The middle-aged elder stood slightly suspended in the sky, his broad aura wings gently flapping, sending ripples through the surrounding air as if waves in water. His complexion was slightly dark, with a sharp, stern expression etched across his brows. Though his frame was slender, the hands protruding from his sleeves were notably broad, with unusually long fingers whose nails gleamed under the sunlight like sharp blades. As this green-robed elder appeared, both parties' expressions shifted—two top-tier combatants from the Magic Flame Valley swiftly retreated and then knelt single-kneed, respectfully bowing and chanting, "Welcome, Fourth Elder!" Wu Hao gazed solemnly at the green-robed figure in the sky, his expression growing increasingly grave. He was well acquainted with this elder. The fourth elder of Mo Yan Valley is named Xie Zhen, known among the Black Horn Domain as the Elder with the Eagle's Claws. His strength is roughly at the level of six-star Battle Sovereigns. His sharp, close-range combat skills are well known throughout the realm, especially his renowned claw techniques, which have instilled fear in many. Over the years, during the ongoing tensions between Xiao Men and Mo Yan Valley, numerous Xiao Men warriors have fallen at his hands. As for Xie Zhen, the Xiao Yu and others have clearly heard of him, and thus their expressions have grown noticeably grim. "Heard the elder's words, the two Supreme Sovereign-level warriors stiffened, then quickly said, 'Fourth Elder, although Wu Hao's strength is comparable to ours, and we are confident we can defeat him without much difficulty, we have specifically invited you here for added security. For the inconvenience caused, we sincerely hope you will forgive us.' 'Hmph,' said Xie Zhen, scoffing, 'what do you mean it's not difficult? Wu Hao's cultivation techniques and combat skills surpass yours, not to mention his renowned tenacity. Even if you both engage him simultaneously, you'll likely have to pay a significant price to overcome him. Perhaps you truly fear you won't be able to handle him after all?' Upon being exposed, the two Supreme Sovereign-level warriors found themselves slightly embarrassed, and dared not respond." Noticing the awkward expressions on the two young men's faces, Xie Zhen gave a cold snort, unwilling to bother with these two cowardly fellows anymore. He turned his gaze toward Wu Hao and the others in the valley, smiling lightly, "At their age, to achieve this level is truly no small feat. The exceptional talent of Gan Nan Academy students is indeed impressive—so much so that if most of them didn't leave after graduation, this strength would surely make every person in Black Angle Domain feel uneasy." Wu Hao kept his face taut, gripping the crimson heavy sword tightly, and said solemnly, "Xie Zhen, you're a well-known powerhouse in Black Angle Domain. Today, you've come down to challenge a group of young upstarts without regard for your status—word of this will surely draw many mocking remarks." "Heh, youngster. This is Black Angle Domain, not some other place. Here, it's the victor who holds the ultimate authority—what matters about being young or old? There's no such hesitation here," Xie Zhen shook his head, speaking with disdain. "Well, I'll say no more. Shall you surrender now, or continue to resist?" With a slightly impatient wave of his hand, Xie Zhen said calmly. "The entire Ganan Academy—there will be not a single surrenderer!" Feeling the growing intensity of Xie Zhen's resolve seeping into his words, Wu Hao tightened his skin, speaking firmly. The Ganan students behind him also clenched their teeth, standing resolute. They were no fools—they clearly understood that even if they surrendered, their fate would surely not be favorable. With that in mind, it was better to fight to the last. "Hmph, the Ganan Academy people truly are made of steel. But—well, they're just making things harder on themselves!" Xie Zhen's eyes grew colder, and with a grim smile, he stomped his foot firmly on the ground, then gracefully leapt down, appearing just a few paces in front of Wu Hao and his companions. "They say Wu Hao, the Blood Sword, fights so fiercely that he doesn't care for his own life. Today, I shall put that to the test—how far can you go?" Stepping steadily toward Wu Hao, Xie Zhen coldly commanded, "Secure the valley entrance! If anyone escapes, they'll pay with their lives!" Hearing Xie Zhen's sharp command, the black-robed guards of Mo Yan Valley promptly responded respectfully and then