Battle Through the Heavens: Reap the Red Lotus Karmic Flame at the Start

36. Complex in form

Lion-like fierceness looked at Xiao Yan, who had stepped forward, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes: "Who are you?"

"Xiao Yan!"

Xiao Yan said neither humbly nor arrogantly. Although Shi Han was a well-known young powerhouse in the Northwest Region, he showed no fear whatsoever.

Lion Fierce exclaimed in surprise, "Oh, Xiao Yan, who's currently ranked third? A two-star Dou Huang actually managed to squeeze into third place? It seems the Heavenly Serpent Mansion has a backup plan!"

Although Shi Han was surprised, his expression did not change. Xiao Yan's strength was only a two-star Dou Huang, which was indeed not worth his attention.

Then, looking at Yang Lingyan lying beside him, he said, "Are you going to stand up for him?"

Xiao Yan's dark eyes showed no fear. "I fought for the Heavenly Serpent Mansion, so naturally I must ensure the safety of my companions there."

Protected behind Xiao Yan, Yang Lingyan's eyes were filled with complex emotions. As Yang Yue's son, he had always been confident in himself as a leading figure among the younger generation. Therefore, when Yang Yue approached Xiao Yan and the others, he felt it was unnecessary. After sparring with Zi Yan that day, Yang Yue told him that the reason he hadn't stopped him was mainly to show him that his strength was still far from sufficient.

Although Yang Lingyan verbally agreed, he was still unconvinced. However, the idea of ​​being protected by Xiao Yan made him feel both relieved and conflicted.

Lion's fierce gaze swept over Xiao Yan, and he said coldly without any emotion, "Since you insist on taking the lead, I don't mind extinguishing the Heavenly Serpent Mansion's hopes."

Yang Lingyan struggled to his feet and said urgently, "Lion, how about we leave immediately so as not to bother you?"

Lion Fierce's fighting spirit had just condensed, and he was clearly taken aback by Yang Lingyan's words.

Xiao Yan turned to Yang Ling and comforted him, saying, "Brother Yang, there's no need to be like this. It's still too early to say who will win or lose."

Yang Lingyan looked at Shi Han with deep apprehension: "But..."

Xiao Yan stopped Yang Lingyan from continuing, handed him two healing pills, and said, "Brother Yang, go and rest for a while. I can take care of things here."

Yang Lingyan gave Xiao Yan a deep look, and finally nodded seriously and said in a low voice, "If things can't be changed, it's okay for us to leave."

Having spent so many days in the Myriad Beasts Space, Yang Lingyan naturally knew of Xiao Yan's formidable achievements. It could be said that the future of the Heavenly Serpent Palace rested on Xiao Yan's shoulders, and he naturally didn't want anything to happen to him, even if it meant missing out on a Venerable's inheritance.

Lion Warrior silently watched everything Xiao Yan did and said, "I didn't expect you to be so lucky, consistently ranking in the top ten of the points leaderboard. It's a pity your brain isn't as sharp as Yang Lingyan's."

"Words are useless; let's settle this with our skills." Blood-red flames surrounded Xiao Yan's body; Shi Han was definitely a formidable opponent for him.

Just as the two were about to fight, a cynical voice rang out: "Gentlemen, I wonder if I could get a share of the spoils?"

Both Xiao Yan and Shi Han, who were facing off, looked towards the newcomer. The newcomer was dressed in magnificent attire and held a folding fan over a foot long. Her face was elegant and refined; if it weren't for the distinctive feature around her throat, Xiao Yan might have mistaken her for a woman. Her stunning beauty, attire, and fan complemented each other perfectly, making her a truly pleasing sight.

Of course, corresponding to her beautiful appearance was the aura emanating from her—a six-star Dou Huang!

Moreover, Xiao Yan sensed that this was definitely not an ordinary Dou Huang. The aura he exuded was stable, indicating that he was also someone with a profound foundation.

"Chu Qun, are you going to join the fray too?" Lion-like man snarled.

