The Arrival of Elite Dou Venerates

Yun Yun pursed her lips as she gazed at the vibrant Heaven Ascending Pavilion amidst the snowy landscape, wondering why it was springtime inside while snow fell outside. Could this phenomenon be related to the Heaven Ascending Pavilion? Altering the laws of time and nature was something even a Dou Venerate might struggle to achieve.

Meanwhile, the Black-Corner Region's experts had also arrived, led by none other than Medicine Emperor Han Feng, with several Dou Emperor experts trailing behind him.

After the last auction, Han Feng had promised everyone that if a Heavenly Flame appeared outside the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, he hoped they would assist him in acquiring it. He believed that obtaining the Heavenly Flame would enable him to complete the evolution of the Flame Mantra.

Since acquiring the complete Flame Mantra at the last auction, Han Feng had been incredibly arrogant, constantly cursing Yao Chen for withholding it from him. With the Heavenly Flame, he could significantly boost his strength, making his promotion to Dou Ancestor just a matter of time.

Currently, Han Feng was already at the half-step Dou Ancestor realm. Given a little more time, advancing to Dou Ancestor would be a breeze. With the Flame Mantra in his possession, he considered himself above ordinary people and now even referred to himself as Medicine Ancestor.

Thinking about this, a smirk appeared on Han Feng's face. He turned to look at the nearby Mister Gold and Mister Silver and greeted them warmly, "Mister Gold and Mister Silver, you've come as well."

The Gold and Silver twins turned to Han Feng and returned the greeting, "Of course, we wouldn't miss a place like the Heaven Ascending Pavilion. If we can acquire some valuable items at the auction, it will be worth the trip."

Everyone shared a knowing smile, eagerly awaiting the Heaven Ascending Pavilion's auction, certain that the treasures appearing this time too would astonish the entire Dou Qi continent.

Suddenly, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and a powerful oppressive force enveloped everyone. Even Mister Gold and Silver, who were at the peak of Dou Emperor, were wide-eyed with shock, not expecting someone to release such an overwhelming amount of Dou Qi.

Except for a few Dou Ancestors, everyone else felt their blood boiling under the unprecedented pressure.

Han Feng quickly turned around, looking at the newcomer with horror. "An elite Dou Venerate!"

Only a Dou Venerate could possess such a terrifying aura and cause such dramatic changes in the environment. The newcomer's strength was evident from the reactions of the heavens and earth.

However, this Dou Venerate did not attack the Heaven Ascending Pavilion but instead landed steadily on the ground amidst the fearful gazes of the crowd.

As soon as he landed, a violent aura surged from beneath him, raising a hundred-meter-high wave of dust! The Dou Venerate was clad in red robes, with red hair and a red beard, exuding a fiery presence.

Upon seeing the newcomer, everyone took a step forward and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Venerate Elder."

Reaching the Dou Venerate level made one a rarity on the continent, with each such expert being a prized asset to their respective factions as a huge amount of resources was needed to nurture a Dou Venerate.

The Dou Venerate glanced around disdainfully, clearly feeling that this crowd was not worth his words.

This person was none other than Tang Zhen, the Valley Chief of the Burning Flame Valley!

Tang Zhen, a formidable five-star Dou Venerate expert and master of the "Nine Dragon Lightning Flame," had come to investigate the rumors of a new Heavenly Flame appearing at the Heaven Ascending Pavilion.

Founded thousands of years ago, Burning Flame Valley had grown into one of the top powers in Central Plains over the millennia. The valley was one of the three valleys in the "One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, Four Pavilions" power structure of Central Plains and was known to be an archrival to the Glacier Valley. It housed a unique inherited Heavenly Flame ranked twelfth on the Heavenly Flame list, the Nine Dragon Lightning Flame.

Medicine Emperor Han Feng squinted. Although he was at the peak of the Dou Emperor level, he had never encountered this Dou Venerate expert before. Recognizing the name, however, might have stirred a vague impression.

"Jie Jie Jie, I didn't expect to see you here, Tang Zhen. You've certainly piqued my interest!"

Suddenly, thunderclouds rolled in, and several dark figures swiftly flew towards the Heaven Ascending Pavilion, tearing the space apart as they passed.

Tang Zhen, the Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, frowned and thought to himself, "That old devil is here too..."

In a flash of light, a black-robed elder appeared before everyone. His powerful presence forced everyone to their knees, a testament to his strength, which was no less than that of Tang Zhen.

This newcomer was none other than the Heavenly Venerate of the Hall of Souls, the old devil, Zhai Xing!

Zhai Xing laughed heartily, "Hahaha, Tang Zhen, I never thought someone from Central Plains would show up here. Yet here you are."

Tang Zhen snorted coldly, "What business is it of yours if I choose to come? I don't need your permission."

Zhai Xing was a peak five-star Dou Venerate, slightly stronger than Tang Zhen. However, Tang Zhen had the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change technique, which could close the gap in their power.

"Not long ago, our honorable elder, the Blood Ghost, was killed here. As a Heavenly Venerate, I cannot let this go unpunished. Today, I am here to seek justice."

Hearing this, Tang Zhen chuckled inwardly. To kill a one-star Dou Venerate in one strike suggested an extraordinary level of power, likely surpassing that of an ordinary Dou Venerate.

Zhai Xing's desire for revenge was nothing but a pipe dream.

Protector Wu timidly approached Zhai Xing and said respectfully, "Heavenly Venerate, this is the Heaven Ascending Pavilion."

Zhai Xing turned to face the valley, and his eyes narrowed as he took in the sight. The contrast between the icy exterior and the spring-like interior was astonishing, indicating an incredible level of power at play.

Swallowing hard, Zhai Xing maintained his bravado despite the circumstances. "Hear me, people of the Heaven Ascending Pavilion! I am the Heavenly Venerate of the Hall of Souls, Zhai Xing! Come out and greet me!"

"Sir, please don't shout. You might anger the experts inside," Protector Wu advised kindly.

Zhai Xing snorted dismissively. "What does it matter how strong they are? Can they truly stand against the might of the Hall of Souls?"

The death of the Blood Ghost had alarmed their superiors, who had sent him to investigate. If there were no peak-level experts, their orders were to destroy the Heaven Ascending Pavilion and bring back its master's soul at any cost.

Bing Shuang emerged and said, "Why are you barking like a dog here?"

Zhai Xing was stunned. He hadn't expected to be called a dog in front of so many people. Insulting himself before so many eyes was something he couldn't stomach!

His eyes widened as he retorted, "How dare you! I am a respected expert of the Hall of Souls, not some lowly beast. You killed one of our people. Do you not intend to give us an explanation?"

Bing Shuang raised an eyebrow, "So you're a colleague of that guy. In that case, you can help settle his massive debt."