"However..." A sharp glint suddenly appeared in Zhou Yan's eyes. "If I can truly use this opportunity to lure him out, then it's possible. After all, the depths of this Demon Mountain are fraught with danger. If I were to venture in alone, there would be considerable risk. It might be better to use them."
"Hmm?"
Just as Zhou Yan was about to turn and go back to rest, he suddenly frowned. An extremely powerful aura fluctuation emanated from ahead, accompanied by howling winds that swept in like a raging dragon.
Sensing this aura, Zhou Yan's expression drastically changed. He quickly channeled his spiritual energy to form a protective barrier.
At this moment, in Zhou Yan's small courtyard, everyone else had been awakened. One by one, they rushed out of their rooms and looked forward.
"What, what is happening?"
"Who, who dares to run rampant in our Demon Mountain!"
"Could it be some Demon King?"
As everyone emerged, they saw a large group of people charging towards them from dozens of feet away. At the very front of the procession stood an old man, exuding a terrifying demonic aura, like a demon god, radiating an overwhelming murderous intent that caused the surrounding space to tremble.
"This... who is this person?"
"It looks like someone from the Demonic Sect!"
Seeing the varied colors of the clothing worn by the approaching figures, the surrounding crowd couldn't help but whisper among themselves. Clearly, these were no ordinary individuals.
"Hahaha..."
Hearing the murmurs, the old man at the forefront threw his head back and laughed, his demeanor one of disdain for the heavens. "Today, you will all die! The Demonic Sect army is arriving immediately to raze this entire area!"
"Is that so?"
Just as the old man's words fell, a mocking laugh echoed from the surroundings. Then, a young man in white slowly emerged, a playful smile on his lips. He looked at the old man opposite him and said calmly, "I'd like to see who it is that will be razed today!"
"Hmm?"
When the old man saw Zhou Yan step out, his pupils suddenly constricted, and a grave expression appeared on his face. He demanded, "Who are you?"
In response to the old man's inquiry, Zhou Yan's lips still curved into a playful smile. "I am a villager from the nearby mountain range. What business do you demonic cultivators have in our territory?"
"Demonic cultivators?"
"Hahaha... You actually call us demonic cultivators?! That's laughable!" The old man burst into wild laughter upon hearing this, his eyes filled with deep mockery. "In the entire Tian Xuan City, who doesn't know of the Demonic Sect's existence? Our name as demonic cultivators resounds through all realms. How would you ignorant villagers even know?"
"Since you know of the existence of demonic cultivators, why are you causing trouble in our Demon Mountain?" Zhou Yan asked with a smile, looking at the old man. "And I see your aura is quite peculiar. You must be an elder from some hidden aristocratic family, right?"
"Heh, you little brat, you're quite clever." The old man chuckled and said, "You guessed correctly. I am indeed an elder from a certain family."
"You group of ants will all die today!"
With that, the old man waved his palm, and a demonic sword was instantly unsheathed. A sharp and unparalleled demonic sword energy erupted, tearing through the void and slashing fiercely at Zhou Yan.
"Hmm?"
Seeing the opponent's attack, Zhou Yan's eyes narrowed, and a look of surprise appeared on his face. "This power... it feels so familiar..."
Just as Zhou Yan finished speaking, the demonic sword energy had already reached him. At this moment, Zhou Yan reacted, thrusting out his palms. A surging power exploded forth, clashing head-on with the opponent's fierce attack.
"Boom!"
With two resounding roars, Zhou Yan's figure was sent flying back hundreds of meters, while the old man was sent tumbling backward, breaking several trees before he managed to stabilize himself.
"So strong!"
"Such potent demonic arts!"
"These Demonic Sect members are truly ferocious. As expected of a major clan in Tian Xuan City, their strength is terrifying!"
As the old man regained his footing, a clamor arose from the surroundings. Everyone was terrified.
Under the watchful eyes of the frightened crowd, Zhou Yan slowly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his smile deepening. "Not bad. As expected of someone from the Demonic Sect. No wonder you dare to act so recklessly in our territory."
"Boy, you court death!"
Hearing Zhou Yan's words, the old man roared in anger. He stomped his foot, and his body shot out like a cannonball, charging at Zhou Yan again. This time, the dark demonic sword was held in his hand, glinting with a chilling cold light.
Seeing this, Zhou Yan dared not underestimate him. He beckoned, and the Crimson Flame Spear appeared in his hand. Then, he leaped forward, his wrist twisting, and with a surge of fiery heat, he met the old man's demonic sword head-on.
"Clang!"
A sound like metal striking metal echoed as the two weapons collided fiercely.
The old man's arm trembled violently; he almost lost his grip on the demonic sword.
"Hmph, mere parlor tricks, not worth fearing!"
Seeing that he had been repelled by Zhou Yan in a single move, the old man roared again and surged forward once more. This time, under his control, the demonic sword transformed into a sky-filling demonic energy that swept out, engulfing Zhou Yan.
"Hmm?"
Seeing the dense demonic energy sweeping towards him, Zhou Yan's expression became solemn, a hint of apprehension in his eyes. He stamped his foot on the ground, and his body shot out. The Crimson Flame Spear in his hand thrust out fiercely, a dazzling spear light tearing through the demonic energy and shooting towards the front.
"Boom!"
The two attacks met fiercely and exploded in mid-air. Instantly, a massive mushroom cloud soared into the sky, and a world-destroying shockwave swept in all directions.
"Hiss hiss~!"
The area filled with demonic mist was enveloped by ripples. As these ripples spread, everything around them turned to dust, and even the towering ancient trees were pulverized into ash, scattering into a powdery mist.
"Cough cough!"
"Cough cough!"
Both figures retreated rapidly. However, on the ground behind them, two deep ravines were left behind.
"Impressive!"
"You actually blocked my attack and can still resist!" The old man looked at Zhou Yan ahead, his pupils narrowing slightly, a trace of astonishment flickering in his eyes.
"Not bad, I admit, that sword of yours is very powerful. But I don't think it alone can injure me!" Zhou Yan held the Crimson Flame Spear, his smile growing more pronounced. "If it were my own sword, then that would be another matter entirely!"