Battle Through the Heavens: The Holy Sun Immortal Venerable

Chapter 96 Slaying the Earth Demon Old Ghost, the Soul Palace Venerable Attacks

"Gentlemen."

The atmosphere in the council hall was slightly oppressive. Han Feng looked around and slowly spoke.

"You must have heard some news these past few days. The Holy Rain Sect that guy founded has been carrying out massacres and seizing power in the Black Corner Region."

There was a slight commotion in the hall; clearly, Han Feng's words had resonated with many people.

"Twilight City, Skull City, and Flame City have all fallen into the hands of the Holy Rain Sect." Han Feng tapped the back of his chair lightly with his fingers, and his words were like a bomb, stunning everyone in the hall.

Although they had received some news in the past two days, none of them dared to confirm it, since the leaders of the three major cities were all present at the moment. However, Han Feng's words now undoubtedly confirmed the truth of the matter.

"That guy's strength is terrifying, and he's incredibly greedy. Back then, in order to seize the Bodhi Transformation Liquid, he slaughtered everyone at the Black Seal Auction House. I was the only one who managed to escape. If he were to attack any of you here, how many of you would be confident of escaping?"

Han Feng surveyed the entire room, his voice slightly somber.

The people in the hall looked at each other in bewilderment. Except for the old demon sitting to Han Feng's right, who remained indifferent, everyone else frowned slightly and looked rather grim.

Among them, there may be a few who are extremely powerful and have long been famous in the Black Corner Region, such as Dou Huang powerhouses or sect patriarchs.

However, even Mo Tianxing, the sect leader of the Black Emperor Sect, died at Lin Ran's hands. If a powerful Dou Zong expert couldn't make a ripple, let alone them.

"Hehe, Brother Han, that guy's strength is indeed terrifying. In the battle of the Black Seal, he almost wiped out half of the strongmen in our Black Corner Region. But are we just going to sit here and wait to die?"

After a moment of silence, an elderly man in a gray robe with a slightly gloomy face spoke first to Han Feng: "We have gathered here today to unite against this guy and restore light to our Black Corner Region!"

"I believe that as long as we work together, we will definitely be able to kill that brat!"

"Well said, as long as we work together!"

"That's right, everything is for our tomorrow!"

"Brother Han, we wish to have you as our leader. Please lead us!"

Everyone spoke up, inviting Han Feng to join them, and a smile slowly appeared on Han Feng's face.

"Rest assured, just as you said, we have gathered here today to resolve this issue and restore peace and order to the Black Corner Region!"

Han Feng said with a smile, but there was a hint of ruthlessness in that smile.

"Of course, although saying this might boost the enemy's morale and diminish our own, that kid's strength is indeed formidable. Therefore, in addition to everyone present, I have invited two exceptionally powerful individuals to assist us."

"Lord of the Demon Flame Valley, Old Demon Demon!"

As he spoke, Han Feng looked at the old demon and loudly introduced, "The Valley Master's strength has reached the peak, and he is a seven-star Dou Zong. Although that kid has the record of killing Sect Master Mo, his actual strength is only a high-level Dou Zong. With the Valley Master's help, we are already worry-free in this battle."

[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name 12199.99]

"Hello everyone."

The old demon glanced indifferently at everyone present. Although he did not release any battle aura, his indifferent gaze made everyone afraid to meet his eyes.

They were certainly aware of the name of the Earth Demon Old Ghost.

Everyone here is from the Black Corner Region. Although they are not from the same era as the Earth Demon Old Ghost, they have all heard of his reputation for creating the Demon Flame Valley by himself, resisting Canaan Academy, and becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Black Corner Region.

Now, the Earth Demon Old Ghost possesses the strength of a Seven-Star Dou Zong. With his assistance, this battle is indeed as worry-free as Han Feng said.

"Besides the Valley Master... we also have an extremely powerful expert."

Han Feng smiled mysteriously and said calmly amidst the curious gazes of the crowd, "However, that person has a special identity and is very busy, so he cannot come today. You only need to know that with the Valley Master and that person's assistance, the mere Holy Rain Sect is nothing to fear."

