For a moment, the world turned chaotic, with dust, discarded paper, and plastic bags swirling through the sky above the city.
The streets were long deserted. Wherever the gale swept, thick layers of yellow sand piled up on the streets and rooftops.
Normally, sandstorms were fiercest in the Gobi Desert and weakened significantly once away from the arid regions.
However, the sandstorm unfolding before them was exceptionally fierce. Its overwhelming and colossal presence felt particularly ominous.
A wind speed exceeding Force 10 and visibility below fifty meters were generally classified as a severe sandstorm.
This classification, mind you, applied to sandstorms occurring in the Gobi Desert.
Yet, it was evident to all that the current sandstorm, with its destructive, overwhelming force, was truly rare, having far surpassed the limits of a severe sandstorm.
"Chao, is this sandstorm going to destroy the entire city?" a hidden Black major asked, his face completely drained of color.
Cheng Xiaofan remained remarkably calm, a faint smile gracing his lips. "No, this sandstorm is targeting this island."
Lehrd looked at Cheng Xiaofan with a hint of doubt. "Cheng Xiaofan, how do you know that?"
Cheng Xiaofan gazed up at the spiraling eye of the storm in the sky. "Lehrd, you're supposed to be the big boss among the hidden Blacks. Can't you see? Heaven seems to have sensed the imminent revival of those demonic beasts, hence this peculiar phenomenon!"
As if in response to Cheng Xiaofan's words, lightning, resembling startled snakes, tore through the clouds from time to time, lashing towards the ground.
The deafening thunder sounded as if it were about to obliterate the earth.
This eerie scene alone would make anyone's heart pound with fear.
Lehrd glanced out the main door. "I've lived here for many years and witnessed countless sandstorms, but I've never encountered one this terrifying!"
Cheng Xiaofan chuckled. "I'm good at reading the sky. The real terror is yet to come!"
No sooner had he spoken than a thunderous roar echoed.
The entire roof of the villa was struck by lightning, and the powerful blast ripped it apart, sending it flying to one side.
Everyone in the hall was suddenly exposed to the elements.
Immediately, a vast expanse of engulfing yellow sand cascaded down from the sky, burying everyone up to their calves.
"God, you scared me to death!"
"What kind of lightning is this? How did it blow off the top two floors of the villa?"
"Oh my, I've wet my pants!"
"This isn't a sandstorm; it's like Heaven is trying to destroy us!"
"Oh, my heavens…"
A chorus of terrified screams erupted from the people inside.
Despite being the cream of the hidden Black society, each possessing extraordinary skills, they were utterly petrified by the terrifying celestial display.
In the face of nature's might, everyone felt fear.
Little did they know, this terrifying spectacle was entirely orchestrated by Cheng Xiaofan.
Seeing their frightened faces, Cheng Xiaofan couldn't help but want to burst into laughter. He truly wished he could tell them that all these scenes were his doing.
With such timid hearts, they dared to confront him in the desert?
"Look at you all, as timid as mice. You actually harbored the absurd idea of entering Earth's prehistoric oasis in the desert?"
Cheng Xiaofan scoffed, his tone laced with mockery. "Don't worry, this sandstorm won't kill you. The real threat will come when we reach the Gobi Desert."
Lehrd's face remained grim. The display of cowardice from those around him felt deeply embarrassing.
He shot Cheng Xiaofan a venomous glare. "Cheng Xiaofan, are you threatening us?"
Cheng Xiaofan shook his head. "I have no interest in threatening you. As I said during dinner, in my eyes, you are already dead men!"
Lehrd sneered. "I also said you just like to boast and show off. Keep it up, let's see who laughs last!"
Cheng Xiaofan grinned. "Your last sentence perfectly captures my thoughts. Yes, let's see who laughs last!"
"..." Lehrd stopped engaging with Cheng Xiaofan.
He realized he was no match for this young Chinese farmer with his words.
If he continued arguing, Lehrd feared he would die of exasperation before even reaching the desert oasis.
"Everyone, take note! The demonic beasts in the eighteen bronze coffins are about to awaken!" At this moment, Cheng Xiaofan gestured, producing a sheathed sword from his spatial storage.
The seven stars on the scabbard emitted a dazzling light in the dim sandstorm, illuminating the entire world for a fleeting moment.
Amidst the howling wind, Cheng Xiaofan stood like a god descended from heaven, resolute and unwavering.
*Swish!*
Cheng Xiaofan held the scabbard in his left hand and drew the Demon Bone Saber with his right.
The moment the Demon Bone Saber left its sheath, the entire sandstorm halted.
The swirling sand, whipped by the wind, froze in mid-air.
The lightning, dancing like startled snakes, also became still between heaven and earth.
This unprecedented scene unfolded before their eyes.
Lehrd and the other hidden Black big shots stared in stunned silence at the unfolding spectacle.
Could this be the anomaly that precedes the revival of demonic beasts?
"Roar—"
Just as they pondered this, a series of monstrous roars suddenly echoed from the vicinity of the isolated island.
Cheng Xiaofan could clearly sense that the appearance of the Demon Bone Saber had awakened the demonic beasts within the bronze coffins.
He instinctively drew the Demon Bone Saber in a graceful arc through the air.
"Roar!"
"Roar!"
"Roar!"
The beasts' guttural cries seemed as if they would overturn the entire island.
The whole island trembled violently, fluctuating ceaselessly.
*Rumble!*
The courtyard walls and several houses on the island collapsed.
Even the trees toppled to the ground.
Cheng Xiaofan then drew several circles with the Demon Bone Saber in the air. Instantly, the world plunged into darkness again, and a gale swept from all directions.
The previously still sandstorm roared, pressing down with overwhelming force.
Suddenly!
Eighteen bronze coffins erupted from beneath the lakebed surrounding the island.
The bronze coffins crashed onto the ground, their lids flying off.
Eighteen demonic beasts emerged from the coffins, roaring at the sky.
These beasts were reddish-black, with bird-like heads crowned with red combs, turtle-like bodies, and snake-like tails.
They possessed the limbs of wolves.
In the blink of an eye, they converged and flew towards the desert.
"Screech—"
At that moment, the Sky-Shattering Eagle, having received its master's command, broke through the air and landed before Cheng Xiaofan.
Cheng Xiaofan leaped onto the eagle's back.
"Chase after them!"
He pointed in the direction the demonic beasts had flown and commanded the Sky-Shattering Eagle.
Seeing Cheng Xiaofan depart the island, Lehrd finally snapped back to reality and shouted, "The demonic beasts have revived! Let's follow them quickly!"