His speed was extreme, his physical body honed to perfection. With a single leap, he covered dozens of meters, his palm reaching out, aimed at Zhou Yan's chest.
"Seeking death!"
Zhou Yan erupted in fury. His form surged, transforming into a streak of fire. He met the attack head-on, his fist colliding with the black-clothed man's palm.
*Bang!*
A terrifying wave of energy rippled outwards. Zhou Yan's arm trembled, a sharp pain shooting through it. His tiger's mouth split, and drops of blood seeped out.
"Hmm, this young man has a remarkably strong physique," the black-clothed man murmured in surprise. He licked his lips, chuckling sinisterly. "Truly aromatic. I never expected to find such a treasure in this desolate place. It seems tonight, this old man can have a good feast."
He grinned maliciously, his body shifting. He lunged again, his clawed hands swiping towards Zhou Yan's neck.
*Swish, swish, swish...*
At that moment, Zhou Yan felt immense pressure, his hair standing on end.
"This demonic sect expert is even more formidable than I imagined."
"My identity has been exposed. Since that's the case, there's no need to hide any longer."
"I want to see just what your origin is."
Zhou Yan's figure suddenly became ethereal.
"Huh?"
The black-clothed man froze. He sensed Zhou Yan had vanished. He was clearly standing there, yet he seemed to no longer exist.
"A most peculiar technique, interesting, interesting. Is this an illusion? Hahaha! Your illusions can fool others, but not me!" the black-clothed man roared. Two ghostly beams shot from his eyes, heading straight for Zhou Yan.
"Break!"
Zhou Yan coldly shouted. He extended a single finger and pointed it at the two ghostly beams.
*Crack, crack...*
In an instant, the black ghostly beams shattered, disintegrating into specks of light that gradually vanished into the air.
"How can this be?"
At this moment, the black-clothed man's expression froze. His eyes widened, filled with utter shock, as if he had witnessed something utterly inconceivable.
He had employed an illusion, yet Zhou Yan had easily dismantled it.
"You... are you perhaps..."
Suddenly, he seemed to recognize Zhou Yan. His body recoiled rapidly, his face filled with fear.
This young man was actually a Xiantian Shenhou!
"Trying to escape? No way!"
Zhou Yan snorted coldly. He tapped the ground with his toes, his entire body leaping into the air. A whip-like kick shot out, carrying a terrifying gust of wind, lashing towards the black-clothed man.
"Youngster, dare to be so arrogant!"
The black-clothed man roared in rage. He struck out with his palm, colliding with Zhou Yan.
*Bang!* He grunted, his face turning slightly pale.
In that exchange, he had unleashed his full power, yet still, he was no match for Zhou Yan.
"Why aren't you helping!"
The black-clothed man turned around, roaring in anger.
"Heh heh, esteemed sir, why bother with these natives? Ignore us and slaughter them all."
"Indeed. A mere few pieces of trash from a barbaric land. If they die, they die. What rules are there to follow?"
The other two black-robed figures also sneered, showing no inclination to help the black-clothed man.
The three of them were all experts from the demonic sect, viewing themselves as superior. Why would they obey the commands of a mere black-clothed man?
"Fine!"
Upon hearing this, the black-clothed man gritted his teeth, but ultimately chose to endure.
"You little bastard, you dare to ruin my plans? Today, I will consume you!"
He said viciously, taking a step forward. His body became a blur, charging towards Zhou Yan.
His speed was incredible, almost reaching the human limit.
*Rumble...*
The void trembled, and the vital energy in the valley boiled, transforming into torrents of spiritual energy that converged on his palm, crushing towards Zhou Yan.
"Hmph!"
Zhou Yan coldly snorted and swung a fist.
This punch was unpretentious, exceedingly simple, with no fancy moves. Yet, it contained terrifying power. With a *boom*, it met the black-clothed man's palm. The explosive force shattered the black-clothed man's arm.
*Stomp, stomp, stomp...*
After this collision, the black-clothed man retreated repeatedly, his face pale, his aura weak.
"What?"
"This..."
The other two black-robed figures' pupils contracted. They were horrified. This young man was too formidable.
Even with the three of them working together, they couldn't defeat this young man.
"Kid, I admit you have some skill, but your strength is still lacking. You are no match for me!"
The black-clothed man sneered. Although one of his arms was severely injured by Zhou Yan, he had not lost his fighting capability.
"So what?"
Zhou Yan said indifferently. While recovering the consumed vital energy within him, he stared coldly at the black-clothed man, his aura climbing, becoming increasingly terrifying.
"Kid, you are too arrogant. You are courting death. When I recover my cultivation, I will grind you into dust!"
The black-clothed man roared. A layer of ink-black mist emanated from his body.
"Soul Devouring Demonic Mist!"
The next moment, a low, hoarse voice rang out. The black-clothed man's body slowly floated upwards. The surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged into his body.
"Kid, surrender and die obediently."
The black-clothed man grinned sinisterly. His injuries healed rapidly.
Following that, his aura surged, instantly increasing by a significant margin.
"The Soul Devouring Demonic Mist is a magical weapon I refined. After devouring the spiritual consciousness and life force of so many people, my cultivation has advanced by leaps and bounds. Today, I will make you understand the price of offending me!"
*Buzz, buzz, buzz—*
As he spoke, the black-clothed man extended his palm. Wisps of Yin Sha energy coiled around his palm. Waves of bone-chilling killing intent swept outwards.
He struck out with his palm. The heaven and earth were suddenly filled with a pungent, foul odor. An aura of profound malevolence enveloped the surroundings.
*Whoosh!*
A streak of dark light flashed, instantly like a black lightning bolt tearing through the sky, moving faster than lightning, heading straight for Zhou Yan's brow.
"Not good!"
Zhou Yan's heart pounded with alarm. He sensed a strong sense of danger encompassing his mind.
"Nine Yang Divine Art!"
Zhou Yan did not dare to hesitate. He immediately mobilized the martial meridians within his body. Strands of fiery red flames began to burn.
These flames were incredibly hot, blazing fiercely.
Instantly, a layer of fiery red flames erupted on Zhou Yan's skin. His skin seemed to be clad in a magma armor, greatly enhancing his defense.
*Boom!* The dark streak of light descended, striking Zhou Yan. It immediately produced a sound like metal clashing against metal.
Zhou Yan remained unmoved. He had endured that streak of dark light head-on, and it could not break through his defenses.
"Impossible! This is a magical weapon I painstakingly acquired, with astonishing power. How can it not harm this brat?"
The black-clothed man exclaimed in shock, disbelief evident on his face.