So mysterious?!

Inside the hall, everyone looked on with curiosity, and after a slight hesitation, they nodded.

Although they didn't know who the mysterious person was or what kind of strength he possessed, the fact that he was just an old demon was enough to put their minds at ease.

After all, this was a powerful figure who had once fought against the Dean of Canaan Academy. What was the little Holy Rain Sect compared to him?

Looking at the crowd who had no objections, Han Feng, sitting at the head of the table, twitched his lips slightly, but a sly smile flashed in his eyes: "If we really defeat Lin Ran, all the resources of the Holy Rain Sect are yours to take. However, I hope you can hand Lin Ran over to me to deal with."

"In exchange, I will also give everyone satisfactory compensation!"

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter and nodded without hesitation.

They were all aware of the relationship between Han Feng and Lin Ran. As the sole survivor of the Black Seal Battle, Han Feng had likely lost a great deal of face at Lin Ran's hands. Given Han Feng's vengeful nature, he would certainly seek revenge.

Seeing everyone nod, Han Feng knew what they were thinking, but he did not refute them.

He did indeed loathe Lin Ran, but what concerned him most was actually the fragment of the Pure Lotus Demon Flame Diagram in Lin Ran's possession!

Ranked third on the list of extraordinary flames, it is the legendary Pure Lotus Demon Flame, which is said to purify all things in the world!

Of course, the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame was of great importance, so Han Feng never mentioned it to anyone. After all, the fewer people who knew about such a treasure, the more opportunities he would have.

There were people in the hall.

When they began discussing how to hunt down Lin Ran and how to fight against the Holy Rain Sect.

The old demon on Han Feng's right suddenly opened his eyes, his expression changing slightly as he turned his gaze to the southern horizon, where an extremely terrifying aura stood silently in the sky.

He was familiar with this aura; the last time he and Han Feng went to the desolate mountain to witness the birth of the seventh-grade pill, he sensed this very aura.

"Lin Ran..."

"What?!"

The moment the old demon's expression changed, Han Feng sensed it too, turning his gaze from the hall to the southern sky. Inside the hall, the powerful figures stared in surprise at the two whose expressions had suddenly shifted, for due to their limited strength, they did not possess the same keen perception as the two.

"Brother Han, Valley Master, what's wrong?" The gloomy old man in black robes asked cautiously.

"Our prey has come knocking on our door."

The old demon chuckled.

Lin Ran's aura was neither concealed nor excessively released.

Upon entering Maple City, his aura was immediately detected by everyone. In an instant, the once bustling city fell silent, and horrified gazes turned towards the source of his imposing presence.

Not long after Lin Ran's figure appeared in the sky above Maple City, a large number of figures burst out from the magnificent manor in the city center, eventually hovering in the sky in a scattered manner.

"So many powerful figures. That must be Fan Lao, the sect leader of the Blood Sect. The tomb owner of the Black Skull Tomb is also here."

"The Medicine King is planning something big, gathering so many powerful figures..."

"Wait, could that old man be...?"

As the numerous figures flashed across the sky, Maple City was immediately abuzz with excitement. As the master of Maple City, Han Feng's prestige here was unmatched. Of course, the people of Black Corner Region all worshipped the strong, and Han Feng's prestige came from his strength. Once a stronger person appeared, his prestige would likely plummet.

"Lin Ran, how dare you come to my Maple City so blatantly? Do you think this is Black Seal City?!"

Looking at the indifferent face of the young man, Han Feng's face twitched slightly, and his gloomy voice slowly echoed through the sky. With this name that was known to almost everyone in the Black Corner Region, the entire city was once again in an uproar!

Han Feng stared grimly at the black-robed youth in the sky outside Maple City. He had assembled the "Destroy Lin" team in Maple City, but who would have thought that Lin Ran would take the initiative and come to his doorstep?

"Not bad, Han Feng."

