Long Live Summons Chapter 948

As the transparent phantom thief was apprehended, the other Heaven Rankers present secretly rejoiced. Their sentiment was that if they couldn't obtain the Divine Blood, then no one else deserved to possess it. Yet, even as they relished the transparent shadow's downfall, a sense of dread washed over them. The formidable might displayed by the Dragon Emperor and the Underworld Emperor suggested their strength was not significantly inferior to Sky Execution's own power.

Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo exchanged uneasy glances, their brows furrowed. The sheer prowess of the Dragon Emperor and Underworld Emperor led them to believe that even if they emerged victorious from any potential conflict, it would come at a considerable cost of severe injuries. Engaging them one-on-one was already a daunting prospect, making a confrontation against two or even three of them seem utterly insurmountable. Sky Execution, in particular, was suspected to possess a power level that rivaled that of any Country Lord-level expert present.

Country Lord Zhi Feng, confident that the Divine Blood would not fall into the wrong hands, saw no need to interfere with the thief's capture.

Instead, his immediate concern was Young Master Titan, towards whom he swiftly moved.

The reasoning was simple: an attack on this Young Master would be a far more catastrophic outcome than missing out on the Divine Blood.

Just as the thief was subdued and a moment of collective relief settled in, the situation took a drastic turn. Country Lord Zhi Feng observed two previously unassuming guests among the attendees. In an instant, these individuals revealed a hidden might, equaling his own formidable presence—perhaps even surpassing it. What truly astonished Country Lord Zhi Feng was their target: not the Divine Blood, but Young Master Titan himself.

Had these two intended merely to abduct the Young Master, it might have been manageable. However, as Zhi Feng witnessed their aggressive advance, he cried out a stern warning. These assailants showed no restraint, appearing intent on executing Young Master Titan.

The demise of Young Master Titan was an eventuality no one could afford, and the repercussions would be dire.

He was certain that the entire Heavenly Splendour Territory would face ruin. As the Country Lord responsible for the banquet's security, he felt that even ten thousand deaths would not suffice as penance for his failure.

"Villains, how dare you!" The thought blazed through Country Lord Zhi Feng's mind as fury surged through him. He exerted all his strength, desperately aiming to thwart the assassins' onslaught. It wasn't just Country Lord Zhi Feng; Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo, who had been observing the ceremony with detached interest, felt a surge of alarm. The death of Young Master Titan would undoubtedly plunge them into trouble as well. However, to avoid any suspicion from Sky Execution and the other guards, they chose to remain spectators, awaiting the unfolding events.

"Insignificant fool, you court your own demise!" Sky Execution, who had remained steadfastly by Yue Yang's side, raised a hand crackling with lightning. With a single, decisive strike, the two assassins were sent hurtling away.

"What?" Witnessing Sky Execution's devastating attack, the three Country Lords felt an involuntary shiver run down their spines. Despite anticipating his power, they had clearly underestimated the true extent of his capabilities.

A dazzling cascade of starlight erupted.

Hu Lei noticed these celestial lights originating from behind him.

Despite a past misunderstanding with Young Master Titan, for which he had received forgiveness, Hu Lei still felt a strong desire to express his sincerest apologies.

However, given his standing, he was seated at the very edge of the main hall, among a gathering of Heaven Rankers who had assembled to offer their congratulations. Upon observing the transparent phantom thief, who was subsequently captured, Hu Lei had heightened his senses. When the second wave of stealthy attackers emerged, he had already amplified his power, prepared to intervene if necessary. Although Young Master Titan might not have been in grave peril, Hu Lei welcomed the opportunity to showcase his abilities.

At that precise moment, from behind him, thousands of brilliant starlights burst forth, leaving Hu Lei momentarily bewildered.

Was there an assailant lurking behind him?

It was too late to turn around.

The incomparably beautiful starlights had already blossomed into a myriad of stars, transforming into a galaxy of dreamlike splendor. Every soul present in the hall was utterly captivated by this flawless and ethereal celestial panorama.

Hu Lei observed the entire audience mesmerized, their faces etched with awe.

