Batian Martial Soul

Ji Mingkong took out a warm pastry from his pocket and handed it to Ling Xiao:

"Try this, it's star dew cake that I made myself, made with morning dew and honey, it used to be your favorite."

Ling Xiao took the pastry, took a bite, and the sweet aroma melted on his tongue, spreading warmth throughout his body.

He was about to offer his praise when he suddenly froze.

A figure appeared in the shadows at the edge of the observatory.

Chi Ling leaned against a stone pillar, casually toying with a bright red spider lily...

The petals were blood-red, the stems were jet black, and they exuded an eerie, ghostly aura.

She changed her outfit, replacing her usual crimson outfit with a sleek black one. Her long hair was tied into a high ponytail, revealing her smooth forehead. The curved sword at her waist was gone, replaced by two short blades gleaming with a cold light, making her appear even more fierce and alluring.

"The deep love between husband and wife is truly touching."

She tilted her head, a playful smile playing on her lips.

"May I join in the fun and admire this starry sky together?"

Ji Mingkong's face instantly darkened, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes.

She knew that Ling Xiao had feelings for that mysterious Moon Maiden, and she also knew that the two of them rarely saw each other. Today, she finally had a chance to be alone with him, but he was disturbed by someone, so she was naturally unhappy.

Ling Xiao immediately shielded Ji Mingkong behind him, a flash of light appearing in his palm as the Xuan Snake Poison Heaven Sword appeared in his hand. The emerald blade hummed and trembled, releasing a chilling aura of poison. His icy gaze locked onto Chi Ling.
"How did you find this place?"

"It's very simple."

Chi Ling pointed to her right arm, the spot where she had been injured by the demonic sword.

"Your sword aura mark has been branded onto me."

As long as you remain in the Realm of Nirvana, no matter where you hide in the world, I will find you.

She took a step forward, the moonlight shining on her stunning face, but her narrow eyes held a chilling coldness that clashed with the romantic atmosphere around her.

"Don't be nervous, I'm not here to fight today."

Chi Ling walked to the railing and sat down, actually looking up at the night sky, her tone casual.

"I'm just here to deliver a message..."

The sanctuary has prepared two choices for you.

Ling Xiao gripped the sword hilt tightly, his knuckles turning white:
"explain."

"First, hand over the Demon Lord Black Heaven Sword and cripple your own cultivation."

Chi Ling spoke calmly, her tone carrying an undeniable authority.
"The sanctuary can protect you and those around you, granting you a lifetime of peace, wealth, and worry-free living."

"What about the second one?"

Ling Xiao's voice was as cold as ice.

Chi Ling turned her head, her eyes reflecting the starry sky, but her smile grew even more cruel:

"Secondly, the entrance to the Broken Boundary Mountain will open in seven months."

The Holy Church will set up a demon-slaying array there; if you have the guts, come there yourself.

You've won. The Holy Temple will never bother you again and will allow you to roam freely in the Realm of Annihilation.

You lost...

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Ji Mingkong behind Ling Xiao, her tone filled with malice:
"You, and everyone you care about, including this delicate Empress, will die without a burial place."

Ling Xiao fell silent.

The night wind howled across the observatory, swirling up fallen leaves that rustled softly, creating a heavy, suffocating atmosphere.

After a long while, he slowly rose, the Xuan Snake Poison Heaven Sword pointing directly at Chi Ling, his eyes burning with fierce fighting spirit, his voice resounding:

"I choose the third path."

"Oh?"

Chi Ling raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"Within seven months, I will raze the border city to the ground, wipe out all the strongholds of the Holy Temple, and slaughter all of you cowardly scum, leaving not a single one alive!"

Chi Ling paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. Her wild and unrestrained laughter echoed in the night sky for a long time, startling the birds roosting in the distant mountains and forests.

"it is good!

it is good!
it is good! "

She said "good" three times in a row, her eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"Now that's someone worthy to be my opponent, Chi Ling!"
I'm waiting for you!

She stood up, raised her hand to tear open a spatial rift, and turned to step inside.

Before leaving, she suddenly turned back, her gaze falling on Ji Mingkong, her voice soft yet carrying a chilling coldness:
"Little sister, remember what I said."

If your husband dies, I will spare your life.

After all, the pain of watching a loved one die before your eyes, and being powerless to stop it, is far more interesting than death itself, isn't it?

As soon as she finished speaking, the spatial rift suddenly closed, and Chi Ling's figure vanished without a trace.

On the observatory, only the howling night wind remained.

Ji Mingkong gripped Ling Xiao's hand tightly; her small hand was icy cold, and her voice trembled slightly.
"who is she?"

Ling Xiao sheathed his sword, reached out and patted her head, his tone firm:

"An enemy that must be killed."

He looked up into the depths of the void, which was the direction of Broken Boundary Mountain.

Seven months.

That's enough for him to do a lot of things.

Dao Sha's voice resounded in his mind, carrying a hint of approval and excitement:
"Good lad, you have the spirit of a member of the Demonic Sect!"
That's more like it! Instead of passively responding, we should take the initiative!

Ling Xiao clenched his fist, a resolute glint in his eyes.

"This time, I won't run away again."

Ji Mingkong sensed the determination in him, took a deep breath, released his hand, and spoke in a steady tone:

"Focus on your cultivation and become stronger."

With me here, there will be absolutely no mistakes in any matter concerning the Overlord Empire!

I need to take care of some official business first, so I won't bother you any longer.

She knew that Ling Xiao no longer had time to enjoy a moment of peace.

Seven months from now, it will be a life-or-death battle, and he must seize every second to improve his strength.

Watching Ji Mingkong's departing figure, Ling Xiao's gentle expression gradually faded, replaced by a cold killing intent and resolute determination.

He turned to the empty corner of the platform and said in a deep voice:

"Come out, I know you're here."

From the shadows, a blue figure slowly emerged.

Qingluan walked out slowly, a helpless smile on her face:
"Your senses have become much sharper."

"It seems that the Heart-Burning Wine not only eliminated the remnants of holy blood in your body, but also helped open the seven orifices of your celestial spirit, greatly improving your spiritual power?"

"It was just a fluke."

Ling Xiao looked at her, his tone tinged with doubt.
"Why didn't you make a move just now, senior?"

"No need."

Qingluan walked to the railing and sat down, gazing at the starry sky, her tone calm.
"Akasuga didn't come here to fight today..."

She's just here to deliver a challenge.

Although the Holy Church is ruthless, it also has its own rules. When a formal challenge is issued, they usually don't act rashly, lest they give others ammunition to criticize them.

Ling Xiao frowned slightly, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the hilt of the Xuan Snake Poison Heaven Sword, his tone tinged with confusion:

"rule?"

"The more a self-proclaimed orthodox and ancient power is, the more it loves to set up these empty rules."

Qingluan took out a bronze wine pot from her sleeve, uncorked it, took a sip, and the wine made a crisp sound as it went down her throat.

"They see themselves as 'monitors' and 'managers of the Silent Realm,' so naturally they maintain a certain 'class' to distinguish themselves from those barbaric barbarians who engage in violence." (End of Chapter)