468 Chapter 468
Before Zhong Lique could ponder what the resonance of the divine wooden divination slip in her dream meant, the current crisis overwhelmed all her thoughts.
Zou Yuan's arrival was unexpected. Sheng Fei thought his opponent was the Divine Army Guard, but He Xinsi directly summoned the Yin Yang School Saint, and Zou Yuan's move was also unrefined.
This newly promoted saint, it is said, has not been seen to fight since he broke through to sainthood, his strength is unfathomable.
At this moment, the mere application of the Five Elements' oppressive power was enough to make many people breathless.
"Zhongli Que!"
Zhong Lique raised her hand to touch her ear, and felt blood all over her hand. At that moment, she felt a sharp pain in both ears, as if countless sharp and high-pitched sounds were attacking her.
Blood slid down her forehead and dripped into her eyes, blurring her vision.
Sheng Fei crawled out of the ruins and immediately searched for Zhong Lique's location. He had only taken two steps when he was whizzed away by a golden-red phoenix-tailed arrow that came from the sky.
Two archers were watching them from a high place.
Leng Xianyang shouted, "Form the formation!"
Four masters of the thirteenth realm of military strategy simultaneously formed a formation, transforming into twelve red light screens that trapped Zhongli Que and the others within.
Led by Xuehe, the sorcerers began to fight back, trying to break up the Divine Army Guard's formation and prevent them from successfully forming an array.
"Eight Dragons Subduing Tiger Formation! Activate!"
With a low roar from Leng Xian, eight red dragon pillars rose from the ground, accompanied by burning scarlet iron chains that bound the hands and feet of everyone in the formation.
Sheng Fei had just stood up when he was unable to move forward due to the array lock.
The royal city's top protectors were all near Sheng Fei, using their qi to defend themselves and each employing their own methods to break the array's locks. They were all shocked by the sudden appearance of the Divine Army Guards and Zou Yuan.
Xuehe was quietly recuperating in the wooden house when he realized what was happening. It was too late; the ground had collapsed, and most of the force of the attack was directed at him.
Zou Yuan's goal was clear: to kill the injured master on the ground first.
Xuehe lay in a pool of blood amidst the ruins, her bloodshot eyes gazing up at Zou Yuan in the sky.
Zou Yuan was also looking at him, his expression calm and indifferent.
"The Yin-Yang School...the Zou family..."
As the snow crane lay dying, it unleashed tremendous power, fighting desperately with the determination to perish together with its enemy.
He used his spiritual power, transforming into a giant crane that roared as it soared into the sky.
Zou Yuan remained completely calm, drawing a purple star line with one hand, cleaving the space in front of him like a sharp blade, cutting the charging crane in two, causing blood to splatter on the spot.
This person has been in the underground world for too long and can no longer keep up with the changes in the outside world.
When Xuehe died, her divine soul core exploded, and a golden-red light burst forth, like a blazing sun falling and exploding. The powerful five elements scattered and impacted, breaking through the array that trapped Sheng Fei and the others.
"Stop them!" Leng Xianyang shouted, but the Divine Army Guards beside him were still blown away by the Five Elements Qi from Xuehe's self-destruction.
With the Eight Dragons Subduing Tiger Formation broken, Sheng Fei immediately used his Qi to rush to the unconscious Zhong Li Que's side and take her away.
The guardians had followed Xuehe for many years. Seeing him die in such a tragic way, they showed no sign of backing down. Instead, they joined hands and attacked Zou Yuan, slowing down his pursuit of Sheng Fei and Zhong Li Que.
Following the opening created by Xuehe, Sheng Fei led Zhong Lique away from the underground ruins and escaped under the cover of darkness.
"Chase!"
Leng Xian's target was not Xuan Kui, so he immediately chased after the direction Sheng Fei had left in.
Sheng Fei hadn't run far before the Divine Army Guards caught up with him. He used his Wind Riding Technique to speed through the narrow, deserted streets. With one hand forming a hand seal, he summoned two Demon-Slaying Blades, slicing through the pursuing figures in front and behind him, and broke through the encirclement.
