The Art of Chaotic Divinity

Chapter 1600: A Hostage in Hand

"Hmph. You arrived at just the right time. That saves me the trouble of going to find you myself!"

The Great Peng Demon Emperor let out a savage laugh, then roared, "You lot hold that brat off first. Once I finish off the pathetic insects inside the cave, I will deal with him!"

"Yes!"

Several Blood Shadow Alliance disciples quickly nodded in response. After all, even a crippled centipede still wriggles. Elder Longyue had held out for ten days, so she clearly still had some means left. Apart from the Great Peng Demon Emperor, no one else present could easily get past her.

With a powerful flap of its wings, the Great Peng Demon Emperor lunged toward Elder Longyue.

The remaining Blood Shadow Alliance disciples all showed grave expressions. Ling Feng had already demonstrated the terrifying feat of instantly killing dozens of their members.

"Attack together and surround him. Protect yourselves with Blood Thunder. This brat also possesses power that exceeds the rules of the Xuanling Continent. Do not underestimate him!"

At once, eight early-stage Great Emperor-level Blood Shadow Alliance disciples surged forward. Violent lightning crackled around their bodies as they charged at Ling Feng.

Their task was simple. Stall Ling Feng and his companions. Once the Great Peng Demon Emperor finished off Elder Longyue and returned, Ling Feng would be as good as dead.

"Hmph. A bunch of trash!"

Ling Feng sneered, though his attention remained fixed on the Great Peng Demon Emperor.

Even though it was only an early-tier Demon Emperor, its ability to fly and its powerful physique made it the greatest threat at present.

"Despicable Donkey, you take the right. I take the left!"

Ling Feng signaled with his eyes. After years of cooperation, the two moved with perfect coordination.

The instant the eight disciples lunged forward, both of them attacked simultaneously.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Empowered by Dragon-Elephant Divine Strength, Ling Feng's punches struck with overwhelming force. Even though the Blood Shadow Alliance disciples were on guard, any one of them who took a hit immediately spat blood and was sent flying.

Meanwhile, the Despicable Donkey displayed even greater dominance with his body techniques in this environment. He practically toyed with his opponents.

However, these Great Emperor-level disciples wielded Blood Thunder and Blood Flame that could not be fully ignored. After several close exchanges, the donkey was scorched and battered, his body covered in soot.

Fortunately, he was already pitch black, so it was not particularly noticeable.

Boom!

Another punch shattered a disciple's heart. Ling Feng twisted aside to dodge the final opponent's blade, then shifted from fist to claw. With a swift step, he closed the distance and seized the man by the throat.

This was the one issuing commands earlier, which meant he held some status within the alliance.

The disciple felt as though iron clamps had locked around his neck. No matter how he struggled or unleashed his Blood Thunder, he could not break free.

"Hmph!"

Ling Feng tightened his grip slightly. Blood trickled from the man's mouth. His face turned a deep purple. With a bit more force, Ling Feng could end his life instantly.

"You over there, you stupid bird. Stop right now, or I kill him!"

Ling Feng's eyes turned icy as he stared at the Great Peng Demon Emperor battling Elder Longyue.

Elder Longyue was already at her limit. A single blow sent her flying.

Fortunately, Ling Feng had finished his own battle just as quickly. Before the Great Peng could follow up, he had already secured a hostage.

If the beast was forced to hesitate, things would become far easier.

This captive held notable status. His talent clearly surpassed the others. He was likely a direct disciple of a high-ranking Blood Shadow Alliance elder.

The Great Peng Demon Emperor halted abruptly. Its sharp eyes gleamed with killing intent.

"You dare threaten me!"

It abandoned the cave and surged into the air with a powerful flap.

Inside the cave, the Dongling Immortal Pool disciples who had been preparing to take their own lives suddenly pricked up their ears.

"Reinforcements. Reinforcements have arrived!"

Hearing the commotion outside, hope ignited in their eyes.

"Did they say Ling Feng? Could it be that Ling Feng who achieved first merit in the Hall of War and became one of the new Heaven Slaying Ten Absolutes?"

"Heavens, we are saved. We are truly saved!"

Their despair vanished in an instant, like finding water in a desert.

They had already accepted death, yet Ling Feng had appeared out of nowhere and turned the tide.

Only Elder Longyue remained silent, her expression thoughtful.

Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to stand and guarded the cave entrance with what little strength remained.

Outside, the Great Peng Demon Emperor locked its gaze onto Ling Feng. When it saw the captured disciple, it spat out angrily, "Useless trash!"

The Despicable Donkey immediately shrank behind Ling Feng and muttered, "Kid, do not expect me to deal with that thing. It carries the bloodline of the Golden-Winged Great Peng. That lineage belongs to the Vermilion Bird branch among the Four Divine Beasts. My bloodline cannot suppress it!"

"Golden-Winged Great Peng, is it?"

Ling Feng shot the donkey a disdainful glance. The creature boasted constantly, yet the moment it faced a true divine beast lineage, it lost its nerve.

Still, Ling Feng was more curious about how the Blood Shadow Alliance possessed such a powerful creature.

Taking a slow breath, Ling Feng fixed his gaze on the Great Peng Demon Emperor.

"Big stupid bird. If you do not want him dead, retreat three miles immediately!"

"Insolence!"

The Great Peng roared in fury at being called a "stupid bird." Its rage surged.

"Do you think killing him will let you live? Release him, and I will grant you three hours to flee!"

Its claws dug into the ground, ready to launch at any moment.

Clearly, it had no intention of letting Ling Feng go.

"Is that so?"

Ling Feng increased the pressure in his grip.

Crack.

A bone in the captive's neck snapped.

"Ah!"

A pig-like scream echoed through the mine.

Fortunately, screams were common here. Even if other Blood Shadow Alliance members heard it, they would likely assume the Great Peng was tormenting captives again.

"You seek death!"

The Great Peng's gaze sharpened to a terrifying degree, as though it could pierce straight through the heart.

Behind Ling Feng, Fairy Qingping clutched his shoulder tightly, her nerves stretched to the limit.

Even the Despicable Donkey swallowed nervously. Though he claimed to be a divine beast, the Great Peng possessed a comparable bloodline and far greater cultivation.

There was no chance of victory in a direct clash.

At best, Ling Feng could match it physically, but the creature still held the advantage of flight.

The only saving grace was that the Great Peng clearly cared about the hostage.

Ling Feng had gambled correctly.

The man in his grasp was the direct disciple of Elder Yuan Yangzi, a figure whose status rivaled that of Saint Lady Hui Yue.

Within the Blood Shadow Alliance, Yuan Yangzi held immense authority.

Although the Great Peng served as the mount of the alliance leader, it was ultimately no more than a servant. In front of Yuan Yangzi, it could only bow its head.