At the sight of the Star-Seeking Old Ghost nodding, the Phoenix Pavilion's cold smile deepened. He slowly raised his head, gazing at Xiao Yan and his companions in the sky, and said in a calm tone, "Hand over your belongings, and perhaps you'll still have a chance to survive." At this moment, the Phoenix Pavilion felt immensely confident. The Star-Seeking Old Ghost was a genuine Five-Star Battle Sovereign, stronger than himself in strength. With their combined forces, their lineup now far surpassed that of Xiao Yan and his companions. Glancing at the Star-Seeking Old Ghost, whose face bore a look of scorn, Xiao Yan couldn't help but chuckle, saying, "Old Ghost, it seems even the loss of one arm isn't enough for you yet..." "Don't worry," the Star-Seeking Old Ghost replied, his face tightening with fierce determination, "This time, I'll cut off both your arms and legs!" "Then it'll depend on whether you have the skill to do just that!" Xiao Yixian coldly declared. Huang Xuan smiled coldly, then waved his hand. Numerous strong warriors behind him—members of the Heavenly Fiend Huang Clan and others from the Wind-Thunder Pavilion—stepped forward one by one, their vast aura spreading out, instantly tightening the atmosphere of the square. Xiao Yan remained expressionless, sweeping his sleeves, and eleven puppets materialized before them. Though these puppets lacked any visible vitality, each exuded a distinct sense of danger, making no one dare to underestimate them. The Huanxiang Pavilion swiftly scanned the faces of the two black-robed elders, his expression suddenly changing, and he gasped, "Senior, wait—these two elders from the Jiuyou Di Ming Mang clan have been missing for some time now..." Feng Qing'er's beautiful eyes flashed, and she suddenly furrowed her brows. "Missing?" Huanxiang was taken aback, then as if remembering something, his gaze suddenly shifted to Qinglin, speaking with growing disbelief, "So you are the mysterious figure who has upended the Jiuyou Di Ming Mang clan entirely?" Qinglin glanced at him but said nothing. "Hah! Excellent! Xiao Yan, I never thought you'd end up working alongside someone like this. Given the temperament of the Jiuyou Di Ming Mang clan, they certainly wouldn't have let you off so easily!" Huanxiang laughed heartily at Qinglin's silent acceptance. As for what Huang Xuan had said, Xiao Yan remained utterly unmoved. Since the moment he recognized Qinglin, he had known that there would inevitably be grievances between himself and the Jiyou Di Ming Mang clan—yet this wasn't anything to regret. Though the Jiyou Di Ming Mang clan was powerful, in Xiao Yan's heart, Qinglin held far greater significance. He preferred to help his relatives and friends over abstract principles, because in times of true crisis, principles would never stand by him, but his companions and family would risk their lives to support him. "If you want something, just go ahead and take it! What's with all this fuss and blather?" Bear Zhan sighed impatiently, launching a string of angry remarks that left Huang Xuan's face darkened. "Old Master of Zhixing, the young man's puppet has been enhanced by a specific array and can now reach nearly five-star Douzun level. I'll handle that puppet personally. As for the others, I'll have strong allies to hold them off. As for Xiao Yan, it's up to you—how about that?" Huang Xuan turned his gaze toward the old master of Zhixing. Hearing this, the Elder Star-ghost's eyes flickered. Among these people, though Xiao Yan held only the rank of a single Star Sovereign, he was most aware that this young man was actually the most troublesome—the terrifying fire lotus attacks still left him with a quiet sense of apprehension even now. Though he felt some hesitation, the current situation left him little room for refusal. The fire lotus attacks were indeed formidable, but they required time to unfold. As long as he could keep Xiao Yan occupied, the latter would have no opportunity to unleash them. In the Elder Star-ghost's eyes, Xiao Yan without such attacks was nothing special. After a brief pause, he nodded. "Senior, I'll take care of that young man," the white-haired man suddenly said. Since entering the hall, Xiao Yan had been consistently shining—this had already begun to irritate him. Now, seeing that even the Elder Star-ghost himself would personally step in to confront him, he felt increasingly overshadowed. "You're no match for him," the Star-Plucking Ghost glanced at the white-haired man, shook his head slightly, and said calmly. Though he was willing to let others take over, this white-haired man still hadn't earned the credentials to do so. Upon hearing this, the white-haired man's face immediately darkened, yet constrained by the Star-Plucking Ghost's strength, he had to forcibly suppress his resentment. As he prepared to speak, he saw Huang Xuan wave a hand, and thus, he gritted his teeth and stepped back. Once the opponent was confirmed, Huang Xuan turned his gaze toward Xiao Yan and the others, his eyes flashing a cold intensity. Since leaving the ancient forest, he had already sent a message back to his