As the deafening echoes of the explosion finally subsided, silence settled over the ruins of Celestial Peak City. Within the midst of the devastation, five figures emerged like apparitions from the billowing smoke and crumbling debris: Elder Chen, Elder Han, Di Yang, and Sylvara stood amidst the wreckage, their expressions no longer filled with malice and treachery, but rather gratitude and relief.
Their eyes were drawn to the fifth figure standing amongst them – Mi Ling.
Standing amidst the crumbling ruins, Mi Ling wore a serene expression on her face as she delicately held a golden jade ornament in her hand. The intricate patterns adorning the ornament seemed to exude an ethereal glow, captivating the onlookers.
Simultaneously, as Venerable Yuan triggered his self-destruction, Mi Ling raised the ornament high into the air, activating it. In an instant, a radiant barrier of energy enveloped the five figures, shielding them from the imminent explosion. The barrier, bolstered by its immense strength, deflected the intense shockwaves and destructive force, absorbing their impact.
Elder Han’s laughter resonated within the desolate ruins as he looked at Mi Ling with admiration and amusement. "Young Miss, your foresight and meticulous planning are truly remarkable. We are fortunate to have you with us."
Elder Chen nodded in agreement, lines of worry easing from his face. "Indeed, the wisdom of youth shines through your actions, Young Miss. Your preparations have saved us from unnecessary complications."
Sylvara chimed in, her voice laced with admiration. "The young Miss has anticipated the danger and suggested that I send all the family members outside the city."
Sylvara’s eyes gleamed with respect as she regarded Mi Ling again. "Your insight and ability to foresee the unfolding events are truly exceptional. It is clear that your presence here is no mere coincidence."
Elder Chen’s nod of approval was tinged with concern as worry etched across his features. "But what about the remaining Legion members who managed to escape? If these kids inform them about what happened, our carefully laid plans may not proceed as smoothly as we had hoped."
Elder Han’s expression darkened, a furrow forming between his brows. "That’s a problem indeed. While we knew that the Legion would eventually discover the truth, if these youngsters reveal it too soon, our plans could be jeopardized."
Sylvara’s voice, tinged with determination, offered a suggestion. "Shall I dispatch my family members to locate the Legion members and ensure their silence? It would be within our best interests to eliminate any potential threats."
Mi Ling’s composure remained serene as she gently waved her hand, her voice serene yet firm. "There is no need for such actions, my esteemed allies. I have foreseen this very situation. We can trust in the ebb and flow of destiny. The news of their demise will reach us in due time."
A moment of contemplative silence filled the air as the weight of their decisions settled upon them. As realization dawned, Elder Chen’s eyes sparkled with understanding and a genuine smile bloomed across his face. "How extraordinary, Young Miss. Your wisdom surpasses your years."
****
Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent, a streaking ray of light landed with a soft thud, revealing Zhuo Li, Xue Ren, and Jiang Yan. The ground beneath them shook slightly from the impact, causing dust to rise and flutter around them in the fading sunlight.
Zhuo Li’s sharp eyes scanned their surroundings with an intensity that betrayed his inner turmoil. His normally calm and composed demeanor had eroded, replaced by a flicker of anxiety and uncertainty. Never had he anticipated losing control of everything the moment he stepped foot outside the confines of Paradise City.
The series of events that unfolded had shattered his sense of security. First, the Venerable Monk and the Spark had vanished without a trace, followed by the unknown whereabouts of Liang Yifei and Han Zhi. Now, even the fate of Venerable Yuan weighed heavily upon him.
Resolute in his determination, Zhuo Li knew that the first course of action was to inform the Legion of the dire situation they faced. They needed to rally aid and make the necessary preparations, as each occurrence hinted at one undeniable truth - the Starry Sky Alliance had declared war upon them.
Just as Zhuo Li was about to retrieve his Legion badge to make contact, a rush of primal instinct surged through his veins. A chilling aura, suffused with the stench of imminent death, washed over him, causing his muscles to tense and his heart to race. Without a moment’s hesitation, he teleported to safety, reappearing at an entirely different location.
Sure enough, the spot where he had originally stood was now nothing more than a devastated crater, the earth scorched and smoldering from an array of sword beams that had sliced through the air with deadly precision.
As if summoned by fate, six figures materialized out of thin air before him. Instantly recognizable, they were none other than the members of the Starry Sky Alliance: Chang Jin, Bai Shuan, Li Yan, the old man, the Daoist Priest, and the traitor Gu Hong.
Xue Ren’s features contorted in a mixture of anger and disgust as he spat out his words with venomous contempt. "Bunch of backstabbing cowards! And you, Gu, how dare you betray the Legion? Your end will not be a pleasant one, I can assure you of that!"
A sinister smile crept across Gu Hong’s face as he calmly addressed Xue Ren’s raging accusations. "Junior Brother Xue, Junior Brother Xue. You have greatly misunderstood. I have always been a part of the Alliance. You know how it works. It was simply a mission, nothing personal."
Hearing the same words he had once spoken to Bai Shuan now being directed at him, Xue Ren couldn’t contain his fury any longer, coughing up blood from the sheer intensity of his anger.
Bai Shuan took a step forward, the corner of his lips twisting into a sneer. "How pleasing it is to see you suffer like this, Brother Xue. I don’t think you ever expected this to happen."
Without warning, translucent needles materialized in front of Xue Ren’s eyes, threatening to blind him. Reacting with lightning reflexes, he managed to swiftly dodge to the side, but in doing so, he left himself open to Bai Shuan’s massive sword, which came crashing down upon him.
Jiang Yan found herself surrounded by Gu Hong and Chang Jin, their relentless attacks leaving her little room to breathe or retaliate.
Zhuo Li, too, was caught in a perilous predicament, facing off against the old man and the Daoist Priest, who launched a relentless barrage of sword strikes, testing his mettle and threatening to overwhelm him.
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