Batian Martial Soul

Qingluan paused, then looked up at Lingxiao, a hint of mockery flashing in her eyes:
"But don't take it too seriously..."

When it really comes down to a life-or-death struggle, all these so-called rules are utterly meaningless. They might take your life at any moment, resorting to any means necessary!

As soon as she finished speaking, she changed the subject, her tone becoming more serious:
"You just said you wanted to raze the border city to the ground and wipe out the sanctuary..."

Are you serious?

"nature."

Ling Xiao nodded, his voice resolute and without the slightest hesitation.

"What a spirit."

Qingluan smiled, twirling the wine pot between her fingertips.

"But I have to throw cold water on your enthusiasm..."

You can't beat them now.

Not to mention the old monsters like the city lord and commander of the Holy Temple, even if you fully activate the Demon Lord Black Sky Sword, you can only trap Chi Ling for a moment.

This was the result of her underestimating her opponent and not going all out.

Ling Xiao's fingers tightened, and the coldness of the sword hilt spread from his fingertips to his heart.

He remained silent. Qingluan's words were like a sharp blade, cutting through his impulsiveness and revealing the cruel reality of the vast disparity in strength.

"but……"

Qingluan changed the subject again, a sly glint in her eyes.
"Seven months is neither a long nor a short time; it's enough for you to do a lot of things."

Ling Xiao suddenly looked up, hope igniting in his eyes, and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Please enlighten me, senior!"

Qingluan gazed into the resolute look in his eyes and slowly spoke:
"You need to find allies."

Even if you are incredibly strong, you alone cannot withstand the combined strength of the entire Holy Temple.

"ally?"

Ling Xiao raised an eyebrow, somewhat puzzled.

"You are never the only enemy of the Sanctuary."

Qingluan's voice deepened, carrying a hint of remoteness.

"They have been tyrannical in the Realm of Annihilation for so long that many have almost forgotten what it feels like to be oppressed. But the survivors of those forces that they trampled underfoot and slaughtered have not forgotten..."

They hadn't forgotten how the Holy Temple had climbed to the pinnacle of the Realm of Annihilation, treading upon the bones of their ancestors.

Ling Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly remembered the deep, bone-revealing sword scar on Chi Ling's arm, and the solemnity she displayed when mentioning the "war to slay the demons":
"Senior, are you referring to... the remnants of those ancient forces that were suppressed and slaughtered by the Holy Temple back then?"

"clever."

Qingluan nodded approvingly.

“The remnants of the demonic sect ‘Blood Fiend Sect’, which was slaughtered by Chi Ling during the ‘War to Exterminate Demons’, are now recuperating and accumulating strength in the ‘Dark Abyss’.”

During the 'Starfall Chaos', the remnants of the Star Clan, who were nearly wiped out by the Sanctuary, lingered in the depths of the 'Void Sea', waiting for an opportunity to take revenge.

There are also the "Boundary Gate Clan," who once held half the authority over "Breaking Boundary Mountain." Although only a handful remain, each one is a formidable figure capable of rivaling a lord.

Each time she uttered a name, the corresponding record from ancient texts would appear in Ling Xiao's mind...

These were all top forces that once dominated the Realm of Annihilation, but in the end they all fell to the iron hooves of the Holy Temple.

"But would they be willing to help me?"

Ling Xiao calmed down and raised the key question.

"After all, I don't know them at all, and we may even have opposing views."

"It's not about helping you, it's about cooperation."

Qingluan smiled, her tone carrying a hint of guidance.

"The Demon Lord Black Sky Sword in your hand is the best bargaining chip..."

Seven months later, when you face the Holy Temple in your final battle, if they lend a hand, after the battle you can use the Black Sky Sword as a key to lead their people out of the Realm of Annihilation and escape this prison.

Ling Xiao frowned:

"But I myself have never left the Realm of Annihilation, and I'm not even sure if the passage can truly be opened..."

"So it's 'post-war'."

Qingluan looked at him meaningfully, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.
"The premise is that you can survive until after the war and win this final battle."

Ling Xiao understood instantly.

This is a high-stakes gamble...

Betting that he can defeat the Holy Temple
The Black Heaven Sword of the Gambling Demon Lord can truly open the gate to another realm.
They were betting that those hidden forces would be willing to once again oppose the terrifying Holy Temple for a vague and uncertain promise.

"Will they believe it?"

"So you have to prove it to them."

Qingluan stood up, dusted off her robes, and smiled slyly like a fox.
"One month from now, the 'Silent Auction' will be held in the City of Extinction."

This is a once-in-a-century event in the Realm of Nirvana, and all reclusive forces will send representatives to participate, including the Holy Temple.

All you need to do is be there and publicly announce these terms of cooperation.

Ling Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly understood Qingluan's intention:

"Does the senior mean... to muddy the waters?"

"Exactly."

A glint of light flashed in Qingluan's eyes.
"Didn't the Holy Temple want to monopolize the Demon Lord's Black Heaven Sword?"

Let them see how many hungry wolf eyes are eyeing this piece of meat.

At that time, you won't need to actively seek out allies; those forces eager to leave the Realm of Annihilation and harboring deep hatred for the Holy Temple will naturally come knocking on your door.

She paused and added:

"Of course, the risks are also extremely high..."

You will become the target of everyone's attacks, not only facing the pursuit of the Holy Church, but also having to guard against betrayal from your own allies.

Ling Xiao smiled, his eyes rekindling their fighting spirit, tinged with a do-or-die arrogance:
"Anyway, I'm already the Holy Temple's number one target, so what's wrong with having a few more enemies?"
Besides, if it really comes to the absolute worst, I'm not afraid to give away the Demon Lord's Black Heaven Sword...

I don't believe that leaving the Realm of Nirvana necessitates its existence.

He suddenly changed the subject, looking directly at Qingluan:

"By the way, why did you help me so much, senior?"
We are not related, and I seem to possess nothing that you would covet.

Qingluan's smile faded. She looked up at the starry sky above, her gaze becoming distant and sorrowful.
Many years ago, I had an apprentice.

He is exceptionally talented, and his temperament is as unruly as yours, unwilling to bow down to the Holy Temple.

Later, he was also targeted by the Holy Temple and hunted down under the name of 'Demon Rebel'.

I tried my best, but I still couldn't protect him...

When I arrived, I only found half of his bloodstained sword.

She turned and walked into the shadows of the observatory, her figure gradually becoming blurry:

"This time, I don't want to see another young man with guts die at their hands."

As soon as she finished speaking, Qingluan's figure disappeared completely into the night, leaving only a faint aroma of wine.

Ling Xiao stood still for a long time.

A night breeze swept across the observatory, ruffling the stray hairs on his forehead and bringing a touch of coolness.

In the distance, the lights of countless homes in the Batian Empire lit up one after another, like stars falling to earth.

The sounds of disciples chatting and laughing as they finished their evening lessons, the footsteps of soldiers patrolling the city walls, and the faint sounds of children playing in the homes of ordinary people drifted on the wind, weaving together a peaceful and serene scene.

This is everything he wants to protect.

It is not the cold, desolate land, nor the supreme power, but the ever-flowing life under this light, and the peace and security of those around us.

Ling Xiao clenched his fist, his eyes flashing with unprecedented determination.

Seven months later, at Broken Boundary Mountain.

Whether it's the Holy Temple or a reclusive force, all the grudges and feuds, all the life-and-death struggles, should be brought to a close. (End of Chapter)