a situation.
"How is the strength of that Elder Wu like? I don't seem to remember hearing of such an Inner Academy Elder." Xiao Yan nodded slightly before randomly asking.
"Elder Wu was promoted only last year. He was originally also a student of the Inner Academy. He is called Wu Hao…" Mai Di hurriedly replied.
"Wu Hao?"
Xiao Yan was initially startled when he heard this name. After which, his face immediately became completely gloomy.
Chapter 817: Blood Sword Wu Hao
Waves of thunder-like beast roars would occasionally be emitted within the lush, green mountain forest, frightening numbers of resting birds within the forest flew away. The flapping sound that was brought about by their wings caused the air to become much more tense.
There was a precipitous mountain wall covered by this lush greenery. The lower part of the mountain peak was split, forming an enormous gully. Looking from it at a great distance, it appeared just like a valley. Both sides of the valley had precipitous rock walls that were difficult to climb. The only exit was one that was not even twenty feet wide.
A large group of people were currently clustered in this valley. Most of their faces were pale-white. However, there was not much panic between their brows. They were holding their weapons in their hands as their gazes coldly swept over the mountain peak and the valley exit.
This group of people was quite young. They were around seventeen to nineteen years old. It was the age when people had the greatest vigor. There was also a roughly even ratio of males to females. The young ladies had eye-catching appearances. Their lively aura that was specifically possessed by young ladies was even more striking. However, these beautiful young ladies all displayed pale-white faces at this moment. This lovely and weak manner caused people to show an even greater tender loving care.
A couple of solemn-looking men and women stood at the center of this group of people. Their eyes stared intently at the distant valley's exit. The cold glint of some human figures were flashing at that spot.
"Elder Wu, what do we do now? The people from the Demon Flame Valley have already sealed off the exit. The surrounding mountain walls are also unusually steep. Unless one is an expert Dou Wang, no one will be able to escape." A middle-aged man who was around thirty years old looked at around their desperate state, and softly sighed. He laughed bitterly while speaking to the back of a man who held a heavy blood-red sword.
The man who was carrying the heavy blood-red sword slowly turned around when he heard this, revealing a face that was filled with a stern expression. This face was somewhat familiar. It was also that of one of the founders of 'Pan's Gate' back then. He was Xiao Yan's good friend, Wu Hao!
The current Wu Hao undoubtedly appeared much more mature compared to two years ago. That bloody aura that caused one's heart to feel a chill had also become much fainter. Of course, this did not mean that it was weaker. Instead, the current him had gradually withdrawn that bloody aura into his body. If it was said that his previous self was a bloody crimson sword that revealed all its barbs, the current him was a sword with an edge that was covered by a scabbard. Naturally, once that scabbard was removed, that sharp bloody aura within it would completely erupt.
"Let's wait. Hopefully, Mai Di and the others were able to flee successfully. As long as they sent got out a message, any experts from the academy nearby should come and rescue us." Wu Hao sighed and spoke as his eyes slowly swept over the faces of everyone in the valley.
"This damn Demon Flame Valley. If I am able to get out this time around, I will definitely get cousin brother Xiao Li to settle this matter properly!" A tall, beautiful lady wearing instructor robes by the side coldly spoke.
The lady was wearing a red instructor robes that seemed to have added a mature and enchanting aura to her. The corner of her skirt had a split that extended halfway. When the corner of the skirt moved, her long, round, sexy legs would cause those male students behind to involuntarily take a couple more glances despite them being in this kind of desperate condition. They quietly praised in their hearts, "Instructor Xiao Yu is really becoming more and more womanly…"
Xiao Yu. This lady who was wearing red instructor robes was actually Xiao Yan's older cousin sister, Xiao Yu, who had been staying in the Jia Nan Academy!
Wu Hao vaguely nodded upon hearing Xiao Yu's words. He immediately spoke in a helpless manner, "I'm afraid that those fellows won't give us such a chance…" His expression suddenly changed when his words sounded. His gaze suddenly shifted to the valley's exit as he spoke in a deep voice, "You should all be a little more careful. Protect the students properly. The people from the Demon Flame Valley seem to be moving."