Above the sky, Lin Ran hovered in mid-air, looking at Han Feng, whose expression was uncertain, and the people around him. His gaze lingered on the old demon for a moment, and he said with a smile, "It wasn't in vain that I spared your life. You executed the garbage centralized disposal plan very well."

Waste centralized disposal plan?

This abrupt term startled everyone present, but they quickly realized what it meant. Countless people glared angrily, and Han Feng even laughed in fury.

"Arrogant!"

"You really think you're invincible, Lin Ran? I admit you're incredibly strong, but Maple City is not Black Seal City. If you dare to act recklessly here, I'll make sure you don't leave alive today!"

"That's right! They came but never returned!"

"Go to hell, Lin Ran!"

"Lin Ran, you dared to send your men to invade my Twilight City and slaughter my Blood Sect! Today is the day we settle our scores!"

Looking at the tall man draped in a crimson robe as red as blood, Lin Ran lightly raised his fingertips, and a streak of emerald-gold battle qi shot out, splattering blood everywhere, and the man's head was severed from his body.

The once bustling sky fell silent as countless people stared in disbelief at the bloody scene.

"Sect Leader Fan, Sect Leader Fan..."

"Lord Fan Qi..."

Fan Lao, a four-star Dou Huang, was no match for Lin Ran. This terrifying strength left the crowd, who were shouting just a moment ago, speechless, as if their throats were being choked.

Han Feng's expression grew increasingly somber.

Lin Ran is incredibly arrogant. He acted this way at the Black Seal Auction, and now he's doing the same thing in Maple City.

Do you really think you're invincible?

"Valley Master!" Han Feng called out in a low voice. The old demon beside him glanced at Han Feng indifferently, then slowly raised his head and looked at Lin Ran.

"Boy, is it you who killed three elders of my Demon Flame Valley?"

"whispering sound."

Lin Ran pursed her lips, a deep look of disappointment on her face.

"Han Feng, is this guy the reason you're so confident in fighting me? He's just a mere Seven-Star Dou Zong. Do you really think you can beat me with this old man?"

"A mere Seven-Star Dou Zong? Very well!"

The old demon grinned, his tone chilling, and even in broad daylight, it sent shivers down everyone's spine.

"I'd like to see for myself today how skilled you are in actual combat, you sharp-tongued brat!"

The old demon's eyes suddenly turned cold. With a flick of his fingers, five sharp battle qi, radiating a chilling aura, shot out from his fingertips, carrying a fierce gust of wind, and aimed directly at Lin Ran's head.

Lin Ran chuckled lightly, making no move, but the pure Yang fighting spirit surrounding him easily blocked the old demon's attack.

"It is said that the old demon of Demon Flame Valley was a powerful figure of the same era as Mang Tianchi, the dean of Canaan Academy. However, Mang Tianchi had already reached the Dou Zun realm long ago. How come you are only a seven-star Dou Zong?"

"Oh, I forgot, there are differences between people. You probably belong to the lower-tier group. I understand."

"court death!!"

Lin Ran's words seemed to have touched a nerve with the old demon, and a surge of pitch-black cold energy burst forth from his body. The black cold energy swirled around his fingertips, and then his ten fingers suddenly flicked out in quick succession.

"Thousand Illusionary Ice Spikes!"

Countless black ice spikes emerged eerily from his fingertips, then rained down upon Lin Ran.

The sharp, whistling sound of the attacking swarm echoed in everyone's ears, sending shivers down their spines.

The black ice spikes may seem inconspicuous, but the force they contain is quite terrifying. Not to mention their overwhelming presence, even a single one could probably kill a Dou Huang powerhouse. This shows that this little thing is not as cute as its size suggests.

"Let's all join forces and lend the Valley Master a hand!"

Seeing the old demon launch an attack, Han Feng was overjoyed and immediately shouted.

Everyone immediately came to their senses and unleashed their battle qi, attacking Lin Ran. The dazzling battle qi illuminated the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors, leaving the people of Maple City below dazzled and filled with awe.

Although Maple City is located in the core of the Black Corner Region and has many powerful individuals, those "powerful individuals" are basically at the level of Battle Spirit or Battle King.

