Volume One, Chapter 31: I Will Save You—Can You Leave a Mark for Me?

At these words, Shen Ruzhi broke out in a cold sweat, grateful that she hadn’t acted rashly just now. When people’s interests are aligned, villagers will inevitably collude, and with mountains everywhere, there was no chance of escape.

A sound like bones shattering echoed through the air. The thick-browed young man frowned: What is this fellow up to? Even his meridians have been crushed. The moisture slowly drained from Shi Yi’s body, his once healthy complexion turning dull and dark until only skin and bones remained. All around, fire spirits surged toward Shi Yi, deepening the young man’s confusion.

But today, at this very moment, none of the adventurers watching the duel—nor even the overseer from the Adventurers’ Guild of Lada Town—had ever witnessed such a raw, unyielding contest of pure strength as was now unfolding in the arena.

Lada Town was exceptionally lively that day; countless adventurers had flocked from all directions to watch the battle. The excitement surrounding this duel nearly rivaled the rare showdowns between teams of the legendary Gold rank.

Those familiar with the award knew it was given not for quality, but for mediocrity—the more terrible films one made, the more likely one was to be nominated and win.

“Lose? How’s that possible? Even if we do lose, we can just refuse to admit it!” Wang Bo said nonchalantly.

As for him, he could take advantage of this rare window to plan carefully. Before entering Henei, his sights were set on Zhang Yang’s Wild King. Now, not only had he connected with Zhang Yang, but he had also unexpectedly gained Duan Wei of Heyang. In this game of chess, Henei had become the cornerstone of his initial strategy.

Even those with profound cultivation, if unable to break free from the radiance, would be trapped in endless illusions, their strength exhausted in vain struggle—until this mirror suppressed them and devoured their souls. For this, the bronze mirror was known as the Soul-Reaping Mirror of Asura.

Yet she, after obtaining the Silken Map, had spent days without a single breakthrough. The words “yin gives birth to yang, yang gives birth to yin; when yin and yang unite, the divine art is complete…” were entirely indecipherable to her, let alone putting them into practice. Only when Chen Nuo accidentally barged into her room and inspiration struck like lightning did she finally have an idea.

“Commander, it seems they really won’t shed tears until they see the coffin. Shall we proceed with punishment?” Yang Zhen sought Tang Feng’s opinion.

On the other side of the massive boulder, Killua leaned against the stone, his eyes half-closed. The usual coldness on his pale face was now tinged with surprise as he slowly opened his eyes.

Whether Xiang Rui’s remorse was genuine or feigned, he still had to kneel and apologize to Liu De—who, as a fifth-rank official, could not allow his dignity to be disregarded.

He clearly remembered seeing this fat man before, but for the life of him, he couldn’t recall the name. Perhaps the man simply left too faint an impression.

Just then, the thunder of galloping warhorses erupted. Zhao Yun’s expression shifted; fleeing alone would not be difficult, but with Fan Zhongyan’s entire family in tow, how could they escape such a formidable cavalry? Judging by the sound, there must have been close to a thousand riders.

No one sensed the situation on the battlefield more keenly than Immortal of Wine, Huadao, the Noble of Yangcheng, and their companions.

The three chairmen’s faces darkened, especially at Bai Tianxing’s final words—being used by someone? By whom?

Since an agreement had been reached, the matter was settled. At that moment, the looks cast toward Yu Liuming by Luo Minghan and other high-ranking Chu officers seemed subtly changed.

Their gazes met. Though the Emperor of the North Star possessed immense strength, even he now felt slightly at a disadvantage.

All eyes—human and demon alike—were fixed on the Hermit of the Heavens. Whether they could leave the Northern Nether Mountains depended on him; the fate of all rested in his hands.