Chapter 370: Self-Destruction

Looking at the old man across from him, Rod couldn’t help but feel a bit amused. His thoughts were truly too naive—couldn’t he see the situation clearly? Since he had come here, would he really help them for some trivial gain? And even if he were tempted enough to turn sides at this moment, did he really think he could single-handedly help the Mi Jiao clan turn things around? Too naive!
“What can you offer me? What do you think the Mi Jiao clan still has to offer me?” Rod asked coldly, mocking the other party. How could the Mi Jiao clan produce such a foolish person?
After Rod spoke, the other man fell silent. Indeed, the Mi Jiao clan no longer had much to offer. Yet, he didn’t give up: “As long as you help our clan preserve its lineage, we will surely not disappoint you. The pro-war faction— they’re our allies among the demon race! There’s also the wolf clan. You know these two clans, right? They will definitely offer you something satisfactory!”
Like a dying man clinging to a branch, the old man made one last desperate effort. Seeing Rod unshaken, he grew anxious and, after a moment’s hesitation, said loudly, “And, sir, you might not know—everyone in the Dark Source doesn’t either. The neutral faction has already become our ally! This time, the Black Phoenix clan is doomed to extinction. The dragon clan is probably already gone too. Do you really think the Black Phoenix clan still has a chance?”
“Oh? The pro-war faction is your ally? That’s quite surprising. But sadly, I already know about this. Besides, the dragon clan won’t perish. Believe me, only your Mi Jiao clan, along with the pro-war and neutral factions, will be destroyed!” Rod said slowly, smiling faintly. Perhaps this news would be earth-shattering to others and shake the entire Dark Source, but Rod already knew it—so it couldn’t move him.
“You know? How is that possible? Impossible! The neutral faction has been allied with us for a hundred years—they wouldn’t let you know. How could this be? Impossible! You’re lying! You must be lying!” Hearing Rod’s words, the old man stared at him in disbelief, muttering that he couldn’t believe such a thing was possible.

“Hmph, there are many things you don’t know. Well, if there’s nothing more to say, I’ll send you back to your clan leaders!” Watching the battle behind him, which was nearing its end, Rod didn’t want to waste any more time here. With a cold snort, he flashed forward in an instant, arriving beside the old man before he could react, slashing with his sword and leaving a streak of white light behind.

“You… you guys… how did you know…?” The old man still stared at Rod in disbelief before slowly collapsing, lifeless. Perhaps even before dying, he couldn’t figure out what was going on—why his identity as a neutral party had been exposed! As for how Rod knew, perhaps only he himself knew. Without even glancing at the man, Rod rushed to Dolon’s side to help him fight. The battle here was much fiercer than where he was. Two warriors at the same level clashed fiercely; although Dolon was in the later stage of the Yin Yellow realm, he still couldn’t completely suppress his opponent, making the fight difficult. With Rod’s arrival, the pressure immediately lessened.

“Leave this to me. Go help them clean up the battlefield behind!” Blocking the old man’s attacks, Rod said to Dolon.

“Okay!” Knowing Rod’s strength, Dolon didn’t waste words and immediately turned to rush into the Mi Jiao Villa.

“You killed Old Eight!” The old man stared at Rod with hatred in his eyes, asking in a hoarse voice.

“You’ll soon join them!” Ignoring the old man’s murderous gaze, Rod replied indifferently. Such a person posed no threat to him at all.

“Good, very good. Our Mi Jiao clan has actually fallen to this extent. You must be Knight Rod. Very good. We’ve been destroyed by a young man like you. If I’m not wrong, our ancestor also died at your hands!” With a mocking laugh out of anger, the old man asked Rod.

“Not bad. Your Mi Jiao clan isn’t all fools!” Rod said indifferently, twisting his lips.

“Hahaha… As expected. I never thought you’d grow to this level in such a short time! A mistake, a huge mistake! If our clan had listened to me and killed you back then, this wouldn’t have happened. When you were at the divine level, I already suggested that the clan leader kill you in your cradle. It’s a pity no one believed you would threaten us. Now it’s true—this is retribution?” Staring blankly into the distance, the old man screamed frantically.

