The fine cracks on the great bell were unimpressive in comparison to its massive scale, yet with the strength of figures like Lei Zun, they were clearly visible and caused noticeable changes in their expressions. It appeared evident that Feng Qing'er's Phoenix Bell could not withstand the overwhelming impact of the terrifying fire lotus. Lord Lei's expression grew slightly somber, and his fists gradually tightened—this was a development he had not anticipated at all. He knew well the strength of Feng Qing'er, yet no matter how much he doubted it, the reality now stood before him. "This youngster's origins remain a mystery—how could he possess such a powerful combat technique, and what an astonishing talent he displays!..." The two exchanged thoughtful glances. To achieve such mastery at his age, regardless of his innate abilities, would require a teacher of equally strong caliber. Such mentors, capable of nurturing disciples of this caliber, are indeed rare even within the Central Plains. Yet, among these individuals, none appears to have a disciple named Xiao Yan. At the periphery of the plaza, Mu Qinglun, Tang Ying, and the pale-faced Wang Chen were also struck by awe, gazing upward at the endless sea of flames. Especially Wang Chen, who felt as though his limbs were growing weak—such a formidable technique, had Xiao Yan demonstrated it during their earlier encounter, would have left him with no chance to escape. "Even the phoenix bell of Feng Qing'er could not withstand the fire lotus. Xiao Yan truly is extraordinary." Staring intently at the sky, after a while, Tang Ying finally couldn't hold back and took a deep breath, speaking slowly. His voice carried a subtle bitterness. As one of the most outstanding young talents of the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion, Tang Ying naturally held a certain sense of pride. Yet now, before Xiao Yan and Feng Qing'er, that pride seemed to have turned into mere comedy—both of them displayed combat prowess far surpassing his own. Mù Qīngluán nodded in deep agreement. Though they had heard of Xiao Yan's reputation due to the ties between their pavilion and the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, perhaps because Xiao Yan was considered one of the finest among the four pavilions' young talents, they had never truly taken him seriously. But today's fierce battle had left them utterly impressed—this level of strength was truly beyond their reach. Hearing the sighs in the two speakers' words, Wang Chen clenched his teeth. Though he was unwilling, beneath the vast expanse of fiery seas, that unwillingness could only be pressed deep within him. ... Three-colored seas of flame spread across the sky, within which stood a towering black clock. With every surge of the flame waves, the black surface of the clock trembled violently, and the fine cracks upon it spread rapidly. "Crack... crack..." The sound grew gradually, eventually filling the air like a continuous chorus. Though not loud, the sound steadily reached every person present, and thus the entire arena fell silent. Countless eyes, filled with awe, gazed upward at the three-colored flame seas—this battle seemed poised to decide its outcome right then! Halfway above the sea of flames, Xiao Yan hovered in place. Though his face was slightly pale, the powerful technique of the Three-Colored Lotus Fire demanded immense energy—its strength was indeed formidable, yet its cost was equally staggering. His gaze remained fixed on the dark, massive bell deep within the flames, unyielding despite the spreading cracks. Years of training had taught him valuable lessons: even a lion would exert itself fully when facing a rabbit. Underestimating an opponent could easily plunge one into an endless abyss. Many strong adversaries had already fallen for this very reason, and Xiao Yan had personally witnessed such tragedies, making this insight deeply resonant with him. With several pills that restored his chi rapidly swallowed down, Xiao Yan narrowed his eyes, watching the black giant clock crack further and further. His chi began to circulate within him, gradually enveloping his entire body. Crack... crack! The cracks spread rapidly, eventually covering every corner of the giant clock. At that moment, the three-colored sea of flames erupted in a terrifying wave, crashing forcefully against the clock. "Boom!" This impact resonated like the shattering of mountain stones, sending out a thunderous roar. The giant clock trembled violently, and within the cracks, dark light burst forth—then, with a tremendous crash, the clock shattered completely! Black fragments poured forth from all directions with astonishing speed, each carrying immense energy. Though these fragments were swiftly evaporated by the intense heat as they plunged into the inferno, the violent shockwave generated by the explosion violently dispersed the flames. At the very instant that the figure appeared, a cold aura surged in Xiao Yan's eyes. Silver glimmers flashed beneath his feet as he moved swiftly, several faint afterimages materializing. With ghostly grace, he closed the distance and swiftly reached the graceful figure, his fists blazing with rapidly surging emerald flames. Yet, to the clamor surrounding him, Xiao Yan seemed entirely unheeded. His fist clenched tightly within his sleeve, then a cold laugh escaped him as he moved—suddenly, with a thunderous impact, he descended amidst countless stunned gazes, landing beside Feng Qing'er. He lifted his foot and forcefully stomped it down onto her head. With the force of the blow, if it struck just right, her head would surely meet the same fate as a fallen watermelon. Xiao Yan’s sudden, ruthless action left the entire arena momentarily motionless. Beyond Feng Qing'er’s prestigious background—whose death would bring an avalanche of complications—she was, after all, a stunningly beautiful woman. Even the most resolute person would hesitate to deliver such a decisive blow. Yet here, Xiao Yan was utterly unfazed. The firmness of his step, the decisive manner—he moved as though crushing an ant, without a single moment of hesitation, so seamless and abrupt that it left everyone speechless. Xiao Yan landed with astonishing speed, leaving no one with the chance to act, and in an instant, he firmly stomped on Feng Qing'er's head. At that very moment, the entire arena fell silent. "Poof!" As expected, there was no gushing of blood when his foot pressed down—instead, Feng Qing'er's head suddenly burst like a balloon, and then her entire body gradually dissolved into nothingness. This sudden development left many people stunned, their eyes still wide with disbelief, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Though no blood spilled, Xiao Yan showed no surprise on his face. With his eyes closed, he gently stepped forward, appearing on a clear patch of ground, a cold smile playing at the corner of his lips. Then, he delivered a powerful punch into the empty space before him. "Boom!" "With a punch aimed to land, just as it was about to miss, a vibrant, colorful figure suddenly materialized, forcing her to hastily raise her jade palm and meet the force of Xiao Yan's fist. The sudden surge of powerful impact sent her staggering back several steps, her lips bleeding slightly from the force. 'With your refined, third-tier Thunder-Phantom Body technique, how do you expect to deceive anyone?' Xiao Yan lifted his eyes, offering a gentle smile to Feng Qing'er, whose face was pale. In that smile, however, there was a subtle coldness. Feng Qing'er clenched her teeth tightly, her eyes blazing with anger at Xiao Yan's smile. Today had been the most humiliating defeat she had ever suffered in her years of experience!" Humiliation surged within her like a tidal wave. A moment later, a cold determination flashed in her beautiful eyes as she drew upon the dwindling qi within her. Yet before she could launch an attack, a deep, resonant thunder rolled forth, and suddenly, a figure materialized before her—ghostly and sudden. A cool hand, like an eagle’s claw, gently rested upon the length of her slender neck. A voice, cold and charged with lethal intent, spoke slowly, causing her delicate frame to instantly stiffen.