Liang’s eyes flashed as he desperately tried to revert back to his human form; however, a sinking realization hit him like a ton of bricks – he couldn’t go back.
Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of foreboding washed over him, causing his heart to race. He peered inside his own body, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. His cultivation, the very essence of his power, seemed to have inexplicably vanished.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Liang mustered every bit of self-restraint he could manage as he turned his gaze towards the Infernal Void Emperor. His expression was a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Oh, right. I forgot to mention something," the emperor interjected casually as if it were an inconsequential detail. "When I purified your bloodline, it inadvertently erased your cultivation, which was also linked to your previous bloodline."
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Hearing this, Liang’s eyes narrowed even further, a flicker of anger igniting within him.
The emperor continued speaking, his voice dripping with a hint of superiority. "Moreover, the Eternal Void Ascension Technique that you so fondly believed in is nothing but a common technique. If you had continued relying on it, you would have eventually realized its inadequacy and sought out a better cultivation technique. Of course, that would have taken a significant amount of time."
Liang nodded slowly, digesting the information. He had initially thought the Eternal Void Ascension Technique was unique and powerful, but after browsing through the techniques stored in the sutras hall, he realized its mediocrity in comparison to the elite cultivation techniques used by the core members.
Suddenly, two translucent bubbles materialized from the depths of the emperor’s heart, soaring towards Liang with purpose. They aimed directly for his forehead, penetrating his mind upon entry.
Although Liang mustered all his strength to resist, his efforts proved futile in the face of the immense power wielded by the emperor.
"Don’t worry, I have no intention of devouring your soul or controlling your mind," the emperor chuckled, his voice laced with amusement as he gestured to the dark chains that bound him. "These chains not only restrain my body and soul, but they also affect my life signature. Escaping is utterly impossible."
An electric surge of excruciating pain coursed through Liang’s mind, surpassing any agony he had ever experienced before. It was far more intense than the pain he endured while delving into the knowledge hall, forcing him to shut his eyes tightly and tense his body in response.
After what felt like an eternity, Liang cautiously opened his eyes. Instead of anger or hatred, a glimmer of excitement now illuminated his gaze.
****
After leaving the Celestial Peak City, the Alliance members embarked on a long journey across the continent, eventually arriving at their new destination - Blackwood City, a place where formidable experts thrived and power emanated from every corner.
Renowned as not only the largest city on the continent but also the epitome of prosperity in the middle ring, Blackwood City dazzled all who beheld it. Its grandeur was unmatched, with towering structures that reached for the heavens and a bustling metropolis that teemed with life and ambition.
The execution projection had just concluded, leaving the allocated members in a state of confusion. Their eyes turned towards Mi Ling, who sat among them in the same hall. The atmosphere was heavy with tension and uncertainty.
Bai Shuan was the first to break the silence with a shaky voice, "If even Sylvara couldn’t manage to escape, then... junior sister Li Yan..."
"She is probably dead," Chang Jin interjected, his eyes fixed suspiciously on Mi Ling.
From the beginning of their mission, he had sensed something amiss with her. She seemed colder and more ruthless than before as if she had undergone a transformation. It was as if she possessed a heightened perception, anticipating and understanding everything with uncanny clarity.
Mi Ling’s shoulders slumped as she released a weary sigh, her voice laced with deep regret. "Truly, she is. I never fathomed such a turn of events." With a disheartened shake of her head, she added, "Who would have thought the Devil’s Court would uncover our carefully laid plans?"
Suddenly, two figures entered the hall - the old man Han Li and the fifteen-year-old-looking girl Yan Ruo.
"The Lumanri family has been annihilated," Han Li announced, his voice weighted with sadness.
"Everyone out there is speaking about it," Yan Ruo added, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Just then, another figure emerged - the Daoist Priest Gang Luo. His gaze focused on Mi Ling as he spoke. "I haven’t found Lin Yan’s body, and I’ve searched the memories of those who passed through the city. No one saw her corpse."