This took Rod by surprise. The old man before him was indeed not ordinary—he had seen so much back then. Rod was secretly relieved that Jiao Hong hadn’t followed his advice; otherwise, he would have been in real danger. At that time, he simply couldn’t compete with them.

“Never mind. It seems the fate of my Mi Jiao clan has come to an end. It’s frustrating that it has to be ruined by someone like you. I refuse to accept this!” Suddenly, the old man’s expression turned frenzied as he stared at Rod. “If that’s the case, let’s die together. Once my Mi Jiao clan is gone, you, Rod, won’t fare any better. I want you to accompany us in death!”

With a fierce roar, the elements around them began to surge wildly, quickly forming a massive vortex. Unrestrained violence ensued as these elements poured into the old man’s body. His eyes turned red, and with a mad smile, he charged at Rod.

“Damn it!” Seeing this, Rod was shocked and cursed inwardly before quickly fleeing toward the elements.

The old man planned to commit suicide! The power of an expert at the Yin Huang realm exploding could be terrifying—even Rod might not be able to stop it. Such energy could easily drag him down to hell as well.

It was then that Rod realized he had been tricked. The other party was buying time to prepare for his own explosion!

“Run! You can’t escape! Hahaha, Rod, come die with me! With a genius like you by my side, I’m sure my journey to hell will be spectacular!” Chasing after Rod, the old man roared loudly, utterly insane.

His body swelled to twice its original size, his clothes torn to shreds under the immense pressure. He continued to expand like a balloon. Despite his madness, his speed matched Rod’s. As his body swelled further, cracks appeared on his skin—signs that he had reached his limit.

“Die!” With only twenty meters between them, the old man roared in fury.

Boom… A loud explosion erupted, its force as intense as thunder from the heavens, tearing through the lifeless night sky and spreading throughout the Ten Thousand Mountains.

Smoke billowed, and the ground collapsed. The explosion of an expert at the Yin Huang realm was powerful enough to kill any warrior. The entire mountain began to crumble at that moment.

“Head!” Even Mi Jiao Villa shook as if struck by an earthquake. Nightingale and the others shouted loudly right away—they all knew that the person there was Rod.
“Brother Rod!”
“Rod!”
The other members of the Black Phoenix clan also cried out in concern. Unfortunately, with thick smoke and the pitch-black night, it was impossible to see what was happening in the distance.
The battle inside Mi Jiao Villa had ended. With the last member killed, there was no life left inside. The Mi Jiao clan was completely erased from this source of darkness, becoming history. The few remaining members outside could no longer cause any trouble—the death was close to them, and it wouldn’t be long before they too were utterly destroyed.
The members of the Reaper Scythe Squad rushed toward the explosion site, with Lucy following closely behind. Merk and Dolon also gave orders before charging forward. At this moment, Rod couldn’t afford to get hurt—it would be a huge blow to everyone.
The swirling dust made it impossible to see or enter. Violent elemental whirlwinds howled across the land, scattering leaves and blurring everyone’s vision.
“We can’t go in—it’s too dangerous in there!” Dolon shouted firmly, holding back Nightingale and Lucy who wanted to rush in.
At that moment, in the center, the elements were in a frenzy due to the self-explosion. Going in would only result in harm.
“Let go! I have to go in and find Rod!” Nightingale snapped, shaking off Merk’s hand.
“Brother Rod is still in there, Grandpa Dolon! Please go in quickly and see how he is!” Lucy pleaded, holding Dolon’s hand.
Frowning deeply, Dolon couldn’t say a word. He didn’t know the situation either—likely grim—but he couldn’t voice those fears. Otherwise, who knew what those madmen might do? Looking at the fierce members of the Reaper Scythe Squad around him, his heart grew heavy. If it were him, he surely wouldn’t be able to withstand such an explosion—it was terrifying. With such power, his only fate was death.
He also felt fear—if he hadn’t left earlier, what would have happened now? Thinking of it, he didn’t dare continue.

The cold wind howled, and all was silent. A few people stood there, waiting quietly. After a long time, the violence finally began to subside slowly. The dust cleared, the leaves fell, and gradually, everyone could see what was inside. Feelings of anticipation, anxiety, and unease spread among them. Everyone silently prayed for Rod, hoping nothing bad would happen to him.