The Nine Serene Ground Python Clan.
Ba Xia returned and conveyed the intentions of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's leader, Huang Tian, to Yao Xiao Tian, the leader of the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan.
Hearing this, Yao Xiao Tian's face turned unsightly, and he instantly lost his composure.
Yao Xiao Tian angrily cursed, "What a Huang Tian! Taking advantage of the situation, is he? He can't support us, and now that we are safe, out of face, he still wants to attack us, the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan?"
"What does he mean by this? What does he mean? He gets upset when his attempt to seize the opportunity fails?"
"That despicable Huang Tian!"
Yao Xiao Tian was fuming with anger, and Huang Tian's shamelessness had truly disgusted him.
...
Ba Xia kept his head low and remained silent. To be honest, he, too, was appalled by Huang Tian's behavior.
If the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan had come to support them and faced difficulties on the way, then perhaps blaming the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan would be somewhat justified.
But now, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's army hadn't even moved an inch from their doorstep. Was it the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan's fault that they didn't show up?
This was simply bullying the weak!
They were bullied because they were honest? Or because they were weak? Or both?
This kind of bullying was simply despicable!
...
Yao Xiao Tian gradually calmed down and said, "Ba Xia, you may leave. I am already aware of this matter."
"Yes!" Ba Xia left.
Leaving with a bit of anger, Ba Xia was displeased, but he had no power. The power gap between the two sides was too vast. All he could do was inform the clan leader, Yao Xiao Tian, about what he knew and prepare for a potential war.
It wouldn't be long before the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's troops would arrive at the Abyssal Snake Mountain Range.
...
The grand hall was empty, leaving only Yao Xiao Tian's lonely figure. He muttered to himself, "Huang Tian, oh, Huang Tian."
"Do you still think of us, the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan, as the same as before? The current Nine Serene Ground Python Clan is not the same as before."
"You dare to provoke the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan? You should be prepared for the consequences."
"The Nine Serene Ground Python Clan is now backed by the entire Soul Clan."
"Soul Clan?"
"It already has the ambition to become the number one power on the continent, intending to unify the entire Dou Qi Continent. With such a force behind the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan, do we still need to fear them?"
"Shouldn't it be the other way around? The Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan should be afraid of us."
"Looking for trouble with our Nine Serene Ground Python Clan?"
"Huang Tian picked the wrong target."
"The current Nine Serene Ground Python Clan is not what it used to be."
...
Although the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan was no longer afraid of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, the latter's plan to attack them was a significant matter.
It required careful consideration and preparation. Even though a battle might not necessarily break out, they needed to be ready. Being unprepared would leave them vulnerable to surprise attacks.
Yao Xiao Tian gathered the strong members of the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan and informed them about the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's intentions to attack.
The entire clan's members were bewildered. What was going on? The Nine Serene Ground Python Clan had just escaped a disaster, and now the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan wanted to bring another disaster upon them?
When did the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan become so weak? Did everyone want to step on them?
Although they were baffled and surprised, the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan did not sit idly by. After learning about the news, they immediately prepared for the worst, standing ready at all times.
The senior elder, who was Yao Xiao Tian's confidant, didn't leave either. Yao Xiao Tian became the clan leader with the help of this elder, and therefore, he was indeed one of Yao Xiao Tian's closest aides.
They were in cahoots with each other, making him the confidant.
The senior elder spoke directly without beating around the bush, "Clan Leader, should we inform the Soul Hall about this matter?"
Yao Xiao Tian waved his hand and said, "No need. The Soul Hall has many eyes and ears. They probably already know about the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's intentions to attack us. The Soul Hall won't just sit back and do nothing."
The senior elder furrowed his brows and asked, "But, Clan Leader, isn't the Soul Hall just a single force? Are they really a match for the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan?"
Yao Xiao Tian replied, "Don't forget, the strongest lord of the Soul Hall, Hun MIe Sheng, hasn't shown himself yet! Moreover, even if the Soul Hall is not a match for the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, they have the entire Soul Clan backing them."
"The Nine Serene Ground Python Clan has chosen to submit to the Soul Hall. The Soul Clan won't just watch the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan attack us."
"Understood."
...
The Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's massive army streaked across the sky, heading toward the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan's main camp.
Leading the army was the clan's leader, Huang Tian. Behind him were two giant wings, blazing red and incredibly dazzling. These were not ordinary Battle Wings but the Heavenly Phoenix Wings, far more powerful than any ordinary wings.
