Chapter 222: Annihilation

Blue Profound Flame and Red Profound Flame differ not only in their destructive power but also in their fundamental nature. While a profound energy defense at the Spirit Profound Realm can largely withstand powerful red flames, it often burns away like thin paper when confronted by even low-intensity blue flames.

As the blue flame storm rapidly expanded, Yun Che was forced into a continuous retreat, gradually nearing the inner edge of the profound energy barrier. Fen Juebi burst into laughter, his form suddenly becoming indistinct. Within the surging blue profound flames, numerous apparitions of him appeared, as if he had spawned countless duplicates within the fiery expanse.

These "clones" were, of course, mere illusions conjured from blue profound flame. However, their uncanny resemblance to his true form made it nearly impossible to distinguish between reality and illusion, easily disorienting his opponent and making it difficult to retaliate. The number of "clones" rapidly increased from a few to dozens, all moving erratically within the blue inferno, creating countless streaks of blue light. Meanwhile, Fen Juebi's true body, concealed and aided by the illusions, continuously struck at Yun Che from various angles, forcing him into a perilous, step-by-step retreat.

"Is that the Burning Heaven Clan's core movement profound skill, 'Burning Shadow Illusion Body'? It's terrifying! Especially within a confined combat area, it instills utter despair."

"True to the Burning Heaven Clan's reputation, such an astonishing and exquisite profound skill is beyond the reach of our sects."

Observing the current situation, Yun Che appeared to be cornered, likely unable to hold on for more than a few breaths. Fen Juebi's effortless victory seemed inevitable. Fen Juecheng offered a faint smile. "Tsk, my second brother's Burning Shadow Illusion Body has reached an astonishing level. Even I, his elder brother, am surprised."

"The reason Juebi's profound energy hasn't advanced in three months is entirely due to his dedication to cultivating profound flames and the Burning Shadow Illusion Body. Otherwise, he would have already reached the ninth level of the Spirit Profound Realm. When the Clan Master mentioned this before our departure, I didn't give it much thought. I never anticipated he would reach such a formidable level; even Jin'er might not be his match. I truly misjudged him. It appears my earlier concerns were unnecessary."

Fen Moli nodded contentedly, his expression notably relaxed. With Fen Juebi unleashing blue profound flames and executing the Burning Shadow Illusion Body to such perfection, defeat in this match was utterly inconceivable.

With a soft thud, Yun Che's back made contact with the transparent profound energy barrier. He had nowhere left to retreat. The blue profound flames were now less than a zhang away, their terrifying heat steadily melting the sturdy platform stone beneath his feet.

"Oh, what a shame. This arena is simply too small. This cat-and-mouse game has barely begun, and it's already drawing to a close. How terribly dull. Even more disappointing is your refusal to let out a single scream of agony; you're truly uncooperative."

Amidst the sea of blue flames, dozens of fiery apparitions flickered, and a taunting voice emanated from one of them. "Since you won't scream on your own, I'll give you a hand. Cry out in utter despair, hahahaha..."

"Burning Heaven Slash!!"

The already furious blue flames erupted, and with a swing of the Ghost Flame Blade in Fen Juebi's hand, a colossal, several-zhang-high wave of fire surged towards Yun Che, who was trapped in the corner.

Fen Juebi cackled maniacally, as if he could already envision the next moment: Yun Che's entire body consumed by the blue Burning Heaven Flames, his fair face in particular "specially attended to" by the blue inferno, charred beyond recognition.

Everything was proceeding as he anticipated, perfectly orchestrated. The only minor imperfection was that even now, he hadn't seen a flicker of fear on Yun Che's face. Even when cornered, Yun Che's expression remained unnervingly calm, which slightly dampened Fen Juebi's sense of accomplishment.

Just as the blue flames were about to engulf Yun Che, his expression finally changed, but not in the way Fen Juebi expected. Instead of terror or despair, a cold, mocking smirk appeared on his face.

"This is indeed a cat-and-mouse game," Yun Che declared, his voice laced with contempt as it cut through the searing air and reached Fen Juebi's ears, "but it seems you've mistaken who the mouse is!" With that, Yun Che suddenly stepped forward, raising his heavy sword and unleashing a fierce swing.

*Rip!*

As the heavy sword swept through the air, space subtly warped and the air violently churned. A sound like tearing fabric rang out as the terrifying profound flames charging at Yun Che were instantly cleaved by the heavy sword, then rapidly dissipated as if they were nothing more than shattered illusions.

