When the distance to the exit was only 30 steps, El immediately activated the Demon Slayer Mark. Instantly, a pattern resembling a flame appeared on his neck area, pulsing faintly with energy rushing through his body.
Not only that, El even activated the Dou Qi Armor. Instantly, the purple Dou Qi of the starry sky enveloped the body, forming a protective layer that glowed like a gas nebula, moving slowly like fixed intangible energy ripples.
Faint light resembling stars flickered along its surface, creating the illusion of vast space pulsing with boundless energy.
Once the door opened, a vast landscape unfolded before El. Gu He's group stood atop a stone pillar, while the Snake People's tribal leaders, people, and warriors swarmed around the area.
Hateful gazes emanated from the Snake People's elders, people, and warriors. A tense atmosphere enveloped the place, as if a bloodbath could happen at any moment.
Among them, an old man dressed in gray, with a face full of wrinkles and a long stick resembling a witch's wand, stood with a revered aura. He was Yin Shi, one of the most respected elders among their tribe.
Meanwhile, Yue Mei came forward, glaring at El angrily.
Yue Mei's sharp voice echoed amidst the silence, laden with undisguised hatred. "Presumptuous human! How dare you set foot on our sacred grounds?!"
Yue Mei was about to advance, her tail curled tensely on the ground, ready to move to attack.
However, her movement was halted as Yin Shi's staff struck the ground with a heavy sound.
"Wait." Yin Shi's voice sounded firm, full of authority. "As planned, we will wait for the other leaders before using the Eight Snake Poisonous Seal."
Although her hatred for humans was strong, Yin Shi was still cautious. His sharp eyes stared at El, taking in every detail.
"Although he is only a Da Dou Shi, his aura feels unusual." Yin Shi's tone was cautious, though still shrouded in hatred.
Yue Mei clenched her hands, the bite on her lower lip deepening. She wanted to argue, but Yin Shi's words made sense.
On the other hand, Gu He's group, consisting of Gu He himself, Yun Yun who was still in disguise, Feng Li, and Yan Shi, also watched El with a gaze full of caution and curiosity.
"What do you think?" asked Gu He, glancing at Yun Yun who remained in disguise.
"Although only a Da Dou Shi, the momentum of his aura is very unusual. We must not let our guard down," Yun Yun replied firmly.
Her brow furrowed as she felt an air that felt so familiar. Inwardly, he muttered, 'This person's aura... Very similar to Ji Lan.'
For a moment, Yun Yun was silent, the image of Ji Lan appeared in her mind, the figure of a friend and younger brother to her, who was believed to be dead.
That thought led him to the memory of his encounter with Yao Yan some time ago. A coincidence that felt too strange to ignore.
'Before I met Yao Yan... Now, someone with an aura similar to Ji Lan appears... Is this a sign?' murmured Yun Yun inwardly, an uncertain feeling plaguing her mind.
On the other hand, El raised his right palm towards Gu He's group and said in a calm yet stressful voice, "Shinra Tensei."
BOOM!
An overwhelming wave of repelling power exploded from El's body, emanating from his palm and crashing straight towards Gu He's group.
Their eyes widened in shock. In a split second, their defensive instincts kicked in.
Without thinking, Gu He, Yun Yun, Feng Li, and Yan Shi immediately activated Dou Wing, spreading out in various directions to avoid the attack.
Although they managed to dodge, the impact of Shinra Tensei's attack was devastating.
The giant stone pillars they were standing on were instantly blown away before finally cracking and breaking in half due to the destructive pressure that spread throughout the area.
The air shook violently, and dust and stone fragments flew in all directions, creating a scene that seemed to reflect the mighty will of a god.
Not just Gu He's group, even the Snake People's leaders, soldiers, and people were shocked beyond belief.
"HAHAHAHA!"
El's laughter echoed amidst the tense silence. His voice sounded heavy, vibrating as if bouncing off the walls of the ruins. The tone of voice was full of provocation.
"What's wrong? Why are you guys silent?" El asked casually, but implied a pressure that pierced into their hearts.
Their faces all turned tense, foreheads furrowed in anger and caution.
A look of cynicism and hatred was in the eyes of the Snake People, while Gu He's group remained vigilant in a defensive position.
El's gaze swept over Gu He's group who were still suspended in midair. "I don't see anyone here who deserves to call themselves strong!"
"Didn't you guys come all this way just to tremble on the spot?" said El, enjoying this role. "Do you expect Heavenly Fire to fall from the sky into your laps like beggars?"
Hearing that, Gu He frowned, his expression slightly changed, while Feng Li gritted his teeth.
The disguised Yun Yun remained calm, but in her heart, there was a strange feeling that she could hardly understand.
El then turned his gaze to the Snake People who had been looking at him hatefully. Dou Qi and Susano'o's aura reinforced the impression of intimidation.
With a voice that became sharper, like the blade of a sword piercing their pride, El said. "And you, Snake People! Can you only growl and stare like wild dogs that have lost their fangs?"
"If your Queen fails, it will not be my fault, but her own weakness!" El grinned, enjoying the role of villain even further. "If you want revenge, don't just talk. KILL ME, IF YOU CAN!"
The atmosphere suddenly exploded. Several Snake People warriors began to move forward, their Dou Qi auras flaring wildly.
However, Yin Shi immediately tapped his staff against the ground, stopping them. "All of you, stay put!"
Although his face remained cold, there was a flash of disbelief in his eyes as he looked at El. 'This aura... is not something to be taken lightly.
Up there, Gu He took a deep breath. His gaze became more serious.
Meanwhile, El remained standing where she was, not moving an inch, as if daring everyone there to attack him.
El grinned even more fiercely from behind his mask, his voice echoing with challenge. "Fine, if that's what you want, then I won't hesitate!"
Without warning, El's body disappeared from where he stood, leaving an afterimage as if challenging the limits of their perception. In an instant, El was in front of Yue Mei.
BOOM!
Late in creating a barrier, a hard kick slammed into Yue Mei's stomach.
Yue Mei's eyes widened as blood spurted from her mouth, her body flung far away before finally hitting the natural rock wall with a loud bang.
Meanwhile, White Fire shot out like a shooting star towards Gu He's group, its blade blazing with purple flames that distorted the air around it.
However, Yun Yun reacted quickly. With graceful yet vigilant movements, she raised her left hand, creating a protective layer of wind-based Dou Qi that swirled rapidly before her.
CLANG!
White Fire clashed with the barrier, creating sparks of energy that spread through the air, showing how powerful the clash between the two forces was.
On the other hand, El didn't stop there. In an instant, without giving him a chance to react, his right palm struck the old man hard in the stomach.
BUAGH!
Yin Shi coughed up blood instantly, his body flung far away, hitting the ground hard before toppling over several times.
Those who witnessed the incident froze in shock. However, it was only a moment, the next second, panic swept through the entire Snake People.
Their tails curled tensely on the ground, moving restlessly, before they finally scrambled to flee to safety.
Meanwhile, the Snake People's soldiers moved quickly. Without needing to be ordered, they immediately brought order to the chaos, ensuring their people remained safe and under control.
El ignored the Snake People's people and warriors, sticking to his goal, fighting the Dou Wang.
There was no intention to kill, only to make them feel the pain before returning to the Reincarnation Room.