Although Huang Tian was already a Dou Sheng and no longer needed to use his Heavenly Phoenix Wings to fly, the wings were a symbol of pride for the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan.
Despite his status as a Dou Sheng, Huang Tian wouldn't forget the advantage of having the Heavenly Phoenix Wings behind him. Using the wings to travel would still be faster than usual.
Even a Dou Zong-level Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan member, using the Heavenly Phoenix Wings, could rival a Dou Zun in terms of speed.
The Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan was one of the fastest demonic beasts on the Dou Qi Continent, thanks to the advantage of their wings. The only ones who could compete with them in speed were the Ancient Void Dragons.
The Ancient Void Dragons controlled space.
In terms of speed, the Ancient Void Dragons were on par with the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan.
Therefore, the Ancient Void Dragons were undoubtedly the first choice as mounts. Having a Ancient Void Dragon as a mount would make them true dragon riders.
Next was the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan. With a Heavenly Phoenix as a mount, they would become phoenix riders, which was also an excellent option.
As for using the Nine Serene Ground Python as a mount, that didn't sound bad either. They would become snake riders.
...
Halfway through their journey, three thick black mists appeared in front of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's mighty army.
The black mist covered the sky, connecting with the heavens, making the entire sky chaotic and obscure. It was a shocking and alarming sight.
"Halt!" Huang Tian at the forefront of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan raised his hand slightly and commanded the army to stop. His voice was not loud, but it was clear and reached the ears of every member of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan.
Instantly, in just a split second, the massive Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan army came to a halt, remaining orderly and composed without losing a single bit of its formation. This was the sign of a well-disciplined and elite army.
Indeed, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan had mobilized a truly elite force this time.
The Grand Elder of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, Feng Hunag, came forward and asked Huang Tian, "Clan Leader, what is going on here?"
The sudden appearance of the black mist that instantly covered the sky and the land was extremely abnormal. It didn't occur naturally but was the result of someone's manipulation.
Huang Tian calmly replied, "We have encountered a tiger blocking our way."
"A tiger? Blocking our way? Why call it a tiger rather than an ant?" Feng Hunag questioned.
The Soul Hall, as a major force in the Central Region and across the entire Dou Qi Continent, deserved to be referred to as a tiger.
But why not call them ants instead?
Huang Tian responded, "The Soul Hall is indeed a tiger that stands in our path. As for calling them ants, we, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, don't have the qualifications to do so."
...
Within the black mist, the Vice Hall Master of the Soul Hall, Hun Douluo, and two Tianzuns stepped forward. Their figures hadn't appeared yet, but their voices were the first to be heard.
"Clan Leader Huang Tian, you flatter us. We are just minor characters in the Soul Hall, not any tigers blocking your path," Hun Douluo's voice echoed.
As their voices sounded, the figures of the three men appeared in the midst of the black mist. They were all dressed in black robes, eerie and mysterious. With the black mist swirling behind them, they appeared even more mysterious and ominous.
...
The three Great Elders of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan watched the appearance of the three Soul Hall representatives, while Huang Tian seemed indifferent.
As long as it wasn't the Soul Hall's main hall master, Hun Mie Sheng, or some powerful figure from the Soul Clan behind them, who should Huang Tian fear? Why would he need to be afraid of anyone?
"Vice Hall Master, why are you blocking the way of my Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan? What is the meaning of this?" Huang Tian spoke calmly.
From his words, it could be heard that Huang Tian didn't even bother to regard the three people in front of him.
After all, the strength of both sides was evident. To earn respect, strength was an indispensable factor. Huang Tian's strength surpassed any one of these three, so why should he show them respect?
Was it because of the Soul Clan behind them?
The Soul Clan was indeed powerful, but these three weren't the ones to be feared by Huang Tian or the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan. He was afraid of the Soul Clan, not the three people standing before him.
Huang Tian refused to believe that if he killed these three individuals, the Soul Clan would avenge them.
That was his confidence.
Fearless.
...
The Vice Hall Master of the Soul Hall, Hun Douluo, naturally sensed the disdain in Huang Tian's words. However, he didn't mind or take it to heart. Strength was the best way to earn respect.
Since he wasn't as powerful as Huang Tian, it was natural for Huang Tian to look down on him. Hun Douluo wasn't angered; he had self-awareness. It was precisely because he had this self-awareness that he would be motivated to work hard and become stronger.