Everyone’s eyes widened upon hearing this revelation.
"I believe the Devil’s Court has taken her," Yan Ruo suggested, shaking her head solemnly.
Chang Jin’s voice was filled with gloom and uncertainty. "But what will they do with her? Will they desecrate her lifeless body?"
Mi Ling calmly interjected her words carrying an air of certainty. "It wasn’t them."
Bai Shuan’s frustration was evident as he questioned, "Then who else could it be?"
"I cannot say for certain, but this individual is within the same city as us," Mi Ling replied, her voice steady.
Gang Luo wore a small smile. "The city is teeming with billions of people. Trying to find one person will be a near-impossible task."
Mi Ling shook her head, a determined look in her eyes. "It may not be impossible, but it will certainly take time. I will do my best to discern this person’s true identity."
With that, she gracefully exited the hall, leaving the group behind. One by one, the remaining members followed suit, each lost in their own thoughts. Only Chang Jin remained, his mind filled with contemplation. After a moment of deep introspection, he muttered under his breath, "Now, I am certain. Mi Ling sacrificed Li Yan, most likely to appease the Devil’s Court."
He took a deep breath, a mixture of resignation and bitterness evident on his face. "It seems that our lives are worthless in the eyes of the Alliance."
****
After the projection had come to an end, Kai’s lingering smile reflected a mix of satisfaction and unease. The ruthless tactics of the Devil Court had once again been flaunted without shame, leaving him astounded by their audacity.
As he stepped out of the inn, a prickling sensation crawled up his spine, causing his eyes to narrow. It was an uncanny feeling as if he was being watched intently. And in that moment, instinct took over.
Without any warning, Kai melted into the surroundings, seamlessly blending into the shadows that danced and twisted around him. His mastery of stealth was palpable as he vanished from his initial location. Moments later, he emerged in another desolate corner of the bustling city.
Bewilderment creased his features, his breath escaping in a faint mutter. "Strange. I was certain someone was spying on me just now. But how?" The question lingered in the air, puzzling him as he scanned the area, searching for any signs of his observer.
But the unsettling feeling returned, amplifying in intensity as an ominous presence seemed to envelop him. It was as though a malevolent force was closing in, tightening its grip on his senses. The grip of unease solidified, darkening his expression.
Reacting on pure instinct, Kai teleported once again, his body dissolving into ethereal wisps before materializing in yet another hidden refuge. The rush of the teleportation momentarily disoriented him, but the urgency in his heart propelled him forward.
As he materialized, a shiver stormed down his spine, forewarning him of impending danger. Turning swiftly, his gaze captured a figure gracefully descending from the sky, her movement like that of a falling star. In that fraction of a second, Kai’s curiosity was piqued, and his yellow eyes fixated on the mysterious woman.
He observed her with heightened senses, completely absorbed in analyzing every nuance of her presence. Her appearance exuded an air of elegance and mystique, the way she moved, carried an undeniable confidence. A faint smile flirted on her lips, betraying a hint of mischief.
Kai’s eyes widened in surprise as they fell upon the woman’s face.
"Liang Kai, I am right?" The woman’s melodic voice resonated through the air, carrying a certain allure, tinged with an undercurrent of mischief.
Kai’s features darkened at the sound of his name slipping from her lips. Disbelief mingled with a tinge of apprehension as he tried to comprehend how she discovered his identity. "How did you know my name?" His voice carried a sharp edge, a hint of warning lurking within the question.
Undeterred, the woman’s lips curled into a knowing smirk, her eyes twinkling with an enigmatic gleam. Her response dripped with veiled amusement and disdain. "How, you ask?"
Little did Liang Kai realize that to obtain knowledge of his true identity, the woman had endured profound sacrifices and heart-wrenching losses. Her determination had driven her to the edge of obsession, sparing no expense or effort in her relentless pursuit of the secrets surrounding him.