Princess Lana saw that three more Heavenly Kings had arrived, along with tens of thousands of Heaven Soldiers and Generals. Her worry for Ian Song deepened, and she couldn't help but send a voice transmission: "Mr. Song, hurry and take me hostage so we can escape!"
I appreciate your concern, Princess Lana, but that really won't be necessary!
As he spoke, Ian Song casually tossed Princess Lana toward the three Heavenly Kings.
Mr. Song, you...?
Princess Lana couldn't help but glance back at Ian Song, her eyes full of worry and a hint of grievance.
Quick, escort Princess Lana away!
The three Heavenly Kings rushed forward to shield Princess Lana, then ordered the Heaven Soldiers and Generals to take her away from the battlefield.
Fiend, since you still know what's good for you, if you surrender now, I won't make things difficult for you. I'll hand you over to the Jade Emperor for judgment!" The Nation-Guarding Heavenly King spoke again, his tone much softer. As the eldest of the Four Heavenly Kings, his words represented all of them—even if the other three disagreed, they wouldn't contradict him openly.
No need! If you've got the skill, just come and take me down!" Ian Song replied coolly.
His kindness was flatly rejected, making the Nation-Guarding Heavenly King's face darken. He sneered, "Since you don't know what's good for you—soldiers, heed my command! Capture this fiend!"
"Demon, take another strike!"
Jason Lee roared, and the three black rings on his left hand flew up and locked onto the greenwood staff. Instantly, a burst of radiant light flashed—the plain wooden staff turned golden and gleamed, with a small golden dragon coiling around it.
Buzz!
The air trembled as a golden dragon phantom surged out with Jason's swing, lunging straight at Ian Song.
Ian Song didn't even blink—he simply flicked his finger.
Thud!
The golden dragon phantom shattered, Ian's qi crashed into the Dragon-Chasing Pillar. Jason Lee let out a muffled groan as the pillar flew from his grasp, and he was sent flying backward, coughing up blood.
The entire crowd went silent in shock.
Even the Four Heavenly Kings and Leon Lee stared in disbelief, unable to process what they'd just witnessed.
Jason Lee, the proud eldest son of Leon Lee, had been humiliated in front of everyone.
Ian Song stood calmly, his white robe fluttering in the wind, as if nothing had happened.
Princess Lana's eyes widened, her heart pounding with excitement and disbelief.
Nate Lee clenched his fists, itching to jump in and prove himself.
Mark Lee looked thoughtful, silently judging Ian Song's strength.
Leon Lee's eyes narrowed. For the first time, he realized this mortal was no ordinary opponent.
Ian Song glanced at the crowd and spoke lightly, "If you want to fight, then all three brothers should come at me together. One at a time is just a waste of time."
Nate Lee couldn't hold back any longer. "Big Brother, let me help!" he shouted, about to rush forward.
Jason Lee quickly stopped him, "Not yet, Third Brother! I was just careless for a moment. If I really can't handle it, then you can help."
"Fine," Nate Lee grumbled, backing off reluctantly.
He retreated, sulking, clearly unhappy with his brother's decision.
Jason Lee steadied himself, glaring at Ian Song. "Demon, take another strike!"
This time, the three black rings spun and locked onto the staff, which shone with golden light. The Dragon-Chasing Pillar was fully activated, and a golden dragon wound around it.
Buzz!
With another swing, the golden dragon phantom surged forward, aiming straight for Ian Song.
Ian Song remained unfazed, flicking his finger once more.
Smash!
The golden dragon phantom shattered instantly. Ian Song's qi slammed into the Dragon-Chasing Pillar. Jason Lee spat out blood as the pillar flew out of his hands and he was sent flying again.
He crashed to the ground, gasping for breath, completely defeated.
The Heaven Soldiers and Generals stared in awe, unable to believe their eyes.
Leon Lee's face darkened, realizing Ian Song was far beyond any mortal he'd ever faced.
The Four Heavenly Kings exchanged uneasy glances, silently reassessing their strategy.
Princess Lana let out a sigh of relief, admiration shining in her eyes.
Nate Lee grinned, itching for his turn to fight.
Mark Lee nodded slowly, finally convinced of Ian Song's overwhelming strength.
Ian Song stood tall, his aura undiminished, waiting calmly for the next challenger.
The South Heaven Gate battlefield fell into a tense silence, everyone holding their breath for what would happen next.
This was only the beginning of Ian Song's showdown with the Heavenly Court.