He would strive in silence, then astonish everyone with his growth.
Hun Douluo said, "I heard that Clan Leader Huang Tian intends to attack the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan?"
"Yes!" Huang Tian stood with his hands behind his back, his face proud. When facing Hun Douluo's question, he didn't deny it and openly admitted it.
"Why? Vice Hall Master, are you planning to meddle in this matter?" Huang Tian countered Hun Douluo's question, not placing Hun Douluo in high regard at all.
Disdain!
Full of disdain!
"I dare not!" Hun Douluo smiled, shaking his head.
"Oh!" Huang Tian responded, somewhat surprised. He looked at Hun Douluo and asked, "If you dare not, then why did you stop my Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's army?"
Then, he changed the subject, "Moreover, just the three of you, thinking of stopping my Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's hundred thousand-strong army, seems a bit unqualified, don't you think?"
The Great Tianzun and the Second Tianzun frowned slightly, displeasure evident on their faces. As high-ranking figures, when had anyone dared to speak to them like this before?
If this was someone else, they would have already erupted in anger and attacked.
Hun Douluo maintained a smile on his face and said, "Clan Leader Huang Tian, it's just that I wanted to remind you of something. There are no other intentions."
"Remind? Remind me of what?" Huang Tian responded calmly, curious about Hun Douluo's purpose.
Hun Douluo calmly replied, "Clan Leader Huang Tian, do you know the relationship between the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan and our Soul Hall?"
"If Clan Leader Huang Tian intends to act against the Nine Serene Ground Python Clan, you need to consider whether you can withstand the wrath of the Soul Clan." Hun Douluo's smile became slightly menacing as he spoke, and his words carried a full threat.
"Hmm?" Huang Tian frowned slightly and looked at the three of them. "Are you trying to threaten me?"
A terrifying pressure emanated from Huang Tian, pressing down heavily on Hun Douluo and the other two. Their faces changed, and they could feel the overwhelming difference in strength between them.
Hun Douluo gritted his teeth and said, "I only came to give Clan Leader Huang Tian a reminder. I hope you will be wise and know what to do and what not to do. If you feel that I'm threatening you..."
"Then take it as a threat!"
Strength might be unequal, but one must never lose in terms of aura. As the Vice Hall Master of the Soul Hall, backed by the Soul Hall and the Soul Clan, if he were to lose in terms of aura, then that would be a shame.
If he could lose in aura even with such a strong backing, then he might as well find a tofu and crash into it.
If he couldn't even win in aura, he didn't deserve his position as the Vice Hall Master.
"Hmm?" Huang Tian's expression turned cold, his eyebrows furrowed, and a hint of anger appeared. He said, "Hun Douluo, do you think I dare not kill you?"
As he spoke, his imposing aura became even stronger, pressing against Hun Douluo and the other two.
The pressure on Hun Douluo became even more intense.
The first one who couldn't bear it was the weakest among them, the Second Tianzun.
Puff!
The Second Tianzun spat out a mouthful of blood, but he gritted his teeth and persevered.
Hun Douluo said in a low voice, "Kill us?"
"Clan Leader Huang Tian, with your strength, killing us is indeed effortless. But can you bear the consequences?" he asked. "The wrath of the Soul Clan is something that no force on the entire Dou Qi Continent can withstand, right?"
"Even your Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan is no exception. Or is your Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan ready to challenge the might of the Soul Clan?"
Huang Tian's face became even more gloomy.
Ugly and unpredictable!
It kept changing!
Huang Tian really wanted to make a move..
.
After considering it, Huang Tian ultimately decided not to take action against Hun Douluo and the other two.
In the end, Huang Tian didn't dare to gamble.
He was well aware of the profound heritage of the Soul Clan. When the Soul Clan's Clan Leader, Hun Tiandi, got married, Huang Tian, as the Clan Leader of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, was naturally invited to the wedding.
He attended the event and witnessed the immense strength and heritage of the Soul Clan. It was undoubtedly beyond what the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan could compare with, let alone surpass.
Therefore, Huang Tian didn't dare to gamble, nor did he dare to kill the three individuals before him. If killing them would truly provoke the Soul Clan to take action, then the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan would have no way out.
Not daring to gamble, Huang Tian's imposing aura weakened, granting Hun Douluo and the other two a moment of respite.