Chapter 569: Complete Phoenix Dance in the Nine Heavens

Xu Yang and Shi Lingyun exchanged glances and nodded, a clear sign they had already finalized their combat strategy.

Shi Lingyun was no longer the inexperienced young woman Xu Yang had first brought into the team. Not only had her strength improved significantly, but she also served as stable, vital support for team enhancements. Together, they unleashed a mental control array based on the Sacred Heavenly Sound.

In an instant, brilliant golden array patterns infused with light swiftly spread, precisely covering the body of the Fly Leader.

"Heh, it's laughable that you dare to use such trivial tricks in front of me, Kars, the Fly King."

"Oh? You can try then," Shi Lingyun retorted.

Shi Lingyun's voice exuded complete confidence. Endless waves of the Sacred Heavenly Sound rapidly enveloped Kars's true form. However, these sound waves attacking Kars directly were secondary; more importantly, their arrival triggered the perfect activation of the golden array beneath Kars's feet.

Countless golden lights materialized from beneath Kars's feet, forming golden rings that began to completely shackle his body.

The entire process unfolded in an instant. Kars, on one hand, didn't understand Shi Lingyun's abilities, and on the other, underestimated his opponents, failing to take them seriously. As a result, he missed the optimal moment to break free.

Countless star-like lights overlapped, forming a complete sealing system that successfully suppressed Kars's power to less than fifty percent.

"Hahahaha, you big stink bug, still dare to look down on our strength? Today, your grandpa Long Kun will show you what power is!"

*Boom!*

Long Kun soared skyward, powerful Phoenix Flames condensing in his fist. With astonishing force, he aimed his punch at Kars's massive head and smashed it down.

"Long Kun, don't be reckless, come back quickly!"

Xu Yang was extremely cautious. He felt it was truly strange that Kars had been bound so easily. Immediately, he tried to call out to Long Kun, but little did he know, once the young man started rushing like a monkey, he wouldn't turn back. He continued to gather his strength, eager to make a show of himself.

Embarrassingly, when his searing punch landed squarely on Kars's head, terrifying power fluctuations instantly exploded. However, it didn't inflict significant physical damage on Kars. Instead, it blasted a gap in the newly formed golden sealing array.

"Oh no, he reflected some of Long Kun's power, using our strength against us, and blasted a weakness in our array! Boss, what do we do now?!"

Xu Yang listened to Shi Lingyun's words and slightly furrowed his brow. However, being on the battlefield, he couldn't openly rebuke Long Kun. All he could do was use his authority as captain to try and salvage the situation as much as possible.

"Don't panic. I'll handle this. You two just need to find the right moment to play your part."

After giving his orders, Xu Yang soared skyward. However, before he could lock onto Kars's aura below, the golden array completely shattered, and Kars's hysterical laughter echoed out.

"Ants are just ants. Not only are you weak, but your minds are dull. Foolishly, you only know how to charge headfirst. How could you ever be my opponent?"

A dozen or so black tentacles rapidly extended from Kars's back, instantly coiling tightly around Long Kun's body. Kars was no longer in human form; his handsome face gradually transformed into a repulsive black demon as he revealed his true self. Each tentacle emitted a foul, bloody stench, and this overwhelming aura alone pushed Long Kun to the verge of collapse.

"How does it feel to be in my embrace?"

Kars's hideous appearance, combined with a voice as gentle as a spring breeze, sent a chilling sensation through Xu Yang's team. As for Long Kun, trapped in Kars's embrace, he truly experienced what it meant to suffer a fate worse than death.

"You hideous demon, release me now, or my boss will obliterate you with a single sword!"

Kars laughed heartily. "Excessively relying on others is not the mindset of a wise person. It's time for you to learn to stand on your own. Of course, if you're truly not smart enough, then today will be the disaster that ends your life!"

Long Kun clearly wouldn't give in, struggling wildly in Kars's embrace, but with little discernible effect.

"I am the inheritor of the Phoenix lineage; Phoenix blood flows within me! Do you, a mere stink bug, think you can act recklessly in front of me? You are not worthy!"

Little did Long Kun know, the moment he blurted out those words, Xu Yang revealed an expression of helpless exasperation.

"Boss, what do we do now? Do we need to force an attack?" Ling Yao, who had at some point darted to Xu Yang's right side, stood shoulder to shoulder with Shi Lingyun, gazing blankly at Kars's location.

"Originally, it would have been possible. But that idiot Long Kun still hasn't forgotten to show off his heritage at a time like this. If I'm not mistaken, Kars has the power to devour the essence of others' bloodlines. Who wouldn't want to plunder Phoenix blood? Long Kun is effectively pushing himself into a pit of fire."

Just as Xu Yang had predicted, upon hearing Long Kun's secret, Kars felt as if he had stumbled upon a treasure, and his smile broadened even further.

"It seems you truly are a gift from the heavens. Phoenix bloodline—the very sound of it makes my mouth water. Why don't I sample your taste first?"

Kars appeared exceptionally excited. He slowly extended a different tail-like appendage, distinct from the dozen smaller tentacles binding Long Kun. Its tip bore a needle-like blade, seemingly capable of effortlessly piercing through steel, and it coldly impaled Long Kun's body.

"Aargh!"

An intense scream of pain erupted from Long Kun. As a direct descendant of the Phoenix bloodline, to be reduced to such a state truly pained his heart.

He hadn't intended to flaunt his power; he merely wanted to avoid disgracing the dignity of the Phoenix lineage.

Yet, he hadn't realized that while the Phoenix blood within him was powerful, it was ultimately still slightly inferior when facing the god-level demon Kars.

The instant the needle-like appendage pierced Long Kun's body, a powerful devouring force wildly swept towards his bloodline. Large amounts of Phoenix power began to dissipate from within him.

"No!"

Originally, Long Kun had roared in anger, intending to struggle with all his might and ignite the true primordial flames of his Phoenix bloodline power to their absolute limit.

However, he quickly discovered that his Phoenix blood was being completely suppressed by the immensely powerful demonic essence within Kars!