slowly retreated, finally forming a fan-shaped barrier that completely sealed off the entrance. Seeing their clear intent—to eliminate every last one of them—Wu Hao's heart sank deeply. His gaze burned red as he fixed it on Xie Zhen, who was advancing steadily. With both hands tightly gripping his crimson greatsword, he suddenly roared in fury, planted his feet firmly on the ground, and launched himself forward—his sword striking straight for Xie Zhen's heart with no flourish. Seeing Wu Hao launch his offensive first, Xie Zhen couldn't help but smile with disdain. Standing firm, he only when the blood sword came within two feet of him did he suddenly curve his broad palm, then, in a most unusual motion, extend it forward like an eagle's claw—finally, with a firm grasp of his five fingers, he managed to halt the powerful surge of momentum in the blood sword. With a sharp, metallic crack, Wu Hao reeled backward, his feet dragging a long trail across the ground. His hands, gripping the blood-streaked heavy sword, trembled continuously, blood seeping through the palms and finally dripping down the length of the sword. "Wu Senior!" The young girls and boys trailing behind immediately cried out upon seeing Wu Hao wounded and retreating. "Are you all right?" Xiao Yu pressed her palm against Wu Hao's back, dispersing the surge of energy, and asked with growing concern. After all, Wu Hao was the strongest combatant here; should anything happen to him, they would have little to no chance of resistance. "Thankfully!" Wu Hao gritted his teeth, straightening himself once more, his gaze fixed firmly on the composed Shie Zhen. After a moment, he took a deep breath, and then his face suddenly flushed crimson. "Psst—!" A thick stream of crimson blood erupted, eventually dissipating into a layer of blood mist that enveloped Wu Hao. As the mist wrapped him, intense, deep-red blood glimmers surged violently across his body. The blood glimmers surged forth, causing Wu Hao's internal qi to surge dramatically. Immediately, his figure transformed into a streak of blood, rushing forward once more! Staring coldly at the heavy sword plunging down, Xie Zhen's hands, glowing with a white, cold aura, suddenly shot out. As the final traces of motion spiraled, each time his hand struck the blood sword, the robust crimson qi enveloping it diminished slightly. Within mere blinks, the dense crimson qi on the sword was completely dispersed by Xie Zhen's forceful blows. "Let me show you what true Sovereign-level strength truly is!" With the qi dispersed, Xie Zhen sneered, then curved his hands to firmly grasp the blood sword. He swung his arm, and the sword detached from Wu Hao's grasp, striking hard into a mountain wall. "Boom!" As the sword was released, Xie Zhen leaned forward abruptly, drawing an odd trail with his hands before slamming it squarely into Wu Hao's chest. "Plugh!" Hit hard, Xie Zhen spat out a fountain of blood, his body recoiling violently. He flew backward, skidding across the ground for over ten meters before finally coming to a stop. Seeing Wu Hao struck again, everyone else, including Xiao Yu, could not help but exclaim in surprise. Several senior instructors rushed forward, only to be knocked back, spitting blood, by sudden gusts of powerful wind that surged toward Wu Hao—so strong that no one dared to approach him. The cold voice fell, and at the same moment, Xie Zhen's hand swept backward, a sudden suction force surging forth. A streak of blood shot forth, swiftly transforming into a blood-sheathed sword, which he grasped firmly. "To die beneath one's own weapon—doesn't that count as a dishonor to you?" With the sword casually drawing a few delicate arcs, Xie Zhen offered a faint, composed smile. Then, his expression suddenly hardened, and with a decisive motion, he drove the blood sword straight into Wu Hao's head. The wind broke, and a black figure surged across the sky like lightning, finally striking the crimson sword with remarkable precision! Ting! A clear, resonant sound echoed, followed by the massive black form plunging straight into the ground, driving the crimson sword deep into the earth. Dust rose from the impact point, and the sudden development left everyone stunned. Lü Hao slowly opened his eyes, gazing in astonishment at the towering black ruler now before him. His gaze lingered on the large black ruler, somewhat familiar in appearance. A moment passed, and then, as if remembering something, a surge of exhilaration and joy flooded his face. "Xiao Yan? It's you!"