The colossal beast appeared before the gates of the North Nether Palace, its maw gaping wide, letting out roars that shook the heavens and earth.
The sound waves rippled outwards, stirring the winds and clouds, churning the very sky above. The spiritual energy became chaotic, forming terrifying vortexes of spiritual power that hung in the air like bottomless abysses, filling all who beheld them with dread.
The imposing pressure emanating from the North Nether Palace, which had been pressing down, now seemed to respond to the beast's roars. It recoiled, flowing back towards the palace.
Meanwhile, Xu Fang, who had been trapped beneath this pressure, now swayed like a willow in a tempest, seemingly on the verge of being swept back into the North Nether Palace itself.
"What is this...?"
The Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue watched this scene unfold, their hearts filled with shock.
Moments ago, they had been locked in a fierce battle against the Kunpeng's North Nether Palace with their Painted Halberd and Yin-Yang Twin Qi Bottles, fighting to a stalemate.
Now, it appeared that the Kunpeng had not revealed the true power of the North Nether Palace at all.
As they witnessed the pressure surge back into the North Nether Palace, pulling Xu Fang along with it, they quickly understood. This was a maneuver the Kunpeng had prepared specifically for Xu Fang!
The Kunpeng, for his part, now displayed a confident smile, gazing down at Xu Fang from his superior position.
"Xu Fang, no matter how many treasures you possess, you cannot wield them. Surrender to the devouring embrace of the North Nether Palace!"
The Kunpeng let out a booming laugh. What a glorious day it was, a perfect day for revenge!
"It seems you've gone to great lengths, I'm truly indebted for your effort!"
Xu Fang replied, managing to steady his mind amidst the tempestuous pressure.
He had to admit, the Kunpeng had indeed put considerable thought into dealing with him this time.
Knowing he had many treasures, the Kunpeng had immediately suppressed him with the North Nether Palace's immense pressure, leaving him to merely cope, with no mental energy or spiritual power to spare for his artifacts.
Now, this spectral manifestation of the North Nether Palace, roaring its challenge, was drawing both the pressure and himself back into its depths.
There was no need to ponder further; once pulled into the North Nether Palace, he would have no chance to retaliate.
"Hahaha!"
The Kunpeng roared with laughter, the gloom that had plagued him for so long finally dispelling, feeling an overwhelming sense of triumph.
"Xu Fang, this is the price you must pay. Perish!"
Xu Fang was now expending all his strength to resist the North Nether Palace's engulfing power.
However, even with his full effort, his figure swayed like a leaf in the wind, and it was only a matter of time before he was consumed by the North Nether Palace.
Once inside, Xu Fang would be utterly trapped.
Even if he couldn't be killed instantly, with the advantage of time, place, and opportunity, dealing with him would merely be a matter of time.
Of course, Xu Fang was not entirely without recourse. Didn't he have many treasures? He could leverage their power.
But in the current situation, the moment he considered using his treasures to break free from this predicament, his mind would waver, and he would be instantly swallowed by the North Nether Palace, leaving him no time to act.
The Kunpeng's thoughts solidified his conviction. Victory was within his grasp, and he could finally exact his revenge!
Seeing this, the Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue understood the Kunpeng's scheme and Xu Fang's plight. They immediately shouted aloud.
"Senior, we are here to help you!"
"Kunpeng, release Senior! Face us if you have a grievance!"
As they spoke, the Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue unleashed their Painted Halberd and Yin-Yang Twin Qi Bottles, charging towards the Kunpeng. Their aim was to attack him and disrupt the North Nether Palace's engulfing power.
The Kunpeng was well aware of their intentions, but showed no sign of panic. With a flick of his mind, he recalled his North Nether Sword and instantly intercepted them.
The Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue rejoiced at this. Their intention had always been to stop the Kunpeng.
"To catch a thief, you must first catch the king." The best way to deal with treasures was to slay the being who wielded them. The treasures would then be without a master and lose their power.
Of course, the Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue understood that their strength was far inferior to the Kunpeng's. Even combined, they might not be able to achieve victory.
However, even if they couldn't defeat him outright, they could alleviate the pressure on Senior Xu Fang, allowing him to find a way to cope.
Without hesitation, they engaged the Kunpeng in battle, hoping to save Xu Fang through this diversion.
Yet, despite the Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue fighting with all their might, holding the Kunpeng in a fierce engagement, the North Nether Palace's pressure showed no sign of abating. It continued to exert its devouring force, attempting to drag Xu Fang into its depths.
Seeing this, the Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue exchanged glances, bewildered. "What's going on?"
This was not how they had planned it.
The Kunpeng was fighting them now, so why was the North Nether Palace's power undiminished?
The Kunpeng, observing their confusion, let out a condescending chuckle.
"It's useless. Once the North Nether Palace is unleashed, it requires no further manipulation from me. You wish to surround me, the Kunpeng, to save Xu Fang? You are dreaming!"
With victory assured, the Kunpeng saw no harm in revealing the truth to the Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue.
What could be more satisfying than witnessing the despair on an enemy's face?
He had a basic understanding of Xu Fang's situation and knew he had two followers. When seeking revenge, wouldn't he guard against their interference?
It was a pity he hadn't eliminated them earlier, but thankfully, he had already prepared for their attempts to intervene.
Everything was now within his control. Even with three opponents, and even with Xu Fang's numerous treasures, they could not escape his scheme!
"This..."
The Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue looked at each other, despair clouding their faces.
If they couldn't defeat the Kunpeng, all they could do was watch Xu Fang suffer.
Seeing the Kunpeng's triumphant expression, they seethed with anger, blaming themselves for possessing mere realms without sufficient cultivation. Otherwise, how could this great bird be so arrogant?
"Fine, you two, retreat!"
Just then, Xu Fang's voice cut through the air.
"It seems the Kunpeng's so-called methods are nothing special after all. It is time for me to act."
Xu Fang's words jolted the Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue. Did Senior still have a plan?
Upon hearing this, the Kunpeng couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Xu Fang, what action can you take? Do you intend to use your treasures? Go ahead, use them! A divided mind will only hasten your demise..."
The Kunpeng shook his head. If Xu Fang had immediately deployed his treasures, he truly wouldn't have been so confident.
However, Xu Fang had lost the initiative and now had no chance.
Using his treasures now would not help him escape his predicament, but would merely hasten his defeat.
"Xu Fang, I've heard you have many treasures, but they will all be mine..."
"Wait, what is this?"
As the Kunpeng spoke, his expression changed dramatically.
Within the boundless pressure of the North Nether Palace, Xu Fang's aura suddenly erupted, releasing streams of energy that surged outwards with astonishing power!