Such a Douhuang-level existence is still very rare.

But the people who made a move today were at least Dou Huang level experts. They had never seen such a terrifying lineup before!

A dense barrage of fighting techniques swept in, layer upon layer, unleashing terrifying power, yet Lin Ran remained completely unafraid.

With a calm expression, he waved his sleeves, and a surge of pure yang battle qi, as green as gold, roared out, actually blocking all the attacks.

No matter how fancy or diverse the attacking techniques were, they could not shake the pure yang fighting energy of the jade gold in the slightest.

"Such powerful battle aura!"

The old demon's expression turned solemn. His withered hands suddenly formed a hand seal, and a large number of ice spikes immediately appeared around his body.

These ice spikes quickly came together, and in the blink of an eye, they all fused into a pitch-black ice sword about ten feet wide. As the ice sword took shape, a chilling aura burst forth!

"Ice Condensation Sword Technique!"

The biting cold air caused the surrounding experts to scatter, and everyone realized that this kind of battle at the Dou Zong level was simply beyond their ability to participate in.

"Everyone, the Valley Master and I have come to contain Lin Ran. All troops, launch an attack and destroy the Holy Rain Sect first!"

Han Feng grinned maliciously, and the Sea Heart Flame in his palm boiled. The deep blue flames surged rapidly and finally transformed into a rather slender flame sword, which intertwined and merged with the icy sword, actually forming a combined combat technique.

"yes!"

Upon hearing Han Feng's words, everyone showed expressions of excitement.

They have basically figured out all the information about the Holy Rain Sect.

Although the Holy Rain Sect has been running rampant and doing whatever it wants in the Black Corner Region recently, it is ultimately because of Lin Ran.

Besides Lin Ran, the only remaining expert in the Holy Rain Sect is a Dou Huang. Now that Lin Ran is being held back by the Earth Demon Old Ghost and Han Feng, how could that mere Dou Huang be a match for them?

Thinking of the treasures that the Holy Rain Sect had looted in the Black Corner Region during this time, these guys immediately turned red-eyed, barking like dogs, and flew towards the direction where the Holy Rain Sect was located.

However, before they could take two steps, they suddenly felt their bodies stiffen and found it extremely difficult to move.

"It's a spatial blockade!"

Han Feng's expression darkened. He was already at the peak of the Dou Huang realm and had even touched the Dou Zong realm, so he naturally had some understanding of the power of the Dou Zong.

But Lin Ran was actually able to use spatial sealing to restrict so many powerful figures when facing the combined attack of him and the Earth Demon Old Ghost. Was this guy's foundation really that strong?!

"Don't worry, everyone, I'll break this spatial blockade!"

The old demon snorted coldly, and with a backhand strike, black icy battle qi surged rapidly in front of him, shaking the space.

However, the spatial blockade that should have been broken by their own battle qi, as expected, remained unmoved, and those Battle Emperors were still restricted.

"..."

Looking at Lin Ran, who had a calm expression and a smile on his face, the old demon suddenly understood why Lin Ran was so composed and why he remained so calm even after seeing Han Feng bring all the powerful figures, including himself.

This guy isn't a high-level Dou Zong like him.

But...

Peak Dou Zong!

His throat bobbed, and the old demon surprisingly spoke first, his voice hoarse: "Sect Master Lin, I think there might be some misunderstanding between us. I will take my leave now..."

The entire sky was eerily quiet due to the spatial blockade, so the voice of the Earth Demon Old Ghost could be clearly heard by everyone.

The fear and apprehension in that hoarse voice were noticed by everyone, and at that moment, countless people felt a sense of absurdity.

A powerful figure from the same era as the mysterious Dean actually uttered such submissive words in the face of a young boy like Lin Ran.

How is this possible?!

Lin Ran found it both surprising and amusing.

He hadn't even fought yet, only revealed a fraction of his power, and this old demon was already convinced.

This old demon is indeed the most cunning person in the Black Corner Region. No wonder he has managed to survive until now despite his mediocre strength.

