The latest arc of Battle Through the Heavens (斗破苍穹) delivers a cathartic and explosive confrontation as Xiao Yan (萧炎) and his master, Yao Lao (药老), finally bring the fight to the Hall of Souls. The long-awaited assault on the Human Hall is not just a battle; it is a declaration of war against an ancient enemy.
With the power of a Dou Saint now at their command, the duo slices through the Hall's defenses, turning the fortress into a stage for vengeance. This clash is packed with emotional reunions, the retrieval of lost treasures, and a showcase of overwhelming power that fans have been waiting for. The episode masterfully blends high-stakes action with the satisfaction of seeing years of plotted revenge come to fruition, setting a new benchmark for the series' animated battles.
Slaughter and Reunion in the Human Hall
The moment Xiao Yan and Yao Lao step into the Human Hall, the atmosphere shifts from oppressive authority to sheer panic. The duo wastes no time, unleashing their Dou Saint-level abilities on the unprepared guards. For the first time, viewers truly feel the oppressive weight of a Saint's power as the Hall's elite fighters, all starting at the Dou Zun (斗尊) rank, are effortlessly cut down.
It is a brutal and visually stunning sequence that highlights the vast power gap between the common fighters and the pinnacle of strength. The massacre is not just about destruction; it is about sending a message that the Hall of Souls is no longer untouchable. Amidst the chaos and falling bodies, a familiar, cowardly figure tries to slink away: Old Mu Gu (慕骨) .
Recognition flashes in Old Mu Gu's eyes as he spots Xiao Yan, and instinct tells him to flee. However, escape is a luxury his past sins have forfeited. With a mere gesture, Xiao Yan uses his spiritual perception to freeze the fleeing alchemist in his tracks. There is no grand duel, no exchange of witty banter—only the cold, inevitable grip of justice. Xiao Yan forcibly extracts the Sea Heart Flame from Old Mu Gu's body, reclaiming the Heavenly Flame that was stolen.
This moment signifies a full-circle recovery; it becomes the fifth flame under Xiao Yan's command, finally allowing him to theoretically form the powerful five-colored fire lotus. In a final act of desperation, Old Mu Gu attempts to self-destruct, hoping to take his enemy with him. But in the face of absolute power, he doesn't even have the privilege of choosing his own death. Xiao Yan extinguishes him effortlessly, closing the chapter on a persistent nuisance.
A Duel of Saints: Xiao Yan vs. the Grand Heavenly Venerable
As Old Mu Gu's dust settles, the true warden of the prison makes his entrance: the Grand Heavenly Venerable. His character design is immediately striking, carrying a unique, almost darkly humorous aesthetic that sets him apart from the standard Hall of Souls robes. True to his opportunistic nature, he initially ignores the destruction around him, focused solely on collecting the rich soul essence left by the fallen. He only acknowledges Xiao Yan and Yao Lao when his subordinates point out the greater prize—the souls of Dou Saints themselves.
This reveals his character: a man who acts only for profit. When he finally engages, his power is undeniable. As a two-star Dou Saint, his combat prowess is formidable, but his true threat lies in his Bone Saber, a weapon tempered by countless souls, granting it a terrifying restrictive effect against spiritual bodies.
The Bone Saber's unique properties immediately put Xiao Yan on the defensive, suppressing his movements and attacks. However, Xiao Yan has never been one to stay cornered for long. His journey has blessed him with a wealth of high-level tactics. He counters by unleashing the legendary three techniques of the Yellow Spring legacy inherited from the Yellow Spring Demon Saint. The Yellow Spring Finger and Yellow Heaven's Fury are animated with breathtaking ferocity, slowly tilting the balance of power back in his favor.
Recognizing that the Venerable's power is symbiotic with his blade, Xiao Yan focuses on disarming him. The choreography here is superb, showing Xiao Yan's combat intelligence. The Grand Heavenly Venerable, feeling the tide turn, even makes a desperate, almost comical attempt to recruit Xiao Yan as an "Protector Xiao," an offer that is met with utter indifference. Just as Xiao Yan is about to deliver the final blow, the space itself rips open, revealing a new, even more powerful presence.
The Vice Hall Master Intervenes
The arrival of the Vice Hall Master of the Hall of Souls instantly escalates the conflict. Xiao Yan had previously sealed the space to prevent interference, showcasing his control over the environment. Yet, the Vice Hall Master, a three-star Dou Saint, tears through this seal with contemptuous ease, even casually dispersing Xiao Yan's Yellow Spring Palm mid-air.
The power disparity is immediately apparent; the Vice Hall Master fights with a calm, practiced brutality that outclasses Xiao Yan's current two-star level. Despite Xiao Yan's valiant efforts and Yao Lao's support, the combined might of the two Hall of Souls Saints proves too much. They are quickly overwhelmed, captured, and bound, showcasing the classic villainous trope of gaining the upper hand.
But the Hall of Souls makes a critical mistake: premature celebration. Confident in their victory within the sealed space, they fail to account for what lies beyond the gates. Standing watch, hidden from their perception, is a four-star Dou Saint—Zi Yan (紫研). In a stunning reversal, Zi Yan smashes through the weakened spatial seal. Her entrance is a thunderbolt of raw power, completely shattering the Vice Hall Master's advantage. With her intervention, the battle is effectively over.
The Human Hall is utterly destroyed. Xiao Yan, freed from his binds, takes his vengeance by forcibly extracting the Grand Heavenly Venerable's soul. He then absorbs this soul along with the massive reserves of soul essence the Hall had stockpiled. This influx of power pushes his spiritual state to the Great Perfection of the Heaven realm, marking a significant leap in his overall strength. The Vice Hall Master, recognizing the impossibility of victory, is forced to flee in disgrace, a broken remnant of the night's catastrophic failure.
