Chapter 198
Chapter 198: Not Enough
In an instant, Han Chui Yuan was enveloped in blazing, crimson-gold flames. Endless agony from the searing flames ravaged his body, and even the immense martial Qi within him offered no protection. His flesh visibly turned to ash, swept away bit by bit by the night’s fierce winds. His expression, one of shock and disbelief, slowly hardened.
Han Chui Yuan could scarcely believe that Murong Xiao Ya, standing before him, was this powerful. Against the Crimson Gold Flame that clung to him like bone-devouring maggots, he had absolutely no defense. Death by fire was his only fate, leaving no trace behind.
Struggling to speak through the burning torment, Han Chui Yuan forced out words, never once begging for mercy: “To die fighting is at least an honorable end…”
Within moments, he was entirely consumed by the flames. Only his heart turned into a mist of blood, transforming into a thread of potent essence that flowed straight into Murong Xiao Ya’s body.
Beneath the pitch-black sky, Murong Xiao Ya stood in mid-air, wings of molten fire spread wide behind her. Her terrifying aura surged like a tempestuous sea. She watched Han Chui Yuan vanish completely, not even a speck of ash remaining, yet her killing intent was still not satisfied.
“Not enough. It’s far from enough!” Crimson flames flared in Murong Xiao Ya’s eyes as she swiftly turned her gaze toward the Han Residence in Prefecture City.
Though the main culprits who had harmed the Murong Family had been executed, Murong Xiao Ya’s thirst for revenge only deepened. It seemed only continuous killing could momentarily ease the unbearable grief and rage within her heart.
“You destroyed my Murong Family—I’ll repay you tenfold, a hundredfold, until not even chickens or dogs remain!”
In the next moment, Murong Xiao Ya turned, vanishing from the spot in a rush of flames that soared skyward.
…
After departing Prefecture City, the group from Han Residence traveled along the official road before veering onto a forest trail.
Inside the carriage, Han Song, the eldest son of Han Chui Yuan, sat facing his younger brother Han Fu. Beside each brother sat an elder: Xu Qing Cang by Han Fu, and another elderly man by Han Song.
“Father ordered us to leave immediately; something grave must have happened.” Han Fu frowned, looking worried, and Han Song across from him also wore a solemn expression.
“Young masters, do not fret,” Xu Qing Cang comforted them. “General Han is wise and capable; he will handle the affairs in the city. Our role is simply to follow his instructions and avoid being a burden.”
The older man next to Han Song stayed silent, eyes closed in quiet contemplation.
Han Song glanced at his younger brother, suddenly asking, “That demon cultist master you accepted midway—where is he? I haven’t seen him on this journey.”
Han Fu’s face flickered with unease, but he replied coldly, “Elder Formless has gone to seek revenge for his disciple. He won’t be traveling with us for now. I heard his enemy is extremely powerful—likely one of those who killed Baili Chang Feng with a single finger today.”
Han Song narrowed his eyes slightly, saying sarcastically, “Is that so? It seems that demon cultist truly cares about his disciples, risking his life against formidable foes. Little brother, you’ve truly found a wonderful master!”
Facing his brother’s taunts, Han Fu snorted disdainfully. “Elder Formless possesses terrifying strength. If I hadn’t acted swiftly and submitted to him, Elder Xu and I would be dead now. Brother, you wouldn’t have handled the situation any better.”
Han Song’s gaze turned colder. Suddenly, the silent elder beside him opened his eyes, swiftly leaping out of the carriage. Surprised, Han Song and the others quickly followed suit, stepping out to see the elder already standing atop a tall tree, gazing toward Prefecture City.
“Terrible news—General Han is in trouble!” The elder’s voice was grim.
The three men paled, swiftly leaping to high rocks nearby to look in the same direction. In the sky above Prefecture City, they could see the brilliant Azure Radiant Spear Aura dissipating, overwhelmed and extinguished by fiery crimson-gold flames.
“Father!” Han Song and Han Fu shouted simultaneously, faces filled with anger and grief. Xu Qing Cang stared on in shock and disbelief.
At the same moment, in Mei Residence of Sheng Province Prefecture City, Hu Rui An and others lifted their heads, looking toward the same place. Although the fight between Murong Xiao Ya and Han Chui Yuan had ended swiftly, the clash had been fierce enough that nearly everyone in the city could see the explosive aftermath clearly.
“Was that Miss Murong?” Wu Shang exclaimed, astonished by the descending crimson-gold flames lighting the night sky. Hu Rui An and the others shared similar shock. It was difficult to believe Murong Xiao Ya had risen overnight from below Grandmaster level to a strength now far beyond even Hu Rui An’s reach. Yet, Li Mu Sheng had personally confirmed this, leaving no room for doubt.
“Perhaps it’s my imagination, but Miss Murong’s aura seems even stronger than before,” Hu Rui An murmured thoughtfully, turning toward Li Mu Sheng.
Li Mu Sheng stared thoughtfully into the distance. “It’s not your imagination. Miss Murong is indeed becoming increasingly powerful.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, adding, “My guess… is she’s holding some treasure.”
At these words, Hu Rui An and the others turned sharply to Li Mu Sheng. Even the big black cat stared at him with bright green eyes, its feline face filled with curiosity.
Li Mu Sheng met their gazes calmly, saying, “Don’t look at me. Even if it is a treasure, it belongs to her. All you can do is admire it from afar.”
Hu Rui An hesitated briefly before speaking, “Your Highness, we’re merely curious. What kind of extraordinary treasure could allow such a dramatic transformation in Miss Murong?”
Li Mu Sheng shook his head, smiling faintly. “That, I truly don’t know. But if you ever meet her again, feel free to ask her directly.”
Hearing this, Hu Rui An’s expression grew complicated. Next time they met, Murong Xiao Ya would far surpass him, and things would never be as they once were. Within just one day, the Murong Family had fallen, and Murong Xiao Ya had transformed. Everything felt like it belonged to a different lifetime.
With a sigh, Hu Rui An turned toward Mei Yan and his wife. “Your Highness, the orders have now been fully issued. Sheng Province’s Heavenly Brocade Guard will immediately head toward Lan Province. How should these two be handled?”