The faces of Xiao Yu and the couple of instructors were shocked when they heard this. They immediately withdrew and spread out, surrounding those young male and female students.
"Ke ke, it is really unexpected that it would actually be the renowned Bloody Sword Wu Hao from the Jia Nan Academy. I have heard so much about you…" A human figure flashed and moved at the mountain peak where the valley's exit was located. A gray-robed person flapping his Dou Qi wings appeared there. He looked down at everyone in the valley from a high vantage point and laughed out loud.
There were over ten black-clothed men standing behind the gray-robed man. Numerous dense gazes shot toward everyone in the valley.
"The people from the Demon Flame Valley always like to use these kinds of sneaky tactics. If you have the guts, you should come down and fight with me!" Wu Hao's eyes studied the gray-robed person as he coldly laughed.
"Ha ha, the reputation of the Bloody Sword Elder is extremely renowned in the 'Black-Corner Region'. Of course, that kind of all out attacking method reverberates like thunder in other's ears…" Another laugh sounded. Immediately, a human figure flashed and appeared once again. Looking at the Dou Qi wings that were flapping on his back, it was clearly another expert Dou Wang.
Wu Hao's gaze was dark and solemn as he looked at the two expert Dou Wangs above the valley. His heart sank. His current strength was merely a four star Dou Wang. Looking at the aura of these two people, they were clearly of similar strength as him. If it was a one-on-one fight, he had the confidence that he would definitely defeat the other party. However, if it was two against one, he would clearly end up at a disadvantage. If it really reached the last stage where they staked their lives to go all out, he would definitely cause the two people on the other side to suffer great losses even if he ended up being defeated.
These people did not choose to act despite having surrounded Wu Hao's group because they were afraid of his all out fighting tactic. After all, one did not only require a little courage to really stake one's life and go all out. These two expert Dou Wangs had quite a high position within the Demon Flame Valley. They were unwilling to part with their positions and risk their lives against this Wu Hao.
"Elder Wu Hao, if you take the initiative and surrender today, I can guarantee you that we will not harm any student of the Jia Nan Academy. What do you say?" The gray-robed person from earlier laughed.
"Do you really treat me like a three year old child? If I really fall into your hands, my ending will likely be at least ten times worse than dying in battle." Wu Hao coldly continued to laugh. "You two cowards are merely hiding and don't dare to fight me head-on. You really cause the Demon Flame Valley to lose face!"
"Hee hee, Elder Wu, there is no need for you to provoke us. I know that you have put your hope on two people who have fled. However, your calculations might not be as good as you think. An injured Da Dou Shi who is carrying a burden wants to throw off being chased by our Demon Flame Valley's elite assassins?" The other expert Dou Wang coldly laughed.
Wu Hao's expression changed. His fist also slowly tightened.
"Moreover, do you really think that you alone can protect them? Hee hee, once our Demon Flame Valley's Fourth Elder arrives, I will see just how you can act arrogantly? Tsk tsk, these little girls from the Jia Nan Academy are quite beautiful. Moreover, all of them are covered with haughtiness. At that time, we might be able to auction them off for quite a lot of money after we will drag them back and teach them properly."
A bloody aura suddenly surged from Wu Hao's body when he heard this lewd laughter. His eyes were savage as he glared at the expert Dou Wang who had spoken. His voice was sinister as he spoke, "Bastard from the Demon Flame Valley. Sooner or later, I will let all of you become dead souls under by sword!"
"Ha ha, brat, you should say this after you leave this place alive."
Wu Hao's dense voice merely caused the two expert Dou Wangs to laugh while facing the sky.
Their arrogant laughter reverberated over the valley. The beautiful faces of quite a number of young ladies paled. Although most of them had some background, this kind of background did not hold much sway in a chaotic place like the 'Black-Corner Region'.
