Translator: CinderTL
Sunlight filtered through the shrubs in the forest.
Beside the lake, there were some charred branches and pieces of charcoal. The soil and leaves covering them were suddenly brushed aside.
"It seems they left several days ago."
His eyes flickered slightly as Chen Feng, wrapped in a brown robe, returned to the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm.
Everything was for the Serpent Spirit Fruit.
The rate at which his four-dimensional attributes were growing had slowed, but the transformation was still ongoing.
He wanted to end it all as quickly as possible and reach his peak state.
Then, withdrawing his gaze from the charred marks on the ground, he glanced toward the southern direction.
The Holy City.
It was the place where those who had escaped slavery wanted to go, rumored to be a gathering place for normal humans.
But.
With calm eyes, he turned his head and looked toward the northern side of the shrub forest.
Yellow Sand City, Huorong Tribe.
A flash of gold mixed with ash passed through his eyes as he stomped the ground and leaped, using a thick tree to propel himself into the air.
Hum!!
An illusory ash-colored colossus suddenly materialized. He stepped onto the solid, heavy back of the rock, and in the next moment, felt the stone wings flap, bringing with them a gust of wind.
"The Serpent Spirit Fruit is destined for me."
"What do you think, partner."
---
"Has the High Priest not returned yet?"
Inside the city lord's mansion in Yellow Sand City.
The damaged walls had long been repaired. In a hall with black tiles and red wood, several snake people wearing gray robes with red patterns sat in various places, their expressions serious.
Some still had traces of gray-white fur in their eyebrows, a mark deliberately left during shedding.
Others had limbs like lizard claws, their vertical pupils cold and sinister.
"This matter has already been communicated to the High Priest through the spirit serpent, but he is still in the far north and will need some time to return."
A lean red-scaled snake person spoke, and the others' expressions varied upon hearing this.
The High Priest was the strongest in the tribe and the true decision-maker.
With him absent, they were somewhat worried.
"This outsider is now hiding who knows where. He came suddenly before, clearly for the Serpent Spirit Fruit."
"In my opinion, he might make a comeback. We should notify everyone in the tribe to be on guard and wait for the Serpent God Temple's envoy to arrive."
A senior snake person with a trace of gray-white fur in his eyebrows spoke solemnly, and everyone nodded.
But soon, someone thought of something and said with difficulty, "Fourth Elder, the five Serpent Spirit Fruits the Serpent God Temple wanted were all taken by that outsider."
"The Serpent Spirit Fruits in the other cities have already been used up. Only the divine tree here still has three left. What should we do?"
"There's no need to worry about this. The High Priest has already communicated with the Serpent God Temple, allowing us to offer these three first. The remaining two can be made up later."
The senior snake person said in a deep voice, and the one who asked relaxed slightly, nodding gently.
The other snake people's expressions varied, and some couldn't help but sigh.
"What a pity. Originally, these five Serpent Spirit Fruits could have added another fourth-tier warrior to our tribe."
"That damn outsider."
The curses drew several agreements, as fourth-tier warriors were the tribe's high-level combat strength, the true backbone for competing with other clans.
Suffering such a blow was indeed a loss.
"Enough. Our Huorong Tribe may be weak, but we haven't fallen to the point of sighing over this."
"However, with Rong Ren's death, Yellow Sand City cannot remain without a ruler for long."
Fourth Elder, with a trace of gray-white fur in his eyebrows, looked at everyone, his gaze finally resting on a middle-aged red-scaled snake person.
"Rong Feng has made considerable contributions to the tribe, and his strength is decent. I personally think he can temporarily take over as the city lord of Yellow Sand City, pending the High Priest's final decision upon his return."
"What do you all think?"
"Fourth Elder is wise."
Agreements rang out, and the middle-aged red-scaled snake person appointed as city lord was overjoyed, quickly clasping his hands in gratitude.
"Thank you, Fourth Elder—"
Whoosh!!!
Suddenly, a sharp sound cut through the air.
An ash-colored colossus mixed with golden light descended from the sky, crashing into Yellow Sand City like a meteorite.
The ground shook, buildings collapsed, as if the earth dragon had stirred.
Winds surged, sand filled the sky.
The entire city was thrown into chaos. The middle-aged snake person who hadn't finished speaking was stunned for a moment, then quickly reacted, his face filled with anger.
"That outsider is back again!"
"Sixth Elder, Seventh Elder, follow Rong Feng and capture him."
"Yes!"
Three figures quickly left the area. Watching the commotion outside, Fourth Elder suddenly frowned.
"Wasn't there two outsiders? Where's the other one?"
"Fourth Elder, could it be—"
"Damn it!"
Bang!!
The snake guards' scales shattered, their armor pierced, and drops of blood slid down the holes in their chests.
Several bodies fell to the ground. A figure with a bronze horn and wings stood in a separate courtyard within the city lord's mansion.