The Demon-Slaying Scimitars whirled and danced wildly, producing a piercing sound as they sliced through objects, like the roars of demons and wild beasts. Leng Xian swung his blade down from the roof, colliding with two Demon-Slaying Scimitars, the resulting shockwave sweeping away Sheng Fei's advance.
Another Divine Guard, coordinating with this attack, raised his sword in an attempt to knock Zhong Lique off Sheng Fei's back.
Sheng Fei grabbed another golden demon-slaying blade and counterattacked, while two other Divine Guards followed closely behind, trapping him in the abandoned house.
During several chases and exchanges, Sheng Fei realized that their target was Zhong Li Que.
The three Divine Guards pursued him in perfect unison, unleashing a series of attacks that gradually forced Sheng Fei back into a narrow corner. The smaller the space, the more disadvantageous it was for him.
Forced into a corner with nowhere to retreat, Sheng Fei raised his elbow against the wall, made a hand seal, and said in a deep voice, "Hundred-Faced Soldier Elimination."
The sword spirits summoned by the three Divine Guards vanished instantly, their swords and blades disappearing with a cracking sound.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Sheng Fei unleashed the Demon-Slaying Blade formed from the spirit of the word, breaking through the formation that surrounded the three.
"Sword dismantles the shattered stars."
Leng Xian, who had been lagging behind, made another move just as Sheng Fei was about to break through the encirclement.
The longsword in his hand shattered into countless golden blades of light, rushing towards Sheng Fei from all directions and blocking his path. With Leng Xian's control, they suddenly condensed back into a longsword and slashed down from above Sheng Fei, cutting his shoulder.
After being injured, Sheng Fei retreated and went back to the corner of the house.
When the time came for Bai Xiang to be removed from the list, the swords and blades that had disappeared from the three Divine Guards reappeared, and the summoned sword spirits stood beside them, completely blocking Sheng Fei's path.
"Third Young Master, please bring Miss Zhongli with us to the palace," Leng Xian said in a deep voice.
Sheng Fei did not respond.
He knew that Zou Yuan would arrive if he delayed any longer, so he no longer hesitated and used the Blood Burning Technique. His meridians and blood vessels swelled up for a moment, and his heartbeat became heavy.
"A second sound."
The sharp sound waves crashed down on him like a mountain collapsing, and the Divine Army Guard, who had just grabbed the sword, was forced to the ground by a force.
Sheng Fei dodged and broke through the encirclement, only to be met by Leng Xian's longsword blocking his way at the doorway. One more step forward and Leng Xian's head would be severed.
The spirit of the word flashed and transformed into a demon-slaying blade, deflecting the longsword at the last second.
The three Divine Guards inside reacted swiftly, each urging their sword spirits to chase after Sheng Fei despite the immense pressure, attempting to slow him down.
Sheng Fei's goal was clear: to leave with his men rather than continue fighting them. The increased speed from the Blood Burning Technique made it difficult for Leng Xian to catch up.
However, the Divine Army Guards were more familiar with the terrain, so the two sides did not create a significant distance during the chase.
Fortunately, Zou Yuan was held back and didn't catch up in time, giving Sheng Fei more time.
As dawn broke and people began to go out, the five elements became chaotic and disordered. It was only when Sheng Fei reached a crowded place that he was able to shake off the pursuing Divine Army Guards.
The scattered spirit words confused the Divine Army Guards' information and direction, diverting their attention.
Sheng Fei led Zhong Lique to a clinic that was already open and crowded.
He silently made his way to the rear warehouse, where medicinal herbs were stored. The door was locked, but Sheng Fei easily opened it. He slipped inside, put Zhong Lique down, and began rummaging through the medicine chests to prepare medicine for the injured girl.
Sheng Fei glanced back at the unconscious person leaning against the medicine cabinet. She had both external and internal injuries, and was covered in blood, looking quite frightening. She seemed so fragile that she looked like she would die at any moment.
Zhong Lique cannot die yet.
Sheng Fei's movements as he rummaged through the medicine box became somewhat violent.
With a crash, the medicine box drawer fell to the ground, scattering the medicinal herbs inside.
