Chapter 80: A Three-Year Vow? A Father’s Love and a Son’s Hatred

Hearing Xiao Yan's taunt, the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion blinked its emerald eyes, seemingly pondering his words. After a brief hesitation, the scorpion turned its gaze toward Xuan Lao. Its vivid green pupils shimmered fiercely as its body emitted an intense glow, and an overwhelming icy aura began to spread.

"Hah, just a little scorpion like that? You think it can kill me? What a joke!" Xuan Lao sneered, taking another swig from his gourd.

However, in the next moment, the diminutive scorpion's body swelled dramatically, expanding like an inflating balloon. In mere seconds, it transformed into a massive green scorpion, over ten zhang in length.

As its size increased, an extreme chill filled the air, causing the cave walls to frost over instantly. The temperature plummeted, leaving the White Tiger Guards trembling uncontrollably.

"This… the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion?! One of the top ten Savage Beasts, ranked seventh?" Xuan Lao's pupils contracted as he stared at the massive creature. His voice quivered with disbelief. "Kid, who exactly are you? Are you really… a spirit beast?"

Clearly, with the scorpion's transformation, Xuan Lao had identified it.

Xiao Yan didn't answer, his gaze remaining fixed and cautious.

Drawing a sharp breath, Xuan Lao's expression turned grim. He turned to Dai Hao and said solemnly, "Duke, you handle the boy. I'll deal with this scorpion and come to assist you afterward. This beast is no match for me."

Without waiting for a response, Xuan Lao activated his seventh spirit ring, his figure shifting into the immense form of his Taotie Divine Bull. With a roar, he charged at the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion, his massive form streaking through the air like a bolt of yellow lightning.

The scorpion shrieked in defiance, its massive pincers snapping as it leapt forward, a green flash streaking through the air. When the two collided, a deafening explosion reverberated, shaking the cave walls and forcing the White Tiger Guards below to cover their ears in fear.

The battle between the two titans was fierce. Xuan Lao's attacks left deep wounds on the scorpion, but the Ice Emperor's counterattacks were equally devastating. The cave's structure began to collapse as their clash intensified.

Despite the scorpion's might, it was clear that Xuan Lao held the upper hand. As one of the strongest Titled Douluo, his advantage gradually overwhelmed the Ice Emperor's defenses.

---

With Xuan Lao distracted, Xiao Yan seized the opportunity. Gripping the Heavy Xuan Ruler, he charged directly at Duke Dai Hao.

"Protect the Duke!" The White Tiger Guards immediately formed a protective circle, their spirits bursting forth as they rushed to intercept Xiao Yan.

As the guards approached, Xiao Yan's face remained indifferent. His right hand clenched into a fist, and a surge of terrifying energy condensed in an instant.

"Eight Extremities Collapse!"

With a low growl, Xiao Yan's fist smashed into the foremost guard. The surrounding air rippled as the explosive force shattered the guard's chest, sending him flying dozens of meters before he crashed into the cave wall, lifeless.

"White Tiger, possess me!" Dai Hao's face darkened as his spirit flared to life. Eight spirit rings—two yellow, two purple, and four black—emerged in a dazzling display. His muscles swelled, and his hands transformed into massive claws covered in white fur. His forehead bore the mark of a king, the "王" symbol glowing faintly.

"Take him down!" he roared, leading his guards in a coordinated assault.

However, Xiao Yan remained unfazed. As the guards lunged at him, his body erupted in pale white flames, the intense heat forcing them back. Those who couldn't evade were instantly incinerated, leaving only ashes behind.

The surviving guards froze in place, their faces pale with terror.

"You… who are you? Did you really kill my son?" Dai Hao's voice trembled as he stared at the blazing youth, a mixture of dread and unease weighing on his heart.

"What if I did? What can you do about it?" Xiao Yan sneered coldly. His tone grew icy as he continued, "Dai Hao, remember this: one day, I will end the White Tiger Duke lineage with my own hands and avenge my mother!"

Dai Hao's expression shifted to confusion and disbelief. "Your mother? What nonsense are you talking about? I, Dai Hao, have always acted with honor and integrity. I've never wronged anyone, let alone killed the innocent!"

"Hah, honor and integrity?" Xiao Yan laughed bitterly. "Keep pretending, but remember my words: three years from now, I will return to the White Tiger Duke's estate to settle this!"

With a step forward, Xiao Yan disappeared, reappearing behind Dai Hao in an instant.

Dai Hao's instincts screamed danger, and he activated his seventh and eighth spirit skills simultaneously, transforming into a humanoid tiger. His claws lashed out in a desperate counterattack.

But Xiao Yan met the attack head-on, his flaming fist smashing into Dai Hao's claws. The impact sent the Duke flying, blood spraying from his mouth as he crashed heavily to the ground.

"Duke, are you alright?" Xuan Lao's massive form appeared beside Dai Hao, shielding him from further harm.

"Old man," Xiao Yan growled, raising the Heavy Xuan Ruler. Flames erupted along the blade as his battle aura surged to its peak.

"Flame Splitting Wave Ruler!"

The fiery attack obliterated Xuan Lao's energy construct, leaving him reeling. The elder growled in frustration, his tenth spirit ring flaring as he prepared a devastating counterattack.

Suddenly, a series of explosions rocked the cave as the Death Envoy's hidden soul bombs detonated. The cave walls cracked, and massive boulders began to fall, threatening to bury everyone inside.

"Xiao Yan, retreat now!" Yao Lao's faint voice echoed in his mind. "I'm reaching my limit, and if I fall into slumber, you'll be in grave danger."

Xiao Yan hesitated only briefly before nodding. "Dai Hao!" he roared. "Three years from now, I will return to settle this score. Prepare yourself and your family for judgment!"

With a wave of his hand, the Ice Emperor returned to his sleeve. Xiao Yan dashed toward the collapsing exit, narrowly avoiding falling debris as the cave crumbled behind him.

---

As Xiao Yan emerged into the open air, the cave collapsed entirely, burying the chaos within. Dust and rubble filled the landscape, marking the end of the battle.

From a distance, Xiao Yan glanced back at the ruins, his expressio

n unreadable. "Three years," he whispered. "Three years, and I'll make them pay."

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