clan, confident that the allure of the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit would secure substantial reinforcements. Once those reinforcements arrived, Xiao Yan and the others would be utterly helpless—trapped, unable to take flight—and the Dragon-Phoenix Origin Fruit would then become the possession of the Heaven-Phoenix Huaxuan Clan. "Star-Plucking Ghost," Huang Xuan said, "it's time for you to act." "Huang Xuan roared coldly, then forcefully stomped the void with his foot, lifting himself slowly into the air. At the same time, the elite warriors of the Tian Yao Huang Clan and Feng Lei Pavilion swiftly ascended as well. Xiao Yan's expression remained cold; he knew that today, if he wished to successfully secure the Long-Huang Original Fruit and the Heavenly Rank Combat Technique, he would have to endure a truly fierce battle. "Ah, everyone, nothing can be forced—when it comes to things that aren't ours, no matter how much we plead, it's all in vain. Why must we resort to armed conflict?" As the numerous warriors advanced upon Xiao Yan and his companions, Tang Zhen, standing at a distance, sighed deeply, moved with a fluid motion, and appeared beside them, gazing at the old ghost of Zhaixing, and said, "Master Tang, what is your intention?" Upon seeing Tang Zhen's action, both Huang Xuan and the old ghost of Zhaixing grew serious, their expressions turning cold. "Xiao Yan has rendered great favor to my Burned-Inn Valley. Naturally, I cannot remain passive." "Tan Zhen was also somewhat helpless. He wanted to win over Xiao Yan, and at this moment, he absolutely couldn't remain passive in the background—otherwise, the good relationship between them would be completely lost. "Tan Zhen, you must think more of Burned Flame Valley!" the Star-Catching Old Ghost roared. Seeing that their side was gaining the upper hand and now Burned Flame Valley had stepped in, how could he not be furious? He was well aware of Tan Zhen's strength—indeed, even he himself didn't feel confident in defeating him. With his intervention, the situation would immediately reverse. "The Star-Catching Old Ghost, you needn't threaten me so. When Burned Flame Valley was dominant in the Central Plains, you hadn't even been born yet!" Tan Zhen's face grew cold as he responded, speaking with calm determination. Upon hearing this, both the Star-Catching Old Ghost and Huang Xuan exchanged surprised glances—they hadn't expected Tan Zhen and Xiao Yan's relationship to have developed to such a depth. "Master Tang, it's not really like that. You've stepped in where you weren't asked to—how much better could that be? Well, just now, with our Ice River Valley and Burned Flame Valley having been rivals for generations, I shall personally test the strength of your Burned Flame Valley's Nine-Drake Thunder-Press Fire." While the old ghost, Zhai Xing, and Huang Xuan silently grew incensed, the Ice River Sovereign, who had been observing calmly, merely smiled faintly. He himself harbored grievances against Xiao Yan—many of his own elders had fallen at the hands of the latter, and even when he personally intervened, it was due to the sudden appearance of the ancient clan, which had left him humbled. By nature, he would not easily let go of such resentment, and this very moment was the perfect opportunity. "Ice River, you too wish to get involved?" Tang Zhen's expression grew serious as he spoke slowly. Master Binghe smiled. While his strength was indeed slightly behind Tang Zhen's, holding him at bay was by no means impossible. Once the elders like Zhaixing had dealt with Xiao Yan, Tang Zhen would likely have to retreat in embarrassment—especially since, should Xiao Yan fall, he would finally be able to settle his grievances. Since he wasn't fully aware of the connection between Xiao Yan and the Ancient Clan, he didn't wish to personally strike him down, fearing potential complications. Nevertheless, both the Huan Palace and the Tian Yao Huang Clan were prominent powers in the Central Plains, each boasting deep and substantial foundations. Though the Ancient Clan was strong, it simply couldn't instill fear in either of these two. On the square, numerous strong contenders remained, gazing at the sudden confrontation now involving several major powers, their eyes widening in amazement. The figures soaring in the sky were no ordinary ones—each a formidable force. Should the battle truly erupt, it would undoubtedly be spectacular and vibrant. The Star-Seeking Ghost's face was grim, his roar of murderous intent echoing like thunder across this space. Gazing at the group surging forward like wolves and tigers, Xiao Yan took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and swiftly changed his hand seals. Purple-brown flames roared around him like dragons, surging and dancing. In an instant, he opened his eyes—flames surged violently within his dark pupils. "Kill!" Upon hearing this cold, resolute command, the young physician and others instantly erupted with their ki, a vast and sweeping wave of power spreading throughout the heavens. The truly fierce battle had finally erupted at this moment.