I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 152 Old Hatred and New Vengeance
As the demon egg devoured the monster's remains, Xue Xiang sat down cross-legged and popped a Phoenix Five Pill into his mouth.

The power of the Explosion Bead was too great; even though he was affected by the aftershocks, he was seriously injured.

Fortunately, the Phoenix Five Pill has excellent healing effects. Soon, the medicinal power spreads, and a rolling heat flow nourishes the wounds all over the body.

The literary ring trembled slightly, and Xue Xiang's thoughts sank into it.

The overall leaderboard has been released, and it only lists fifty players.

Clearly, those ranked below 50 were eliminated.

He ranked ninth, with a total score of 1,137 points.

Xue Xiang clicked his tongue in amazement. He had killed so many people, yet he still couldn't squeeze into the top three.

He looked closely and saw that the first place winner was none other than his acquaintance, Han Feng, who had scored over two thousand points.

He was unfamiliar with the second-place and eighth-place finishers.

The three ranked thirteenth to sixteenth were Lü Wenhou, Shen Nansheng, and Lou Hanche.

Ling Xueyi's ranking, however, fell to outside the top forty.

Half an incense stick later, Xue Xiang was fully recovered from his injuries. He leaned against a big tree, eating dried meat and drinking water.

Quietly await the arrival of the ultimate trial.

He had seen the virtual map in the document ring, and the number of monsters had decreased significantly.

However, the three purple-level monsters remained in the same position, and there were still quite a few black-level monsters.

Xue Xiang set his sights on a hundred miles to the southwest, where more than ten black-level monsters were gathered.

To achieve a good result in this trial, the optimal solution is clearly to go there and fight.

As he was making plans, the document ring suddenly trembled, and Xue Xiang realized that his thoughts had been cut off.

It was completely impossible to establish a connection with the written record.

"What's going on? The talisman ring has failed?"

A cloud of doubt rose in Xue Xiang's mind.

…………

Canglan Academy, Thousand Illusions Garden.

The heavy snow had just stopped, and the world was a pristine white.

Although it was daytime, the Thousand Illusions Garden was brightly lit.

The bronze palaces stretched out in a continuous line, with talismans swirling around them and shrouded in a misty haze, resembling a celestial mechanism.

At this moment, a chaotic light burst forth, runes surged, and the walls shook violently.

An atmosphere of anxiety filled the air.

The chief commander sat cross-legged in the center of the main hall, his face as pale as paper, with blood gushing from his mouth.

His chest heaved like a drumbeat, and finally he could no longer hold on and collapsed to the ground.

"It suffered a backlash... The formation... has gone out of control..."

His voice was low and hoarse, and his body was trembling violently, as if it were about to split open at any moment.

On the side, several assistant array masters were sweating profusely with anxiety.

A chief array master knelt down to support the chief array master, raised his head and bowed, saying to Ni Quanwen and the others who were glaring at him menacingly, "My lords, please rest assured."

The location of the base array is known to the subordinates.

Although the chief array master is seriously injured, I am confident that he can be repaired and the array can be restored in at most half an hour!

A cold snort came from inside the hall, shaking the roof tiles.

Ni Quanwen was dressed in purple, holding a jade slip in his hand, his expression cold and sinister.

His eyes were fixed on the array platform, his hair and beard bristling, and he shouted in a cold voice, "An unprecedented event! When students undergo trials in the Trial Realm, the Trial Array will collapse."

If at this time, other monsters invade, or someone with ulterior motives comes to kill,

The document ring has lost its teleportation function, resulting in the deaths and injuries of one or two students. How will you explain this to the imperial court?

Ni Quanwen was furious. Upon hearing that the central array controlling the Trial Realm had collapsed, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning.

Even the usually gentle and refined Ni Gongguan finally lost his temper.

"Repair! Repair quickly! You have half an hour, at most half an hour. Otherwise, you will be thrown into the Netherworld and never be redeemed!"

Wei Fan grabbed Ni Quanwen and shouted loudly.

Ni Quanwen also realized that getting angry now would not help, so he could only order them to repair the great formation as soon as possible.

After a dozen or so breaths, Ni Quanwen and Wei Fan arrived at the side hall. Wei Fan whispered, "To be honest, Brother Ni, even before this trial has started, I've already prepared myself for all sorts of unexpected troubles."

