Nangong Manyin, the favored daughter of the Nangong family, possessed not only exceptional cultivation talent but also awakened the Golden Eyes at birth, marking her as a peerless prodigy rarely seen in ten thousand years.
Therefore, even when facing a Half-Step Immortal Emperor, she had the courage to contend.
"Golden Eyes, indeed, a breathtaking phenomenon. However, the gap in cultivation is an insurmountable chasm. Before me, you are still destined to be utterly defeated."
Ao Cheng was immensely confident. Hailing from the Flood Dragon clan, he possessed a powerful physique and noble bloodline, and he simply did not take Nangong Manyin seriously.
His eyes blazed with brilliant light, and he glared back without yielding.
As their gazes met, their eyes collided, erupting in a cascade of light.
*Clang…*
The opposing gazes continued to explode, showering light. The surrounding gray mist instantly evaporated, leaving the sky a vast expanse of white.
"What's going on? At this critical juncture, instead of cooperating to find a way out, they're fighting amongst themselves. Are these two out of their minds?"
"When something is out of the ordinary, there's bound to be a trick. Let's observe the situation."
The other survivors on the island witnessed this scene and wisely chose to spectate, refraining from getting involved.
Nangong Manyin's expression turned slightly solemn. She had sensed a faint dragon's might emanating from Ao Cheng. Although he was a flood dragon, his dragon bloodline was not thin, indicating his identity was undoubtedly significant.
She initiated the attack. Her Golden Eyes opened and closed in succession, golden ripples spreading outwards. Wisps of runes danced, and chains of order moved across the universe, unleashing terrifying energy in all directions.
Those who had been observing the battle felt their eyes sting and their hearts pound.
Even beings with lower cultivation levels experienced bleeding eyes and splitting headaches. Terrified, they quickly closed their eyes, daring not to look further.
In the heart of the battlefield, Ao Cheng bore the brunt of the impact.
His blood and qi surged, forming a protective membrane around his body. Then, like a swimming dragon, he closed the distance and unleashed a punch towards Nangong Manyin.
Nangong Manyin had no time to evade and could only choose to meet the attack head-on.
Her figure was slender, her limbs delicate, yet she was far from frail. Her movements were fierce and domineering, advancing relentlessly.
*Bang!*
A fierce wind erupted, and terrifying power swept in all directions.
Both figures glowed like the sun, clashing repeatedly, their runes shattering like rainbows.
Nearby peaks exploded, and the ground beneath them cracked, fissures spreading to form deep ravines.
As the light dissipated, they stood apart.
Ao Cheng wore a cold sneer, while a trace of bright red blood flowed from the corner of Nangong Manyin's mouth.
The gap in their cultivation realms was ultimately too great, and Ao Cheng had cunningly chosen to engage in close-quarters combat, making it difficult for Nangong Manyin to unleash the terrifying power of her Golden Eyes.
"You bastard, you just injured my sister! I'll fight you to the death."
Nangong Chou lifted the hem of his heavy skirt, searching for an opportunity to strike.
At this moment, someone shouted angrily, "Ao Cheng, you shameless wretch! You plotted against us. May you die a terrible death. Everyone, Ao Cheng is the mastermind behind this incident. Let's join forces to take him down."
The speaker was Guan Shan, who had just arrived. His subordinates of many years had met their demise, fueling his desire to flay Ao Cheng alive.
These words shocked everyone.
Was Ao Cheng truly the mastermind?
His identity exposed, Ao Cheng remained unfazed, sneering, "Guan Shan, you fraudster, spewing lies. How many people here have you swindled? I merely have a minor personal grievance with you, yet you falsely accuse me like this. You're seeking death."
Without any evidence, Ao Cheng was not afraid of Guan Shan's accusations.
Moreover, given Guan Shan's notorious reputation, no one would readily believe his words.
"You... you..."
Guan Shan trembled with rage.
However, his reputation was indeed terrible. The surrounding onlookers cast suspicious glances, clearly disbelieving him.
*Whoosh…*
A fierce wind swept through. Nangong Chou, with agile movements like a wild beast, launched himself forward, delivering a whip kick towards the back of Ao Cheng's head.
He seized the opportunity and launched his attack decisively.
As if Ao Cheng had eyes on the back of his head, he anticipated the move and caught the incoming leg with a backhand.
A sinister grin spread across his face. He intended to snap the leg of the unsuspecting attacker, but upon seeing the delicate figure, he restrained his killing intent.
"My sweet, don't fuss."
Ao Cheng displayed a lecherous smile and casually squeezed Nangong Chou's thigh. Instead of the expected smooth skin, it felt somewhat rough.
This sensation was truly unique, and he liked it.
His interest piqued, he couldn't resist squeezing a bit more.
Two dark handprints immediately appeared on the inner side of Nangong Chou's thigh.
"Am I... unclean?"
This was Nangong Chou's first reaction.
Furthermore, what had that bastard called him?
Sweet?
Holy cow, what a pervert!
Nangong Chou's scalp tingled, and he panicked, goosebumps erupting all over his body. He struggled furiously, trying to break free from Ao Cheng's grasp.
However, his thigh was firmly held by Ao Cheng, making escape impossible.
"Stop struggling, my little darling. I won't hurt you."
Ao Cheng inexplicably began to feel a surge of excitement. Reluctantly, he released Nangong Chou's leg.
Then, he took the opportunity to pinch it one last time.
"Everyone, I believe Ao Cheng is the mastermind. We can only survive by dealing with him together."
Nangong Manyin could tell from Guan Shan's grief-stricken expression that he was genuine, and she chose to believe him.
Moreover, she had noticed that the drifting poisonous mist had no effect on Ao Cheng, indicating he was undoubtedly involved.
Compared to Guan Shan, Nangong Manyin naturally carried more weight and credibility. When Nangong Manyin then pointed out several suspicious aspects of Ao Cheng's behavior, the crowd finally made their decision.
"Alright, let's join forces and subdue Ao Cheng first."
"Captain Ao, we apologize in advance. If it is later proven that you are innocent, we will certainly offer our apologies."
"To prevent further conflict, Captain Ao, why don't you surrender? We guarantee your safety."
A group of experts converged, surrounding Ao Cheng.
There were still four to five hundred survivors, all with considerable cultivation. There were over a dozen in the Immortal King realm alone, giving them ample confidence to easily apprehend Ao Cheng.
A Half-Step Immortal Emperor was, after all, not a true Immortal Emperor and could not contend against such a large number of powerful individuals.
Ao Cheng, trapped and surrounded, showed no fear. Instead, a mocking expression appeared on his face.
If he had remained hidden and acted covertly, picking them off one by one, he could have eliminated these people at a minimal cost.
Unfortunately, he had disregarded his subordinate's advice and insisted on confronting Nangong Manyin prematurely, leading to the current predicament.
"That's right, all of this was my doing. The shipwreck, luring you to this desolate island, it was all my scheme."
Ao Cheng dropped his pretense and proudly revealed the truth.
The crowd's eyes immediately turned red, their killing intent soaring, wishing they could tear the villain to shreds.
"Do you really want to kill me? But with your strength, you'll only be easily crushed."
Ao Cheng continued with a smug expression, "Here, I am the master, an invincible being. Hahaha..."
Amidst his wild laughter, the ground began to shake violently, and the entire desolate island trembled.
To the west, a seductive red glow suddenly erupted.
A blood-red sun appeared, casting a brilliant crimson light.
A chilling and terrifying aura instantly swept across the heavens and earth.
"Holy crap, the sun really rose from the west."
Nangong Chou stared, dumbfounded, at the slowly rising red sun, a chill coursing through his entire body.