The setting sun cast a terrifying glow, an absolute hell on earth.
The Holy Emperor was on the verge of death.
His son, Ji Mingfeng, carried him on his back, fighting desperately, yet the wounds on his body kept multiplying.
This was a Cave Heaven Realm expert, considered invincible below the Yin-Yang Realm in Ling Xiao’s eyes, but now he was in such a pitiful state.
The Supreme Holy Emperor was suppressed by the Yin-Yang Demon King, barely holding his own. The old man had to resort to life-draining techniques to boost his strength, managing only a temporary stalemate.
The leader of the Blood Blade Sect had already perished.
The head of the Snow Mountain Sect was also dead.
Judging by their state, it seemed they were ambushed and died rather ignominiously.
The master of the Spirit Herb Manor was covered in wounds, struggling to hold on.
Most of the genius disciples who attended the Martial Arts Festival were dead, with only those among the twenty prodigies remaining.
To Ling Xiao’s surprise, Mo Wushang, Dao Wuming, and Qin Bixue had defected to the Sea Clan, joining Bai Qianjiao and Hong Li to slaughter the Holy Dynasty’s warriors.
The Holy Son, Ji Mingkong, however, earned a measure of Ling Xiao’s respect.
She was a bit arrogant and ruthless, but in the face of great matters, she remained clear-headed.
Though injured, she fought relentlessly with her battered body.
It seemed the Holy Emperor’s choice of her as Holy Son was not without reason.
Liu Taiyin and Hong Sanmei were also still alive, though equally scarred and struggling.
Of the ten Cave Heaven Realm judges, two had fallen, killed by Sikong Zun.
The rest were still resisting Sikong Zun’s frenzied attacks, but their situation was precarious.
Seeing this, Ling Xiao could no longer stand by.
Though he had no personal ties to those outside, he was born and raised in the Holy Dynasty. If it fell, there would be no safe haven.
If the Holy Dynasty was truly destroyed, he would live as a fugitive forever.
Be a dog for the Sea Clan?
He could never do that!
So he had to find a way!
The Moon Maiden had likely returned to the Moonlight Sect by now and couldn’t help.
It was up to him to figure something out!
In times like these, he needed to stay calm.
Ling Xiao took a deep breath, his mind racing through possibilities.
“I’ve got it!”
Ling Xiao’s eyes snapped open, gleaming with excitement.
He had initially planned to escape with the Supreme Holy Emperor and the others.
But now, it seemed unnecessary. With the Nine Cauldrons Illusion, he could drive off the Yin-Yang Demon King and others, perhaps even severely injure them!
This was something left by the Human King, its power unimaginable.
During his cultivation, he had absorbed five hours’ worth of energy, leaving four hours remaining, so the Nine Cauldrons Illusion’s power was still immense.
How immense, he didn’t know, but he would find out soon enough.
“Is heaven set on destroying our Holy Dynasty?”
As his strength waned, the Supreme Holy Emperor’s heart sank.
He had given his all but still couldn’t repel the Yin-Yang Demon King. At this moment, he was truly powerless.
Another of the ten Cave Heaven Realm judges fell, leaving only seven. As their numbers dwindled, the gap with Sikong Zun widened, and continuing meant certain death.
Yet they felt no urge to flee.
If they left, the young ones—the hope of the Holy Dynasty—would surely perish.
Besides, escape was impossible now.
“Your Highness, the Holy Son, here’s your chance. Join us in the Sea Clan, and you might even become the Holy Emperor!”
Mo Wushang looked at the Holy Son, beaten to the ground with no strength to fight back, his face showing pity.
“Exactly. If you’re willing, we can make you the new Holy Emperor at once!”
Sikong Zun laughed heartily, “I’m practically your master. Would I harm you? Don’t be stubborn!”
“Pah! I may have done many wrongs, but I’m not foolish. Even if I die, I’ll never be a dog for your Sea Clan!”
Ji Mingkong’s heart was heavy. So young, in the prime of her life, yet she was about to die so pathetically.
She didn’t want to die, but she wanted even less to betray the Holy Dynasty.
“If that’s your choice, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”
Mo Wushang snorted coldly. The Holy Son had always suppressed him at the Heavenly King Sect. To say he held no grudge would be a lie.
Now was his chance to end this inner demon.
“You really can’t know someone’s heart by their face. If it were him, he’d never betray the Holy Dynasty.”
In her final moments, a figure flashed through the Holy Son’s mind.
“Are you talking about Ling Xiao? Hmph, he’ll join you soon enough, no need to rush!”
Mentioning Ling Xiao made Mo Wushang even angrier, his massive claw reaching for the Holy Son’s neck.
Those nearby wanted to help but were too overwhelmed to intervene, as the Holy Dynasty’s side was barely holding on.
“Ah—!”
A scream pierced the sky.
But it wasn’t Ji Mingkong who screamed—it was Mo Wushang.
His massive claw had been cleanly severed.
In midair stood a figure.
In his hands, a black sword and a white sword.
His long black hair flowed in the wind, the golden dragon wings on his back gone, replaced by a pair of black-and-white light wings.
“Ling Xiao!”
“That brat!”
“The Chosen Son!”
“It’s him!”
Countless eyes turned to the sky.
Ling Xiao’s appearance was undeniably striking.
“I never thought he’d be the one to save me.”
Ji Mingkong shook her head with a bitter smile. If there was anyone she least wanted to owe, it was Ling Xiao, yet he was the one who saved her.
“Idiot, run!”
For some reason, Ji Mingkong shouted instinctively.
“Run? Where to? Since this brat showed up, he’s not escaping!”
Sikong Zun loathed Ling Xiao to the core. With the Moon Maiden absent, he was determined to deal with him.
“Lightning Demon King, leave this brat to me!”
Demon Flame Heavenly Lord suddenly stepped forward, volunteering.
His grudge against Ling Xiao was even deeper than Sikong Zun’s.
“No need to argue. None of the Sea Clan here today will leave unscathed!”
A chilling voice came from Ling Xiao.
The noisy battlefield fell silent, utterly still.
“Hahaha!”
“Ha ha ha!”
Moments later, wild laughter erupted, mixed with helpless sighs.
“This idiot, what nonsense is he spouting?”
“He says we won’t leave unscathed? If it were the Moon Maiden, I’d believe it somewhat, but this brat? Pure nonsense.”
“Laugh all you want. I’ll show you what human strength really means.”
Ling Xiao remained unfazed by the mockery, raising his black and white swords. The Nine Cauldrons Illusion vanished in an instant.