The stone slabs beneath his feet extended forward, but about three meters away, there was only a large patch of brown soil.
Looking up, a faint red dome covered the soil, including a thick red-brown tree that would take five people to encircle.
Its roots were gnarled, its branches lush.
Three blood-red Serpent Spirit Fruits hung from the branches. Chen Feng's eyes lit up as he let the last body fall and stepped forward.
Hum!
The golden broadsword transformed from Steel Bones was blocked by a transparent force in the shape of a half-dome. Chen Feng raised an eyebrow, feeling that it resembled a barrier.
He increased the force in his hand, even attempting to strike with Explosive Fist.
Bang!!!
Ripples spread across the surface of the barrier, but it remained unbroken, preventing him from entering.
"Interesting."
Chen Feng narrowed his eyes, planning to try Black Flash.
But.
Bang!!
The rear wall of the courtyard was smashed open as a huge black winged serpent pounced toward him.
It was nearly eight meters in size, and its aura surpassed that of an ordinary fourth-tier.
Hiss!!
Amidst the sharp hissing, the air seemed to freeze as a black breath shot toward him.
Swish!
Blood wings flapped, and Chen Feng instantly dodged the attack.
A sizzling sound filled the air, and the tiles within three meters of the original spot quickly disintegrated, with wisps of acrid white smoke rising.
Whoosh!!!
At the same moment he dodged.
A half-meter-long flaming arrow shot through the air, its momentum overwhelming, accompanied by an elderly roar.
"Despicable outsider, you dare cause trouble in our Huorong Tribe again!!"
Bang!!!
The arrow exploded, like a pillar of fire enveloping everything.
The red barrier behind rippled as an elderly and a middle-aged red-scaled snake person arrived, one standing on the roof with a drawn bow, the other with tightened scales, watching the explosion seriously.
Soon.
The deep red scattered, flames flickered.
A dark golden shield appeared in the world, held by a bronze-horned figure standing in place.
Hiss!!
Immediately, upon receiving the command.
The winged serpent charged, opening its bloody maw, as if covering the sky.
Without dodging, the dark golden shield disappeared, and his muscular arms struck forward.
Bang!!!
The ferocious fangs were gripped by his fists, and the already scorched ground collapsed again, his bronze legs sinking into it.
But, in the next moment.
"Winged Serpent, move!"
Fourth Elder's eyes changed slightly, and the middle-aged snake person beside him stomped the ground without hesitation, charging forward.
Layers of flame seemed to explode behind him, increasing his speed to the limit.
But Chen Feng paid no attention, only his crimson armored eyes and a low voice followed.
"Last time, you chased me for a long time, didn't you?"
Sizzle!
Whoosh!!!
The charged Black Flash erupted like lightning, instantly piercing the winged serpent's ferocious mouth, emerging from its skull, and hanging in the air, shining.
The scorching heat arrived simultaneously, and the middle-aged snake person's expression turned grim as he punched Chen Feng.
Bang!!!
A dull explosion sounded, and the dark golden armor covering his body dented slightly.
Flames erupted out of thin air, enveloping his entire body like fire spears.
But, in the next second.
"Huh?"
A strong recoil came, and the middle-aged snake person paused.
Then, he saw the other's body grow taller, and cracking sounds came from within.
"You're not enough."
Hum!!
Flames erupted from the bronze head, and an unstoppable headbutt smashed into the middle-aged snake person's skull.
Pain surged, scales shattered.
The golden face mask was like a solid hammer, and then he saw the winged serpent fall, making space for the enlarged fist to strike violently.
"Move!"
The elderly snake person shouted from afar, drawing his bow, flames gathering again.
The middle-aged snake person regained his senses, enduring the pain of his shattered skull and scales, trying to dodge.
But in Chen Feng's eyes, everything slowed down, the movements predictable.
Snap!
Another hand reached out, grabbing the middle-aged snake person's neck.
Before the other could react, brute force erupted, lifting him up, and a fist smashed into his head, while using him as a shield.
Bang!
Squelch!!
Explosive Fist shattered scales, and the flaming arrow pierced through the back.
The elderly snake person's vertical pupils flickered, filled with doubt.
The flames exploded, the powerful pillar of fire burned everything, and the middle-aged snake person, used as a human shield, let out a howl of pain.
Sensing that his life force was still present, Chen Feng gathered all his strength, both arms gripping his neck, and with a twist of his tiger mouth, exerted force.
Crack!
The red-scaled snake head was twisted violently, life force rapidly fading.
The elderly snake person drawing his bow was both shocked and furious, then saw the bronze figure make an insulting gesture toward him.
"You're not enough either."
He wagged his index finger, the mockery stinging.
The elderly snake person was utterly enraged, his red scales suddenly tightening, and wisps of white smoke began to rise from his body.
It was as if some power had been ignited, and Chen Feng even caught a faint scent of magma.