Yun Che, who had previously been in continuous retreat, now wore a cold smirk and began to advance. He swung his heavy sword repeatedly, and with each profound energy roar, the seemingly formidable blue profound flames were obliterated like fragile bubbles, one after another, without the slightest ability to struggle or resist. Wherever Yun Che stepped, the blue flames would shatter and vanish.

"Wh-wh-what?!"

Everyone in attendance was stunned. The six members of the Burning Heaven Clan sprang from their seats, eyes wide with utter disbelief, as though they had witnessed a supernatural phenomenon.

"This... this is impossible!"

Fen Juebi's maniacal laughter and arrogant sneer vanished simultaneously, replaced by a look of utter shock and a hint of terror. His blue profound flame, his proud trump card that had awed the entire arena, was effortlessly extinguished by Yun Che. What Yun Che obliterated was not merely Fen Juebi's power, but also his pride, his dignity, and his previously inflated confidence.

"It must be that my blue flames are still nascent and not yet fully mature," Fen Juebi desperately tried to convince himself, a grimace returning to his face, though this one appeared somewhat forced and unnatural. "That must be why he could destroy them... it has to be!" He continued, "Yun Che, do you truly believe destroying my Burning Heaven Flames means you can defeat me? Hahahahaha, these Burning Heaven Flames are merely the lowest tier of profound flames at my disposal..."

"If you dare... try to shatter my Burning Heaven Dragon Flame!!"

Fen Juebi bit his tongue, spitting several drops of essence blood onto the Ghost Flame Blade in his hand, which instantly ignited with an intense blue flame. Raising the blade with both hands, Fen Juebi let out a furious roar. In that instant, a blue pillar of fire, ten zhang high, erupted from his body. Even the surrounding blue flames were forcefully pulled back and converged upon him. The flames on his body then rapidly subsided and contracted, but the profound energy aura emanating from him grew terrifyingly stronger.

"He's actually willing to sacrifice his own essence blood to unleash the Dragon Flame!" Fen Juecheng muttered, his brow deeply furrowed and his expression grim. "And it appears he's using its full power."

"This was his only option," Fen Moli stated with a heavy expression. "I never imagined Yun Che was deliberately feigning weakness all this time. Juebi's profound flames, even having reached the blue realm, couldn't threaten him in the slightest. What kind of monstrous talent is this? Regardless, once the Dragon Flame is unleashed, Yun Che will almost certainly die, or at the very least be severely wounded. Juebi himself might even be expelled from this ranking battle as a consequence."

"Hmph! Being expelled from the ranking battle is far better than suffering defeat!" Fen Juecheng gritted his teeth. He now fiercely desired Yun Che's immediate death. Previously, he had harbored a murderous intent towards Yun Che but never truly considered him an enemy, believing him unworthy. However, as Yun Che repeatedly demonstrated greater power, Fen Juecheng now found himself genuinely unnerved. At just seventeen, Yun Che was already this formidable; who knew what astonishing heights he would reach once he fully matured.

Fen Moli opened his mouth but offered no disagreement. In this situation, killing Yun Che and facing expulsion from the ranking battle, or even punishment from the Heavenly Might Tournament, was far superior to suffering a defeat. The punishment would fall solely on Fen Juebi, and the Burning Heaven Clan would merely offer some compensation. But a loss would bring disgrace upon the entire clan!

"Damn it!" Chu Yuefeng abruptly rose to his feet. He knew precisely what Fen Juebi intended to do and understood the terrifying power of the Burning Heaven Clan's "Dragon Flame." He quietly transmitted a message to Ling Wugou: "Prepare to rescue Yun Che immediately! Do not let him perish under the Dragon Flame."

On the Sword Discourse Platform, Ling Wugou's face was grave as he gave an almost imperceptible nod. His profound energy circulated, causing his green robes to swell as he prepared to intervene.

"Yun Che... die!!"

Fen Juebi was acutely aware of the potential consequences of this strike, which fueled the ferocity of his roar. As he abruptly swung his arms, the blue flames from his entire body coalesced into a purple fire dragon, a foot thick and several zhang long, that erupted from the Ghost Flame Blade. It surged towards Yun Che with incredibly destructive heat and momentum.

"A Dragon Flame... that's the Burning Heaven Clan's forbidden ultimate skill—the Burning Heaven Dragon!"