"Since we're already here, we might as well stay."

Lin Ran smiled and shook his head.

The words drifted down from the sky, but the suffocating pressure emanating from Lin Ran soared into the heavens and swept across the surroundings.

A terrifying aura distorted space, and a powerful shockwave dispersed the clouds.

In Maple City, even the weak and frail could not maintain their rationality under this aura and directly lost consciousness.

Those Dou Huang powerhouses were also feeling immense pressure that they could not withstand.

Cold sweat beaded on Han Feng's forehead. Under this overwhelming power, he actually had a startling thought that he could neither resist nor withstand.

How could this be? Back then, when this guy unleashed such terrifying fighting techniques, I still had the urge to run away, but now...

"It's time to clean up the trash."

Lin Ran's palm twitched slightly, and under the horrified gazes of the Earth Demon Old Ghost and Han Feng, he gently clenched his fist.

"Buzz..."

The trembling sound of the space was extremely piercing. The next moment, the space where those Dou Huangs were located suddenly collapsed, accompanied by countless emerging spatial cracks. Blood splattered everywhere, staining the sky red.

"Space collapses... No, this can't be..."

Han Feng's pupils were filled with fear as he murmured in disbelief, as did the old demon beside him.

Spatial collapse is a terrifying technique that only Dou Zun experts can master. Lin Ran is only a Dou Zong, how could he possibly master such power?

"Peak of Dou Zong! This guy's true strength is actually at the peak of Dou Zong! Han Feng, you're really going to kill me!"

The old demon roared angrily, but he dared not slacken his movements in the slightest.

The old man took a deep breath, and his face suddenly turned a strange red. The redness lasted for a moment, and then a hissing sound was heard. Countless streams of black, cold air shot out from the pores on the surface of his body.

Moreover, the black, chilling air was faintly mixed with crimson, and it was this faint crimson that made the black, chilling air even more sinister.

The power of a peak Dou Zong is far beyond his ability to contend with. If he doesn't use some tricks, even he might perish today!

"Blood-cold, freezing cold!"

A sinister shout came hoarsely from the mouth of the old demon, and as the shout fell, the dark cold air expanded rapidly, transforming into a huge black cold cloud that was more than ten feet long in the blink of an eye, completely concealing the old demon's figure.

As soon as the cold clouds appeared, the temperature of the space where the Earth Demon Old Ghost was located suddenly became icy cold. Suddenly, tiny ice crystals fell from the sky in a strange way. If someone with a keen sense of smell were present, they would have discovered that these ice crystals were actually the moisture contained in the air. Unexpectedly, the temperature of the Earth Demon Old Ghost's black cold clouds was so terrifyingly low.

The low temperature spread like ripples in the lightning, and in an instant, almost half of the sky was covered in frost.

This terrifyingly low temperature can freeze not only the air, but even battle aura.

Unfortunately, the Earth Demon Old Ghost's strength was insufficient. If he had reached the Dou Zun level, with this move, the Earth Demon Old Ghost would probably have been able to freeze space!

However, this fierce attack of cold air had no effect on Lin Ran whatsoever.

Putting aside the fact that Lin Ran's strength was already above that of the Earth Demon Old Ghost, his pure yang fighting qi was inherently extremely strong and yang, and he also had the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame, a treasure that was naturally able to restrain yin and cold fighting qi.

The old demon's move couldn't cause Lin Ran any trouble at all; it couldn't even break through Lin Ran's battle qi barrier.

Han Feng casually shattered the Earth Demon Old Ghost's ultimate move, but where was the Earth Demon Old Ghost beside him?

"That damn bastard, he just ran away like that?!"

Han Feng was devastated. The old demon he had placed so much hope in had simply run away.

Han Feng stared at Lin Ran with terrified eyes, his lips trembling.

But Lin Ran's gaze shifted strangely to the void not far away, and her slender hands clenched tightly once more.

The void not far away suddenly collapsed, and a twisted figure fell from it. Who else could it be but the Earth Demon Old Ghost?