Without dodging, he seemed to be standing still.
Then, he saw the elderly snake person's eyes filled with killing intent, releasing the arrow.
"Die!"
The cold voice echoed throughout Yellow Sand City, and the violent arrow pierced through the air, scorching flames erupted, as if magma covered it.
Intense red light burst forth, the temperature soared, and the world seemed to darken slightly. Many people outside the city lord's mansion noticed the commotion, looking over in shock.
Chen Feng's eyes narrowed, feeling that this attack was no less powerful than his charged Black Flash.
However, before he could act.
He saw the winged serpent, seemingly dead on the ground, its vertical pupils move, and it suddenly opened its mouth, spewing a blood-stained black breath.
Two attacks came from above and below, unavoidable.
As the air froze, he saw the bronze horn gathering black light.
The elderly snake person frowned slightly, and in the next moment.
Swish!
Chen Feng suddenly leaped into the air, turning around, blood wings flapping, and unleashed Black Flash.
Bang!!!
The flaming arrow, black breath, and Black Flash attack.
The three attacks merged at this moment, all striking the empty ground behind where he had been standing.
"Not good!"
The elderly snake person's expression changed drastically, and then he saw the faint red barrier ripple densely, the waves growing faster.
Taking everything in, as the world slowed down, Chen Feng's eyes flashed, and he soon saw a small hole appear on the barrier's surface.
He had long sensed that the barrier's defense was astonishing, and without a special method, he probably couldn't break it by himself.
Let alone take the Serpent Spirit Fruit.
"Thank you."
With a cold smile, the Steel Bones in his hand grew, turning into a golden sword, and he thrust it with all his might into the small hole.
Explosive Fist technique, Giant Tiger form, Azure Armor talent.
Layer upon layer of enhanced power, the broad golden sword pierced through everything, completely tearing open the barrier.
"Go!"
Knowing that the barrier could close at any moment, Chen Feng naturally wouldn't risk entering.
Whoosh!!!
In an instant, the ash-colored colossus mixed with golden light shrank in size, flying low.
It had clearly already used its stone wings to fly, shaking off the three snake people.
"Useless!!"
The elderly snake person cursed, having to draw his bow again.
The winged serpent closest by received the command to intercept, but was a moment too late.
Its vertical pupils reflected the savage ash-colored colossus, charging forward without hesitation, entering the barrier, circling the divine tree once.
The three blood-red Serpent Spirit Fruits disappeared, and the winged serpent let out a sharp cry, immediately spinning around to charge, heading straight for Chen Feng.
As long as it could repel him, the barrier would close, and the other person would naturally be trapped.
Bang!!!
Sure enough, as expected.
Chen Feng, unable to focus, was knocked back by the winged serpent, and the barrier's crack quickly closed.
But.
Three blood-red fruits were thrown out, and the bronze figure caught them mid-air.
Whoosh!!!
The flaming arrow arrived a step too late, and Chen Feng exchanged a glance with the Holy Shield Colossus inside the barrier.
"Good job, my partner."
Hum!
The golden patterns dimmed, the ash-colored illusion faded.
The Holy Shield Colossus, like a shimmering mist, passed through the last crack, merging into Chen Feng's brow.
Boom!!!
The pillar of fire exploded, blood wings flapped.
The bronze figure rose into the sky, hovering above, overlooking the earth.
The elderly snake person looked up in shock and anger, the winged serpent hissed, wanting to chase.
The other three fourth-tier snake people acted similarly, roars and threats rising from the ground, aimed at the sky.
As for the other residents of Yellow Sand City, they were already dumbfounded, looking up at the chaos that had erupted again after several days.
"Huorong Tribe."
"Hmph."
His expression indifferent, the world seemed to slow down.
The elderly snake person below had an aura like flowing magma within him, and Chen Feng guessed he was about to use that move again.
Chen Feng silently chanted "transform," blood wings flapping, and he immediately left the area.
Whoosh!!!
The bronze figure's afterimage kept moving further away, and the several fourth-tier snake people were both embarrassed and furious, wanting to chase.
"Don't go!"
Shouting, the elderly snake person's expression darkened.
The others were puzzled, but soon heard him say grimly, "That person's aura is still rising."
"Without treasure assistance, chasing him will only get you killed!"
As soon as the words fell, everyone was in disbelief.
"Are we just going to let him go?"
Someone was filled with anger, still unwilling to give up.
"Don't rush."
The elderly snake person's tone was dark, his gaze withdrawing from the horizon.
"The Great Priest will be back soon. With him here, that outsider is as good as dead."
"Moreover, the Serpent God Temple has never tolerated the presence of outsiders."
"The stronger he gets, the more the Serpent God will focus on him."
His vertical pupils were cold and cruel, even with a hint of mockery.
"In the end, heh... he's just a pitiful creature waiting to die."
(End of the Chapter)
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