The powerful figures in the capital wanted the top scholar from Jingjun County, who was to be sent down there, to win the title and receive the most succulent piece of meat from this demonic land.

The major clans also wanted to seize more crystal cores and, incidentally, obtain better rankings so that their descendants could successfully ascend to the blessed land of the Demonic Land and acquire resources.

Moreover, there's Xue Xiang, that conspicuous bag, too.

Xue Xiang repeatedly defied the powerful families of his own county, incurring the resentment of powerful families from all over the region.

Outside the Trial Realm, no one dares to assassinate a high-ranking official of the imperial court, but within the Trial Realm, if Xue Xiang were to perish silently, no one could say anything about it.

Ni Quanwen frowned and said, "I've thought of that too. You see, this great formation was deliberately destroyed by their people?"

"Is this all to buy them this half an hour, so they can make their move?"

Wei Fan nodded solemnly, "It's pretty much true. There are too many ways to destroy a great formation, and the problem may not necessarily lie in Thousand Illusion Garden."

Now, all we can do is hope that Xue Xiang will continue to work his magic.

Otherwise, when the grand formation returns to normal, you and I will most likely receive news of Xue Xiang's demise.

………………

The forest was silent.

The remaining snow covered the rugged stone forest, and the wind howled softly, as if telling some ominous premonition.

Xue Xiang sensed something was wrong, slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, and took out three small bronze flags, each about the size of a palm.

The battle flags trembled slightly, surrounded by a mysterious light.

Xue Xiang pointed with two fingers, and more than ten spirit stones flew out and landed on the open ground.

Immediately afterwards, three small bronze flags floated in the air, and more than ten spirit stones immediately emitted spiritual light, shooting towards the three small bronze flags.

Spiritual patterns immediately appeared on the small flags, as if a long-dormant beast had awakened. Fine halos of light flowed from the three small flags, meandering along the soil and stones, echoing each other.

Xue Xiang bit his fingertip and used his blood as a guide to slowly draw in the void.

One stroke resembles a tortoise shell.

The two strokes resemble a nimble snake.

The three strokes interlock, forming the shape of Xuanwu (Black Tortoise).

The battle flags lit up with a flash of blood, then suddenly trembled, accompanied by a low hum.

"rise."

Xue gave a low shout, and the battle flags suddenly plunged into the cracks in the rocks.

In an instant, the spiritual light of more than ten array plates around him connected, and the light patterns spread and intertwined, outlining a giant black tortoise phantom around him.

The tortoise shell was imposing, with layers of patterns and an arc of light, resembling an indestructible barrier.

The Lesser Vehicle Black Tortoise Formation is complete.

This formation is not an offensive formation, but rather known for its defensive capabilities.

Xue Xiang spent his last four thousand spirit stones at Guangfeng Trading Company to purchase a Lesser Xuanwu Formation, three Explosive Flame Talismans, and one Teleportation Talisman.

The Lesser Vehicle Xuanwu Formation accounted for the majority of the cost, amounting to nearly two thousand spirit stones.

Like all magic arrays, the biggest drawback of this array is its long wind-up time.

Xue Xiang purchased this item not for attacking, but simply to activate the magic array when he was tired, so that he could get a good night's sleep.

At this moment, he only vaguely sensed that something was wrong, so he activated the magic array to ensure everything was in order.

He rolled up several piles of withered leaves, covered the spirit stones and array flags, and sat cross-legged in the array.

Before long, the light and shadow faded, and the mountains and forests seemed to return to peace.

Before long, three streaks of light tore through the sky, carrying a chilling killing intent, and suddenly landed in front of the stone forest.

dusty.

The three stood side by side.

The leader, with his sharp, cold eyebrows and wearing blue armor, was none other than Marquis Lü Wen.

The person beside him, dressed in a white robe, with deep eyes, was Shen Nansheng.

The last person, dressed in black with his hair tied up, had a sinister look on his face; it was Lou Changqing.

All three had cold expressions, and the killing intent in their eyes was palpable.

Xue Xiang thought to himself, "Just as I expected," and met their gaze with icy eyes.

He had already guessed why the ritual ring had malfunctioned at this crucial moment; it was probably for this very reason.

Amidst his resentment, a bloodthirsty urge also stirred within him.