Only Country Lord Zhi Feng seemed to be moving, albeit at a glacial pace. Hu Lei watched in horrified realization as the Country Lord crawled like an insect, his movements agonizingly slow.

Country Lord Zhi Feng understood the situation perfectly. The cause was undoubtedly the power of a Domain, or perhaps a special ability from some Quasi-Divine level treasure, which had momentarily immobilized everyone present. His immediate concern shifted from the Divine Blood to the safety of Young Master Titan. The enemy's objective wasn't just the Divine Blood; it was the life of Young Master Titan himself. Forgetting even his beloved Zhu Guang, Country Lord Zhi Feng rushed towards the frozen Young Master Titan.

By the time Country Lord Zhi Feng redirected his attention back, he found himself at a considerable distance from Young Master Titan, despite his initial intention to intercept the assassin.

Though the distance was less than two meters, it felt like an insurmountable chasm at his current speed, a vast distance he couldn't bridge.

Meanwhile, Sky Execution, the wielder of the lightning hand attack that had repelled the two formidable enemies, was also returning swiftly. However, his speed paled in comparison to Country Lord Zhi Feng's. He was only slightly faster and still far from Yue Yang's side.

“…” Zhu Guang’s lips trembled faintly, as if the words were on the tip of her tongue, but ultimately, she remained silent.

She reverted to her immobile state, awaiting the unfolding events.

It appeared the two powerful assassins struck by Sky Execution possessed protective treasures, allowing them to disregard the galaxy's temporal stagnation.

Moving with the swiftness of arrows loosed from a taut bow, they launched a furious assault on Yue Yang. A peculiar light gleamed from their hands as the two purple-black daggers radiated an aura of death.

“No!”

Country Lord Zhi Feng was consumed by an anguish so profound he felt tears welling up. They could target anyone else, but why must it be this Young Master from the Heaven Realm? While seizing his treasures would be acceptable, his demise was unacceptable. If he were killed, would the Heavenly Splendour Territory even continue to exist? Yet, Country Lord Zhi Feng found himself utterly powerless, compelled to witness the impending tragedy.

Under the gaze of countless onlookers, just as the two assassins were poised to plunge their daggers into Young Master Titan’s heart, the pet dog, previously gnawing on bones beneath the table, suddenly leaped into action.

Its movements were akin to a rabbit’s, imbued with astonishing speed and agility.

Even the power of the Galaxy of Stars, an artifact easily reaching Quasi-Divine status, couldn't impede its rapid advance. This became apparent as Country Lord Zhi Feng, Qinglang, Wanjiao, Louluo, and the other Heaven Rank experts realized this seemingly ordinary dog was, in fact, a Divine Beast!

The Divine Beast's fierce will erupted, nullifying the instantaneous suppression exerted by the treasure's power.

It summoned its Grimoire, first employing a shield to deflect the fatal strikes of the two assassins, then swiftly securing its immobile master within the Grimoire World.

They transformed into swirling black smoke, a miniature tornado, and fled the Green Willow Palace hall.

The two assassins, having missed their initial strike, prepared to pursue, but another entity, unaffected by the suppression, intervened. Being well-informed, they couldn't help but exclaim, “An Advanced Wisdom Earth Divine Soldier?”

While Earth Divine Soldiers were rare to a certain extent, they weren’t the most exceptional discovery.

However, an Earth Divine Soldier capable of transforming into weapons and possessing the wisdom to safeguard its master’s escape during a critical moment was indeed a rarity. The distinction between ordinary Earth Divine Soldiers and those with Advanced Wisdom was akin to the gulf separating Heaven Ranked Beasts from Divine Beasts. While one was powerful, its future was not predetermined; the other, besides its might, possessed an immeasurable destiny. The same principle applied here: one was a standard Earth Divine Soldier, while the other harbored boundless potential for growth and greatness!

The Tao Tie Blade, radiating a blinding sharpness, obstructed the enemy like an impenetrable iron wall.

Despite their best efforts, the two assassins found themselves unable to breach its interception range. Helpless, they could only watch the Divine Beast depart.

