Si Lian’s voice sounded hoarse and aged.
“That time, I chose to save the squad because I believed Blue Shadow’s strength could overcome that tribulation.”
“But I also paid the price for it.”
Si Lian’s eyes were devoid of life.
She stared agonizingly at the Bagpipe Squad on the screen as they gradually fell into the encirclement, huddling in the corner of her box with her hands tightly clutching her knees.
“What exactly is your relationship with Blue Shadow?” Emperor Jing realized something was amiss.
“Why is she equal to the squad’s status in your heart?”
Si Lian gave a self-mocking laugh.
“She is my only concern, the reason I’m still alive… I will never betray her again. Even if you use a Soul Search on me, you won’t be able to learn her whereabouts. I once went to the Land of Oaths and swore to the Heavenly Dao. No form of inquiry will ever extract information about Blue Shadow from me.”
“The Land of Oaths?!” Emperor Jing was shocked. “You… how ruthless!”
To make a vow at the Land of Oaths, one had to offer one of their Three Souls and Seven Po as collateral.
Until the oath was fulfilled, that soul would be forever mortgaged within the Soul Monument of the Land of Oaths.
If one made a vow like ‘I will never betray Blue Shadow again in this lifetime,’ then that soul would only return to its place after death.
A person lacking a soul was equivalent to giving up the chance to advance to the Immortal Grade.
Their Cultivation Base would be forever locked below the Immortal Grade.
At the same time, they would be severed from many soul-related techniques for life; even if they could use them, their power would be less than half of anyone else’s…
In Shenzhou, where every ounce of strength could determine life or death, such a decision was practically suicidal.
“Forget it,” Emperor Jing sighed, leaning back in his chair.
“In truth, I have always admired your actions… Since that’s the case, I will no longer make things difficult for you. I will grant you a dignified death.”
“Then I truly must thank you,” Si Lian sneered.
“However, you must stay and finish watching this match with me.” Emperor Jing’s face was expressionless.
“Since you chose Blue Shadow, your team will pay the price for your choice.”
In the projection in the sky, the semi-circular formation of the Human Cultivator team had successfully drawn the Bagpipe Squad into their encirclement and was gradually closing in.
The audience members all slowed their breathing, staring intently at the screen, fearing they might miss a fleeting moment of a killing blow.
Watching that arrogant team being forced into a corner bit by bit… it was truly a pleasure. It was so satisfying!
“There are no canyons nearby.” Jiang Ke’er withdrew her Divine Sense, her expression exhausted.
“Move northwest and try to break through… Wait.”
Jiang Ke’er closed her eyes to sense again.
A moment later, she opened her eyes in pleasant surprise.
“There seems to be a canyon 30 miles to the northeast. Move toward the northeast immediately!”
Heading northeast, the terrain clearly began to open up and grow higher.
Gradually, the cover of green leaves vanished, leaving only brownish-black withered wood and dead branches standing on the deathly white stone ground.
“These white stones seem a bit strange.” Jiang Ke’er felt somewhat hesitant.
It was as if two different worlds were separated by a clear dividing line.
One side was a forest in the warmth of spring, while the other was frozen and biting, a coldness that felt like knives cutting against one’s face.
Jiang Ke’er knelt down to examine the massive white stone blocks.
The cold was emanating from these objects.
In an alien world, one should usually detour around eerie environments for safety, but the Bagpipe Squad simply didn’t have the time to go around.
“Let’s risk it! Keep running!”
The Bagpipe Squad’s current situation was a race against time for survival.
They had to reach the canyon to the northeast before the encirclement was completed to snatch a slim chance at life.
‘I can’t lose.’
Jiang Ke’er gritted her teeth.
‘At any cost, I can’t lose!’
“Adjust direction. Pursue toward the northeast. Their speed has slowed down.” After sensing for a moment, the honest-looking Zeng Tie sent a message to the rest of the Human Cultivator teams.
Chen Bule, the Captain of the Fireblade Squad who had undergone Possession, gripped the knife in his hand.
“They finally stopped running. This time, I’m going to cut off her head with my own hands!”
“Everyone, pay attention. Do not use spells or attacks lightly against that Qing Yi. Any strike must be a Deadly Strike!” Zeng Tie warned via voice transmission.
“Seize the opportunity to attack the mage named A Miao. Once he’s dealt with, they’ll be at their wit’s end.”
“It’s so cold,” someone remarked.
Zeng Tie frowned and crouched down.
He had also noticed the change in the environment; the temperature had plummeted, and cold white stones were piled on the ground.
He reached out and picked up a piece.
After seeing its shape clearly, he couldn’t help but say in shock, “A snowflake? What a huge snowflake!”
The hexagonal ice crystal was as large as a human head, a thin sliver with edges as sharp as a knife.
Furthermore, these thick snowflakes could obstruct his perception to a certain extent.
Within his Divine Sense, the aura of the Bagpipe Squad ahead had already become somewhat blurred.
“This place is truly eerie. Let’s hurry up and kill them to end this.” An ominous premonition rose in Zeng Tie’s heart.
“They’re hiding in the canyon ahead. Watch out for an ambush. Half of you circle around from above.”
The various teams soon reached the entrance of the canyon.
Half of the people flew upward, while the other half cautiously searched inside the canyon.
However, there was no need to search at all. Upon arriving at this end of the canyon, they saw that petite shadow.
Jiang Ke’er had one hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword while the other held her Wine Gourd.
She tilted her head back, and the fragrant liquor from the Wine Gourd poured down her throat, gulping it down until the very last drop vanished.
Only then did she lower her head and solemnly tie the Wine Gourd back to her waist.
The girl wiped her mouth, her face wearing an alluring, drunken flush. She then beckoned toward Zeng Tie and all the Human Cultivators at the canyon entrance.
“Weaklings, come at me!”
“A head-on fight—do you dare?”
Zeng Tie laughed.
“Liquor emboldens a coward. It seems you’re drunk and finally ready to face your fate.”
His gaze turned cold, and he was the first to charge. In an instant, he flashed to Jiang Ke’er’s side and said in a flippant tone, “Why wouldn’t I dare?”
Yet, Jiang Ke’er didn’t panic in the slightest. Facing the imminent attack, she instead said leisurely, “Honored One, don’t be so impatient, lest you ruin your master’s grand plan.”
Zeng Tie’s expression changed. His thunderous Deadly Strike suddenly slowed and pulled back at the last second, allowing Jiang Ke’er to dodge easily.
“All together!” Zeng Tie roared, retreating 10 steps and commanding the rest of the Human Cultivators to launch a siege on Jiang Ke’er.
They wouldn’t let Jiang Ke’er use the same method to launch a violent slaughter.
With them being prepared, as long as the Magic-Type Cultivators didn’t recklessly throw spells to give Jiang Ke’er a chance to accelerate, she was mostly crippled and could only wait for death where she stood.
But just then, an overwhelming wave of spells was launched from the top of the canyon, blanketing the area within.
The group of Human Cultivators was caught off guard and hurried to block with all their might.
However, they soon discovered that these spells were all hollow threats with very little lethality. Moreover, the target wasn’t them at all.
It was Jiang Ke’er.
“Sorry, but it’s my time again.”