Chapter 859: PAID

"Aaaaaargh—!!!"

The Celestial Stream Sect Leader screamed as the flames consumed his face.

Staggering backward in pain, he desperately tried to pull the fire from his face.

"Grrr—!!"

The flames wouldn’t go out. It felt as though his skin was being burned away entirely.

Unable to withstand the agony, he collapsed and rolled on the ground.

Whether it helped or not, the flames began to diminish.

"This… what is this…?"

His face, still emitting heat and smoke, was partially visible as he covered it with his hands and struggled to stand.

At that moment—

"Stay down."

A voice reached him.

The Celestial Stream Sect Leader lifted his head.

"Insects belong on the ground."

With a low tone, a fresh wave of scorching darkness descended upon his face.

Fwoooosh—!!

"Aaaaaargh—!!!"

This time, his screams were even louder. He couldn’t move at all; the flames clung to his face, flaring wildly.

"Grrhh…!!"

He flailed, writhing on the ground as the overwhelming heat engulfed him. He struggled to escape, but his body wouldn’t respond.

"Insects burn far too slowly."

The voice, devoid of rhythm or emotion, sent a chill down his spine despite the unbearable pain.

There was no trace of humanity in that voice.

And yet, it carried an undeniable killing intent.

How could such contradictions coexist?

He couldn’t understand it. And yet—

["How… how does he wield flames…?"]

A moment ago, this man couldn’t even use fire techniques, and now he was unleashing such devastating black flames.

Was he hiding his power all along? If so, why?

Why wait until now to reveal it? What was his reason for withholding his strength?

The incomprehensible situation offered no answers.

"Grrrgh!!"

Now wasn’t the time to think. Even enduring the pain was a challenge.

As the Celestial Stream Sect Leader struggled, Gu Yangcheon spoke.

"Does it hurt?"

His voice carried genuine curiosity.

"Does something this minor really hurt?"

"Ghh… gah!!"

The Celestial Stream Sect Leader forced his energy to stir, twitching his fingers.

Four swords lying on the ground flew toward Gu Yangcheon.

Shiiing---!!!