We've accumulated far too many old and new grudges; if we're going to settle things, then let's do it!

"Xue Xiang, you didn't expect this, did you? You've got what's coming to you."

Lu Wenhou's lips curled into a smile. "The incantation ring has failed, truly a godsend. Tell me, how do you wish to die?"

“My Shen family has a thousand-year-old foundation. When have we ever suffered such humiliation? You measured the Shen family’s sacred fields and punished my brother, forcing my family to lose all face. If I do not avenge this, I, Shen Nansheng, swear I will not be a man.”

Shen Nansheng spoke slowly, her voice as cold as ice.

"It is the way of Heaven, and retribution is inevitable."

Lou Changqing frowned and shouted, "Today we will avenge Ning Qianjun, rid the people of a traitor, eliminate the scourge for the country, and wipe away the shame for our family."

The three spoke sharply, as if they wanted to unleash all their grievances at once.

"As expected of a scion of a noble family, they were born with the ability to distort the truth and spout nonsense."

Xue Xiangfeng said calmly, "Your skills are inferior to others. I, Xue, won the grand competition, and this is where the resentment begins."

Later, your powerful families forcibly intervened, transferring me to the Spiritual Property Cleaning Room and watching me suffer.

However, Xue took advantage of the chaos to cause trouble. You have shot yourselves in the foot first. If you try to frame Xue, you will only be implicated.

All of this is a case of self-inflicted harm, and each time Xue was merely reacting passively.

Today, you have stirred up trouble again. Let's settle old scores and new grudges today.

Xue Xiang's rebuke was as loud as a great bell, and all three of them changed color, speechless in rebuttal.

"Enough with the nonsense, let's see what we've got."

Lu Wenhou sneered, his spear sweeping horizontally, golden light bursting forth, before crashing down fiercely.

Just as they were about to strike Xue Xiang, suddenly the withered leaves on the ground rose up, and battle flags appeared.

The bombardment wave struck, activating the magic circle.

The phantom of the giant Xuanwu tortoise suddenly trembled, its shell gleaming with arcs of light, firmly protecting the area about ten feet in size where Xue Xiang was located.

The gunshots struck the tortoise-shell-like light screen like thunder.

The light curtain rippled from the shock, but no cracks were visible.

Suddenly, all three of them changed color.

"This thief is meticulous and had taken precautions long ago."

With a flick of his sleeve, Shen Nansheng produced a talisman, which transformed into an ancient bell.

The bell tolled, its sound waves crashing against the giant tortoise in layers.

The array roared with light, yet it remained as solid as a rock.

Lou Changqing snorted coldly and took out a bone blade, its white bones gleaming and its chilling aura palpable.

The bone blade struck, but the giant tortoise formation remained completely still.

Lu Wenhou's forehead veins bulged, and he coldly shouted, "Xue Xiang, if you have the guts, come out and fight! You dare to make such boastful remarks while hiding in your tortoise shell?"

Xue Xiang sneered, "You can't even break my magic array, yet you dare to talk about fighting? You're just making a fool of yourself."

As he spoke, he sat down cross-legged, took out the dried meat and chewed it slowly, feeling that the two thousand spirit stones were well worth the money.

Enraged, the three unleashed their respective skills, launching a fierce attack on the magic array.

Unfortunately, the Lesser Vehicle Xuanwu Formation, purchased for two thousand spirit stones, possessed astonishing defensive capabilities and remained completely unmoved.

What's more troublesome is that time is not on their side.

Once the document ring returns to normal, they will completely lose their chance to kill Xue Xiang.

"Call someone."

"Lord Lü said coldly."

"Absolutely not! How can this be done openly and honestly?"

Lou Changqing objected vehemently.

Shen Nansheng said, "Without calling for help, we can't even break this tortoise shell."

Lu Wenhou said, "Once the tortoise shell is broken, everything will be fine."

After saying that, he looked up to the sky and let out a long howl. Lou Changqing and Shen Nansheng also let out long howls.

The whistling sounds piled up, rolling like long clouds chasing the moon.

Before long, more than ten streaks of light arrived from all directions, all of them scions of noble families, some wielding swords, others wielding talismans, their auras menacing. In an instant, the snow forest was filled with a cacophony of voices and a chaotic mix of energy.

These people had no blood feud with Xue Xiang, but the interests of aristocratic families have always been intertwined.

