With a single step forward, dark clouds gathered, as if countless thunders churned within them.
Beyond the Martial Spirit, one had begun to influence this world; precisely, quantitative change had brought about qualitative transformation.
Though it seemed to influence heaven and earth, in reality, it was merely the牵引 (qiān yǐn) of martial energy, or rather, condensed by it.
Even at the pinnacle of the martial path, there was no way to interfere with the natural workings of the universe; this was against all reason.
"Even if they all die, it wouldn't be enough to compensate for the loss of a single Eight Divine Heavenly from the Dark Hall!"
In the blink of an eye, Ye Longlin appeared before her, his palm slamming down towards the Red Lotus Demoness, as if a world-destroying force surged forth.
The Red Lotus Demoness dared not directly block Ye Longlin's strike, forced to retreat. One by one, crimson lotuses bloomed eerily, each explosion separating her from Ye Longlin.
However, Xuan Niao suddenly appeared beside the Red Lotus Demoness, a battle saber flashing towards her neck.
*Screech—*
The sharp saber easily sliced through the Red Lotus Demoness's neck, a line of blood appearing.
Yet, it was merely the tip of the saber lightly grazing her.
All three present had emerged from seas of blood and possessed incredibly rich combat experience.
There was no need to speak further of Ye Longlin and Xuan Niao, their current positions forged through countless battles.
As one of the Eight Divine Heavens of the Dark Hall, the Red Lotus Demoness had participated in an innumerable amount of conflicts.
The combat experience of the three was exceptionally profound, hence, once a battle commenced, it would not be decided in a short while, unless one party could easily suppress the other.
However, Ye Longlin was injured and could not unleash his full strength!
"Do you truly think I cannot kill you?"
Ye Longlin's gaze gradually turned majestic, his immense aura beginning to envelop the entire scene.
That supreme presence caused a flicker of fear in the Red Lotus Demoness's heart!
Even as an Eight Divine Heavenly, she was still no match for Ye Longlin. One must remember, Ye Longlin in his prime could fight their Vice Hall Master on equal footing!
"No, I absolutely cannot be bogged down here. If this continues, I won't be able to escape today."
With this thought, the Red Lotus Demoness had made up her mind.
While evading, she quickly took out her phone and aimed it directly at Ye Longlin.
"They are all in my hands. If I die, they will die too!"
On the phone screen, Zhao Qian, Zhao Siyu, and Mu Hanqi were all bound to pillars, cloths stuffed in their mouths.
Ye Longlin's aura abruptly halted. Looking at the three on the screen, a chill flashed in his eyes.
Seeing Xuan Niao also stop, Ye Longlin's thin lips uttered a single word.
"Kill!"
As his voice fell, his aura surged again, his hands rapidly forming seals.
The Shan He Yin (山河印 - Mountain River Seal) took shape, within the ancient great seal, as if carrying the vastness and desolation of ancient times. A heavy aura like mountains suddenly descended.
"Red Lotus Demoness, an international SSS-class fugitive, suspected of inciting war, massacring civilians, and stirring international unrest, your wickedness is boundless. Now, I, on behalf of Great Xia, shall suppress you!"
A touch of golden dragon at his fingertip was instantly imbued into the Shan He Yin.
The golden dragon coiled around the Shan He Yin, roaring to the sky.
"Puff—"
The Jie Long Ren (界龙人 - Realm Dragon Person) suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, the condensed Shan He Yin turning blood-red, and then descended in suppression!
The Red Lotus Demoness bared her teeth in rage, the Shan He Yin filling her pupils.
"All-Sky Red Lotus!"
Countless red lotuses obscured the sky, creating a barrier between herself and the Shan He Yin, a layer of red lotuses.
One by one, the red lotuses bloomed, enchanting and dangerous above the battlefield.
"Boom!"
The Shan He Yin descended, striking the all-sky red lotuses!
"Crack crack!"
The lotuses shattered one by one, then began to collapse gradually.
With a boom, the red lotuses disintegrated, slamming the Red Lotus Demoness into the ground. The Shan He Yin forcefully gouged a pit over ten meters deep into the earth before dissipating.
"Pfft."
Ye Longlin knelt on one knee, clutching his chest. He felt his head ringing.
Enduring the discomfort in his head, he walked to the edge of the pit and looked down at the Red Lotus Demoness, who had lost all ability to fight.
"You are under arrest!"
The Red Lotus Demoness let out a disdainful laugh, only her neck able to move.
She turned her head, looking at Ye Longlin and asking, "Are you truly not worried they might die? Or do you have some other trump card?"
This was the first time the Red Lotus Demoness had asked so seriously.
Ye Longlin grinned, his white teeth stained red with blood.
"Firstly, I am a soldier. Secondly, I am a son, a husband, a brother."
The implication was that if anyone threatened Great Xia's safety, and that person held his relatives, he would choose Great Xia, not his relatives.
He was first and foremost a soldier of Great Xia, whose duty was to protect the lives and property of the people.
If he chose the latter, more people would lose their loved ones.
Sacrificing the self for the greater good.
This was something etched into the bones of every Great Xia citizen!
"Do you know why Great Xia is the safest country in the world?"
"Because our military protects first, protects our people, and protects the safety of our nation and home. If one day our military is no more, it means Great Xia no longer exists."
"But before that, the Dragon Pavilion is the first line of defense. If all this has already happened, it means I am dead. Since I am already dead, why should I concern myself with these matters?"
"The people have faith, the nation has hope, and the country has strength!"
"You foreigners will never understand what faith is."
Ye Longlin looked at her, speaking in a calm tone. After he finished, Xuan Niao moved to apprehend her directly!
"Bitch, you've finally fallen into my hands. Don't worry, I'll make sure you taste the methods of the Dragon Pavilion!"
Xuan Niao said fiercely, glaring at the Red Lotus Demoness, gritting her teeth.
Ye Longlin: "..."
But it was at this moment that groups of armed personnel rushed forward, surrounding the entire scene. By this time, the Dragon Pavilion had dealt with everyone. The moment these armed personnel appeared, the capable fighters of the Dragon Pavilion formed ranks, their killing intent soaring!
A helicopter slowly descended, its cabin doors opening.
A middle-aged man in a black suit and tie, around fifty years old.
"Boss!"
Yuan Gang quickly approached, his eyes filled with gloom. Looking at the newcomer, his gaze radiated danger.
Clearly, if the person posed any threat to Ye Longlin, he would strike instantly!
Ye Longlin shook his head slightly, turning to look at the person who had arrived.
"I didn't expect someone from the capital to personally intervene, nor did I expect it to be you."