Fortunately, this Earth Divine Soldier’s primary concern was its master’s safety. Once its master was completely out of harm's way, it immediately transformed into a black light. Much like the genesis of an artifact, it tore through space itself, utilizing anti-summoning abilities to return directly to its master.

Country Lord Zhi Feng was deeply moved by this display.

That unassuming black dog harbored a secret identity as a Divine Beast, and the fearsome Earth Divine Soldier possessed an astonishing level of intelligence— truly a spectacle to behold! Whoever dared to cross paths with Young Master Titan, regardless of their status, was destined for a grim outcome. Especially now that Young Master Titan had extricated himself from peril, their schemes had crumbled, paving the way for their own grievous injuries.

Qinglang and the two other Country Lords were paralyzed with fear.

Never in their wildest dreams could they have fathomed that the dog casually gnawing on bones was, in fact, a Divine Beast!

It was a stroke of luck they hadn't attempted to seize anything from Young Master Titan; otherwise, they shuddered to think of their ultimate fate. With a Divine Beast, the Earth Divine Soldier, Sky Execution, the Dragon Emperor, and the Underworld Emperor at his side, not to mention a legion of Heaven Rankers, no one could possibly lay a hand on Young Master Titan. Honestly, they'd have a better chance challenging the Sacred Light Domain Emperor!

Young Master Titan had finally broken free.

Yet, the danger had not entirely subsided.

While the treasure's suppression effect remained active, the two assassins hadn't made their escape; one lunged towards Country Lord Zhi Feng, while the other set its sights on Zhu Guang.

Moving with a grace that belied his speed, surpassing even the swift assassins, a figure drifted through the Hall of Glory's entrance as if returning home. His movements were unhurried and deliberate, yet his pace outstripped the lightning-fast assassins. All eyes were captivated by a resplendent golden figure who entered the hall. His visage was so strikingly handsome it evoked sighs of admiration. Even Sky Execution, renowned for his charisma second only to Young Master Titan, seemed momentarily outshone. Clad in golden dragon-patterned battle armor, this handsome warrior held a radiant lightsaber in his right hand. Even sheathed, its aura seemed to pierce the very hearts of those present.

In his left hand, he cradled the Star Galaxy Necklace, which shimmered with the brilliance of the Milky Way.

Before the assembled crowd, the figure sheathed his sword. He then took the golden box from Chief Steward Ye's grasp and, with a surge of golden light, tore through the fabric of space, vanishing in an instant. Sky Execution and Country Lord Zhi Feng's fists slammed into the void where he had stood, meeting only empty air.

“Wielding the Quasi-Divine artifact, the Light Divine Sword, and the Star Galaxy Necklace— this must be the Vengeance Domain Emperor!” Qinglang exclaimed.

“Hmph!” Country Lord Zhi Feng scoffed. While the man bore a striking resemblance to the Vengeance Domain Emperor, he reasoned that if the true Domain Emperor intended to appear, there would be no need for concealment. With the Domain Emperor's power, he could have annihilated everyone present before departing. For a mere drop of Divine Blood, why resort to such elaborate theatrics? The Vengeance Domain Emperor, possessing far greater influence, could easily have allied with Young Master Titan; why resort to such a risky assassination attempt? It was clear someone was impersonating the Vengeance Domain Emperor. The timing, immediately after Young Master Titan's escape, suggested a deliberate attempt to frame another, diverting suspicion.

Within the Heavenly Splendour Territory, who possessed the audacity and power to frame the Vengeance Domain Emperor?

Aside from the other two Domain Emperors, only the Central Palace remained as a possibility. Did the two Domain Emperors truly possess the nerve to openly assault the Upper Heaven Realm's Young Master Titan in such a manner? No matter how foolish the Sacred Light Domain Emperor and the Rage Domain Emperor might be, surely they wouldn't stoop to such a suicidal act? If that were the case, then beyond the Upper Realm's Heaven Rankers associated with the Four Major Families, there was only...

