War God Long Ao

The Destruction Seal Technique.

The Destruction Seal Technique consisted of eighteen forms, but Long Fu had only taught Long Ao the first four.

According to Long Fu, with Long Ao's current power, he could at most practice the first four forms. He simply wasn't strong enough to cultivate the remaining fourteen.

The first four forms of the Destruction Seal Technique were the Soul-Sealing Seal, the Nether Burning Seal, the Heaven-Burying Seal, and the Doomsday Seal. Having already mastered the Soul-Sealing Seal, his next step was to cultivate the second form: the Nether Burning Seal.

Filled with anticipation for the Destruction Seal Technique, Long Ao couldn't wait another moment and immediately entered a state of cultivation.

「The next day at noon.」

The Thunder Battle had officially ended. Of the more than four hundred participants—hailing from thirty-two kingdoms, the Thunder Empire, and various unaffiliated groups—fewer than thirty remained. With fewer than one in ten surviving, the sheer terror of the Thunder Battle was self-evident.

Based on the rankings, Long Ao ultimately secured second place, while first place went to the Thunder National Protection Hall.

Long Ao's second-place finish utterly shocked the Thunder Empire and all thirty-two kingdoms. His origins were quickly unearthed by the various kingdoms, and the revelation that he hailed from the Nebula Kingdom left everyone even more stunned.

Ten people from the Nebula Kingdom had entered the Thunder Battle. Aside from Long Ao and Hao Chao, all the others had been wiped out. When word reached the Nebula Kingdom, the entire nation was shaken.

The two survivors had both cut ties with the Nebula Kingdom's delegation. When Ouyang Fei heard the news, he was filled with a mix of joy and sorrow. He was overjoyed that Long Ao was safe and had even secured second place in the Thunder Battle.

His sorrow, however, stemmed from the fact that all the other members of their contingent had been killed. For the Nebula Kingdom, this was undoubtedly a devastating blow.

「The Nebula Kingdom's Residence.」

"Uncle Hao, I know that Luo Cheng and his men were in the wrong. I hope you won't leave the National Protection Hall."

"Crown Prince, I have already left the National Protection Hall."

Hao Chao's expression was resolute. Even though Luo Cheng was dead, he had already left the National Protection Hall. 'If I go back now, what will people think of me?'

Ouyang Fei knew exactly what Hao Chao was thinking. Even as the Crown Prince of the Kingdom, he felt powerless when dealing with an expert of this caliber. Left with no other choice, he turned to Long Ao. He said nothing, but the look on his face spoke volumes.

Long Ao shrugged and said with a smile, "Brother Hao, the Nebula National Protection Hall is a good choice. If you don't have any other plans, why not stay on?"

Long Ao's words were clearly more effective than Ouyang Fei's.

After a moment's thought, Hao Chao said, "Very well. I'll stay with the National Protection Hall for the time being."

Ouyang Fei's eyes lit up with delight. "Brother Long, what about you?" he asked.

Long Ao shook his head. While he wanted Hao Chao to rejoin the National Protection Hall, he himself had no intention of doing so.

"Brother Ouyang, I'm just someone who values their freedom. I joined the National Protection Hall as a favor to you and your uncle. But because of... well, never mind. Let's just say I prefer to go my own way."

Ouyang Fei gave Long Ao a long look and let out a heavy sigh, saying no more. He knew that once Long Ao made up his mind, it was nearly impossible to change it.

Ouyang Fei silently cursed Luo Cheng. 'Long Ao's talent and potential are undeniable, and yet the National Protection Hall just lost him.'

"Brother Long, you took second place. If I'm not mistaken, the Thunder Empire will summon you shortly and invite you to join their National Protection Hall."

Long Ao was no fool; he understood Ouyang Fei's implication. After a moment's thought, he said, "I won't be joining the Thunder Empire's National Protection Hall. I plan to leave for Red Fire Town soon."

Deeply concerned for Wang Yuyin's safety, Long Ao wished he could fly back to Red Fire Town that very instant.

Just then, however, Long Ao suddenly received a message from Red Fire Town. After consuming the Thousand-Year Thunder Fruit, Yuyin had awoken, but she had been taken away by her master to an unknown location.

Upon hearing this, Long Ao, who had planned to rest for a few days, immediately abandoned his plans, left Thunder City, and headed for Red Fire Town.

「Red Fire Town, the Long Family Estate.」

Long Ao's return threw the entire Long Family into a joyous uproar. They were especially ecstatic to hear about his performance in the Thunder Battle. Second place! What an incredible honor!

But it wasn't all good news. Although Long Ao had taken second place, he had also left the Nebula National Protection Hall.

After all, the Long Family still resided within the borders of the Nebula Kingdom. If they provoked the kingdom, the consequences would be unimaginable. Because of this, everyone in the family was deeply worried.

In the main hall of the Long Family estate, Long Haoshi, Long Yi, and Long Ao took their seats.

"Ao'er, we've heard what happened with the Nebula National Protection Hall. Still, the Nebula Royal Family has always treated our Long Family well."

Long Ao knew what his grandfather was getting at. "Grandfather, I have this under control. The Nebula Kingdom won't move against us."

Long Ao was completely confident about this. Not wanting to dwell on the topic, he changed the subject. "Grandfather, what about Yuyin?"

"Ao'er, I know you came back mainly for Yuyin. I can only tell you this: she was taken away by her master. That person said she will return in three years at the soonest, or ten years at the latest."

'Three years at the soonest? Ten years at the latest?'

Long Ao was frantic. He knew Yuyin had a master, but he'd never met them—they were incredibly elusive. He could wait three years, even ten, but he was sick with worry.

"Grandfather."

Waving his hand, Long Haoshi's expression grew solemn. "Ao'er, Yuyin's master is far too powerful. Even the combined might of everyone in the Long Family would be no match for them. I know you're worried about Yuyin, but you must act within your limits. If you act rashly, forget finding Yuyin—you'll be putting your own life in danger. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"I understand." Long Ao understood perfectly well, though he couldn't help but worry for Yuyin's safety. He knew that in this dog-eat-dog world where strength reigned supreme, power was everything. Without it, he couldn't even protect his own family, let alone himself.

That's why Long Ao knew, more clearly than ever, that unless his own power reached a certain level, searching for Yuyin would be nothing but self-deception.

"Grandfather, I understand. Don't worry, I won't act rashly. When the time is right, I will personally find Yuyin and bring her back. By the way, Grandfather, there's something I wanted to discuss with you now that I'm home."

"What is it?"

"Grandfather, Father, I've given this a lot of thought on my way back. I want the Long Family to break away from the Nebula Kingdom."