However, at this moment, the old demon's body was completely twisted, his bones were broken, his muscles were ruptured, and he was devoid of any life force.

"Everyone knows I'm at the peak of the Dou Zong realm, yet you still used spatial techniques to escape. You have no brains at all."

Lin Ran chuckled. Fortunately, crafting a Corpse Soul Puppet didn't require any brains. He immediately put the corpse of the old demon into his pocket.

As his gaze shifted, Han Feng, who had been terrified, shuddered as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head, making his whole body stiffen.

The Earth Demon Old Ghost, a Seven-Star Dou Zong, was so easily killed by Lin Ran. He was merely a peak Dou Huang...

"Your turn, my dear filial son."

Lin Ran turned to look at Han Feng, raised her palm, and faced him from afar.

"No, no, no!!"

Han Feng unleashed powerful streams of battle qi, but these attacks were completely blocked by a layer of emerald-gold battle qi barrier when they landed on Lin Ran, without even causing a ripple.

With his strength, he couldn't shake Lin Ran at all!

"Die."

Lin Ran spoke indifferently, and suddenly clenched his fist. The space around Han Feng suddenly collapsed. But for some reason, at the moment the space collapsed, a spatial force also emerged, forcibly pulling Han Feng out of the distorted and collapsed space. However, his entire right arm was torn into bloody fragments by the distorted space.

"Han Feng, this is no longer just about me taking action. You can calculate the value of saving your life yourself."

A voice, indifferent and devoid of any emotion, suddenly rang out slowly in the sky. Immediately afterward, a crack appeared in the space behind Han Feng, and a purple figure slowly emerged.

The purple-robed elder who appeared looked at Han Feng, who had lost an arm, with an indifferent expression. Then his gaze fell on Lin Ran, and his brows furrowed slightly.

The intense pain and the feeling of surviving a disaster constantly stimulated Han Feng's mind. He hurriedly took out several pills from his storage ring and stuffed them into his mouth.

The bloodied severed arm quickly scabbed over. After doing this, Han Feng finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "Rest assured, Elder, as long as you capture this brat for me, I will pay double what I promised!"

"You know what you're doing..."

The purple-robed elder looked at Lin Ran, seemingly noticing something, and a hint of surprise appeared on his indifferent face: "Such powerful blood energy and soul strength, and he's even a Spirit Realm soul. It seems I really didn't make a mistake coming here."

"Boy, is it you who impersonated a protector of my Soul Palace, swindling and deceiving people?"

Lin Ran stared at the purple-robed elder without answering, but his entire focus was concentrated at its peak.

Without a doubt, this purple-robed elder was a Dou Zun powerhouse, and a Dou Zun powerhouse from the Soul Palace.

This guy must be Han Feng's real source of confidence in dealing with me!

"Since you enjoy pretending to be a protector of my Soul Palace so much, why not join my Soul Palace directly and become a true Heavenly-level protector? Moreover, with your talent, I can guarantee that within a few years, you will be able to break through the bottleneck and achieve the Venerable Realm."

The purple-robed elder spoke calmly, "At that time, in terms of status and position, you will be the same as me. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Han Feng's expression changed slightly, but he dared not interrupt the purple-robed elder.

"That does sound like a good suggestion, but..."

Lin Ran grinned, his hands suddenly forming a hand seal, afterimages flying everywhere, and the battle qi within his body surged like a flood, flowing through the meridians of his arms.

"The Mountain-Opening Seal!"

"Turning the sea seal over!"

"Earth-Swept Seal!"

When the three seals came together, even Lin Ran's face turned red. The brilliant light imprints on his palms appeared and disappeared, and the terrifying energy caused the space to continuously burst open with dark cracks.

Lin Ran's palm trembled, and the crystal handprint shook violently. A low, chanting sound, like a sacred chant, emanated from it. Then, it trailed a trail of light, pierced the sky, and burst forth, arriving in front of the purple-robed elder in a flash.

"This is!"

The purple-robed elder's expression changed drastically: "The Emperor's Seal Technique?! You're from an ancient clan?!"

(End of this chapter)