"If I'm not mistaken, there's a spiritual energy vein beneath this place?" Chen Xiao asked, taking a deep breath.
He finally realized the gravity of the situation, and Xuan Mingzi's words were definitely not an exaggeration.
A spiritual energy vein typically contained an immense amount of spiritual energy, as vast as an ocean. The spiritual energy storm they had just encountered was merely a trickle overflowing from the vein, yet it had already caused such a powerful effect. If Xuan Mingzi were to detonate the formation using the spiritual energy, setting off the entire spiritual energy vein, the consequences would be unimaginable.
The power of a spiritual energy explosion was beyond human comprehension. Even buried a thousand meters underground, its might would be comparable to the simultaneous detonation of hundreds of nuclear bombs. Furthermore, it would trigger a series of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides. Not to mention Dragon City, even the entire Jiangbei region would struggle to survive such a catastrophe.
Chen Xiao stared at Xuan Mingzi, gritting his teeth. "You're truly a madman!" If Xuan Mingzi were to detonate the spiritual energy vein without regard for the consequences, billions of people would likely be buried with him. Even the craziest madmen in history would seem like mere trifles in comparison.
Yet, Xuan Mingzi showed no shame, instead reveling in it, and burst into laughter. His laughter grew more manic, more arrogant.
"It seems you've already imagined the consequences, but what I want to tell you is that this place beneath us is more than just a spiritual energy vein!"
"What did you say?" Chen Xiao was slightly taken aback. "What else is down there?"
Xuan Mingzi said indifferently, "Dragon Vein, have you ever heard of it?"
Chen Xiao was stunned. "You mean there's a Dragon Vein beneath us?"
Xuan Mingzi replied calmly, "Precisely."
"According to ancient records, China is the land where dragons ascend. Since ancient times, there were nine Dragon Veins. However, with the断代 (duàndài - fragmentation/interruption) of inheritance, only three Dragon Veins are still known to the world. They are the Changbai Dragon Vein in the northeast, the Kunlun Dragon Vein in the northwest, and the Jiuyi Dragon Vein in the central region! The other six Dragon Veins have been hidden for thousands of years. After decades of deduction and verification, I can now say that right beneath our feet lies one of China's nine great Dragon Veins!"
"Now, do you understand what it means if I detonate this place?"
Chen Xiao swallowed, and in an instant, he connected all the dots. "So, Xuan Qingzi was sent by you, and Richard was also working for you. Your objective from the very beginning was to seize this land from Lin Jie and occupy this Dragon Vein!"
Xuan Mingzi nodded. "You're not entirely foolish. This was merely the first step of the plan, and the simplest one at that. I never expected you, this brat, to mess it up. My junior brother Xuan Qingzi even died because of you. So tell me, should I kill you or not!"
Chen Xiao remained silent. He had never imagined that such a massive conspiracy was hidden here. He had thought Xuan Qingzi was just a charlatan who stumbled upon them, and Richard was merely a pretty boy after Lin Jie's fortune. He never expected these two insignificant figures, like mere insects, to be coveting a Dragon Vein.
He said coldly, "These things are all destined. Xuan Mingzi, what right do you have to covet a Dragon Vein? To absorb the dragon's energy? It is precisely because Heaven cannot stand it that it sent me to stop you!"
Xuan Mingzi let out a cold snort. "Heaven? If Heaven obstructs me, I will act against Heaven! At worst, it's a mutual destruction. If so many people are buried with me, my life as Xuan Mingzi will have been worth it!"
Chen Xiao's heart sank. If Xuan Mingzi were to truly do such a thing, even he would be powerless. Even if he could survive this catastrophe, what about his mother? Gu Zhendong and his daughter? And all the elders of Jiangbei, they probably wouldn't even know how they died. Moreover, if the Dragon Vein were destroyed, even the entire nation's fortune would be greatly affected.
Chen Xiao remained silent. Such consequences were not what he wanted to see. This meant he had no way to deal with Xuan Mingzi.
Seeing the expression on Chen Xiao's face, Xuan Mingzi understood that the other party had been intimidated by his madness. He then burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha, young man, no matter how heaven-defying your abilities are, aren't you still destined to fall into my hands today?"
"Speaking of which, I truly envy you. At such a young age, you possess such secret techniques. Tsk tsk tsk, if I were your age, I would be driven mad with jealousy!"
"Fortunately, I am already old enough. I have long accepted the fact that I am not a genius. However, to be able to see a genius toyed with in my palm, isn't that more satisfying than being a genius myself?"
"Talent is given by Heaven, but I, Xuan Mingzi, have spent my entire life acting against Heaven!" Xuan Mingzi spoke with great passion, his emotions soaring.
As he spoke, a rope suddenly appeared in his hand. With a casual flick, the rope, like a slithering snake, flew towards Chen Xiao. The rope coiled and twisted around Chen Xiao, binding him tightly. Chen Xiao did not resist, as resistance was now meaningless.
Seeing Chen Xiao securely bound, Xuan Mingzi finally relaxed. He stood up, paced in front of Chen Xiao, and grabbed Chen Xiao's chin.
"Brat, try to resist!"
Chen Xiao struggled forcefully, and a golden light emanated from the rope binding him, causing it to tighten even further. Xuan Mingzi laughed heartily. "Brat, this is the Immortal Binding Rope. Once bound by it, you cannot mobilize your internal energy. Whether you are a martial artist or a cultivator, no matter how great your abilities, you cannot use them."
"Now, you are a piece of fish on the chopping block. I can cut you up as I please, or knead you into any shape. Do you understand?"
Chen Xiao remained silent, his face filled with anger. He glared fiercely at Xuan Mingzi.
Xuan Mingzi punched Chen Xiao in the face. "Damn it, you still dare to look at me like that? Can't you tell the situation?"
Chen Xiao panted heavily, gritting his teeth.
Xuan Mingzi let out a cold snort. "Kneel down!"
Chen Xiao stood proudly, refusing to kneel.
"You little brat, will you kneel or not! Will you kneel or not!"
Xuan Mingzi struck Chen Xiao with punch after punch, leaving Chen Xiao bruised and bleeding.
"Pah!"
Chen Xiao spat, the blood spraying onto Xuan Mingzi's face.
Xuan Mingzi was completely enraged. "You little brat, you still want to resist? I'm telling you, it's too late!"
Xuan Mingzi struck towards Chen Xiao's forehead with his palm, his hand covered in dark purple energy. If this hit Chen Xiao's head, it would at least result in a bloody mess!
However, at that very moment, golden light suddenly flared in Chen Xiao's eyes, and two blazing flames shot out from his eye sockets!