349: Chapter 349 Leaving the Crimson Thunder Palace

With Bei Minghong's departure, the atmosphere on the scene eased slightly.

Ye Tian stood in the center of the Thunder Pool and made a grasping motion toward the Thunder Source Essence and the Thunder-Patterned Dao Gold floating above it.

The two treasures trembled slightly, turning into two streaks of light—one silver-purple and one dark gold—before vanishing into the qingxuan ring at his waist.

Having done this, he finally turned his gaze toward the edge of the Thunder Pool below.

Nangong Chi struggled, propping up half his body with his remaining hand; his chest was soaked in blood, his face was as pale as golden paper, and his eyes were unfocused.

He watched Ye Tian collect the treasures, his lips trembling as if he wanted to say something, but he only spat out a small mouthful of frothy blood.

His blazing sun heart-protecting shield, once a symbol of his Family's glory and his own pride, was now shattered into several pieces of mundane iron, bobbing in the thunderous liquid until they were gradually swallowed up.

Further away, Nangong Yu lay paralyzed like a heap of mud on a stone platform covered in Formation patterns that hadn't been completely submerged by the thunderous liquid, motionless.

The edge of that previous Ripple of a Single Sword had swept past him, jarring his internal organs out of place and shattering his Meridians; even if he could be saved, less than ten percent of his cultivation would remain, and his Dao foundation was nearly destroyed.

Ye Tian looked at them, his eyes showing neither pleasure nor pity.

He was not a bloodthirsty person, but he certainly possessed no soft-hearted mercy.

From their arrogance when first entering the Imperial Capital to their provocation at Huangji Square, and finally to their sneak attack and attempted murder in the Thunder Hall, these two brothers' killing intent had grown sharper each time, and their methods more vicious.

Their current fate was nothing more than their own doing.

"Senior Brother Feng," Ye Tian spoke.

Feng Xuan understood immediately and led Bai Ling, Bai Shaoyi, and the other Liuli Xuan Sect Disciples to the edge of the Thunder Pool.

Bai Ling's gaze toward Ye Tian was full of worry; Ye Tian shook his head slightly at her, indicating he was unharmed.

"The people of the Nangong Family surely won't stand by and watch their Young Lord perish here," Ye Tian said to Feng Xuan. "I'll trouble Senior Brother to just send them out of the Thunder Hall's range.

Whether they live or die depends on their own luck, and also on... how high a price the Nangong Family is willing to pay to save them."

He deliberately emphasized the last half of the sentence, his gaze sweeping seemingly casually over a certain corner of the platform.

There, the two remaining collateral branch disciples of the Nangong Family were pale and caught in a dilemma; hearing his words, their bodies shook violently, and panic appeared in their eyes.

A man of Feng Xuan's caliber immediately understood Ye Tian's meaning.

This wasn't just a simple act of "sending them out"; it was a declaration and a way to toss the hot potato back to the Nangong Family.

Ye Tian didn't kill them personally because he was wary of the full-scale conflict that might erupt between the Liuli Xuan Sect and the Nangong Family if they completely fell out, which would bring trouble to his Sect.

But by throwing out the two who were heavily injured and on the verge of death, the Nangong Family would have to expend massive resources and lose face if they wanted to save them. If they couldn't save them or chose to give up, they would surely lose the loyalty of their people.

Moreover, this was also a form of invisible deterrence!

I can beat you half to death and send you out, but I can also take your lives at any time.

"Don't worry, Junior Brother Ye, I know what to do," Feng Xuan nodded, signaling to the two Inner Sect Disciples behind him.

The two immediately stepped forward, sealing several major acupoints on Nangong Chi and Nangong Yu to temporarily stabilize their last flicker of life. Then, each carrying one person on their back, they retreated toward the corridor they had come from.

Seeing this, the two Nangong Family Disciples grit their teeth but ultimately didn't dare to interfere, following along dejectedly.

Having dealt with the Nangong brothers, Ye Tian finally turned his gaze toward the others on the platform.

As his gaze swept over them, many people instinctively lowered their heads or looked away, not daring to meet his eyes.

The terror of that previous sword strike clearly demonstrated that the young man standing above the Thunder Pool was no longer someone they could covet or provoke.