Moreover, if one could use this opportunity to break through the tortoise formation, witness a battle, and incidentally claim a share of the spoils, who would refuse?

As the group gathered, their momentum suddenly surged.

Attack was swift and decisive from Lü Wenhou: "Attack together!"

In an instant, sword light, spear shadows, talismans, and magical treasures all crashed down on the Xuanwu tortoise shell.

The roar shook the heavens, the spiritual mist surged, and the mountains and forests trembled.

That black Xuanwu light curtain was like a lone peak in a raging storm, remaining unmoved no matter how many troops charged at it.

Xue Xiang sat calmly in the center of the formation, showing no sign of panic.

He was calculating whether to use the Gatling gun to sweep through the enemy forces or to directly use the Yu Hui Yu Long technique to forcefully eliminate them.

Just then, a clear voice came from afar, "Stop!"

The sound was like thunder, piercing straight through the treetops.

Everyone was startled and looked up to see a group of people coming from the North Ridge through the snow.

The leader was tall and slender with a handsome face and eyes that shimmered with a silvery light; it was Ling Xueyi.

Following them were more than twenty students from impoverished families, some dressed in blue robes and cloth shoes, others in plain clothes and carrying short swords, all with solemn expressions.

Ling Xueyi's eyes swept across the crowd like swords as she sternly declared, "Although I am a member of the demon race, I also know how to abide by the law."

Although this place is a land of demons, the golden rules of the Great Xia Divine Kingdom still apply!
I ask you, do you intend to publicly assassinate your fellow student?

Instantly, the entire venue fell into a deathly silence.

A young man from a noble family, dressed in blue robes, chuckled and said, "Gentlemen, you've misunderstood. We're just joking. Murder? How could we?"

"Yes, yes, we were just making a fool of ourselves. Who would be crazy enough to kill someone here?"

Instantly, the young men from prominent families pushed them aside.

Lu Wenhou slowly raised his spear, the tip pointing at Ling Xueyi, his eyes cold. "Ling Xueyi, what does this have to do with you? I advise you not to meddle in other people's business!"
Just now, Xue Xiang insulted my mother. If I don't avenge this, I will be unworthy to be a son!

Lu Wenhou found a good excuse.

In an instant, Lou Changqing and Shen Nansheng both realized what was going on and confirmed in unison that Xue Xiang had spoken arrogantly beforehand.

The three of them, working in unison, were about to pinpoint Xue Xiang's guilt.

"I've heard that Xue Xiang, the top scholar in the Canaan Prefecture examination, is hiding in a tortoise shell. Is there such a top scholar in the world?"

"Exactly! How dare you insult someone's mother, yet you lack the courage to fight back?"

"Now that this matter has been spread throughout the world, how will you, Xue Xiang, face the people of the world again?"

The scions of noble families are all shrewd and astute. Once Lü Wenhou's mind was opened, there was no need for coordination; they could work together seamlessly on their own.

At this moment, the shouts of the crowd grew louder and louder.

Clearly, the issue now is no longer about who is right and who is wrong.

Rather, it's about whether you, Xue Xiang, have the guts to fight.

While you, Xue Xiang, may be able to swallow your pride, from this day forward, your reputation among scholars in Canaan County and even Canglan Prefecture will be utterly ruined.

This was an open scheme, leaving Xue Xiang no choice but to accept it.

Lu Wenhou thought he had succeeded, but little did he know that Xue Xiang was also waiting for an opportunity to openly and fairly resolve the three of them.

He looked up at the dark sky, expressionless. "You three hate me for not dying, and I think you three are also extremely annoyed by me."

Since a battle is inevitable, then let it be a fight to the death.

The three of them spoke so confidently that they must be willing to sign a life-or-death contract.

All of you are witnesses.

Before he finished speaking, Xue Xiang unleashed his imposing aura, a mountain wind suddenly rose, branches and leaves fell in a rustling sound, adding a touch of solemnity to the entire scene.

Lu Wenhou, Lou Changqing, and Shen Nansheng exchanged a glance and fell into an eerie silence.

It was clearly their deliberate plan to kill Xue Xiang.

Whether or not there is a waiver of life or death, the specific process will not change in any way.

But at this very moment, Xue Xiang asked them to sign a waiver of life and death, which made them uneasy.

