Batian Martial Soul

"In that battle, blood flowed like a river and corpses littered the fields. Countless disciples of our sect died tragically at his hands, and the Sea God Palace never recovered from that defeat."

"Now, tens of thousands of years have passed, and with the help of the Temple of Annihilation, his cultivation level... is probably unfathomable!"

"The Temple of Annihilation is a mysterious and powerful organization. They possess endless resources and powerful cultivation techniques, and can provide Li Juefeng with the best cultivation conditions."

"Over these tens of thousands of years, Li Juefeng must have received tremendous support from the Temple of Annihilation, and his cultivation must have reached an unimaginable level."

"If he senses the reappearance of the Sea God Dragon's aura in the world, he will definitely spare no effort to come and seize it!"

"The Sea God Dragon Origin is the most precious treasure of our sect, possessing endless power and mysteries. Li Juefeng has always coveted it, wanting to use its power to further improve his cultivation."

"Can you protect her?"

In the last sentence, the illusory figure of the man in the green robe spoke with a hint of scrutiny and doubt, his gaze fixed on Ling Xiao, trying to find the answer in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Ling Xiao stood tall and straight like a pine tree, showing no fear whatsoever. Instead, a defiant smile curved his lips, a smile as untamed as a shooting star streaking across the night sky, carrying an air of unbridled arrogance.

His gaze was disdainful, as if nothing in the world could catch his eye, and he coldly uttered two words: "Great Sun Sea Emperor?"

"Ah."

His contemptuous tone made it seem as if the name "Great Sun Sea Emperor" was nothing more than an insignificant ant in his eyes.

He slowly extended his right hand, his five fingers clenching like iron pincers, the knuckles cracking as he exerted force, a crisp and loud sound as if declaring his resolve to the enemy.

Immediately afterwards, a soaring fighting spirit erupted from his body, like a raging volcano erupting, unstoppable.

This fighting spirit was mixed with the wildness of demonic fire, which, like giant dragons with bared fangs and claws, swirled and danced around him, burning and distorting the surrounding air.

"When I was fifteen, I was carrying a chipped and broken iron sword. The sword was old and worn, and the blade was full of nicks, as if it would break at any moment."

"But this broken sword has become my weapon for killing enemies."

"I fought my way in and out of the Ten Thousand Demon Cave, a place filled with demonic energy, teeming with monsters, and fraught with danger and death."

"But I was not afraid at all, and I forged ahead, leaving a trail of demonic blood wherever I went."

"The number of so-called Demon Emperors and Monster Emperors we've killed is too many to count on two hands!"

"Those Demon Emperors and Monster Emperors may be seen as lofty and invincible beings by others, but in front of me, Ling Xiao, they are nothing but a flock of lambs to the slaughter."

"What's so special about a mere traitor?"

"If he dares to come, I will do my duty to clean house for my predecessors and use his blood to appease the spirits of the Sea God Palace!"

Ling Xiao's voice was like a resounding bell, echoing in the air, every word filled with power and confidence.

The little fox listened from the side, thinking to itself, "...Brother Ling is bragging again..."

"But he looks so cool when he's bragging!"

Her clear eyes sparkled with admiration. Although she felt that Ling Xiao's words were a bit exaggerated, his handsome appearance still made her heart flutter.

The illusory figure of the man in the green robe stared intently at Ling Xiao, his gaze extremely complex, like a deep lake, its mysteries unfathomable.

He looked at him as if he were a madman, finding Ling Xiao's arrogance somewhat incomprehensible;
It's as if I'm watching a... variable, and I feel that this young man may have unlimited potential.

After a long while, he slowly shook his head, his gesture carrying a sense of helplessness and regret.

At this moment, his phantom was like a candle flickering in the wind, its light uncertain, as if it might be extinguished at any moment.

"Boy, your arrogance... reminds me of an old friend."

The voice of the illusory man in the green robe was deep and hoarse, as if it came from the distant past: "That person was once so arrogant and unruly, yet he also carved out his own world in that chaotic era."

"But, in the end..."

He didn't finish his sentence, seemingly lost in memories of the past.

After a moment, he stopped looking at Ling Xiao and turned his gaze back to the little fox. His eyes were full of love and reluctance, as if an elder was looking at his child who was about to embark on a long journey.

"Ah Li, take good care of yourself."

"The seed of the Sea God Palace has been planted, and you are that seed of hope, which will one day spread like wildfire."

"Perhaps... in the distant future, we will meet again."

The voice of the illusory man in the green robe grew softer and softer, as if a gentle breeze could dissipate it.

His phantom image also began to blur, as if it were about to disappear into the world.

Ling Xiao was always meticulous and quick-witted. He keenly grasped the key information hidden in the man in the green robe's words. That information was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples in his heart.

He didn't care about anything else and immediately interrupted, asking urgently, "Senior, are you... still alive?"

The voice carried a hint of nervousness and anticipation, as if afraid of missing any possible answer.

At this moment, the illusory figure of the man in the green robe had faded to almost transparent, as if a gentle breeze could completely disperse him.

He turned his head slightly and glanced at Ling Xiao, his eyes filled with disdain, as if he had seen something annoying.

He snorted irritably, his voice soft yet carrying an undeniable coldness: "I don't want to talk to you!"

The tone made it seem as if Ling Xiao's question was utterly unreasonable.

Before he could finish speaking, the illusory figure of the man in the green robe completely transformed into specks of green light.

Those particles of light were like fireflies twinkling in the night sky, light and beautiful, yet carrying a sorrow that could not be held back.

They drifted away slowly in the twilight of the ruins of the Palace of Poseidon, like a silent farewell.

Only a faint sigh remained, which faded away with the wind, as if it were the man in the green robe's last lingering attachment and helplessness towards this world.

Ling Xiao stared at everything that was happening before him, his outstretched hand frozen in mid-air, the posture somewhat awkward.

He was stunned for a while before slowly coming back to his senses. He touched his nose and muttered with a frustrated look, "...This senior has a really bad temper!"

"He even gave me a sarcastic remark before leaving!"

He looked like a wronged child, yet helpless.

The little fox stood to the side, quietly watching the fading image of the man in the green robe.

Her expression was solemn, and her eyes were full of respect.

She slowly took two steps forward, bowed deeply to the phantom, her small face full of solemnity.

The bow was performed with perfect form and utmost sincerity, as if expressing the highest respect to a great elder. (End of Chapter)