Country Lord Zhi Feng, far from a fool, pieced together the implications and seethed internally, though he chose to conceal his fury from the public eye.

“Help!” Zhu Guang cried out, succumbing to panic.

Deprived of the Star Galaxy treasure's protective capabilities, Country Lord Zhi Feng could readily evade the assassin's strike. However, Zhu Guang found herself defenseless.

The vulnerable woman was nearly felled by a single, brutal blow from the assassin. Thankfully, the devoted Captain of the Guard, Yu Chao, sacrificed himself, barely deflecting the assassin's fatal thrust and saving her life.

Country Lord Zhi Feng, with no time to spare for explanations to Sky Execution and the others regarding the recent incident, hurried to the aid of his most cherished woman. Meanwhile, Sky Execution moved to apprehend the captured, invisible thief, intending to interrogate the mastermind behind the assassination attempt on Young Master Titan and the subsequent provocation of a powerful clan from the Upper Heaven Realm.

The two assassins, cornered and facing their doom, fought with an unyielding ferocity in their final moments.

Country Lord Zhi Feng, resolute in capturing them for forceful interrogation, calmly managed the situation. He signaled for Zhu Guang to distance herself, advising her to seek safety with Sky Execution and the other formidable individuals present.

“Once I perish, a curse will befall you, and everyone here. To escape this fate, you must escort the Liberty Queen to Zhi Feng’s Central Island. Hahahaha, you are all ensnared in my trap,” the transparent thief cackled maniacally. His previously invisible form began to manifest numerous rune patterns, which rapidly intensified and mutated. Ultimately, he detonated silently, scattering fragments of the mutated, dark runes across the warriors assembled in the hall.

Sky Execution engaged the fragments, but his attempts to fight them off proved futile. The rune fragments permeated his armor, merging with his body. He couldn't help but knit his brows in concern.

“An abnormal energy is indeed invading through these fragments—it’s a curse! A genuine curse!” Country Lord Wanjiao exclaimed, his voice laced with disgust.

“Damn it, let’s take down those two treacherous assassins together! Brother Zhi Feng, we’ll lend you our aid!” Just as Country Lord Qinglang prepared to step forward and assist Country Lord Zhi Feng, the two assassins suddenly exhibited signs of imminent self-destruction.

“My Lord, escape!” The ever-loyal Yu Chao lunged forward, prioritizing his Lord’s survival above his own life, willing to perish alongside the enemy.

“You intend to detonate? Hmph! It won’t be that simple!” Country Lord Zhi Feng recognized that self-destruction was possible but required time. He questioned whether powerful individuals like himself and Sky Execution would allow such an act to easily transpire. Even if both couldn't be stopped, surely one could be captured? Did these desperate individuals truly believe his title as Country Lord was merely for decoration?

Standing alongside Yu Chao, Country Lord Zhi Feng launched himself at the two assassins.

Country Lords Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo had already surged forward. Sky Execution, the Dragon Emperor, and the Underworld Emperor also formed a surrounding circle. If the two assassins were set on self-destruction, they would have to contend with them first!

Just as the situation seemed irrevocably decided, disaster struck.

Yu Chao, demonstrating unwavering loyalty, plunged a dagger directly into the heart of Country Lord Zhi Feng. This poisoned assassination dagger, identical to those wielded by the two enemy assassins, bypassed Zhi Feng’s protective Dragon Leather Armor, piercing his heart through the back muscles. The steward, clutching Zhu Guang in one hand, triggered a flash of golden light that illuminated the entire hall.

In the blink of an eye, before anyone could react, Yu Chao, the two assassins, the steward, and Zhu Guang bizarrely tore through space and teleported away.

Their method of departure mirrored precisely that of the handsome man who had previously stolen the Divine Blood.

Country Lord Zhi Feng collapsed to the ground, a torrent of blood gushing from the wound where the dagger was embedded.

A heavy silence descended upon the hall for a considerable duration.

No one could have foreseen such a turn of events. Even the Country Lords Qinglang, Wanjiao, and Louluo, who had been advancing to intervene, were taken completely by surprise by this devious plan.