It's one thing for them to want to kill Xue Xiang, but it's another thing for Xue Xiang to dare to resist, and even to sign a death warrant, which is a bit beyond their comprehension.

Xue Xiang's strength has been studied and evaluated by specialists from various powerful families.

Xue Xiang's most relied-upon weapon, which all the major families unanimously identified as a strange, magical weapon imbued with literary energy.

However, the greater the power of a literary weapon, the greater the consumption of literary and spiritual energy.

Everyone knows that Xue Xiang only used the power of that divine weapon once.

Such powerful and refined weapons are not unavoidable if one is prepared.

For example, a Swift Wind Talisman can quickly escape the attack of a magical weapon.

Apart from that, the major families did not think Xue Xiang had anything commendable to offer in his cultivation path.

In the Trial Realm, Lu Wenhou, Lou Changqing, and others witnessed Xue Xiang's ability to use the Gale Talisman.

Even so, Marquis Lü Wenhou did not believe that Xue Xiang had any chance of winning against him.

That's why Xue Xiang's insistence on signing a life-or-death agreement felt so strange to him.

"Is there something we haven't considered?"

Lu Wenhou asked in a low voice.

Lou Changqing whispered, "It's nothing more than that damn Yuan Explosion Bead. We're not monsters. He can use the Yuan Explosion Bead to ambush monsters, but he can't possibly ambush us, can he?"

"I really don't know what kind of mystery this kid is up to."

Shen Nansheng said in a muffled voice.

"The three of you, would you like to discuss this for an hour or two before we make a decision?"

Xue Xiang said calmly.

"Ha ha……"

The students present, who were not from aristocratic families, all responded with ridicule.

This was one of the few things they could do for Xue Xiang.

"If you want to sign, we'll sign it."

"Lord Lü Wenhou said loudly."

Shen Nansheng and Lou Changqing also realized what was going on. Now that things had come to this, how could they be intimidated by Xue Xiang?

There's no turning back now; this gamble is on.

Soon, both parties signed a waiver of liability, making multiple copies.

All the students present signed their names on it as a testament.

"Are the three of you going to attack together, or will you follow the usual strategy?"

Xue Xiang then posed another difficult question.

Ling Xueyi said loudly, "Brother Xue, you really know how to joke. You are just a Qi Refining cultivator, while the three of them are at least in the late Foundation Establishment stage, and Brother Lü Wenhou seems to have already reached the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment."

Even if you insult them, they would never use their numbers to bully the weak. If word gets out, how can they face others?

Upon hearing this, the three men, including Lü Wenhou, all looked embarrassed.

Responding is not an option, nor is not responding.

In the original plan, the three intended to outnumber each other and wipe out Xue Xiang.

Now that it's turned into a battle, and so many spectators have come, if it really becomes a three-on-one match, it will become a huge joke if word gets out.

But if it's not three against one, who will lead the charge?
For a moment, the scene became awkward again.

"To eliminate a mere commoner like you, there's no need for such trouble. I, Shen, am sufficient."

Shen Nansheng spoke up without hesitation.

After the county examination, Ning Qianjun, Shen Nansheng, Lou Changqing, and Lü Wenhou all made a firm decision, and their families also invested heavily to help them take a big step forward in their cultivation.

Ning Qianjun refined the Phoenix Blood, Shen Nansheng devoured the Beast Fruit, Lou Changqing tempered his meridians with literary energy, and Lü Wenhou cultivated the Cold Jade Divine Skill in the Xuanwu Cold Pool.

Apart from Ning Qianjun being swallowed whole by the Azure Dragon, Shen Nansheng, Lou Changqing, and Lü Wenhou all possessed supernatural powers.

"Well done, Brother Shen! With your abilities, you are more than capable of achieving a resounding victory."

Lou Changqing bowed deeply, "I will stand guard for Brother Shen."

Lu Wenhou said loudly, "Since we have signed the life-or-death agreement, we must fight to the death. We cannot run away and hide. We should use the protective formation circle as the arena."

Do you all agree?

"As it should be."

"What's the point of hiding and dodging when it's a life-or-death struggle?"

"........."

The crowd began to stir.

Lu Wenhou looked directly at Xue Xiang and asked, "Xue Xiang, what do you think?"

