The Sea Clan’s army paid a heavy price for their arrogance.
Before any real clash, they were already in complete disarray.
Like frozen fish, they were easy prey for Ling Xiao to reap.
Moments later, the battle was over.
When Dai Yaoling and the others arrived to help, they were dumbfounded.
After all, Ling Xiao single-handedly slaying so many experts was a bizarre sight.
“Don’t just stand there. We’re almost at Beihan Kingdom. Let’s hurry before more trouble comes!”
Ling Xiao had no time to bask in their shock. The closer to the end, the more likely problems could arise, and he didn’t want to waste his efforts.
“I wonder how my mother is.”
Dai Yaoling glanced into the distance, worried.
“Don’t worry, she’s fine. She has her own fortune.”
When Ling Xiao left, he had placed a soul imprint on Dai Lingrong. Though he couldn’t know her exact situation, he was certain she was alive and seemingly receiving treatment. His soul techniques weren’t advanced enough to see everything clearly.
Though unsure how Ling Xiao knew, Dai Yaoling trusted him, and the group pressed on.
Their injuries had healed, so their pace quickened. In less than an hour, they’d reach Beihan Kingdom’s borders, where safety awaited.
Half an hour later, Beihan Kingdom’s territory came into clear view, with a Great Wall guarded by its soldiers.
“We made it! We’ve escaped the pursuit!”
“What a pity. If we’d reached Beihan Kingdom sooner, Spirit Herb Manor wouldn’t have lost so many.”
“Forget the past; it’s no use dwelling on it. We must look forward!”
“Yes, but this grudge must be avenged!”
The Spirit Herb Manor disciples were thrilled. With Ling Xiao leading, they hadn’t even fought, escaping the pursuers with ease—a stroke of great luck.
“Brother Ling Xiao, what’s wrong?”
Dai Yaoling noticed Ling Xiao’s expression shift.
“Trouble. We’re being watched, and it’s a strong one!”
Ling Xiao frowned, speaking to Dai Yaoling, “Stay calm. With me here, you won’t get hurt.”
“Heh heh heh, not bad for the Chosen Son, spotting me so quickly!”
A strange laugh rang out. A crow landed from a branch, transforming into a hunched old man.
Though stooped and aged, appearing weak, Ling Xiao didn’t underestimate him.
The man exuded a powerful aura—a Three Talents Heaven Realm warrior.
Before, Ling Xiao might not have feared him.
But with his cultivation regressed, he could handle First Heaven Realm warriors, but a Three Talents Heaven Realm expert was trouble.
“You’re not from the Sea Clan or Blue-Eyed Clan. Who are you?”
Ling Xiao was certain this man lacked the Sea Clan’s “slave mark,” a distinct aura on those who served them.
He also believed, with his soul force, this man couldn’t have tracked him unnoticed. He was likely waiting nearby.
“Hahaha, the Chosen Son is sharp. No wonder even our leader values you.”
The old man laughed loudly, “I’m just an ordinary Tianli Alliance warrior, sent by our leader to invite you for a chat. You’ll give me that courtesy, won’t you?”
“Senior, if it’s an invitation, that’s simple. After I escort these people to the Moonlight Sect, I’ll visit the Tianli Alliance.”
Ling Xiao didn’t believe it was just an invitation. The man’s aura carried clear hostility.
“Let me be clear. Among the twelve sects’ remnants, Heavenly King Sect, Blue Water Shrine, and Blood Blade Sect joined the Sea Clan. The rest—Xuan Fire Sect, Snow Mountain Sect, Sword King Sect, Gu King Sect, Tang Sect, and Poison King Sect—have joined the Tianli Alliance.
“Now, we’ve founded a nation. Our Tianli Alliance leader is Tianli Kingdom’s ruler. If you come with me now, you could be our first core disciple, with a lofty status, perhaps even the future ruler.”
The old man spoke slowly, unafraid of Ling Xiao fleeing.
And why would he be? A Three Talents Heaven Realm warrior facing Mortal Realm warriors would be embarrassed to fear them.
Ling Xiao was shocked. The Tianli Alliance had moved fast, capitalizing on the chaos.
The Holy Dynasty was left with a few fugitives, the rest fighting independently.
Soon, a three-way standoff would likely form: True Demon Empire, Tianli Kingdom, and Beihan Kingdom.
Smaller factions would be defeated or absorbed.
“Senior, can’t you give me a few days?” Unless forced, Ling Xiao didn’t want to fight.
He had only two chances to defeat this old man:
First, if Butterfly Girl awoke, though that seemed unlikely now.
Second, using the power left by the Human King, usable nine times. He’d used it once in the Holy City, leaving eight.
It was his life-saving trump card, and he was reluctant to use it.
But if there was no choice, he’d have to, as going with this old man would mean losing his freedom.
“Kid, my patience is limited. One last chance—will you come or not?”
The old man was growing impatient.
“And if I don’t?” Ling Xiao asked.
“If not, I’ll take your corpse back. A genius like you, if we can’t have you, must be killed!”
The old man’s expression turned ferocious, his voice cold as the depths of the underworld.
Suddenly, the Spirit Herb Manor disciples stepped forward, shielding Ling Xiao.
“Brother Ling Xiao, go! With your speed, he might not catch you. We’re close to Beihan Kingdom; you can escape. You’ve protected us this far, and now it’s our turn to repay you.”
“Right, Brother Ling, go!”
“You’ll die!” Ling Xiao was touched, but his face remained impassive.
“Just avenge us, and our deaths will be worth it,” Dai Yaoling said, tears streaming down her cheeks.
She didn’t want to die.
But if she had to choose, she’d sacrifice her life to protect Ling Xiao.
