Zombie Jiao-dragons were that powerful?! No wonder why everyone was utterly shocked by its appearance. Furthermore, this zombie Jiao-dragon seemed to be a little different from the other demon beasts, with a crimson pearl growing on its forehead that would attract the gaze of everyone in sight.
*Woosh!* *Woosh!* *Woosh!*
Six figures pierced through the surface of the lake and charged towards the zombie Jiao-dragon.
The longer a zombie Jiao-dragon lived, the smaller its body becomes. Even Nie Li couldnât tell how old this zombie Jiao-dragon was; however, based on an analysis of its strength, it shouldnât be Demigod rank, yet. Otherwise, those six would already be dead.
The six who charged into the lake were all well-known members of Nether Realmâs super familiesâ younger generations. They were extremely conceited in their own strength and thus, felt not even an ounce of fear when faced with the zombie Jiao-dragon.
*Boom!* *Boom!* *Boom!*
The six engaged the zombie Jiao-dragon as a pack, as the others on the shore prepared themselves to snatch the red pearl on its forehead.
Nie Liâs heart was slightly stirred at the sight of the red pearl. He wasnât sure about the pearlâs true nature, but based on the energy he could sense being released from it, he was certain that it was a very important treasure.
âNie Li, what is that red jewel?â Ye Ziyun asked, her heart filled with curiosity.
âI have no idea,â Nie Li replied as he shook his head.
A trace of astonishment flashed across Ye Ziyunâs eyes. A treasure that even Nie Li doesnât know about? In her eyes, he was all-knowing.
Seeing Ye Ziyunâs expression, Nie Li naturally knew what she was thinking. He stretched out his hands and gave a bitter smile. He wasnât omniscient. In this world alone, there are many things that he is still unaware of.
Suddenly, the zombie Jiao-dragon roared towards the sky and ejected globes of water from its mouth. These balls that were shot around the entire area exploded, causing complete chaos among the mass of people on the shore. When the liquid came into contact with someoneâs skin, their bodies instantly began to emit white smoke as their skin corroded away.
âArghhh!â Some of the people that were splashed by the attack immediately issued mournful shrieks.
One of the acid orbs flew towards Nie Li and Ye Ziyunâs direction.
âCareful!â Nie Li yelled in an urgent tone as he pushed Ye Ziyun away. With a move of his left hand, he crushed a Divine Guardian Stone between his fingers.
*Boom!*
The acid ball exploded where Nie Li and Ye Ziyun were moments before and proceeded to melt holes into the ground. Some of the acid had splashed onto the shield and flowed down in rivulets.
Had the attack landed on them directly, the terrifying liquid might have made it through the shield. However, the shield was able to protect them from the splash.
Nie Li and Ye Ziyun tumbled into a nearby hole. The scent of a girlâs body was transmitted to him. His hands came across something soft and he subconsciously gave it a knead. A kind of softness spread across his palm.
The smell of Ye Ziyunâs hair made him feel relaxed.
Before Ye Ziyun could react to their fall, she was knocked into a daze by Nie Li, who had accidentally fallen on top of her. The pressure from his body made her feel a little suffocated. When she felt a peculiar sensation coming from her chest, her face instantly flushed red.
âYouâŚâŚget off!â
Before, she thought that the only way she could repay Nie Liâs favor of saving her father was by giving herself to him. But now that it was about to happen, she realized that she was still filled with apprehension.
At her shy expression, Nie Li immediately removed himself and climbed up. He ran a hand through his hair as he chuckled in embarrassment, âAccident, accident.â
Ye Ziyun sat up with her face still red and softly replied, âOh. Okay.â
Observing Ye Ziyunâs shy movements, Nie Liâs heart was filled with tenderness. He extended a hand to pull her up and said, âBe careful, the acid spat by the zombie Jiao-dragon has an extremely powerful corrosive effect.â
Ye Ziyun gave a glance around. Indeed, the places where the acid balls had landed had already corroded into huge craters. She couldnât help the chill in her heart.
Nie Li raised his head towards the ongoing situation. Cang Ming, Mu Ye, and the other four were engaged in an intense battle with the zombie Jiao-dragon that even caused the sky to darken.
*Boom!*
Cang Ming bombarded the zombie Jiao-dragon with several blood palms, resulting in several mournful shrieks. In its wrath, the zombie Jiao-dragon lashed its tail and ruthlessly struck a young warrior, causing him to spit blood as he flew backwards.
Cang Ming only afforded a cursory glance towards the young expert. Although they were cooperating for now, in actuality, they were still competition opponents. Therefore, Cang Ming couldnât be bothered over their deaths.
Hearing the mournful shriek from the zombie Jiao-dragon, Nie Li thought to himself, âThis zombie Jiao-dragon probably canât take it anymore. The Zombie Jiao-dragon may be powerful, but itâs still no match for so many Legend rank warriors.â
âRoar!â
The scarlet pearl on the Zombie Jiao-dragonâs forehead radiated a blinding light and transformed the Zombie Jiao-dragon, covering its body in a new layer of red scales. Two long feelers grew from the corners of its mouth.