Xiao Yan felt that the name Chu Qun sounded vaguely familiar. Although he didn't remember it exactly, he guessed that Chu Qun was one of the people who had been on the ranking list during this period.

The onlookers exclaimed in shock, "Chu Qun, the number one expert among the younger generation of Minghua Tower!"

"Minghua Tower did not make it into the top six powers, but it is still an established power that has been rooted in the Northwest Region for many years."

"It's said that the main reason they didn't make it into the top six powers is because the Minghua Tower Master is too particular about the appearance of his disciples. Unless they have an exceptionally striking appearance, they can't learn the tower's profound martial arts and combat techniques!"

"Hehe, I just heard someone say that opportunities are for the capable. I wonder if my mediocre skills qualify me as one of the capable?" Chu Qun emphasized the word "capable," clearly targeting Shi Han.

Lion's eyes flashed with impatience and a hint of murderous intent as he said, "Then I'll have a go at you, you sissy!"

"Young Master Lion is too kind. I dare not directly confront the power of the Blood Lion Pagoda Technique. However, I would like to join forces with Brother Xiao Yan to learn a thing or two from you. What do you say?"

After saying that, Chu Qun looked at Xiao Yan with a smile, and those beautiful eyes that seemed to overflow with tears made Xiao Yan feel a chill in his heart.

As soon as Chu Qun finished speaking, Xiao Yan's wariness of him deepened. With just a few words, Chu Qun had pulled him to the same side. However, because Yang Lingyan was injured and standing by, Xiao Yan had no choice but to join forces with him. Chu Qun was definitely not a simple person.

However, Xiao Yan returned a friendly look, then stared at Shi Han, his intention to join forces clearly revealed.

Lion Fierce sized up Xiao Yan and Chu Qun, then looked at the onlookers who were almost out of control. He withdrew his aura and snorted coldly, "So what if they join forces? They're still a rabble."

Then he waved to the people he was leading, and everyone gathered to prepare to dive to the bottom of the pool.

Shi Han gave up the possibility of monopolizing the opportunity, and Chu Qun also breathed a sigh of relief. He clasped his hands in a fist and smiled at Xiao Yan, then went to study the pool. Several people followed behind him.

Xiao Yan turned to Yang Lingyan and asked, "How are you? Are you alright?"

"I won't die, thank you for the pill," Yang Lingyan replied.

"How did you come to be at odds with Lionheart?"

Hearing Xiao Yan's question, Yang Lingyan replied sarcastically, "I discovered this place early on and was the first to bring people in. But before I could investigate thoroughly, Shi Han arrived with his men. He told me to leave, but I was so angry that I fought him and was ambushed by his men. All the people I brought with me are dead, thankfully they weren't from our Heavenly Serpent Mansion."

Xiao Yan noticed that Yang Lingyan's wounds had begun to heal in a short time. Although the Heavenly Serpent Palace technique was slightly weaker in combat, its recovery ability was extremely strong. Even when Zi Yan punched Yang Lingyan away that day, it didn't cause him much damage.

"Judging from their current appearance, they're probably all ready to go underwater. If there are any historical relics or relics, they can only be found underwater. So, are you coming down with me or waiting up here?"

"Go down. Although you're injured, you can protect yourself." As if remembering something, Yang Lingyan explained, "I acted impulsively just now. If I had been determined to leave, even Shi Han wouldn't have been able to stop me."

Looking at Yang Lingyan, Xiao Yan understood Yang Yue's anxiety. While other sects were cultivating such outstanding talents, Yang Lingyan, the hope of the Heavenly Serpent Palace, was considerably inferior. Firstly, his strength was even lower than that of talents from non-six major sects like Chu Qun. Secondly, his personality didn't seem like that of someone capable of shouldering great responsibilities. If Xiao Yan hadn't come, he might very well have perished here today.

However, Xiao Yan didn't think much of it; it wasn't something he should be troubled by. Instead, he looked at the pool with some curiosity.

"This place is so treacherous, what could be inside?"