Xue Xiang said, "Very well, I know all about your wicked intentions."

"I, Xue, am risking my life today; I have no intention of standing under this same sky with you. Let us demarcate the battle zone."

"it is good!"

Lu Wenhou shouted, "Which of you gentlemen has any protective formations? Take them out and use them as a battlefield."

If there is any damage, Mr. Lü will compensate double the amount.

Zhou Mingtang, a scion of a prominent family, slowly emerged from the crowd, holding a three-foot-long bronze battle flag.

The flag is like mist yet not mist, seemingly rippling with water, and engraved with mysterious runes, the patterns resembling mountains and rivers, faintly reflecting the heavens and earth.

He released the flag, and as the tip touched the ground, spiritual energy from all directions was drawn in, instantly creating a round light screen in the arena.

Then Zhou Mingtang proudly declared, "This is the Nine-Bend Heavenly Gang Protective Array. The array light is like water, layer upon layer, like a curtain falling from the vast blue sky, or like a thousand waves condensed into a crystal wall."

Its surface was dotted with starlight, and flowing patterns of light emanated from it. Each ray of spiritual light carried the power of a drop of heavy water, the ultimate protective power of the array, capable of withstanding the full force of several Core Formation stage cultivators.

Xue Xiang, his robes fluttering, stepped into the center of the light screen.

Shen Nansheng then floated in. Just as the array of lights was about to close, Xue Xiang said coldly, "Three people signed a life-or-death contract with me. What's the point of only one person coming?"

"Lord Lü Wenhou, Lou Changqing, there's no need for that. All three of you can come at me together."

As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Shen Nansheng was so angry that she trembled all over.

Lou Changqing snorted, "Brother Shen alone is enough to destroy you, why do we need to take action?"

Xue Xiangdao said, "Enough with the nonsense, let's talk about war or not."

"Gentlemen, I know what he's planning. He only has one chance to unleash his ultimate attack because his spiritual power is limited. He's dreaming of killing the three of us in one fell swoop."

Lu Wenhou said coldly, "In that case, Brother Lou, let's accompany Brother Shen and experience the sharpness of his literary and military prowess."

As soon as Lu Wenhou finished speaking, he grabbed Lou Changqing's arm, and the two of them entered the formation.

"Brother Mingtang, please close the great formation. It must not be opened until the war is over."

"Lord Lü Wenhou said loudly."

Zhou Mingtang said loudly, "Brother Lü, rest assured, the great formation cannot be opened within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn; it is as solid as a rock."

As soon as he finished speaking, the protective light barrier closed in, and the great formation shut down.

Shen Nansheng snorted coldly, his eyes suddenly turning blood red, and a sinister smile curled at the corner of his lips.

With a long howl, his spine bones exploded one after another like drums, and his body swelled rapidly.

In an instant, bluish-black animal stripes spread from its neck, the scale-like patterns shimmering with an eerie light. Sharp claws sprouted from its fingers, and its feet stomped on the ground, cracking the hard mountain rocks inch by inch.

The next instant, a dazzling light emanated from his chest and abdomen, as his immortal foundation was ignited and his aura surged.

Instantly, he was enveloped in black demonic flames.

A colossal illusion appeared above their heads—a dragon's body and a tiger's head, with menacing fangs and eyes like blood moons overlooking the surrounding wilderness.

In an instant, the world seemed to darken.

A gasp immediately rose from the crowd: "It's the Shen family's 'Dragon Tiger Demon Body'! Shen Nansheng must have devoured the beast fruit."

"He's willing to burn through his immortal foundation to unleash the power of his beast transformation; even Core Formation cultivators would have to give him a wide berth!"

"Shen Nansheng had already reached the half-step Foundation Establishment stage, yet he successfully transformed into a beast! It's simply defying the heavens!"

Exclamations surged forth like a tidal wave, and the faces of the poor students changed drastically, all breaking out in a cold sweat for Xue Xiang.

Someone whispered, "This is no longer a battle between equals. Xue Xiang is only at the peak of Qi Refining, how can he possibly withstand it? Today he may truly perish here..."

Within the formation, Shen Nansheng grinned, his breath carrying a stench and demonic aura. Cracks crisscrossed beneath his feet, and he resembled an ancient, ferocious beast that had been imprisoned, ready to devour its prey.

(End of this chapter)