"I've heard this technique requires essence blood to activate, and each use reduces one's profound energy by at least half a level! Yet, its power is said to be capable of slaying immortals and butchering gods!"

"Has Fen Juebi lost his mind?! To actually use this move, even damaging his own essence blood. With this technique's power, Yun Che could very easily die in the arena."

"It's not surprising Fen Juebi would resort to this, because the Burning Heaven Clan simply cannot afford to lose this match... Ah, it would be such a waste for a genius like Yun Che to fall here. We can only hope Elder Ling intervenes in time to save him."

The murmurs from the crowd instantly drained the color from Cang Yue's face. She clutched her lips with both hands, her beautiful eyes wide, utterly speechless amidst her extreme fear and anxiety.

The surging Burning Heaven Dragon Flame rushed headlong towards him, triggering an immediate alarm within Yun Che. He had no fear of flames, but the sheer violent impact force carried by this fiery dragon was not to be underestimated. His brow furrowed, he swiftly took a step back, profound energy surging, and swung his heavy sword with immense power.

*Boom!*

The storm of power collided with the Dragon Flame in mid-air. The fiery dragon paused for a fleeting moment before surging forward again, an immense and overwhelming aura of pressure firmly enveloping Yun Che.

*This is more difficult than I thought...* Yun Che's thoughts raced. He swiftly swung his heavy sword upwards, his entire profound energy surging into his arms like a breached dam.

"Falling Moon Sinking Star!!"

*BOOM!*

A deafening roar ripped through the air, sending flames scattering everywhere. The platform stone within a dozen zhang radius instantly pulverized, and even the profound energy barrier trembled slightly. Under this unparalleled, ferocious strike, the Dragon Flame was sent hurtling far away, its blue flames rapidly dissipating. In an instant, the originally foot-thick Dragon Flame had shrunk to only half a foot thick. Yet, in the very next moment, the greatly weakened Dragon Flame shot towards Yun Che again, moving with lightning speed. Before Yun Che could even retract his heavy sword, the Dragon Flame impacted his chest.

To diminish more than half of the terrifying Dragon Flame's power with a single sword strike—this sight was akin to a sudden thunderclap for everyone present, especially the members of the Burning Heaven Clan. Yet, despite this incredible feat, the remaining power of the Dragon Flame was already upon Yun Che's chest, leaving him no further means of defense.

All breaths were held captive. Ling Wugou's body tensed, ready to rush into the profound energy barrier, but then he witnessed Yun Che's hands suddenly release the Overlord Heavy Sword, clenching together tightly as they reached for the Dragon Flame's "neck."

Ling Wugou's face paled in alarm, and he bellowed, "Let go! Do you not value your hands?!"

The sheer terrifying heat and flame power carried by the blue Dragon Flame were almost beyond comprehension. It couldn't be shattered even by a direct clash of power; touching it directly with one's body was effectively suicidal.

Yun Che ignored him. His hands clamped firmly onto the Dragon Flame's neck. In an instant, all his profound energy from "Evil Soul," the flame manipulation power of the Evil God's Seed, the Phoenix Flame's might, the Dragon God's strength, and the formidable physical power granted by the Great Way of the Buddha, surged forth.

There was no explosion of flames, no bursting of the fiery dragon, nor any sight of Yun Che's hands being instantly incinerated by the Dragon Flame. The scene abruptly froze at that moment, the surging Dragon Flame held perfectly still in Yun Che's grasp.

At that moment, the fiery dragon suddenly writhed in agony, like a venomous snake squeezed at its vital point. Yet, no matter how it struggled and thrashed, it could not escape Yun Che's firmly clasped hands. As it struggled, the Dragon Flame's power rapidly dissipated, growing smaller and smaller. It quickly transformed from a fiery dragon into a small fiery serpent, then eventually shrank into a tiny earthworm... before completely vanishing in Yun Che's hands, leaving not a single trace behind.

Sweat beaded on Yun Che's forehead, yet his expression remained remarkably calm. He slowly opened his hands; neither his palms nor his wrists bore the slightest trace of a burn.

At some point, everyone on the Sword Discourse Platform had risen to their feet. Each person stared blankly, silent for a prolonged period, as if all sound had been completely drawn from the world.

(Author's Note) I just discovered that Zongheng is holding a red envelope giveaway for readers, so I quickly invested everything I could to prepare them. The amounts range from 100 to 1000. May those who draw one have great fortune in the Year of the Goat, and may everyone else still enjoy good luck!