The next sect they were headed to was called the “Iron-Cutting Sword Sect.”
However, by the time Jiang Ke’er finally reached the place, she called out several times, but not a single person from the entire sect came out to respond.
Even the sweeping servants at the entrance had vanished without a trace.
Desolate fallen leaves were swept by the wind past the mountain gate, presenting a miserable and deserted scene.
“Is anyone there? Did this place go out of business?” Jiang Ke’er, not giving up, called out again.
Only then did the main hall gate open a small crack cautiously.
Just as Jiang Ke’er was filled with anticipation, a letter drifted out from the hall, swaying gently, and then the hall door quickly slammed shut, even clicking shut with a lock.
Jiang Ke’er took the letter.
“Please proceed to Hanyeh Island in Myriad Blades State three days from now. All sword cultivators of the novice realm in Myriad Blades State will be awaiting your esteemed presence there. —Left by the Myriad Blades State Sword Cultivator Association”
After reading the letter, Jiang Ke’er reluctantly had to temporarily abandon the idea of continuing her challenge.
She had long expected that if she kept winning, the other smaller sects would close their doors and refuse to fight to save face.
But she didn’t expect them to be so cowardly so quickly.
And in response to her relentless pursuit, the sword cultivator sects of Myriad Blades State had clearly devised a countermeasure.
Face had to be regained.
To recover their standing, constant retreat was definitely not an option.
So, the other party would make one of two choices: either send out excellent sword cultivators from their sect to proactively find her and openly kill her.
This was obviously the most convenient method.
Once Jiang Ke’er was gone, human cultivators would quickly forget this unpleasant little incident.
But Jiang Ke’er had stated that she came to seek guidance, so if they took the initiative to attack, it would be a bit unjustifiable and seem somewhat unreasonable.
Then they would have to use the second method – set up a “Hongmen Banquet.”
“Aren’t you here to spar and learn? Then we’ll give you an opportunity to spar and learn, to let you experience the profound depth of Myriad Blades State’s sword arts!”
“And coincidentally, kill you.”
This way, they could not only showcase Myriad Blades State’s sword arts to the world and regain their standing but also eliminate Jiang Ke’er… and even erase the negative impact Jiang Ke’er had previously caused, instead promoting Myriad Blades State further.
Jiang Ke’er guessed that this sword cultivator exchange conference on Hanyeh Island would absolutely not be openly stated as being set up for her.
Instead, it would be publicly announced as “inviting fellow demon cultivators to discuss the Way of the Sword.”
In doing so, they could simultaneously humiliate demon cultivators who were not skilled in sword arts and avoid elevating Jiang Ke’er’s status too much, preventing Myriad Blades State from losing momentum.
At that time, they would display the demeanor of a host, assuming the attitude of senior masters guiding the demon race.
Newcomers who hadn’t chosen a sect yet would see this and think – wow! Our human sword cultivators are so proud and overbearing; they’re not afraid of you demon cultivators coming to learn and discuss the Dao, because you won’t learn anyway.
This is our human race’s exclusive skill! So cool! When I grow up, I want to be a sword immortal, I’m a fan, I’m a fan!
That’s probably how it would unfold.
Li Shimin poked his small head out and also saw the content on the letter, quickly saying, “Don’t go! If you go, you’re dead!”
Jiang Ke’er didn’t speak.
“Hey, big sister, you’re not really going, are you? Hanyeh Island is an isolated island in the sea; inviting you there clearly means they have no intention of letting you leave!” Li Shimin became anxious.
“If I don’t go, who will?” Jiang Ke’er countered.
Li Shimin was choked.
This matter now concerned the dignity of both races.
If Jiang Ke’er avoided the fight, all the achievements gained so far would be for naught.
On the contrary, it would completely put the demon race at a disadvantage in terms of morale and further dampen their spirits.