"We can only forcefully charge now. Otherwise, we will really not have the slightest chance once the Fourth Elder from the Demon Flame Valley arrives. Four instructors, you will follow me and do your best to block them. Xiao Yu, you will lead everyone else and charge forward at that time. Do not turn around!" Wu Hao inhaled a deep breath of air, turned his head, and spoke with a deep voice.
"Yes!"
Xiao Yu tightly bit her lower red lip. She tightened her delicate hand, clearly understanding that Wu Hao's group would risk their lives to obstruct the other side. Otherwise, it would be extremely difficult to delay the two expert Dou Wangs from the other side.
Wu Hao's hand slowly gripped the heavy sword on his back. A sky-surging bloody aura suddenly erupted from Wu Hao's body. He immediately let out a furious roar as his body charged toward the valley's exit as a bloody figure. The large group of students behind hurriedly followed. Waves of powerful Dou Qi seeped out. Although they may appear individually weak, their aura did have some strength when merged together.
"Hee hee, are they finally about to go all out… stop them!"
The two expert Dou Wangs immediately let out cold laughter upon seeing the actions of Wu Hao's group. They immediately cried out in deep voices.
When their cry sounded, the originally empty top of the valley suddenly saw the appearance of numerous black-clothed people. These people rushed down. They tightly gripped their sharp weapons as they charged at Wu Hao's group.
"Kill!"
Wu Hao's blood-red eyes focused on the black-clothed human-tide that surged over. He emitted a furious roar as his heavy sword violently hacked down. Dozens of feet large blood-colored sword glows shot out. They sliced a couple of black-clothed people in front of him.
Fresh blood spluttered. However, this did not cause the attacks of the black-clothed people to slow. Numerous human figures rushed over and swiftly surrounded Wu Hao's group. Their swords immediately moved in unison!
"Clang! Clang!"
The students from the Jia Nan Academy clashed with the black-clothed group. Sharp Dou Qi surged as both parties killed until their eyes turned red. Although the former group did not have as much combat experience as the latter group, they were superior in having a firmer foundation. By joining hands, the former was able to block the other party's attacks.
Wu Hao was at the very front of this group, forming an arrow that shot toward the valley's exit. Two powerful Dou Qis suddenly rushed down from the sky just as they were about to reach the exit. The blood sword in Wu Hao's hand was swung and a blood glow shot out. Finally, it blocked the two Dou Qis that came from the sky.
Two human figures rushed down as their Dou Qi explosively shot out. They immediately joined hands and attacked Wu Hao. The latter hurriedly met them with all his strength. In an instant, powerful Dou Qi surged out, forming a sharp sword glow that caused a layer of dirt on the ground to be removed.
"Clang!"
Sparks were accompanied by the sounds of metal colliding as an energy ripple burst forth. Wu Hao and the two expert Dou Wangs hurriedly took a step back. Blood traces appeared on the former's mouth. That aura of his was even more violent.
On the other hand, the two expert Dou Wangs merely rubbed their somewhat numb hands. They looked at the red-eyed Wu Hao and knit their brows. In their hearts, they silently cursed this was indeed someone who did not want his life…
A blood redness also surged onto Wu Hao's face. His eyes stared intently at the two Elders who were blocking their way. Knowing in his heart that he could not delay any longer, he circulated the Dou Qi within his body to its limit. Blood-colored Dou Qi shrouded his body like a bloody fog. A bloody stench filled the entire valley.
The faces of the two expert Dou Wangs changed slightly when they felt Wu Hao's aura. This was indeed a troublesome fellow…
A faint elderly laugh suddenly resounded in the sky just when Wu Hao was prepared to use all his strength. Finally, it reverberated mightily in the valley.
"Hee hee, you are indeed worthy of your name Blood Sword. This bloody Dou Qi is the most dense one that the old me has ever seen with the exception of those fellows from the Blood Sect."
The two Demon Flame Valley's expert Dou Wangs immediately rejoiced upon hearing this old-sounding laugh. On the other hand, the faces of Wu Hao's group suddenly became pale. They slowly lifted their heads, only to see a green-robed old man standing in the sky. A frightening aura that was much stronger than an expert Dou Wang seeped from him…