Chapter 598: Canyon System

Xu Yang glared coldly at the Phantom Black Rider. "Soul power is indeed formidable, but a significant portion of your soul energy originates from vengeful spirits. Its fluctuation frequency is completely different from that of ordinary soul sources. Using the technique of 'Sleeve Universe,' I temporarily released those restless vengeful spirit essences into other dimensional spaces. As a result, most of your soul power vanished. What little remained of your unique soul source is now negligible, incapable of having any impactful effect on me. It's that simple."

Xu Yang spoke casually, as if it were nothing. However, no one could have imagined just how difficult it was to execute what he described in those simple words.

Leaving aside other complexities, even the simplest necessary steps for 'Sleeve Universe' involve connecting with an extraterrestrial dimensional space using spiritual power, then instantly completing energy transfer. On top of that, one must ensure that the energy sealed in the different space does not dissipate but operates under certain stable rules. The knowledge involved in all of this is immense.

Why did so many people handle that ancient text, yet only Xu Yang mastered the divine ability of 'Sleeve Universe'? This outcome alone should be proof enough.

With a single sword strike, the black sword light, still burning with spiritual energy, pierced through the Black Rider's skull, bringing about the downfall of this once arrogant foe.

As the black sword-soul's sharp edge disintegrated, the Phantom Black Rider's intimidating presence completely vanished. Only a faint trace of black ash remained on the ground.

Long Kun wiped the ash from the ground and rubbed his fingers together, sighing helplessly. "Boss," he said, "is that the extent of this phantom's existence? Just moments ago, it was so fierce and untamed, yet in the blink of an eye, it's gone?"

However, he only saw Xu Yang's increasingly cold back, sword in hand, continuing deeper into the Phantom Canyon.

"This is just your first lesson in this place," Xu Yang stated. "Remember, there will be even more shocking challenges ahead. Always keep in mind why you came here."

Upon hearing Xu Yang's profound advice, the three of them immediately refocused and continued forward.

As the four continued deeper into the canyon, a highly restless elemental aura began to surge through the air. It was a vibrating resonance caused by fluctuations containing multiple complex elemental energies.

The four walked through a predatory wind. The elemental energy in the air was so potent it felt almost like being bathed in blades, yet this intensity posed no significant threat to Xu Yang and his companions.

"You may stop advancing now," a voice boomed. "This is a forbidden zone."

In the center of the dark sandstorm, a colossal humanoid monster, over two meters tall and made entirely of silver bones, materialized out of thin air. Though the being itself appeared corporeal, every object resembling clothing or adornment on its body was crafted from ominous white bones. The cold, formidable aura it emanated was in no way inferior to Xu Yang's.

Xu Yang didn't humor the newcomer, immediately stating his position: "'Stop?' Commands aren't given merely with words. You need to demonstrate your strength."

"Heh heh, you are strong, human," the being scoffed. "But you must die! I am Bone King. In your next life, you can seek me for revenge."

The one called Bone King immediately attacked with force, his palm trembling as a blood-red bone sword materialized out of thin air and lunged towards Xu Yang.

Clang! The auras of the two top masters collided, unleashing astonishing power through their respective weapons. Behind them, Long Kun and the other two instinctively adopted defensive stances when confronted by this formidable aura.

"Who is this Bone King?" Long Kun wondered aloud. "To possess such a powerful foundation... he must have multiple elemental immunities, otherwise, the Boss's domain power wouldn't show absolutely no energy fluctuations."

Just as Long Kun surmised, against anyone else, Xu Yang's formidable aura would have naturally radiated outwards. But now, facing this being called Bone King, Xu Yang's aura fluctuations were significantly suppressed, proving that the opponent's astonishing foundation was not to be underestimated.

It was clear that anyone daring to confront them head-on at this time and place could not be a mere weakling.

Screech... After just one sword clash, Xu Yang and Bone King both retreated. However, three seconds later, a confident smile played on Xu Yang's lips. In contrast, Bone King's brow furrowed slightly, and the massive blood-colored bone weapon in his hand shattered into fragments.

"You, how dare you destroy my Blood Bone Divine Weapon!"

The opponent seemed enraged, but Xu Yang completely disregarded his attitude, treating him with utter indifference.

"Don't stand there complaining to me," Xu Yang retorted. "If you think you're still capable, then attack. If you lack the confidence, then get lost, and I wouldn't mind if you called out Zi Kuang instead."

Bone King's eyes instantly blazed with murderous intent. "You dare insult Zi Jun? You clearly have a death wish!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Bone King did not recklessly attack Xu Yang again. Instead, using some unknown method, he suddenly let out an extremely piercing scream towards the void.

Sure enough, a large group of powerful mages, skilled in elemental magic, slowly descended from the sky on clouds of void energy.

"Greetings, Lord Bone King," they saluted. "You summoned us urgently. What are your commands?"

"Lord Elemental Envoys," Bone King announced, "these humans have offended our dignity and audaciously proclaimed they want to challenge Zi Jun!"

The cloaked middle-aged man leading the dozen or so Elemental Envoys snorted coldly. "Overestimating themselves! Since these mere ants are so disrespectful, let's teach them a lesson in manners."

The leader of the Elemental Envoys also carried himself with great arrogance. It was clear that he and Bone King, who referred to Zi Kuang as 'Jun,' were of a similar standing.

"Wait," Xu Yang interjected. "Since you're so confident, perhaps you can answer a question for me first. Is there a clear hierarchical system within Phantom Canyon? And within this system that displays status, what level do you all consider yourselves to be?"

Bone King flexed his wrist, a proud smile on his face. "There's no harm in telling you," he scoffed. "Consider it me fulfilling a dying wish for you in advance. Phantom Canyon, beneath Lord Zi Jun, is divided into two factions: the Direct Lineage and the Subordinate Faction.

"The Direct Lineage, needless to say, consists of the purest-blooded prodigies of heaven. These perfect beings, born with both demonic and angelic bloodlines, are given the 'Direct Lineage' tag at birth. They are entitled to call Zi Jun 'Father,' considered his recognized kin, and hold priority access to all resources within the canyon. In other words, only the Direct Lineage are the true masters here. They can treat any member of the Subordinate Faction they fancy as food. Of course, members of the Leadership Council are an exception.

"As for the so-called Leadership Council, it comprises the Seven Great Kings who govern the Subordinate Faction. I am Bone King, one of the Seven Great Kings. Although not of the Direct Lineage, I possess the right and qualification to command the Subordinate Faction. There are six others who hold the same rank as me.

"And as for the Elemental Envoys you see beside me, they belong to the Left Protector Corps, directly under Zi Jun's command. Their sole mission is to defend Zi Jun's glory."