“Both of them have unleashed their martial souls. It looks like they’re getting serious.”
“Ling Xiao’s martial soul aura isn’t weak either. This should be an exciting fight. Very interesting.”
Though Ling Xiao held no sword, the ferocious energy from his demonic blade seemed capable of slicing through the surrounding bricks and stones.
The intensity of his sword aura was astonishing.
Many who had underestimated Ling Xiao were momentarily stunned, finding it hard to believe.
Even so, the crowd still believed Ling Xiao would lose, and likely die.
“Look, the Picture Wall is opening.”
Just as the tension between the two peaked, a voice rang out.
Both instinctively glanced at the Picture Wall. A door had appeared within the once-solid surface.
A passable door.
“Hahaha, you lot keep fighting. I’m off to hunt for treasure.”
Po Qianjun laughed loudly and darted through the door.
No danger struck. He passed through safely.
Seeing this, the wary warriors rushed after him.
In moments, the crowd that had lingered to watch the drama was nearly gone. Only the Sword King Sect members seemed reluctant to leave, eager to see Ling Xiao killed.
“Senior Sister Lan, you go ahead. I can handle Tang Jiu alone.”
Ling Xiao spoke softly.
“Are you sure you can manage?”
Lan Yuer was concerned.
The others were unwilling to abandon him.
“Go. Your presence won’t help.”
Ling Xiao’s tone grew firm.
“No one’s leaving. You killed my brother, and you’ll all die here.”
Tang Jiu suddenly ignored Ling Xiao and lunged at Lan Yuer.
Clang.
A sword light blocked his path, forcing him to halt.
“In my presence, you won’t harm anyone from Moonlight Sect.”
Ling Xiao was confident.
“Let’s go.”
Lan Yuer realised staying would only burden Ling Xiao.
“Senior Brother Ling, stay safe.”
“Big Brother Ling, you must be alright.”
The group passed through the door.
Ling Xiao let out a quiet breath of relief.
Their presence could have been a weakness for him.
Now, there was no issue.
“Senior Brother Tang Jiu, Senior Brother Li Youdao sent a telepathic message. He’s found treasure. Hurry over.”
At that moment, a Tang Sect disciple shouted to Tang Jiu.
“Hmph. Ling Xiao, remember this: even inside, you’re a dead man. I don’t have time to deal with you now, but once I get the treasure, your time is up. You’d better use a secret scroll to escape, or you’re finished.”
Tang Jiu snorted coldly and turned to leave.
His earlier rage seemed hollow. Clearly, his attachment to his brother Tang Qi was minimal, or he wouldn’t have left so easily.
At the very least, in Tang Jiu’s mind, treasure far outweighed vengeance for his brother.
As Tang Jiu led the Tang Sect away, Lan Yuer and the others, who had already entered, returned.
“You lot.”
Seeing them, Ling Xiao felt a warmth in his heart. They cared for him, proof that sincerity was repaid.
“No need to say anything. We all owe you. Honestly, if Tang Jiu had attacked, we might not have stopped him, but we could’ve caused him some trouble.”
Lan Yuer smiled.
The others nodded in agreement.
“That was close. Luckily, the Picture Wall opened. Otherwise, Tang Jiu wouldn’t have backed off so easily. Senior Brother Ling, what’s our next move?”
Leng Hao asked.
No one else remained outside. The Sword King Sect members had left with the Tang Sect.
“Big Brother Ling, Tang Jiu may be gone for now, but if we run into him inside, won’t that be trouble? He’s despicable, but his strength is overwhelming. Even together, we might not stand a chance.”
Long Chen added.
“Brother Long, you’re underestimating Ling Xiao. He’s far stronger than you think.”
Zhao Zhi’s faith in Ling Xiao was near-blind devotion, having witnessed his rise and countless miracles.
“He is indeed strong.”
Ling Xiao nodded. “But he’s not as terrifying as you imagine. Honestly, if it came to a fight where one of us had to die, it wouldn’t be me.”
With that, he stepped toward the door. “Hurry. This door likely has a time limit before it closes.”
He could kill Tang Jiu, no doubt, but without transforming into his Primordial Golden Dragon form, it would be a pyrrhic victory.
That’s why he didn’t pursue Tang Jiu. There were more important matters at hand.
The others exchanged glances, surprised by Ling Xiao’s words, but they trusted he wasn’t boasting.
Ling Xiao was never that sort.
About two or three minutes after they entered, the door vanished completely.
The silent hall was left with only the sound of empty winds.
…
“Why is the palace full of water?”
After passing through the door, the group noticed something strange. The interior was entirely sealed, like a massive, ornate fish tank filled with water, strange rocks, and plants.
Oddly, it wasn’t freshwater but deep-sea water, far denser. Swallowing it could spell disaster.
“It’s said the True Demon Empire rose from the sea, a marine race. Though they could live on land, they preferred the deep ocean. It’s not surprising the palace is like this.”
Ling Xiao explained.
He had confirmed this near Tianfeng City’s coastal waters, so it was likely true.
“Marine race?”
Clearly, the others hadn’t heard of such a thing.
“Are there really races living in the deep sea?”
Leng Hao couldn’t help but ask.
“Quiet. Something’s off. I sense a dangerous presence.”
Ling Xiao didn’t answer Leng Hao but raised a hand, signalling silence.
Using his Mountain River Martial Soul, he could see farther.
A massacre was unfolding.
Warriors were being slaughtered.
Their attackers were bizarre crocodiles, seven or eight metres long.
These crocodiles had iron-hard scales, perfectly blending with the seawater’s colour, making them nearly invisible when merged with the water.
As he spoke, red bloodstains drifted through the water. Everyone saw it. Zhao Ci, in her agitation, nearly swallowed a mouthful of water.
Crack.
Suddenly, a dark shadow lunged at Ling Xiao, its massive jaws snapping toward his body.
