Staring at the desolate center of the island, He Yiming felt a deep admiration for the old man's decisiveness. Franklin had intended to keep Jin Zhanyi and the others behind, aiming to convey his grievances to the gathered Dao Pinnacle experts, rather than completely alienating these powerful figures.

If Jin Zhanyi and the others had perished on the island due to his confrontation with the White Horse Lightning, it would have spelled utter catastrophe for him. Even he could not withstand the wrath of four Dao Pinnacle experts.

Moreover, he was certain that if such a thing had occurred, these Dao Pinnacle experts would hold him accountable, rather than seeking justice from a Sacred Beast. Therefore, he had instantly decided to let everyone depart.

After everyone had gone, a colossal aura began to surge forth from Franklin. Though he had been forced to release Jin Zhanyi and the others, the anger brewing within him was unimaginable.

If the opportunity arose, he would not hesitate to slay the White Horse before him, utilizing its inner core, bones, and flesh to compensate for this immense loss. Sensing the aura emanating from the old man, He Yiming's expression shifted slightly; the immense pressure, surging like oceanic waves, washed over him, causing a distinct difficulty in breathing.

Glancing sideways, He Yiming's eyes gleamed. Although the pressure was deeply uncomfortable for him, it seemed to have little effect on the two Sacred Beasts.

Never mind the White Horse Lightning; even Baoshu was leisurely wagging its tiny tail, acting as if it paid no heed to the imposing aura. However, its small eyes were fixed fiercely on Franklin, the intensity of its loathing displayed without reservation.

He Yiming sighed inwardly. Divine Beast bloodlines were indeed extraordinary, far surpassing his initial estimations.

These Sacred Beasts, blessed with superior lineage, would absolutely refuse to be suppressed by the mere presence of a stronger opponent, let alone surrender without a fight. "Crack, crackle..." Great arcs of electric light flashed once more around the White Horse Lightning.

The supreme Sacred Beast let out a long neigh, and the purple electricity, laced with streaks of silver-white, seemed to drape its body in a magnificent, shimmering robe, making the White Horse Lightning appear even more majestic. He Yiming’s gaze flickered between this electric robe and the long gown worn by Franklin, and he suddenly noticed a faint similarity between the two.

Of course, the electric robe was condensed by the White Horse Lightning using its inherent electrical power, while Franklin’s garment was a Divine Weapon equivalent to a Dao Artifact. This was the fundamental difference between Sacred Beasts and humans: one relied on innate talent and formidable physical attributes, while the other could employ Divine Weapons for assistance.

This was the pattern of coexistence between Spirit Beasts and humans spanning millennia; neither could completely suppress the other. The old man calmly straightened his arm, and the Staff of Light flared with a sudden, immense radiance.

He chose to strike first. Instantly, a vast expanse of light detached itself from the Staff of Light, transforming into a colossal light dragon that swept towards the White Horse.

The thick light dragon advanced along a straight trajectory. Its speed wasn't blinding, but as it moved, it continuously absorbed external energy, growing larger and larger.

By the time it traversed the less than ten zhang distance separating the man and horse, the light dragon had swelled from the thickness of a finger into a behemoth larger than the entire body of the White Horse Lightning. Electric sparks danced in the White Horse Lightning's eyes—a clear sign of its peak excitement.

Its single horn remained motionless, but the electric robe covering its body suddenly expanded, surging forward to counter the encroaching light energy. A deafening explosion of lightning ripped through the space before the White Horse Lightning, erupting with a brilliance so intense it eclipsed the sun overhead.

He Yiming narrowed his eyes; even with his current strength, he dared not look directly at the blinding glare. A mere glance caused a sharp ache in his eyes.

Both Franklin’s light power and the White Horse Lightning’s electrical power were potent forms of light-attributed energy. When they collided violently, the resulting glare was enough to blind an ordinary person instantly.

Although He Yiming’s physical eyes were rendered useless, his consciousness had already locked onto the entire island; the battle between the White Horse Lightning and Franklin could not escape his perception. As their powers reached a stalemate, the White Horse Lightning suddenly planted its four hooves, ignoring the massive explosive force ahead, and charged straight through.

With its advance, the immense light seemed to be swallowed by the lightning’s might, like a rock sinking beneath the tide. A hint of satisfaction touched the corner of He Yiming’s mouth.

