Ye Qiu was both shocked and furious.
He could have accepted not detecting Qi Tian’s move, but now being completely unable to break free from the restraint placed him and the Long-Browed Real Person in grave danger.
It also proved that Qi Tian had never intended to let them escape from the moment he acted.
“What do I do?”
Ye Qiu’s mind raced with panic.
At that moment, Qi Tian announced loudly to the crowd, “Everyone, my junior brother is profoundly righteous. He cannot bear to watch me abandon the contest for the Dragon Emperor inheritance, so he is willingly offering his life as sacrifice.”
What?
The divine sons froze.
They had been secretly delighted when Qi Tian appeared ready to withdraw, but now the situation had twisted again.
Xiao Yichen shot a glance at Ye Qiu and cursed under his breath, “Bastard, spoiling everything.”
Chen Tianming studied Qi Tian closely and wondered, “Could it be that Qi Tian is cut from the same cloth as Xiao Yichen, just another sanctimonious hypocrite?”
Remember the website.
Qi Tian’s eyes were bloodshot, tears streaming down his cheeks, his grief so convincing that it did not seem like an act.
“Perhaps I misjudged him,” Chen Tianming thought.
Suddenly, Wu Qinghao spoke up loudly, “Brother Qi, gold is easy to find, but a junior brother like yours is a once-in-a-lifetime treasure.”
“Since he is willing to die for you, how can you truly allow it? The Dragon Emperor inheritance can be replaced by other fortunes, but losing such a devoted junior brother would haunt you forever.”
Wu Qinghao knew full well that Qi Tian, Xiao Yichen, and Chen Tianming were his greatest obstacles to the inheritance. If Qi Tian withdrew and the other two fought to the death, he could swoop in once they had weakened each other. His chances would soar. With Qi Tian still in the running, three supreme prodigies competing would drastically reduce his own odds.
Thus, his seemingly kind advice hid selfish calculation.
Qi Tian replied, “Brother Wu speaks truly. Meeting a junior brother like this is a blessing from my ancestors’ graves.”
“I tried repeatedly to dissuade him, but he was resolute, determined to die.”
“I even considered dragging him away by force, yet he warned me that if I refused his wish, he would sever all ties and take his own life.”
Damn it, when did I ever agree to die for you?
When did I threaten suicide?
You cur.
Ye Qiu raged silently.
Qi Tian stepped forward, clasped Ye Qiu’s hand, and declared with deep emotion, “What virtue do I possess to have gained a junior brother like you in this lifetime?”
“I swear here today that I will never forget your kindness.”
“Upon my return, I shall erect a spirit tablet for you and offer incense daily.”
At this, Qi Tian broke into theatrical sobs.
The disciples from the other sects, unaware of the truth, were deeply moved by the scene, many on the verge of tears.
“Such profound brotherhood!”
“Not blood brothers, yet greater than blood brothers!”
“No wonder Divine Son Qi Tian was willing to withdraw earlier. His junior brother is just as loyal and righteous!”
“If only I had a junior brother like that.”
“…”
Ignoring Ye Qiu’s murderous glare, Qi Tian held his hand tightly and transmitted, “Junior Brother, fear not. I will honour every promise I made.”
“Your noble sacrifice will be reported truthfully to our Master. He will surely be moved.”
“Alas, our bond as fellow disciples ends here in this life. If there is a next life, I hope you will again be my junior brother.”
“Farewell forever.” “Safe journey.”
As the words left his mouth, Qi Tian quietly unleashed two surges of power. Instantly, Ye Qiu and the Long-Browed Real Person were hurled towards the Golden Mountain.
“Junior Brother!”
Qi Tian threw his head back and wailed, dropping to his knees while roaring, “Junior Brother, why did you force this?”
“Even if I claim the Dragon Emperor inheritance now, my heart will never find peace.”
“Junior Brother, in our next life I will still be your senior brother and protect you forever.”
“Ahhhh!”
He wept bitterly, pounding his chest with clenched fists in apparent anguish.
The sight broke hearts and drew tears.
Disciples from every major sect were overcome with emotion. Many wiped away quiet tears.
Those ignorant of the truth believed Ye Qiu had truly chosen sacrifice, feeling both sorrow and admiration.
“From the moment I met Brother Long, I knew he was a man of deep loyalty. Now it is proven,” Wang Cong declared, cupping his fists. “Brother Long, safe passage!”
Fang Tianming fell to his knees and cried out, “Brother Long, your life-saving grace cannot be repaid in this lifetime. I will repay it in the next!”
…
Closer and closer to the Golden Mountain.
Ye Qiu remained trapped, unable to employ any technique. In desperation, he called silently to Old Nine.
“Old Nine, come out now, or I’m finished…”
Clang!
A stir came from the Qiankun bag. A crack split the vermilion blood coffin, and Old Nine’s voice rang out.
“Don’t chicken out. Just smash right into it.”
Ye Qiu nearly exploded with rage. He cursed inwardly, “Are you still my guardian or not? Save me, or I’m done for.”
Old Nine seemed to hear his thoughts. “Relax. Your destiny is strong.”
“Save me now…” Ye Qiu pleaded silently.
“I’ll save Long-Browed,” Old Nine replied.
Ye Qiu demanded in his mind, “And me?”
Old Nine chuckled. “You’re on your own.”
“You absolute…” Before Ye Qiu could finish, his body struck the Golden Mountain.
Boom!
His flesh exploded into bloody mist.
The Long-Browed Real Person, just behind, saw it happen. He tried to scream but could make no sound, eyes bulging in horror.
The next instant he glimpsed Ye Qiu’s primordial spirit, only for it to disintegrate into dust.
“Little brat!”
Despair and agony tore through the Long-Browed Real Person like never before.
In that moment, life felt utterly pointless.
Boom!
His own body burst into bloody mist. Just as he braced for his primordial spirit to shatter, a tremendous suction yanked it away.
Then he saw the vermilion blood coffin.
“Old Nine!” he cried in shock.
“Call me Ninth Master,” Old Nine corrected.
“Ninth Master, hurry and save the little brat! His primordial spirit shattered…”
Thud!
Old Nine struck swiftly, knocking the primordial spirit unconscious, and grumbled, “You talk too much. Annoying.”
