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墨書 Inktalez
The Leaving Water Sword wielded by Qi Zilan seemed almost invisible in the air. It only revealed itself when it struck at the three attackers, then vanished again in an instant, leaving them in a state of chaos. Especially for the Cultivator without a Defensive Artifact, who had already lost an arm. He raised a large halberd to block the incoming Leaving Water Sword, too afraid to turn and flee, fearing that would lead to a quicker death.
Xunuo observed the situation, unsure of how to intervene. He considered waiting for the group to exhaust themselves in their fight before striking them down all at once.
While attacking Qi Zilan might yield success, the remaining three were not opponents Xunuo could handle alone. It would be better to eliminate these three Cultivators surrounding Qi Zilan and save her. Although this would require him to retreat quickly, it would at least allow him to avoid immediate danger.
As Xunuo weighed the pros and cons, a sudden surge of immense magical energy swept through the area. In an instant, a faint green light appeared in his vision, growing closer until it revealed a gaunt old man.
The Emaciated Elder's appearance caused both sides of the conflict to immediately separate. The three Cultivators attacking Qi Zilan approached him respectfully and called out, "Shibo."
Qi Zilan felt a chill run down her spine, her face turning pale.
The Emaciated Elder looked at Qi Zilan with an expressionless face. One of the Cultivators recounted their experiences in the town and reported that one of their fellow disciples had been killed by Qi Zilan. The Elder maintained his stoic demeanor, showing no reaction even upon hearing that a junior had been slain.
Xunuo, hidden nearby, felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles. The proximity made him hesitant to move. The overwhelming pressure radiating from the Emaciated Elder made Xunuo restless; he felt an uncontrollable urge to flee. He could only grit his teeth and suppress this impulse and fear, uncertain how long he could endure it.
After listening to the reports from the three juniors, the Emaciated Elder waved them back and addressed Qi Zilan: "Your accidental killing of my sect's disciple was driven by survival; I can overlook it this time. However, the Leaving Water Sword you possess is of great importance. You must return with me to our mountain gate for clarification. I am someone who values talent. Not only can I guarantee your safety, but I may also consider taking you as my disciple. Your performance will determine this."
Upon hearing this, Qi Zilan felt blood rush to her head and blurted out, "What is there to explain? You have already performed Soul Search on me; what could I possibly hide from you? I would rather die than be captured alive."
Qi Zilan had witnessed firsthand how the Crimson Flower Sect's Foundation Stage Cultivator conducted Soul Search on her companions. It was during that time she managed to escape.
Thus, she understood that their intention in capturing her was not to extract more information but likely to use her as bait to lure out Xunuo. Having been a Bandit Leader herself, she was well-acquainted with such tactics and quickly assessed the situation's trajectory.
However, there was one matter that troubled Qi Zilan greatly and led her to resolve that she would rather perish than fall into their trap. This issue arose when she considered how the Crimson Flower Sect handled things after it came to light.
Simply put, a disciple of the Crimson Flower Sect had been killed for their treasures. Years later, when those treasures resurfaced, so did the true culprit behind the murder. Such incidents were common among various Cultivation Sects; young disciples often faced peril during their training journeys each year. Once they identified the true culprit, public hunts were typically organized.
Yet the Crimson Flower Sect adopted a strategy of outward leniency but inward vigilance. Only a small circle of disciples within the sect knew who was being pursued. Those sent out on missions did not wear sect attire but instead blended in with Loose Cultivators, fearful that news of these events would leak out.
With today added, the Emaciated Elder's words further solidified Qi Zilan's suspicion: the Crimson Flower Sect likely had greater ambitions.
This realization made Qi Zilan even more determined not to get involved. Currently, she was merely a secondary owner of the Leaving Water Sword. Any entanglement would be tied to the sword itself. Even if she fled, they wouldn't pursue her across the land just to retrieve the Leaving Water Sword. If she were to become involved in their carefully hidden secrets, she feared she might not even have a chance to escape.
Because of this, when Qi Zilan encountered Xunuo at the Market, she dared not reveal herself. Given her nature, anyone who would lead her into a deadly trap deserved their fate, even if the instigator was one of her own group.
The Emaciated Elder's resolute words did not sway Qi Zilan. He coldly chuckled and said, "As far as I know, that Alchemist named Xunuo has shared a night with you. I presume he has told you some things. The Crimson Flower Sect has a mutually beneficial deal with him, and we need you to relay a message. Moreover, once this matter is settled, the Crimson Flower Sect will reward you handsomely. You are overthinking this."
Hearing him speak so brazenly chilled Qi Zilan's heart. She quickly interrupted the Emaciated Elder, declaring firmly, "I have nothing but enmity with that Alchemist surnamed Xu; there is no friendship left between us. I cannot comply with this request. If you intend to kill me, then do it today. Although I lack the strength to fight back, capturing me alive is impossible. I can still self-destruct my Sea of Consciousness."