Compared to humans, Sacred Beasts not only possessed greater inherent power and could accommodate more Heaven and Earth energy, but they were also physically tough and resilient—their bodies alone capable of contending with Divine Weapons. This was especially true for the White Horse Lightning, endowed with a Divine Beast bloodline.

Thus, as soon as the fight truly commenced, the White Horse Lightning unleashed its brass-skin and iron-bone attributes without reserve. The intense light was completely devoured by the lightning.

Even stray beams that managed to strike the White Horse Lightning were treated as minor irritations, in no way impeding its speed or its resolve to charge. A wry smile played on Franklin’s lips.

This was precisely why humans were reluctant to engage in direct combat with Spirit Beasts of the same rank. You could strike it a hundred times and still fail to inflict serious harm, but enduring one solid blow from a Spirit Beast would be agonizing, even with protective Divine Weapons.

In terms of raw physical conditioning alone, humans were vastly inferior to Spirit Beasts. Franklin’s body suddenly recoiled backward, as if pulled by an invisible force, maintaining an astonishing speed in his retreat.

Electric light flickered in the White Horse Lightning’s eyes; overjoyed, it quickened its pace, closing the distance even faster. To attempt to match the White Horse in speed?

That was certainly an invitation to death. A bolt of lightning suddenly tore across the sky, spanning the island from one end to the other.

However fast Franklin retreated, it could not compare to the charging speed of the White Horse Lightning. In just a single breath, it had caught up and pierced straight through his body with its formidable frame.

He Yiming’s eyebrows shot up. Strangely, he felt no excitement, but rather a creeping sense of unease.

Could a Dao Pinnacle expert be so easily defeated? The thought had barely crossed his mind when he heard the White Horse Lightning’s furious, elongated neigh.

Before turning around, the horn atop its head lit up, instantly accumulating sufficient, potent electrical energy. This energy was unleashed without mercy towards a seemingly empty space beside them.

A shield of light abruptly materialized in that space, which then rippled like water, revealing Franklin’s figure. His strange, flowing robe shimmered, and the light surrounding him seemed to warp strangely.

He Yiming finally understood. Franklin had clearly utilized the power of his Dao Artifact to deceive the White Horse Lightning's vision, attempting a hidden sneak attack.

Unfortunately, the moment he entered the perimeter of the White Horse's electrical field, he became utterly exposed, forcibly driven back to his true form by the lightning unleashed by the horse. He sucked in a sharp breath.

Franklin’s true strength was indeed unfathomable. He couldn't fathom how the old man managed to conceal his movements so effectively that even He Yiming’s perceptive will failed to detect him.

The power of a Dao Pinnacle master was truly beyond the comprehension of a Five-Qi Grand Venerable. The White Horse Lightning lashed out a rear hoof with lightning speed.

Though it lacked human hands, the sheer force of its hooves was enough to strike terror into anyone. Franklin, seemingly too close to evade, intercepted the kick with the light shield held before him.

"Boom..." Franklin’s body was sent soaring like a snapped kite, flung through the air to an unknown distance. He Yiming couldn't help but shake his head.

If the White Horse possessed a massive body like a Dragon Snake, even the dullest mind would know better than to confront it head-on. But the White Horse's frame was only slightly larger than an ordinary tall steed.

It was precisely this size—which appeared "small" among Sacred Beasts—that caused Franklin to severely underestimate its power. The White Horse not only possessed immense electrical energy but also inherited the strength of the Divine Dragon.

This level of power was something no human could withstand in a direct clash. Though Franklin knew Sacred Beasts must be stronger than humans, he had not anticipated such monstrous strength residing within the White Horse’s seemingly "slender" frame.

A flash of white light appeared, and the White Horse Lightning spread its four hooves, rapidly pursuing its target into the distance. In an instant, it left Star Island and stepped onto the endless swirling currents surrounding it.

For the horse, these swirling dark currents seemed non-existent. Its bowl-sized hooves trod directly upon the vortexes, the immense suction having no effect.

It sped away, treading upon the very swirling currents that had caused Jin Zhanyi and the others so much distress. For Dao Pinnacle experts, places like Star Island were simply too confined; they could not bring their full might to bear here.

He Yiming reached out, scooping Baoshu into his embrace, and gave chase like a streak of light. The battle between the White Horse Lightning and the Dao Pinnacle expert was the best learning opportunity for him.

Under no circumstances would he miss it. A five-colored light flashed, and He Yiming soared into the air, pursuing the direction where the White Horse had vanished.