Chapter 2554: Golden Brilliance (1)

Chapter 2554: Golden Brilliance (1)



Qi Zongwen frowned as he looked at Tantai Xue. He could sense a strange power within her, a power that seemed to be able to disrupt the very fabric of order itself. It was a power he had never encountered before, and it filled him with a sense of unease.

"Who are you?" Qi Zongwen asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him. "And what do you want?"

Tantai Xue smiled, a cold, almost predatory smile that sent shivers down the spines of the Golden Qilin elders who stood nearby. "I am Tantai Xue," she replied, her voice smooth and melodic, yet laced with an undercurrent of steel. "And I am here on behalf of the Lord of Chaos."

The name "Lord of Chaos" echoed through the air, causing a ripple of fear among the assembled Golden Qilin warriors. They were confused on why the Lord of Chaos, who was supposed to be the guardian of the Realm of Chaos, suddenly attacked them.

"The Lord of Chaos?" Qi Zongwen repeated, his eyes narrowing. "What does he want with the Golden Qilin Kingdom?"

"He offers you a choice," Tantai Xue replied, her smile widening. "Swear allegiance to him, become his servant, and you will be spared. Resist, and you will be destroyed."

"The Lord of Chaos," Qi Zongwen said slowly, his voice carrying a weight of authority, "is said to be a benevolent ruler, a guardian of balance. Yet here you are, bringing destruction to my kingdom. Tell me, Tantai Xue, is this the act of a benevolent lord?"

Tantai Xue's smile didn't falter. "The Lord of Chaos's will is beyond your comprehension," she replied smoothly. "He sees the bigger picture, one that you cannot even begin to grasp. Your kingdom, your people-they are but pawns in a grander scheme. Submit, and you may yet play a part in it. Resist, and you will be swept aside."

Qi Zongwen's fists clenched at his sides. He could sense the truth behind her words, though it was a truth he refused to accept. What the Lord of Chaos did to his disciples had proven that he was no benevolent ruler. He was a tyrant, a force of destruction masquerading as a guardian.

"I serve no one. Especially a tyrant like him." Qi Zongwen said solemnly.

Tantai Xue sighed, as if disappointed by his response. "A pity," she said, shaking her head. "I had hoped you would see reason. But if you insist on being stubborn, then so be it."

She raised a hand, and the four General Class Shadow Demons behind her stepped forward. Their forms were shrouded in darkness, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. Each one radiated an aura of power that rivaled Qi Zongwen's own.

"Let's see how long you can last," Tantai Xue said, her voice dripping with mockery. "Perhaps when you're on the brink of death, you'll reconsider my offer."

The barrier held firm, but the force of the attacks pushed him back several steps.

Tantai Xue watched from a distance, her expression one of mild amusement. She raised her hand, and the Law of Order shimmered around her. With a casual gesture, she disrupted the flow of Qi Zongwen's divine energy, causing his barrier to waver.

The Shadow Demons seized the opportunity, pressing their attack with renewed vigor.

Qi Zongwen's face darkened. He knew Tantai Xue was toying with him, disrupting his rhythm at critical moments.

"HAH!" With a roar, he unleashed the full power of the Golden Qilin God. The qilin's image around him grew larger, its golden light pushing back the darkness.

The Shadow Demons faltered, their chaotic energy momentarily suppressed by the

overwhelming divine power.

Qi Zongwen took advantage of the lull, summoning a massive golden sword infused with the Law of Metal and Thunder. He swung the sword in a wide arc, sending a wave of golden energy and lightning toward the Shadow Demons.

BOOM!

The energy wave struck the demons with devastating force, tearing through their chaotic forms and sending them sprawling.

"ARGHHH!!" One of the demons let out a guttural scream as its body began to disintegrate under the combined power of metal and thunder.

"Oh?" Tantai Xue raised her brow in surprise. "You are stronger than I thought... But that's

it."

Buzz-