The Emaciated Elder did not expect Qi Zilan to be so resolute. His cultivation was at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, while Qi Zilan was merely an Eleventh Layer Cultivator. However, her magical power and spells surpassed others at her level, and her magical artifacts were exceptionally sharp.
The Emaciated Elder was confident he could kill Qi Zilan and capture her without difficulty. But if she was determined to self-destruct her Sea of Consciousness, he would be powerless to stop it. This was also why he had initially chosen not to reveal himself.
According to his earlier plan, he intended to lure Qi Zilan into a formation where he could control her instantly with its power. Unexpectedly, Qi Zilan did not fall into his trap, forcing him to come out.
For the first time, a flicker of emotion crossed the Emaciated Elder's face. He had to make a decision quickly: either kill Qi Zilan or let her escape for now. If he killed her, some of the Crimson Flower Sect's subsequent plans would need adjustments; it might be better to let her go temporarily since they had already collected her magical fluctuations in the Tracking Disk.
Although Qi Zilan had some means of concealment and had escaped from their encirclement several times inexplicably, several seniors from the Rotation Period were already dispatched within their ranks. Under their Divine Sense, any tricks she had would be as exposed as nuts in sunlight.
Just as the Emaciated Elder pondered what to say next, his gaze suddenly shifted toward an empty space. He raised his hand and reached into that area. In the next moment, with a clang sound, a figure tumbled into view.
This figure was none other than Xunuo, who had been hiding nearby. Xunuo's exposure was not due to any movement on his part but rather because the Great Illusion Concealment Talisman's effectiveness had waned over time.
The Emaciated Elder only vaguely sensed a trace of magical fluctuation from that empty space and casually reached out. If he had unleashed a powerful spell at that moment, Xunuo would have been obliterated in an instant; Xunuo's Magic Shield could hardly withstand an attack from a Foundation Stage Cultivator.
Xunuo's appearance first shocked and moved Qi Zilan because she believed he had come to protect her. She could never imagine that Xunuo was ruthless enough to eliminate threats without hesitation.
Upon hearing Qi Zilan's few simple words of conversation, Xunuo truly admired her decisiveness and resilience.
As Xunuo revealed himself, he quickly assessed the current situation. Even without exposing his identity, simply hearing these secrets would be enough for the Crimson Flower Sect to want him dead. In an instant, Xunuo changed his plan; facing stronger opponents, it was better to join forces than engage in deceitful tactics against each other.
Xunuo flicked his wrist, and the Thunderproof Armored Shell instantly materialized. He then patted his storage bag, and the Zhenjiang Seal transformed into a massive ten-zhang figure, blocking Xunuo's path. The Golden Sword Artifact leaped into the air, aimed directly at the Emaciated Elder, ready for battle.
The Emaciated Elder glanced at Xunuo with an expressionless face. Coldly, he said, "Your invisibility artifact seems to be the Great Illusion Concealment Talisman from the Celestial Talisman Sect. I heard not long ago that a traitor had fled from the Celestial Talisman Sect; could it be you?"
Xunuo's eyes shifted, and he chuckled, "Senior has sharp eyes. I wonder what your intentions are towards me."
The Emaciated Elder replied, "What intentions? That is what I wish to ask you. What are you plotting by hiding here?"
Knowing that continuing the conversation would likely lead to a confrontation, Xunuo hurriedly transmitted a message to Qi Zilan: "Please delay for a moment, Fairy Qi. I will set up a Defensive Array to protect my life."
Qi Zilan immediately responded, "Xue Dao You, this is a self-entrapment move. Do you think these few people are the only ones pursuing me? If we delay any longer and stronger opponents arrive, escaping will be even more difficult. The best plan now is for us to escape separately and see how fate treats us."
Xunuo quickly replied, "Does Fairy Qi believe she has a way to escape? Although the Crimson Flower Sect has not publicly pursued you, their arrangements are extensive behind the scenes. If there are pursuers behind us, escaping becomes nearly impossible. Only by eliminating these few can we hope to mislead others from tracking us. United against a common enemy is our best chance. I have an artifact that may achieve victory in one strike; I ask for your support as Guardian."
Naturally, Qi Zilan understood that Xunuo made sense. However, she had been terrified by her pursuers these days, and her judgment had been declining due to constant fear.
Upon hearing that Xunuo had means to kill a Foundation Stage Cultivator, she steadied herself and said, "Since Young Master Xu has such means, I will certainly do my utmost to assist."
After a pause, Qi Zilan asked a question that made Xunuo hesitant to answer: "Young Master Xu has come for me, hasn't he?"
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