“Everyone will understand…” Li Shimin whispered, “Your talent is extraordinary. Staying alive, staying alive is everyone’s hope. No one will blame you.”
“Don’t worry,” Jiang Ke’er said with a light chuckle, stroking Li Shimin’s head to comfort him.
The cat-eared youth pouted, tears welling up in his eyes, his large, watery eyes looking at Jiang Ke’er, filled with pleading.
“It will be fine. When I come back, I’ll come find you and join your Demon Race Revival Society.”
Jiang Ke’er finished speaking, turned, and left without looking back.
Watching Jiang Ke’er’s retreating figure, Li Shimin burst into tears with a “waaah.”
Crying, he fiercely kicked Chen Yi: “Baldy, what if Big Sister dies?!”
“?”
The muscles on Chen Yi’s bald head twisted into a big question mark.
“What can I do? Why are you taking your anger out on me?”
“Should I try to persuade her again?”
“Big Sister’s mind is made up; too much nagging will only annoy her,” Chen Yi sighed.
Suddenly, he put his palms together and bowed respectfully in Jiang Ke’er’s direction.
“The female benefactor is a person of great wisdom, rushing fearlessly into what she knows is an Asura hell, as great as Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva… Even if she enters the Six Paths of Reincarnation, she will surely not suffer in the three evil paths in her next life.”
“Where are the Six Paths of Reincarnation? The Reincarnation Disk has collapsed,” Li Shimin pouted.
“…I’m just expressing my feelings.”
As for Jiang Ke’er, following the map’s guidance, she found a nearby city.
Perhaps her fierce reputation had spread too widely, for this time the innkeeper finally, trembling, gave her a room, sparing her from having to spend the night in an alleyway.
Coincidentally, when Dao Yi, Li Shimin, and Chen Yi arrived at this inn, it was fully booked, forcing them to stay at another inn not far away.
Swiping her room card to open the inn door, Jiang Ke’er stepped into the room and immediately felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her… She was truly tired today and genuinely needed a good rest.
But just as her guard was at its lowest, a ghostly shadow suddenly appeared behind her!
The room door was immediately closed and locked.
The black figure pulled Jiang Ke’er into an embrace, holding her tightly, and a towel imbued with a strange, sweet fragrance covered her mouth and nose!
Despite only a momentary lapse in attention, and inhaling just a small whiff of the mist, Jiang Ke’er already felt dizzy and light-headed.
She quickly held her breath and reached for the long sword at her waist.
But because she was held tightly by this mysterious assailant, her arms were tightly pinned, and even though her hand barely touched the hilt, she couldn’t draw the sword at all.
She was completely unable to fight back!
She had to give up on using her sword and instead grabbed the hand pressing against her mouth and nose, pulling outwards with force.
No good… she couldn’t exert any strength, couldn’t pull it away at all!
Moreover, the cautious black figure was wearing gloves, making her nails useless.
No, she was suffocating; she had to breathe.
But breathing meant it was over.
What if she feigned death?
She would try.
Jiang Ke’er’s body relaxed, pretending to be dazed and powerless.
But the cunning black figure remained completely unmoved! It continued to press the towel firmly against her face, utterly unfooled by her pretense!
This isn’t scientific! The script shouldn’t go like this!
It’s over, she really couldn’t hold her breath any longer.
Her body’s survival instinct drove Jiang Ke’er to take a deep breath.
Everything in her vision began to spin and blur, as if she were drunk.
Her head grew heavy, and she felt all her strength gradually leaving her.
So sleepy, time to sleep.
But, she couldn’t sleep; if she did, it would be over!
Jiang Ke’er felt a tingling itch in her ears, and something soft and slippery brushed over them.
Her body instantly went even limper, and she instinctively took another deep breath.
It’s over.
She felt even sleepier, and everything before her eyes began to darken.
No, she couldn’t sleep.
The other party’s target was clearly her body.
She couldn’t sleep…
She would lose her… innocence…
Zzz…