A Sea Transformation Realm cultivation, a terrifying Chaos Thunder Sword Intent, and the Thunder Emperor's Legacy in hand... any one of these was enough to place him among the very top ranks of this session's Supreme Ranking!

"Senior Brother Ye!"

Bai Ling finally couldn't help herself. She pulled Bai Shaoyi and flew forward, landing not far from Ye Tian, her beautiful eyes shimmering with tears. "It's so good that you're okay! Just now... just now you scared us to death!"

Bai Shaoyi's small face was also flushed red as she nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at Ye Tian.

Ye Tian gave them a slight smile. "Thank you for your concern, Junior Sisters. I am unharmed." He paused for a moment and looked at Bai Ling. "Are the others from your Cold Silence Valley doing well?"

Bai Ling nodded quickly. "We are all fine. Although there were some injuries, no one perished. We must also thank Senior Brother Ye for saving our lives earlier..."

Ye Tian waved his hand, interrupting her thanks. "Our two Sects have frequent dealings; it was a small matter, no need for formalities."

He turned his gaze to Feng Xuan. "Senior Brother Feng, now that matters here are settled, it's time for us to leave. The Thunder Hall Legacy has been obtained; this place is not suitable for a long stay."

Feng Xuan agreed. "Indeed. Since the Legacy now has a master, the core Restriction of the Thunder Hall will likely close completely soon, or even trigger some changes. We need to reunite with our fellow Disciples outside as quickly as possible."

"Lady Ghost Girl, Brother Li," Ye Tian suddenly turned his head toward the two figures at the edge of the platform who had never left, his voice calm. "Would you like to travel together?"

Hearing this, Ghost Girl's black robes moved slightly, and a soft chuckle came from beneath her veil, her voice still carrying that lazy and mysterious quality. "There's no need to travel together; I am used to being alone.

Young Master Ye's elegance today is truly unforgettable. This Chaos Thunder Emperor Sword Scripture... hee-hee, if fate permits in the future, I will certainly seek some guidance from you."

Her words were prickly and held deep meaning. After speaking, her figure turned into a wisp of black smoke, curling toward the corridor on the other side and vanishing in an instant.

Li Xuanxiao, holding his long sword, gave Ye Tian a slight nod, his voice clear. "Brother Ye's path of the sword has already grasped the true essence of thunder's birth and destruction and the beginning of Chaos. I, Li, admire it. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly seek a duel. Farewell."

With that, he didn't linger, turning into a sword light and departing directly, clearly having his own plans.

These two—one mysterious and unpredictable, the other with a clear sword heart—were both formidable individuals, yet both chose to retreat now, showing the extent of Ye Tian's current prestige.

Seeing this, the other Loose Cultivators and Disciples of smaller forces didn't dare to stay either. They scattered like startled birds and beasts, scrambling toward the various corridor entrances, fearing they would be trapped if they left too late or encounter unnecessary trouble.

Before long, the circular platform that was once crowded with people was left with only the Liuli Xuan Sect group and a few slow-moving figures hurrying away in fear, making it appear much emptier.

"Let's go as well." Ye Tian delayed no further and took the lead toward the relatively familiar corridor they had come through. Feng Xuan and the others followed closely behind.

The process of leaving the core area of the Chixiao Thunder Hall was much smoother than entering.

The spatial rifts and ground Restrictions that were originally dangerous seemed to have become "docile" because Ye Tian had obtained the core Legacy; the energy flow was no longer so violent and chaotic.

Furthermore, Ye Tian's spiritual sense had surged due to his Breakthrough into the Huahai Realm, making his perception of energy much sharper. He led everyone safely through the circular Formation area and the long corridor.

Along the way, they encountered many Cultivators in the corridors attempting to leave. Upon seeing Ye Tian's group, and especially sensing the Sea Transformation Realm aura from Ye Tian, they all turned pale with shock and avoided them from a distance with complicated gazes.

About an hour later, the group finally stepped out of the Chixiao Thunder Hall and returned to that red platform.

Even more people had gathered on the platform.

Besides the Loose Cultivators who had left earlier, there were some who had clearly arrived later or returned from exploring other directions.

The moment Ye Tian's group stepped out of the Thunder Hall's main gate, countless gazes instantly focused on them, and a roar of whispering broke out.