Chapter 889: A Close Call
The cold voice rang out as the Hongmeng Sword in Gu Lan's hand was almost upon the Second Elder's head, just a hair's breadth away. However, a sudden blood-red streak appeared in the sky, striking down and forcing Gu Lan's sword to be knocked away. He was also forced to retreat two steps.
Regaining his balance, Gu Lan's face turned ice-cold, his eyes flashing with killing intent.
The Second Elder had just been thoroughly startled by Gu Lan's earlier display of power. He didn't hesitate and quickly retreated, stopping at a distance of about a hundred feet away, his eyes filled with murderous intent. Although the killing intent was thick, it still contained a trace of caution. He knew full well that even if he attacked, he might not be able to defeat Gu Lan.
Previously, when they had clashed, Gu Lan's strength had not been as overwhelming, but now, it was a different story.
Gu Lan, however, didn't pay attention to the Second Elder at all, his gaze fixed on the clouds above. He had felt the presence of someone extremely powerful just now and had no idea where they had come from. But something told him that this person was not here with good intentions.
"Since you're bold enough to strike, why don't you dare show your face?" Gu Lan's voice rang out, challenging the unseen opponent.
No sooner had his words fallen, than cold voices came from all directions.
"Wizard Clan, heed my command—slay him!"
The Second Elder smirked, his energy surging as he prepared for battle. Although the other two weren't as strong as he was, their power was still considerable, especially with their formidable magical artifacts. As high-ranking elders of the Wizard Clan, their treasures were exceptionally powerful.
"You must be Gu Lan," a voice said. It was the Wizard Clan's Grand Elder, his face cold and disdainful. "So, the Wizard Clan has gone all out, eh? I didn't expect such a show from you."
Gu Lan chuckled darkly. "I thought it was just the Second Elder, but now I see you've brought all of this along."
"You're the first to face us three and not run," the Grand Elder continued. "Today, we'll make sure you wish you had never been born!"
Gu Lan's expression grew colder, and he sneered, "You three are really overestimating yourselves."
Among them, only the Second Elder had some real strength. As for the other two, Gu Lan didn't see them as a threat.
"Come out now, don't keep the three elders waiting," Gu Lan taunted.
As soon as he spoke, more than a hundred figures appeared from the void. The Blood Clan's experts emerged and gathered behind Gu Lan.
Gu Lan hadn't intended to bring in reinforcements, but now that the situation had escalated, he had no choice. Along with Ding True Man and Gu Simu, the two of them appeared as well.
"Master!" Ding True Man shouted.
"Father!" Gu Simu called out.
They both bowed toward Gu Lan, their icy glares set on the enemy.
"These guys have been causing trouble repeatedly, let's make sure they never return!" Ding True Man said, his rage barely contained.
Although Ding True Man's strength wasn't the greatest, his focus was solely on the Second Elder. He had been holding back for long enough, but before he could act, Gu Lan grabbed his arm and stopped him.
"Your opponent is not him," Gu Lan warned. The Second Elder might be at a similar level to him, but he could easily crush Ding True Man. If he went forward now, it would be a death sentence.
"This person is too difficult to deal with. You and the girl deal with the other two," Gu Lan ordered.
Gu Simu didn't hesitate. She summoned her Hammer of Evergreen Pine, rushing toward the Grand Elder.
"Father, don't worry. I'll make sure they never come back," Gu Simu said coldly as she took the offensive.
Ding True Man, meanwhile, focused on the Third Elder, who was left without a target.
The Hammer of Evergreen Pine grew larger with each swing, the vast energy shaking the heavens and earth. The Wizard Clan's Grand Elder saw this and rushed to meet the attack, but his defenses were weaker than expected.
Before he could fully react, the Hammer of Evergreen Pine broke through his protective energy, sending him flying backward.
Gu Simu sneered, "You really thought you were strong? Pathetic!"
Gu Lan, meanwhile, remained fixated on the Second Elder. "You're this strong, and yet you're only the Second Elder—what a shame."
He mocked the man further, "How are you going to fight? Will you attack directly, or will you just watch from the sidelines?"
The Second Elder's eyes burned with fury. His face twisted into a grimace of rage. "That was a mistake on my part, but today, I will make sure you die here!"
The Second Elder's strength was not inferior to Gu Lan's, but his pride wouldn't allow him to kneel before Gu Lan.
A blood-red blade appeared in the Second Elder's hand as he gathered his energy and rushed forward with terrifying speed.
The terrifying blood aura spread outward, but Gu Lan remained unmoved. He swung his sword forward just as the Second Elder closed in.
The screech of the sword rang out across the sky, and the blood aura was shattered in an instant. But the Second Elder didn't fall. He only retreated two steps, his face still filled with malice.
Gu Lan's expression darkened. "I underestimated you."
Without wasting words, Gu Lan summoned his full strength, including the power of the Great Path from within his body. As his energy gathered, a golden shadow appeared behind him.
The Hongmeng Sword vibrated, the sound of the blade singing through the air as Gu Lan struck down with all his might.
The force of this strike was immense, and the sky trembled under its power.
Seeing Gu Lan's unleashed power, the Second Elder's eyes flashed with caution. "You've hidden your strength well!"
He had underestimated Gu Lan before, but now, he was aware of the full extent of his abilities.
"Wizards, retreat!" he shouted, realizing he couldn't win.
Without waiting for any more words, the Second Elder dashed back a hundred feet, the Grand Elder and Third Elder quickly following behind him.
At first, they hadn't thought much of Gu Simu and Ding True Man, but the situation had changed. They realized they were no longer in control and that staying any longer could lead to their demise.
Gu Simu frowned at their retreat. She raised her Hammer of Evergreen Pine to pursue, but Gu Lan stopped her with a raised hand.
"Don't chase them," he said.
Though the Wizard Clan had retreated, their overall strength remained intact. If Gu Simu gave in to her impulsiveness, she would likely fall into a trap.
Gu Simu's anger was palpable, but she knew better than to disobey Gu Lan's orders.
"Let them go this time, but next time, we won't let them off so easily."
Ding True Man said nothing, but his killing intent was unmistakable. He had long since made up his mind to eliminate them, but he lacked the strength.
"Master, what should we do now?" Ding True Man asked.
"Let's leave for now. They won't give up easily," Gu Lan said, his tone cold and resolute.