*Bang!* *Bang!* *Bang!*
Its tail struck two more young warriors and sent them flying out of the fray.
Cang Ming and Mu Ye couldnât help taking a few steps back.
âWho would have thought that the red pearl would actually have an ability that allows the zombie Jiao-dragonâs strength to increase by a level? It seems like theyâre on equal grounds now.â
Nie Li was not preparing to take any actions. Although the red pearl was indeed a valuable treasure, if he failed, then he would definitely lose his life. He decided not to try his hand at it.
Suddenly, he felt a familiar aura. Scanning the crowd, a familiar face entered his vision. Wasnât that Ye Han?
Ye Han stood together with some of the Wugui Familyâs members and watched the battle from afar.
Sensing Nie Liâs peculiar gaze, Ye Ziyun followed his line of sight. When she saw Ye Han, she was instantly filled with anger. It was Ye hanâs fault that she had almost lost her father; towards him, she could only feel anger and hatred.
After sensing their strange gazes, Ye Han looked towards their direction. When he saw Nie Li and Ye Ziyun, his pupils shrank and became filled with a cold look. It really is Nie Li and Ye Ziyun! Itâs a small world after all. Because of Nie Li, Ye Han lost his position as the City Lordâs successor and was forced to leave Glory City, and had to drift around like a stray dog. Now that he saw Nie Li and Ye Ziyun together, his heart ignited with flames of hatred.
âIf you guys are looking to die here, donât blame me for taking the initiative!â Ye Hanâs fists were clenched so tight that crackling sounds could be heard.
There were a little over twenty members of the Wugui Family with him. The leader was a sturdily built youth who wore a set of silver armor and carried the huge Heavenly Silver Sword in his hands. A terrifyingly ferocious aura emanated from his body.
Ye Han whispered in the youthâs ear, âYoung Master Wu Yu, those two are from Glory City!â
Wu Yu took a glance at Nie Li and Ye Ziyun and narrowed his eyes, especially towards Ye Ziyun. His eyes couldnât help lighting up upon seeing her. Among the various races, human women were definitely the most beautiful. Although Ye Ziyun was still young, she has already matured into a slender and elegant lady.
âCame from Glory City? How strong are they?â Wu Yu asked Ye Han.
âYoung Master Wu Yu, according to my memory, the two of them should have reached Gold rank.â Ye Han said after he pondered for a moment. When he left, Nie Li and Ye Ziyunâs strengths were only at Gold rank.
âBullshit. If they were only Gold rank, why would they dare to enter the Nine-Layered Deathlands?â Wu Yu scolded.
At Wu Yuâs words, Ye Hanâs face went blank. Indeed, why would two Gold ranks dare enter the Nine-Layered Deathlands? Could it be that the two of them were already above Gold rank? That was impossible. Even with a high cultivation rate, it shouldnât be that fast. Such a rate shouldnât even be possible.
âItâs possible that someone stronger brought them in, but then these two strayed off.â Ye Han said after pondering awhile. He was unwilling to believe that Nie Li and Ye Ziyun had left him in the dust in terms of cultivation.
Wu Yu pondered for brief moment, then waved his hand, sending his mens in Nie Li and Ye Ziyunâs direction.
âNie Li, theyâre coming.â Ye Ziyunâs concentrated and her right hand tightly grasped the Blizzard Spiritual Gem in preparation for battle. The Blizzard Spiritual Gem was a very powerful treasure. At her current level, she could fully utilize it to burst forth power that was several folds more than her original strength.
On the contrary, Nie Li appeared very calm and walked towards the Wugui Familyâs warriors. He wasnât afraid of Ye Han. Rather, Nie Li was afraid that Ye Han would turn tail and run. If that happened, then trying to find Ye Han again would really be a pain.
Seeing Nie Liâs actions, Wu Yuâs eyes slightly narrowed as he sensed the Black Gold rank aura coming from him. Even still, what could a Black Gold rank do before so many people? Just where did he get his confidence from?
âYe Han, I never thought that you would dare to show yourself before me. Today, I wonât let you go before I settle the score!â Nie Li glared at Ye Han. A traitor of Glory City, such a rebel must be taken care of personally by him!
âNie Li, youâre too arrogant. Just who do you think you are? This is the Nether Realm, not Glory City! Who did you say wonât let the other party escape?â Ye Han coldly snorted at Nie Li.
Wu Yu crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at Nie Li, âKiddo, youâre gutsy! In front of me, Wu Yu, you still dare to be so arrogant. If lower your head to me, perhaps I will consider letting you join me. But if you still wonât acknowledge your place, then donât blame me for being merciless!â
Nie Liâs gaze swept past Wu Yu and his henchmen. He gave a cold smile and said, âIf you guys hand Ye Han over, then this matter will be done with. Otherwise, donât blame me for my actions!â
Wu Yu saw something in Nie Liâs eyes that annoyed him immensely.
Nie Li probably has a loose screw in his head to say such bold words. Everyone in their group was Black Gold rank, two were even Legend rank. With only two people, how could Nie Li still act so arrogantly?