Chapter 819: Catching the Celestial spirit III
Azazeal watched as, with a final pull, Kyle successfully ensnared the celestial spirit in a fist- sized blue net and released the array symbols he had been gripping tightly.
The Tree of Fate's branches moved back, leaving behind the fist-sized core floating in the air with the celestial spirit inside.
Kyle let out a chuckle and stumbled in the air, but two pairs of hands caught each of his arms before he lost his balance.
It was Jian and Alec, their eyes sparkling with excitement. Jian slapped him on the back, making him wince.
"You did it! Damn, we caught the spirit!"
Everyone floating behind the duo laughed, caught up in their excitement. They couldn't describe the amount of thrill and adrenaline rush they had just experienced!
Even the Tree of Fate emitted a melodic sound to join in the joyous occasion.
Sensing the familiar soothing spiritual energy from the tree, the countless elves below, standing together on the land, finally opened their eyes and ears. They saw the scene in the sky and knew they had won the battle against the Celestial spirit!
They glanced at each other, and in unison, all the elves on the planet let out a loud, victorious cheer. Then they began calling Kyle's name with enthusiasm.
Watching the scene, Azazeal hummed softly. He straightened his shirt, dusted off his sleeves, and vanished from his spot.
At the same time, Kyle balanced himself in mid-air and glanced at the spirit. Alec and Jian let go of his arms and watched as he moved toward the spirit.
"Yes, we catch it."
Kyle muttered, but the corners of his lips fell and his eyes dilated when a familiar figure materialized beside the spirit.
Dark obsidian eyes stared at him, their corners crinkling in amusement as the owner reached out with his hand, his intention clear to grasp the spirit.
A silent scream erupted in Kyle's mind as he used instant teleportation with all the strength he could muster to reach and seize the spirit before Azazeal. He moved so fast that even the space stilled, and his head spun from the rapid motion.
But who was he kidding?
"Too slow."
Azazeal murmured softly with a chilling calmness as he raised his finger, flicking Kyle on the forehead with a casual motion.
In an instant, Kyle's body was catapulted backward with such explosive force that he shattered through the branches of the Tree of Fate behind him. It occurred so suddenly that everyone floating directly behind him was affected as well. Alec and Ronan were also swept up in the turmoil.
All of this unfolded in a heartbeat, so fast that no one could comprehend when or how it happened-except for Kyle, who felt every agonizing moment.
With a blink, Azazeal lowered his finger.
"Oh, I forgot to control my strength."
Jian's eyes quivered. His arm, which he had extended to drape over Alec's shoulder, hung suspended in mid-air, trembling. He turned his gaze forward and met those familiar obsidian eyes.
Azazeal tilted his head, staring directly at the red-haired man. Silence enveloped the scene as everyone else in the area finally noticed the figure clad in dark clothing that had materialized out of thin air. They all trembled in his presence, and this was before he had even released his
aura.
The elves on the land also sensed his ominous presence. They held their breath, feeling that if they exhaled, they would die.
Under the gaze of everyone, Azazeal wrapped his fingers around the fist-sized blue net in which the spirit was trapped, and they could do nothing but watch. Dark energy erupted from his body, enveloping the spirit in his grasp and compressing it into an even smaller size. One last faint cry escaped the spirit before the dark energy fully shrouded its form. Then, the tiny core in Azazeal's hand burst into energy before entering his body and vanishing.
Jian's eyes trembled with fury, and in a moment of pure rage, he clenched his fists and charged at Azazeal. They had toiled endlessly to capture the spirit; how could he just waltz in and take it?!
"You shameless bast-"
Before he could even finish his sentence and get any closer, Jian's body was thrown aside, blood gushing from his mouth and nose as his vision faded to darkness. But his reckless bravery created an opening for another to strike, and that person finished his words with a piercing shout.
"Bastard!"
Azazeal staggered back mid-air as a powerful punch landed squarely on his face. A faint yet clear, crisp sound of flesh connecting with flesh and bones breaking echoed in the air. His obsidian eyes turned blank as he lifted his gaze slightly to meet the glowing eyes of the silver-haired human who had seized the fleeting moment of distraction to land a hit on him.
Kyle winced. He was the one who had punched, but instead of Azazeal's nose, it was his own fingers that were broken! It felt as if he hadn't struck a person but rather a solid boulder! His eyes trembled with anger, and the green hue in them darkened further. He curled his knuckles tightly, and his bones shifted back into place.
Everyone in the surroundings gulped nervously at the charged atmosphere. The punch Kyle had just successfully thrown at Azazeal face sent a jolt of thrill through those who recognized the man clad in dark. They wanted to move and help Kyle, but they were unable to and could only watch.
Under the fearful eyes of many, Azazeal touched his nose and inhaled deeply. His blank expression cracked slightly to reveal a faint, rare smile with a hint of mockery.
"You have grown stronger. But only..."
He raised two fingers, making a pinching motion with them, leaving a very tiny gap between as he fixed his gaze on Kyle.
"...this much."
Hearing his taunt, Kyle clenched his fists with such ferocity that his nails pierced deep into his palms, drawing blood. But suddenly, the rage, frustration, and intense desire to kill in his gaze faded, and his eyes turned emotionless as he replied eerily.
"Tsk, I am truly flattered."