Randeng Daoist was filled with anger. This big bird that suddenly appeared had not caused him any harm with its kick.
However, for the proud and arrogant Randeng, being kicked in the backside so fiercely was worse than killing him!
"You dare to humiliate me like this, I will make sure you die a horrible death!"
Randeng Daoist's words were no idle threat. Feeling utterly disgraced, he poured countless magical powers into the Spirit Lantern.
Xu Fang and the others watched as the Spirit Lantern began to vibrate violently. Immediately, numerous Netherworld Ghost Fires surged forth, descending upon this realm and drifting all around, completely sealing off the area.
The Netherworld Ghost Fires flickered with an eerie glow, instantly obscuring the sky and plunging the surroundings into darkness. Only the ghost fires danced, exuding an oppressive chill.
From within these Netherworld Ghost Fires, thin black lines extended, connecting to the cluster of Netherworld Ghost Fire beside the Spirit Lantern, flowing ceaselessly.
As they circulated, a dark passage vaguely took shape.
"What is this? It's so cold!"
The Golden-Winged Great Roc asked. As a Da Luo Golden Immortal, it was long immune to heat and cold.
Yet, the chilling wind that swept through now gave the Golden-Winged Great Roc an unbidden sense of cold, leaving it unsure of what Randeng Daoist was up to.
It turned to look at Xu Fang, only to see him gazing at the massive cluster of Netherworld Ghost Fire with a grave expression.
"The Netherworld Ghost Fires indeed connect to the Underworld, living up to their name!"
Xu Fang exclaimed. This display suggested that Randeng Daoist was preparing to communicate with the Underworld and send them away.
"Heh, you actually have some knowledge!"
Randeng Daoist chuckled, his smile incredibly cruel and filled with an endless chill.
"I didn't intend to use such a lethal move, but now I don't mind letting you experience the terror of the Underworld!"
As Randeng Daoist spoke, he began to fully activate the Spirit Lantern, preparing to manifest the Netherworld passage completely and deal with Xu Fang and the others.
Once the Underworld was contacted, hordes of vengeful spirits would emerge, and even with Xu Fang's powerful magic, he would be unable to resist.
As for himself, protected by the Spirit Lantern and surrounded by the Netherworld Ghost Fires, he would remain unharmed.
After they were all dead, he would simply collect their treasures!
Randeng Daoist intensified his efforts. The Golden-Winged Great Roc felt the chilling energy grow even colder, trembling uncontrollably and quickly channeling its magical power to resist.
Even the Da Luo Golden Immortal, the Golden-Winged Great Roc, could not withstand this might. The mere Golden Immortal Ao Xue certainly could not cope and instinctively moved closer to the Golden-Winged Great Roc.
The Golden-Winged Great Roc quickly moved aside, exclaiming loudly.
"Don't lean on me. Just one touch is enough."
The Golden-Winged Great Roc originally intended to push Ao Xue away. The Dragon and Phoenix races were bitter enemies. How could this young lady have no sense of animosity?
However, seeing Ao Xue's slender body trembling and her large, beautiful eyes on the verge of tears as she looked at the Golden-Winged Great Roc.
The Golden-Winged Great Roc had no choice. Its hand, which was poised in the air, retracted, allowing her to lean on it for support against the chilling energy.
Feeling the gentle warmth and softness, the Golden-Winged Great Roc stood tall.
"I am of the noble Phoenix race. I cannot take advantage of a dragon. Once this wicked old man is dealt with, I will settle the old scores between dragons and phoenixes properly."
Thinking this, the Golden-Winged Great Roc urgently shouted to Xu Fang.
"Senior, don't just stand there, strike quickly and eliminate this wicked old man!"
Hearing this, Xu Fang looked at the trembling Golden-Winged Great Roc and Ao Xue, who were practically huddling together for warmth, and felt a surge of indignation.
So you want me to act, while you're here flirting?
However, seeing Randeng Daoist unleash his full power, Xu Fang knew the situation was urgent.
Within the massive Netherworld Ghost Fire, the passage was gradually appearing, revealing the ferocious faces of countless vengeful spirits and their roaring cries.
"Brother Ruler, can you handle this?"
Xu Fang telepathically contacted the Heaven-Measuring Ruler, asking if it could deal with the unleashed Spirit Lantern.
"Yes, yes, absolutely no problem!"
The Heaven-Measuring Ruler replied, also using encrypted telepathy. The Spirit Lantern was right there, an enemy, so it certainly couldn't be overheard.
Xu Fang was delighted. With this assurance, they could fight.
However, the Heaven-Measuring Ruler immediately added.
"But, if we fight head-on like this, I estimate it will be a mutually destructive battle, and I'll need a long time to recover. Are you prepared to give me a vacation?"
Xu Fang's face froze. What was this about!
But thinking about it, it made sense. The Spirit Lantern was unleashing such power; it would be underestimating it to expect victory without a price.
After all, it was one of the Four Divine Lanterns and one of the Four Divine Fires. Even the Heaven-Measuring Ruler had its limits.
As for giving the Heaven-Measuring Ruler a vacation, Xu Fang was even more unwilling. If he encountered a powerful enemy while the Heaven-Measuring Ruler was weakened, what then?
"Golden Cudgel, Six Roots Pure Bamboo?"
Xu Fang then summoned his other two treasures, wondering if there were any other solutions.
"Boss, don't bother. If Brother Ruler can't handle it, you'll just shatter me!"
The Ruyi Golden Cudgel spoke frankly, admitting defeat directly. The Six Roots Pure Bamboo, however, remained silent, feigning death.
Xu Fang was speechless. What was he to do? Was he just going to let Randeng summon the Underworld and stage a ghost-busting opera?
Seeing Xu Fang's distress, the Heaven-Measuring Ruler spoke.
"It's not that there's no way. Look at the Spirit Lantern. It clearly doesn't want Randeng Daoist to obtain high-grade treasures, just like me."
Xu Fang's eyes lit up. Listening to the Spirit Lantern's tone just now, it seemed to have considerable objections to this matter.
How to put it? To use a rather inappropriate but fitting analogy, it was like a jealous girlfriend seeing her boyfriend flirting with other women.
"So, we'll just do this. We don't necessarily have to kill Randeng Daoist. Why not mess with the Spirit Lantern's emotions?"
The Heaven-Measuring Ruler continued. Scheming against magical treasures and people like this was much more interesting than just fighting and killing.
Xu Fang nodded repeatedly.
This was indeed an excellent plan.
Since they didn't want to end up in a mutually destructive battle with Randeng Daoist, this resentful Spirit Lantern was their best breakthrough.
Xu Fang looked at Randeng Daoist, who was still exerting all his strength to communicate with the Underworld, and secretly smiled.
"Randeng, Randeng, if I can't deal with you, can't I deal with your magical treasure? Your backyard is about to catch fire!"
Xu Fang immediately decided. Instead of looking for a weakness in Randeng, he would directly target the Spirit Lantern!
"Brother Ruler, how do you plan to do it?"
"Don't worry, I'm familiar with this act!"
The Heaven-Measuring Ruler was full of confidence. Acting wasn't new to it; it was very experienced.
"Everyone get out of the way, I'm about to perform!"