My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

To Gu Lan, these opponents were nothing but inconsequential, so he didn't take them seriously. He simply followed the two faint energy signatures towards their source.

Seeing the two hostile figures in front of him, Gu Lan remained unconcerned and did not treat them as a threat.

"Don't waste time here," Gu Lan said dismissively, his tone provoking. "If you want to make a move, just come at me!"

He then gestured provocatively toward the Dark Master. This simple action immediately infuriated him.

"Arrogant!" the Dark Master growled.

"Shadow Slave, kill him!"

With a cold, detached expression, the Dark Master waved his hand, signaling his subordinate to attack.

A figure clad in black appeared beside him, wearing a mask that obscured his face. Gu Lan couldn't discern his appearance, but he could feel that this Shadow Slave was powerful, with strength comparable to the Dark Master.

However, Gu Lan knew better than to underestimate the situation. He couldn't afford to let his guard down.

As soon as his gaze shifted forward, the Shadow Slave charged. Black energy enveloped his fist as he hurled it toward Gu Lan with terrifying force.

The sheer power behind this strike caused the air to crackle and shook the very earth. The black aura quickly engulfed Gu Lan, obscuring his figure entirely. The force was so intense that even his presence seemed to vanish.

The Dark Master observed this, surprised at first, but soon a mocking smile spread across his face.

"Is this all you've got?" he sneered. "I thought you'd be stronger. What a disappointment!"

He had been cautious at first, but now he saw no need for hesitation. The Shadow Slave's attack was futile, and with that, the Dark Master felt emboldened.

"Send word back to the Dark Clan. This world is ours for the taking!"

Until now, Gu Lan's reputation had made him cautious, but after this exchange, the Dark Master was no longer concerned. He had decided Gu Lan was far less formidable than the stories suggested.

While the Dark Master mocked him, the Shadow Slave stood still, his face grim. He could feel that his punch had failed to land any meaningful blow on Gu Lan.

"Master!" the Shadow Slave called, his voice filled with disbelief.

The Dark Master spun around, sensing a sudden, intense chill from behind him. Before he could react, a cold laugh echoed from the air.

With a single wave of his hand, Gu Lan unleashed his full strength. The Rule of Five Elements flared to life, sending a shockwave that sent the Dark Master flying backward, his protective black aura shattered, and the surrounding space cracking under the strain.

The Dark Master was thrown hundreds of yards, his body flailing through the air. Gu Lan did not use his full strength, but the blow was still enough to disorient the Dark Master.

Gu Lan landed lightly, his expression mocking as he looked toward the Dark Master.

"Did you really think you could challenge me?" he said, the derision clear in his voice. "You're not even worth my time."

The Dark Master's face twisted in fury. His eyes glowed with a blood-red light, filled with murderous intent.

"Shadow Slave!" he bellowed.

In an instant, a dark figure appeared before Gu Lan, wielding a gleaming sword. A flurry of sword strikes rained down from the void, creating a hundred sharp sword images that slashed at Gu Lan from every direction.

But Gu Lan remained unfazed. Standing in the center of the onslaught, he was surrounded by a protective golden aura that blocked every blow. No matter how powerful the attacks were, they couldn't touch him.

The Shadow Slave, seeing his attacks failing, began to falter. His face grew grim as his energy rapidly drained away. The intensity of his strikes was diminishing, and he realized that nothing he did was affecting Gu Lan.

After a few moments, the oppressive aura dissipated, and the sword strikes came to a halt.

Gu Lan stepped forward, calm and collected, his expression relaxed.

"That was your best shot, wasn't it?" he said, a smirk on his face. "Now, it's my turn."

Without waiting for a response, Gu Lan took a single step forward, and the very air seemed to tremble in response. The black energy surrounding the Shadow Slave shattered under the pressure, and the space around them cracked apart.

The Shadow Slave staggered back, his footing lost as he was sent stumbling several paces. His breathing became shallow, and his face grew pale.

Gu Lan did not relent. He stepped forward again, causing the entire space around the Shadow Slave to collapse, vanishing into nothingness.

The Shadow Slave had never anticipated such overwhelming force. His expression shifted to one of deep concern. He could feel his life energy draining away, and fear crept into his heart.

As he took another step backward, his body collided with an invisible wall of force. There was no way forward, no escape.

Gu Lan's voice rang out, calm and cold.

"Your master no longer cares whether you live or die. Now, tell me, should I kill you, or should I spare you?"

The Shadow Slave's eyes narrowed. Despite his evident fear, he was resolute in his response.

"Kill me if you must, but I will not be humiliated!"

The words were defiant, but the Shadow Slave's body betrayed him. He could feel the intense pressure building, the energy eating away at him. His muscles began to disintegrate, the pain so intense that it made his mind reel.

Though he possessed considerable endurance, even he could not withstand this level of torment. His body crumbled, his strength failing him.

With a final, gasping breath, the Shadow Slave collapsed to the ground, his body a hollow shell. His presence was all but extinguished.

Gu Lan stood over him, his expression cold, but there was a faint, satisfied smile on his lips.

"Impressive," he said. "You've got some backbone, but I'll make sure you feel every bit of this."

The chilling words echoed in the air as Gu Lan tightened his grip, causing the Shadow Slave's bones to snap with sickening cracks. His power continued to flow, steadily breaking down the Shadow Slave's body until there was nothing left but a broken, defeated form on the ground.

"Such a waste," Gu Lan murmured, shaking his head. The Shadow Slave had refused to yield, and now he was paying the price for it.

In the distance, the Dark Master watched, his face twisted with frustration. He had already retreated into the shadows, but the sight of his subordinate's death was enough to fuel his hatred for Gu Lan. Yet, he knew that continuing the fight would only lead to his own demise.

With a bitter snarl, the Dark Master disappeared into the black mist, retreating into the depths of the void.

Gu Lan's gaze remained fixed on the dissipating mist. He didn't chase after the Dark Master—there was no need. His actions had already sent a clear message: Gu Lan was not someone to be trifled with.

He looked down at the lifeless form of the Shadow Slave, then turned and walked away without a second glance. The Dark Master's retreat had only confirmed what he already knew—the Dark Clan was no longer a threat to him.

As Gu Lan departed, he felt the weight of the battle lift from his shoulders. But this was only one small chapter in a much larger conflict. The true danger had yet to reveal itself.