Sheng Fei's outstretched hand stopped abruptly. An ominous premonition crept up his spine, making his hair stand on end and tremble, as if some deadly threat was approaching, causing his body to react instinctively.
Sweat mixed with blood dripped from his skin. Sheng Fei was completely focused, driven by this ominous premonition, his eyes fixed on the corner of the medicine cabinet, where an unknown monster lurked in the darkness.
Just as he was about to step forward, he heard a girl's weak voice behind him: "What are you looking for?"
Sheng Fei's heart was thrown up and then landed heavily.
He turned around and met Zhong Lique's bloodshot eyes.
The girl's expression was calm, yet it carried a hint of endurance for the pain.
Sheng Fei watched Zhong Lique for a while, then walked towards the dark corner of the medicine cabinet. He walked cautiously and warily, ready to fight at any moment, but when he circled the medicine cabinet and returned to Zhong Lique, he found nothing unusual.
Zhong Lique seemed not to understand his actions. She reached out and grabbed the edge of the cabinet to get up and find the medicine herself, but Sheng Fei kicked her against the medicine cabinet and she fell back down.
The girl looked up at Sheng Fei in shock, her eyes filled with accusation of his rude behavior.
"Eat it yourself." Sheng Fei tossed the prepared medicine bottle to Zhong Lique, his tone impatient.
He tossed the hemostatic ointment to Zhong Lique, his tall figure standing in front of him, blocking out the light and casting a dark shadow, exuding irritability and anger.
Sheng Fei was still uneasy, feeling that it was not a good place to stay for long, and urged Zhong Lique to pack up quickly.
Zhong Lique didn't speak. She dragged her injured body to pick up the bottle that had fallen to the ground. Her arm was injured and she couldn't move freely, so her movements were slow.
The pain in his body made Zhong Lique grit his teeth and not utter a sound, but the sweat was getting heavier and heavier.
"Are you stalling for time?" Sheng Fei finally couldn't stand it anymore. He squatted down and snatched the ointment from Zhong Lique's hand.
When Sheng Fei reached out to pull open Zhong Li Que's clothes, Zhong Li Que raised her hand to stop him.
She stared coldly at Sheng Fei with her bloodshot eyes.
Upon seeing Zhongli Que's anger for the first time, Sheng Fei raised an eyebrow and sneered, "If you don't want my help, then wait to cripple your second hand."
“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be like this.” Zhong Lique frowned and pushed Sheng Fei’s hand away, slowly rolling up her sleeves. “I was almost dead just now, and Nangong Sui didn’t show up. Doesn’t that mean you guessed wrong?”
"It happened suddenly."
Sheng Fei frowned, not understanding how Zou Yuan had found the place so quickly.
"Isn't what you wanted something to happen suddenly?"
“Zhong Lique, I saved you because the fragment is still on you,” Sheng Fei said coldly. “Even if you had died just now, it would have been Nan Jing’s responsibility, and it would have had nothing to do with me.”
Zhong Lique stretched her hand out in front of Sheng Fei. The sleeve of her injured hand was rolled up to reveal her fair skin, and she had also lifted the collar of her clothes to reveal her injured shoulder and back.
"Apply the medicine," she said.
Sheng Fei listened to the girl's slightly commanding tone, his fingertips holding the medicine bottle trembled slightly, and he laughed in anger.
Just as he was about to smash the bottle at Zhong Lique, he heard the girl say again, "If I die like this, you will never know where the shards are."
"Really?" Sheng Fei grabbed her wrist, his grip quite strong.
“We’ve been traveling together, and everyone outside thought the fragment was with me and you were just an accessory. But the actions of the Divine Army Guard just now revealed that they knew the fragment was with you.”
The force Sheng Fei exerted made it impossible for Zhong Lique to break free, and she had to endure the pain brought by that force. She was covered in cold sweat and bit her lip, but she still couldn't make a sound.
Did you leak the information?
“If I had the ability and the idea, I wouldn’t have left the Criminal Investigation Department with you; I could have just gone to the palace and handed over the fragments.”
Zhong Lique mocked.
Sheng Fei stared at her silently until Zhong Lique tried to pull her arm back, then he sneered, unscrewed the bottle, and applied the ointment to stop the bleeding.
