After exchanging a few more words, the group made their way back to the spirit boat.
With a sudden surge of power, the spirit boat lifted off the planet’s surface, ascending into the sky. As it gained altitude, the landscape below gradually shrank, giving way to the vast expanse of space that stretched out before them.
The stars shimmered like distant beacons in the dark void, lighting up the black canvas of the universe. Swirling nebulae painted vibrant streaks of color, adding a sense of wonder to the vastness of space. The spirit boat soared through this celestial tapestry, its trajectory set towards its next destination.
Hours passed as the spirit boat navigated the depths of space further away from the desolate planet they had left behind. But little did they know that their departure had not gone unnoticed.
As the spirit boat disappeared into the distance, two figures emerged from the void. Cloaked in darkness, their presence exuded an aura of malevolence. With calculating gazes, they watched the departing vessel, their expressions filled with a mixture of malicious curiosity and sinister intent.
Kai, his voice laced with a sinister undertone, chuckled softly, his satisfaction palpable. "It appears that my plan has proven to be rather successful."
Liang, his narrowed gaze betraying both admiration and mild envy, responded, "Indeed, your approach has surpassed even my own."
A wicked smile played on Kai’s lips as he gloated, "Now that her very soul is bound by my sin bind, she is utterly under our control."
Liang, visibly amused, dismissed the notion, replying, "I care not for such matters. What truly matters is that we have her memories."
Kai’s chuckle resonated with self-assured confidence as he countered, "Ah, but in the art of soul manipulation and control, my sin bind reigns supreme."
Liang’s sneer conveyed his doubt, "You are too arrogant for your own good."
Shaking his head, Kai dismissed Liang’s skepticism, "Your understanding of the intricate workings of the soul cannot hope to match mine."
With an air of self-importance, Kai raised his hands, proclaiming proudly, "You see, there are numerous ways to probe the depths of a person’s soul and exert dominance over their mind. Many techniques target the disparities between soul power and cultivation, but my approach is vastly distinct. It hones in on the subtle ebbs and flows of emotions within the soul itself — specifically, the guilt."
Liang, puzzled yet intrigued, inquired, "Guilt, you say? How does it come into play?"
Kai’s response was tinged with deadly seriousness, "The presence of guilt often stems from a previous sin committed by the individual. My sin binds awaken these dormant feelings, exposing their sins and leaving them in a state of bewildering confusion. In this vulnerable state, I can effortlessly infiltrate their minds using my sin Qi, which is further heightened by their own sins."
Liang nodded in understanding, his brows furrowing slightly as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, it’s an intriguing method," he said thoughtfully, "nevertheless, we must set aside such matters for now. There are more pressing issues that demand our attention."
Kai mirrored Liang’s nod, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "Indeed," he replied, his voice laced with amusement, "who would have thought that the monk possessed the token to enter the Palace."
Liang’s gaze intensified, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated the implications. "Whoever has it now," he muttered, his tone growing more serious, "they hold a significant advantage."
Kai’s smile widened, revealing a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "In truth, it shouldn’t be too difficult to deduce who possesses it at the moment," he remarked cryptically.
Liang’s eyes flickered with curiosity. "Indeed," he responded, his voice laced with anticipation, "if it were the devil court, they would have likely made their move to enter the Palace by now."
Kai’s smile remained enigmatic, his mind working through the possibilities. "We should exercise caution and allow some time to pass before ruling them out," he suggested, his gaze filled with a mixture of determination and caution.
Liang closed one eye, The furrow on his brow deepened as he spoke, his voice reflecting a mix of amusement and scorn "I should be the one saying that."
In response, Kai let out a hearty laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners. His amusement was evident as he responded, "I am not as reckless as you think, well at least not if I have to." There was a hint of mischief in his voice, suggesting a shared history of daring exploits.
Liang released a weary sigh, his gaze thoughtful as he contemplated their next move. "Now we should split up," he suggested, his tone filled with a mix of resolve and concern. "I will go to the inner ring, while you follow them to the Emerald Fall World." The new plan seemed to materialize in his mind, triggering a spark of surprise in Kai’s eyes.
Kai’s eyebrows furrowed as he processed the sudden change. "You have changed the plan again!" he exclaimed, a mix of surprise and curiosity evident in his voice.
Liang nodded, a shadow crossing his features. "Recently, I have been feeling that I am being watched somehow," he confessed, his voice tinged with uncertainty. There was a touch of caution in his words, a weight that he couldn’t quite shake. It was a sensation that had gnawed at him, leaving him restless and wary.
Kai’s expression grew more serious, his brows furrowing further. "Feeling?" he queried, searching for more clarity. He understood the importance of relying on instinct for cultivators, especially spirit cultivators, but the lack of certainty made him uneasy.
"Indeed, it’s more of a feeling," Liang replied, his uncertainty seeping into his words.
"That’s not a good sign," Kai said gloomily, his voice laced with foreboding. He sensed the gravity of Liang’s unease, acutely aware of the implications it carried.
Liang offered a bitter smile, his lips twisting with a mix of resignation and determination. "I know... that’s why I am changing the plans time after time." His actions were driven by a need to outmaneuver their unknown adversaries, to stay one step ahead in the increasingly perilous game they found themselves in.
"Will you be able to control them? All of them are my loyal men, and even with my direct orders, it might be difficult for you to exert authority over them," Kai said with a sinister smile playing on his lips.
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"Difficult to deal with? Ah, that’s even better. How useful are they to me if they were easy to deal with?" Liang sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.
Kai blinked twice, taken aback by Liang’s response. "That’s not what I meant!"
Liang waved his hand dismissively, dismissing Kai’s concern. "You don’t need to worry about that," he said with a hint of arrogance.
Kai shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. "Then you’re on your own," he replied with a carefree gaze. "I will take my leave now."
"On your own?" Liang mocked, a smirk forming on his face. "That will take too much time. Let me open a portal for you!"
Kai’s eyes narrowed as he contemplated the offer. "It’s too risky. We might be discovered," he cautioned.
A mischievous smile spread across Liang’s face. "That’s why I’ll teleport you to a nearby planet. Just give me the coordinates."
He glanced at Liang, noting the mischievous smile that played on his lips. With a deep breath, Kai made his decision.
"Very well," he finally nodded, his voice tinged with cautious anticipation. "Teleport me to a nearby planet, but you must ensure utmost precision. One wrong move could expose me."
With a swift motion, he transmitted the coordinates through his devil sense.
Liang nodded, his smirk growing wider. "Very well," he said, his voice oozing with anticipation. "Prepare yourself for a swift departure."
With a swift motion of his hand, a mesmerizing portal materialized right in front of their eyes.
"Step through quickly," Liang urged a sense of urgency in his voice. "The longer we linger, the greater the chances of exposure."
Kai nodded, taking a step towards the portal. As he approached, a subtle tingling sensation washed over him, a ripple in the fabric of reality. With a final glance at Liang, he stepped through the portal, disappearing into the void, leaving Liang alone with his thoughts.
In an instant, the world around Kai transformed. He felt a disorienting rush as he was propelled through the void, hurtling towards his destination. Colors blurred, time seemed to warp, and then, just as suddenly as it began, the journey ended.
Kai found himself standing on solid ground, the familiar sensation of gravity grounding him once more. He looked around, taking in his new surroundings. The planet he now stood on was lush and vibrant, with verdant foliage and towering trees that reached towards the sky. The air was filled with a sweet, floral scent, a stark contrast to the desolation of the planet he had just left behind.
Glancing around, a chuckle involuntarily escaped his lips. "It’s not quite how I had imagined it to be."