Chapter 1781

The battle between Sebastian and Ecke grew increasingly intense. Their figures flickered like lightning as they fought while moving toward the distant valley. The others exerted all their strength to keep up, but their speed was simply not on the same level. Only Merle managed to observe the fight from afar. "Brat, taste my Shadow Soul Devouring Wave!" Ecke roared, his hands weaving rapidly as a surge of thick, inky-black energy burst forth. The energy wave seemed to originate from the depths of darkness itself. Wherever it passed, the space around it corroded with an eerie sizzling sound, sending chills down the spine. The surrounding air felt as though it was being compressed under the weight of this terrifying power. Sebastian's gaze sharpened as he let out a cold snort. "What petty tricks! Reversal of the Elements!" With lightning-fast hand seals, active and passive energy intertwined before him, forming a massive vortex. The vortex resembled a cosmic black hole, devouring everything in its path. When it collided with the dark energy wave, a deafening explosion rocked the heavens and the earth. It was as if the sky had been torn apart. The immense impact shattered the surrounding mountain peaks, sending boulders tumbling down and kicking up a blinding storm of dust and debris. "You're still standing? Then, try this! Nether Ghost Claw!" Ecke sneered, his hands forming a claw-like gesture before violently grasping at the void. A massive, sinister ghostly claw materialized out of nowhere. The claw was grotesque and terrifying, its razor-sharp talons gleaming like blades. It exuded a bone-chilling aura of death, streaking toward Sebastian as if to tear his very soul apart. Sebastian smirked. "Dimension Slash!" With a mere flick of his fingers, a thin black line sliced through the air. The moment it appeared, the space around it cracked. Within a blink, the enormous ghostly claw was severed cleanly in half. It instantly dissolved into a plume of black mist, vanishing into nothingness. Ecke's face darkened. "You do have some skill, but this is where it ends! Chaos Netherfire Barrier!" Suddenly, black flames erupted from his body. The flames were bizarre yet blisteringly hot, radiating an ominous aura that seemed to originate from the Nine Hells. The fire spread rapidly, forming an enormous flaming dome that surged toward Sebastian, threatening to consume him whole. Wherever the flames passed, vegetation disintegrated into ash. The ground scorched and cracked open, and the air became thick with the acrid stench of burning earth. Sebastian clasped his hands together and shouted, "Destructive Finger!" A brilliant beam of light shot from his fingertip, resembling a bolt of lightning, piercing straight through the flaming barrier. The barrier shattered like fragile glass, bursting into countless embers that scattered in all directions. Seeing the tide turn against him, Ecke immediately turned to flee, shouting, "Rocky, stop him!" Upon hearing its master's command, the giant roc spread its massive wings, sending fierce gusts howling through the battlefield. Its razor-sharp talons gleamed menacingly as it dove straight toward Sebastian. Sebastian let out a cold snort. "You're courting death!" With a casual flick of his Harmony Blade, a blinding sword light streaked through the air. The sword light carried an unstoppable force, instantly cleaving through Rocky's body. Blood gushed like a fountain as the beast let out a miserable screech, crashing heavily into the ground, leaving behind a massive crater amid a cloud of dust. Ecke's expression twisted with horror as he roared, "You will regret this! The wrath of Burial Heaven Sect is beyond your comprehension!" Sebastian's figure flickered, appearing in front of Ecke in an instant with his Harmony Blade in hand. His gaze was ice-cold as he spoke, "Die." He swung his sword without hesitation, unleashing a beam of sword energy as radiant as a rainbow. Ecke had no time to evade. The sword energy slashed across his chest, leaving a deep, gaping wound from which blood gushed uncontrollably. A glint of murderous intent flashed in Sebastian's eyes as he gathered his spiritual energy and unleashed Magical Harmony Blade. An invisible sword pierced straight through Ecke's back. Ecke's body shuddered violently. His eyes, filled with despair and unwillingness, dimmed as he slowly collapsed to the ground. Sebastian stepped over to Ecke's lifeless body, his expression indifferent. "How dare you threaten me? Even the Burial Heaven Sect can't save you." With that, he removed Ecke's storage space ring, took possession of it, and vanished into the night sky in a single, fluid movement. The night was deep and ink-black, as if the heavens had been dyed in shadows. A single shooting star streaked across the vast expanse like a bolt of lightning. Somewhere in the darkness, a hunched but overwhelmingly powerful elder stood. His piercing gaze was brimming with a bone-chilling killing intent. Unfortunately, he had arrived just a moment too late. The elder's face appeared haggard, his short stature seemingly concealing an immense, boundless power. His voice was hoarse and deep, yet carried an undeniable authority. "Hmph! It's still too late!" Despite his frustration, he wasted no time and headed straight for Misty Sect. Misty Sect's Grand Hall stood tall and imposing. Its architecture was magnificent with upturned eaves, intricate carvings, and beautifully painted beams. The entire Lotus Mountain was blanketed with blooming lotus flowers. Their fragrance was carried by the gentle breeze, lingering in the air and intoxicating the senses. Inside the hall, a middle-aged, elegant woman sat calmly on a meditation cushion. As she raised her eyes slightly, a sharp beam of light suddenly streaked across the sky, slicing through the air toward Lotus Mountain. "Elder Abyss of the Burial Heaven Sect is here for a visit." A cold, commanding voice echoed through the hall. The woman was Celia, and her graceful brows slightly furrowed. Her beauty was unparalleled, and her presence was simply noble and refined. Dressed in flowing plain robes, she exuded an ethereal aura, as though untouched by the mortal world. Every gesture, every glance, carried an effortless elegance, like an immortal descending to the realm of men. "Elder Abyss, what brings you here?" Celia's lips curved into a faint smile, her voice soft yet laced with authority. "I offer you my respects." Abyss' sharp, hawk-like gaze bore into her. His tone was as frigid as ice as he scoffed. "You know exactly why I'm here! My Burial Heaven Sect's genius disciple, Ecke, was slain within your Misty Sect's Ridge of Mount Moo—not even his bones remain! I have come today to demand an explanation from your sect leader!" Celia's delicate brows furrowed, her expression instantly darkening like an impending storm. "Such a matter actually occurred here?" "I detected the presence of your Misty Sect's cultivation techniques at the site," Abyss said, his voice unyielding. "Summon your disciples, and the truth will become evident." "Very well. Since a disciple of your esteemed sect has met such a fate within our domain, it is only right that we investigate thoroughly. Come to me, Alexandra." Celia's voice carried across Lotus Mountain. It was a gentle yet commanding resonance that spread through the air. Before long, Alexandra arrived in a haste.