Why do you keep chasing after Nangong Sui?
Zhong Lique suddenly asked, "Isn't she your younger sister who grew up with you?"
“A madman who murdered his mother.” Sheng Fei said coldly.
Zhong Lique said, "Lady Su is not your mother."
Why are you talking to me about these things?
"It hurts too much, I want to distract myself," Zhong Lique said.
Sheng Fei was momentarily speechless at her honesty.
Before he could reply, Zhong Lique continued, "I heard that Madam Su planted a magical beast in you, causing you to become irritable and deranged. Yet you don't hate Madam Su, but instead hate Nangong Sui."
"Shut up." Sheng Fei looked up at her, his eyes full of warning.
Zhong Lique showed no sign of stopping, nor was she afraid of his threats: "You were able to reconcile with Gu Gan, so why do you hate Nangong Sui to the bone and insist on killing her?"
"What do you know?"
Sheng Fei grabbed Zhong Lique by the neck, watching her furrow her brow in pain, his voice cold and menacing: "It's her who won't let me go."
"Did she... hurt you in the slightest?" Zhong Lique asked in a trembling voice.
“She exists in a disgusting way,” Sheng Fei said with disgust, his words full of threat. “Zhong Li Que, don’t be so presumptuous as to try to test my feelings for Nangong Sui.”
"Why?"
"You insist on pestering me to admit my relationship with Nangong Sui. Am I not allowed to know about your relationship with Nangong Sui?"
"My relationship with Nangong Sui?" Sheng Fei sneered. "Don't you know it enough?"
“She went to great lengths to fake wanting to kill me, and I will never forgive her.”
Sheng Fei looked at Zhong Lique's suffocating face and said coldly, "Shut your mouth now, or I'll cripple your other hand."
He released his grip on the girl's neck and grabbed her wrist again to apply the ointment.
Sheng Fei heard the girl's panting breaths. After a moment of silence, Zhong Li Que spoke up: "So you're afraid you'll die at Nangong Sui's hands."
Sheng Fei felt his nerves throbbing violently, and deep within his heart, the painful wounds continued to burn with anger.
Just as he was about to break the slender, soft arm in front of him, Zhong Lique withdrew her hand. Her dark eyes were clear and bright, and she simply glanced at the man's gloomy face before turning away.
"If you break my hand today, you will die by my hand later."
These words successfully amused Sheng Fei, who was on the verge of exploding with rage, instantly dispelling the anger that had risen in his chest and was about to devour his reason.
Looking at Zhong Lique at this moment, Sheng Fei felt only contempt and pity.
A woman who, when afraid, only utters harsh words to maintain her pitiful dignity.
Sheng Fei picked up the ointment and applied it to Zhong Lique's back, and Zhong Lique did not stop him. After the two silently and quickly tended to their injuries, Sheng Fei said, "It's time to go."
"Where to?" Zhong Lique asked. "Do you have any other reliable places to go?"
Sheng Fei did not answer.
The two seemed to have forgotten their previous argument and the undercurrents between them.
"If there's no reliable place, then let me go find the Azure Dragon Army."
"Do you think your Azure Dragon Army can withstand the endless stream of Southern Jing troops?"
Sheng Fei stood up and turned to Zhong Lique: "If you want the Azure Dragon Army to die in vain, I won't stop you."
Zhong Lique stood up, supporting herself on the cabinet with one hand. Sheng Fei then said, "Follow me."
She almost fell after taking only a couple of steps forward. Sheng Fei then noticed that her leg had also been injured by the falling rocks, but there seemed to be no extra time to treat Zhong Li Que's injuries.
"I need to go find..."
Sheng Fei carried her on his back, interrupting Zhong Lique's words.
She simply wanted to find the Azure Dragon Army, a woman who was nothing without their protection.
A woman who feigns strength and intelligence while desperately clinging to her dignity.
Zhong Lique lay on the man's back. When the door opened and revealed a blinding light, she turned around and looked towards the dark corner of the medicine cabinet behind her, gazing at the slender figure standing in the darkness.
Yu Sui looked in the direction Zhong Lique had left and saw her gently shaking her head at him.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com