"Making the decision to kill you was the best decision I ever made. To possess such formidable strength at the half-step Golden Core stage, if I let you develop without interference, who knows how terrifying you would have become."
Guān Chán manipulated the Blood Puppet, uttering this line in a spine-chilling voice. Coupled with the surroundings, it was as frightening as it could get.
However, Xiāo Míng no longer had the will to consider these things. He was too exhausted even to feel fear. If this continued, he feared he would truly be finished.
*Grand Elder… Why haven't they arrived yet…*
Xīāo Míng was supported by his strong will, while the Blood Puppet Zōu Lín’s flesh and blood power was rapidly being depleted. If he gave up now, it would be a death sentence.
A desperate struggle offered a sliver of hope.
One sought to eliminate a prodigy to avert future trouble; the other fought to await rescue and preserve his own life.
*Boom!*
After several exchanges of blows, the two figures continued to trade punches that landed with the satisfying thud of flesh on flesh.
Finally…
After a few rounds of combat, the Blood Puppet surprisingly fell into a trap set by Xiāo Míng for the first time, its body sent flying back several meters.
Grasping the Blood Soul Token, Guān Chán inwardly lamented:
*This is bad, the Blood Puppet's flesh and blood power is almost burnt out. I can't drag this out any longer!*
A hint of admiration surfaced in Guān Chán's fierce gaze—this was the first time she had encountered someone so resolute. To withstand the Blood Puppet for so long without even reaching the Golden Core stage was remarkable.
"You are the most special cultivator I have ever seen, but, we shall never meet again!"
Despite her admiration, Guān Chán withdrew her focus and crushed the Blood Soul Token.
At that very moment!
A white cloud flew across the sky, carrying boundless spiritual energy and emitting a faint glow.
The Grand Elder of Lingyun Sect, True Person of Nascent Soul Stage—Yún Wǎnqīng.
Yún Wǎnqīng arrived with Dù Jìngqiū and immediately saw Xiāo Míng struggling within the energy shield and the Blood Puppet. With a thought, the treasure sword hanging from her waist flew out instantly.
Gripping the sword hilt with her right hand, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth converged. Even before drawing her sword, the pressure was immense!
"Disciple, move aside."
A reminder, and Yè Qíngtiān swiftly rolled away. He watched as an immeasurably vast sword energy descended from the sky. The sheer power forced Yè Qíngtiān to brace himself with his sword and knife, gritting his teeth to remain standing.
*Bang!!!*
The previously indestructible energy shield, before even making contact with the sword energy, shattered instantly after being merely brushed by it. The faces of Xiāo Míng and the Blood Puppet within the shield were clearly revealed to all.
"Senior Brother!" Yè Qíngtiān was about to fly over to aid Xiāo Míng when he heard Xiāo Míng shout:
"Dodge!"
The Blood Puppet Zōu Lín suddenly stopped. The eyes, which had slightly regained their consciousness, were filled with despair. Then, it slowly spread its arms and opened its mouth wide.
*Boom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
A deafening explosion resounded, followed by a sky full of shattered blood mist and a sickeningly bloody stench.
If the Blood Soul Token connected to the Blood Puppet was broken, the Blood Puppet would self-destruct.
Everything happened in the blink of an eye. Yè Qíngtiān and Dù Jìngqiū stared directly at the spot where the Blood Puppet had exploded, their eyes filled with disbelief.
"Senior Brother Xiāo! Wuwuwuwu…"
Dù Jìngqiū, after all, was only sixteen. Though she had seen much of the world, it had never included such a scene. She finally couldn't help but burst into tears.
But then, as the blood mist scattered, a blood-soaked figure emerged. However, the chest was still rising and falling.
Yún Wǎnqīng’s divine sense was vast. Sensing that Xiāo Míng was not dead, she slightly raised her hand and sent out a stream of spiritual energy, rescuing Xiāo Míng.
*Indestructible Vajra is indeed powerful. System, you saved my life…*
Seeing this, Yè Qíngtiān quickly moved over to support Xiāo Míng, his face filled with worry.
Dù Jìngqiū, dressed in a purple robe, walked towards Xiāo Míng step by step. Her once neat dress was now covered in dust and bloodstains, a few strands of hair clung messily to her forehead, her eyes were red and swollen, and tears streaks marked her face…
Dù Jìngqiū’s legs trembled uncontrollably. Her tearful voice carried a hint of fear: "Senior Brother, don't scare me. Are you okay…"
Xīāo Míng, exhausted and covered in wounds, looked at Dù Jìngqiū. Facing the little girl crying by his side, even though Xiāo Míng prided himself on his firm Dao Heart, he ultimately couldn't utter any hurtful words.
"Sigh…" He sighed inwardly and finally spoke weakly: "Junior Sister, I’m fine."
Upon hearing Xīāo Míng's gentle tone, Dù Jìngqiū couldn't help but cry again: "But, that blood…"
"That was the Blood Puppet's." Yún Wǎnqīng, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke. Her expression was as cold as ever, but as she looked at Xiāo Míng, a hint of appreciation grew.
"Thank you, Grand Elder, for shattering the energy shield. The self-detonation force of the Blood Puppet did not entirely fall upon me."
Yún Wǎnqīng's lips curved slightly. She thought that this brat was not only smart but also quite sweet-tongued.
Hearing Yún Wǎnqīng's words, Dù Jìngqiū's tightly strung nerves finally relaxed slightly, and a hint of joy appeared on her face.
Xīāo Míng looked at Dù Jìngqiū, feeling that what he had said earlier was somewhat beastly.
But if he responded enthusiastically, he still wanted to live. Becoming an Immortal Emperor by having her husband killed was no good thing. Whether Dù Jìngqiū became an Immortal Emperor or not, she couldn't use his life as a stepping stone!
Seeing that Xiāo Míng was unharmed, the heavy worry in Yè Qíngtiān's heart finally lifted. He carried Xiāo Míng on his back and said to Yún Wǎnqīng:
"Master, Senior Brother Xiāo, although his life is saved, he is still seriously injured. This disciple wishes to take Senior Brother to heal first."
"Go."
Watching Yè Qíngtiān carry Xiāo Míng away, Yún Wǎnqīng fell into contemplation:
*To dare to fight a Blood Puppet to the death at the half-step Golden Core stage, and even fight to a draw, Xiāo Shishu's eldest son is indeed not comparable to ordinary aristocratic youths. Such a fiery spirit.*
*What was wrong with me all these years? I actually failed to see this kid’s disguise, while he kept helping others in secret.*
Then, Yún Wǎnqīng slowly shook her head, thinking that there was no need to dwell on useless matters.
*The important thing is, why did the Moluo Sect target Xiāo Míng?*"