BTTH: Demon Emperor Xiao Yan

The enormous seal of energy collided with the rainbow-colored serpent in front of countless horrified eyes. A thunderous explosion echoed through the night sky, shaking the very air. And then, to everyone's astonishment, the colossal energy serpent began to crack and splinter. Xiao Yan's powerful technique had directly shattered Queen Medusa's attack head-on!

After the serpent disintegrated, the radiant energy seal dimmed, having expended a significant portion of its power. Yet, even in its weakened state, the residual force was still astonishing. Queen Medusa's expression darkened. Her hands formed another seal, and the same vibrant shield that had earlier blocked the Flame-Splitting Ruler Slash rose again to encase her.

The energy seal struck her barrier moments later, sending shockwaves rippling across the sky. Even from a distance, everyone could see cracks spreading rapidly across the seemingly indestructible shield. Then—Boom!—with a deafening explosion, the shield finally shattered!

The glowing seal surged forward and struck Queen Medusa directly. Despite her being at the peak of the Dou Huang level, she was sent flying. A spurt of blood erupted from her lips, her body tumbling through the air. Several multicolored serpent scales fell from her body as she landed. This attack had truly wounded her.

'What a pity,' Xiao Yan thought to himself. 'If the Mountain-Crushing Seal hadn't lost so much power fending off her earlier techniques, I might have ended this fight here and now.'

But he didn't press the attack. The Mountain-Crushing Seal had drained most of his Dou Qi, and he was far from his peak. His face had grown pale, and his breathing was uneven. Without hesitation, he took out a few medicinal pills and swallowed them, focusing on recovery.

Princess Yao Ye, watching from the city wall, couldn't help but gasp at the sight. "What a terrifying technique..." she murmured. Although she wasn't strong, she could see just how overpowering that move had been. This mysterious man was only a Dou Wang, yet he had injured a peak Dou Huang with a single attack. What if he became a Dou Huang himself? Would he then be capable of challenging even a Dou Zong?

Xiao Yan wiped the sweat from his brow and looked toward Queen Medusa, who was still recovering from her wounds. "Your Majesty," he said steadily, "I think this battle has reached its conclusion. Continuing would be meaningless for both sides. Let's call it off here."

"You think I'm afraid of your Dou Technique?" Queen Medusa scoffed coldly. "It's strong, yes, but you can't use it many times with your current strength. And don't think I haven't noticed—you've been using some kind of secret technique to boost your power. How long can it last?"

Xiao Yan's brow twitched slightly. She wasn't wrong. Most secret arts that enhanced one's strength came with time limits. Once exceeded, the user would face a harsh backlash. His Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Change was no exception.

Of course, if he could one day master all three stages of the technique and awaken his Xiao Clan bloodline, he could form a clan seal. With that, the backlash would disappear, and the enhancement would become even more terrifying. But for now, he had yet to gain the bloodline of a Dou Di.

And currently, he could only use the first transformation. He technically could activate the second or third forms, but the strain would be too much for his current body.

"You're right, Your Majesty," Xiao Yan admitted. "The technique does have a time limit, and after that, I won't have the strength to continue fighting. But I have a habit: when I can't win, I run. And once I decide to flee, even you may not be able to catch me."

"You can try," Queen Medusa said coldly.

"You already know I can. After our earlier exchange, I think we both understand each other's capabilities." Xiao Yan gave a faint smile. "If I flee, I won't waste time plotting revenge right away. I'll find a place to train. I may not break into Dou Huang immediately, but increasing my star rank within Dou Wang is more than possible. On the other hand, Your Majesty... breaking through to Dou Zong won't be easy."

Queen Medusa's expression shifted slightly. She knew what he said wasn't wrong. She had only managed to suppress Xiao Yan thanks to her overwhelming cultivation advantage. But if he advanced even a few more levels and combined that with his secret technique, he might reach the strength of a Dou Huang—at which point she could no longer easily overpower him.

"And during that time," Xiao Yan continued calmly, "I won't be sitting still. I recall the Snake-People Tribe has many clans and factions, doesn't it? I could pay them a visit, one by one. I may not be able to face your entire tribe, or defeat you outright, but taking out a few tribal leaders quietly? That wouldn't be hard."

"You dare threaten me?" Queen Medusa's voice grew cold, her gaze turning sharp. She had never been threatened by someone with lesser strength before, and now this human dared to speak to her this way?

"I'm only stating facts," Xiao Yan said with a shrug. "Of course, if you can capture me here and now, I won't resist. But I have my own trump cards, just as I'm sure you haven't shown everything either. If it comes to that, we'll both suffer. Even if you defeat me, you'll be heavily wounded. And frankly, you might not win at all."

For a moment, Queen Medusa didn't reply. Deep inside, she knew he was right. This young man was not someone who could be dealt with using ordinary methods. Continuing the fight was too risky.

Besides, she had come here for a specific purpose. Rock Desert City itself had little strategic value. It wasn't worth pushing both of them to the brink for such a meaningless location.

She had to admit it—this Dou Wang was dangerous. Not just because of his power, but because of his calm, his cunning, and his ability to see beyond the battle in front of him.

(End of Chapter)

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