C772 The Ghost King Was Forced to Ask

Beneath the dimming sky, Ann Ziqing's purple divine armor shone with an unparalleled brilliance. The armor was adorned with clusters of purple and dark red patterns that sparkled like stars in the Star River, radiating a divine presence powerful enough to dominate the heavens, shatter souls, and strike terror into the heart of the Sky Fiend.

Ann Ziqing, in her spirited body form, stood atop a pile of massive skulls, wielding the Glacial Storm Seal like a deity made flesh. The World of Darkness crumbled beneath her feet, and the ancient monsters, once linked to Imdohr, wailed as they condensed into tiny specks of black light. These specks were absorbed back into the immense Crescent Sickle, transforming into spirited souls within the weapon's blade.

Without so much as a glance at Imdohr or acknowledging his enraged howls, the young woman from the Colddeath, who had once served Yu Yuan as a maid, simply bowed and conversed with Chu Yao. Both she and Chu Yao deliberately overlooked the spectre's presence.

"I wouldn't say I've offended him," Chu Yao, who also manifested as a Lunar Spirit, commented with a detached air. "Imdohr is not a disciple of the Order of Healing; he merely has some transactions involving pills with us. He's not under my command, so your injuring him really has nothing to do with me."

At these words, Imdohr, who had been shrieking, fell abruptly silent. His soul, once scattered across the blackwood beads, stealthily vanished, not rushing to reappear, seemingly choked with indignation. He had been exerting himself on Chu Yao's behalf, acting on Chu Yao's orders to detain Yuan Lianyao of the Ruby Hand and to attempt the assassination of Yu Yuan... Yet why was Chu Yao so quick to disassociate himself from her as soon as Ann Ziqing arrived?

"In this world, no one wishes to cross the Order of Healing," Ann Ziqing said with a charming smile, her eyes sparkling with life. "Mr. Chu, Yu Yuan and I have a past, and whether he has betrayed the Everlands remains to be seen. I trust that you, as a member of the Order of Healing, wouldn't concern yourself with such trifles, would you?"

After a brief moment of contemplation, Chu Yao gave a slight nod. "Ann, today, I'll extend you this courtesy."

After he spoke, he added, "Please extend my regards to your father."

"Certainly!" A smile graced Ann Ziqing's lips.

"I'm determined to capture the White Bone," declared Chu Yao with a serious tone.

"I didn't come here to assist the White Bone!" Ann Ziqing quickly interjected.

"Good to hear."

Chu Yao's face softened, and without another word, he took off into the distance from behind Shadow Mountain, not even bothering to notify Imdohr.

As soon as he was gone, the soul within the blackwood beads of Imdohr flickered back into existence.

Simultaneously, the blackwood beads and the Crescent Sickle sprang into action, seemingly intent on pursuing Chu Yao.

With a whoosh, the Crucible of Evil surged forward, heading straight for the blackwood beads. Yu Yuan's face turned ashen, his once bright eyes now dull and lifeless.

"Yuan Lianyao must stay behind!"

At Yu Yuan's command, the Bane surged out of the crucible in succession.

Once the Crescent Sickle and the blackwood beads joined forces, Imdohr sensed something and immediately realized that Yu Yuan had nearly exhausted all his strength and vitality using the sword sheath to fend off a burst of sickle light.

Imdohr was confident that with another strike, Yu Yuan would not be able to withstand his next assault.

As for the Bane within the crucible, he would leave them to his minions to handle.

However...

When Imdohr's attention turned to Ann Ziqing, he was immediately filled with concern.

He did not fear Yu Yuan in his current state, but he did fear Ann Ziqing, who possessed a higher level of cultivation, wielded the Glacial Storm Seal, and donned the purple divine armor.

Ann Ziqing was the one capable of inflicting severe damage or even annihilating him!

Indeed, Ann Ziqing, who had come bearing the Glacial Storm Seal, was initially meant to aid Razses, the Ghost King, in battle against other Ghost Kings.

Ann Ziqing was not only in the Spirit Walk realm but was an exceptional one at that. Her divine armor was enigmatic, and the Glacial Storm Seal was a nemesis to all ghosts.

Ann Ziqing had just demonstrated her formidable power, proving that she could use the Glacial Storm Seal to vanquish the fourth-ranked Spectre!

"Fine, fine, even if I rescue her, she won't be grateful," Ann Ziqing suddenly waved her hand dismissively, as if shooing away a fly, signaling to Imdohr to beat it. "That sister from the Ruby Hand, do as you please with her. Taking out your frustrations on her is an excellent idea."

Yu Yuan's expression darkened. As he tried to muster his strength once more, he was overcome with dizziness and fatigue. A quick self-examination revealed that blocking the sickle's blade light with his scabbard had nearly depleted all of his remaining energy. Now, his only reliance was on the Crucible of Evil and the Banes. Yet, Imdohr had a multitude of minions at his disposal...

With a heavy sigh, Yu Yuan commanded, "Ann Ziqing, make him release Ms. Yuan." Imdohr, who was ready to depart with a string of pearls and the dark Crescent Sickle, came to a sudden halt in the void at Yu Yuan's words. The Spectre, upon seeing the Glacial Storm Seal in Ann Ziqing's possession, dared not act rashly. Reduced to the size of a fist, the Glacial Storm Seal appeared to Imdohr as formidable as a thundercloud, its terrifying might in the World of Darkness still haunting him. He had no choice but to obediently freeze in place.

"Young Master, are you speaking to me?" Ann Ziqing's lips curled into a playful smile as she glanced at the Crucible of Evil. "Oh, I recall your words, Young Master, they cut deep. You said you never wanted to see me again, that I annoyed you and gave you a headache."

Her mocking tone only added to Yu Yuan's frustration. He was well aware that this witch from the Colddeath was not to be underestimated, her methods both cruel and cunning. One wrong response, and she might very well wash her hands of the situation, allowing Imdohr to take Yuan Lianyao away. Should Imdohr end up erasing Yuan Lianyao's soul, Yu Yuan knew he would be filled with unbearable regret.

"Yes, I'm talking to you. Please ensure she is released unharmed, without any complications," Yu Yuan stated, his face stern.

"Did you hear me?" Ann Ziqing laughed triumphantly, pointing at the string of black pearls. "I'm talking to you, Imdohr. Did you or did you not hear me?"

"What?" Imdohr responded, clearly bewildered.

"You actually think you can rank after White Bone? Ridiculous!" Ann Ziqing scoffed. "Now, do as you're told and release Ms. Yuan and Yuanyuan! Yuanyuan is my own sister! If she suffers any harm, I'll reduce your soul to dust!"

Boom!

A thunderous roar erupted from within the Glacial Storm Seal.

Whoosh!

Yuan Lianyao's Lunar Spirit burst forth from a blackwood pearl. The sound of thunder had clearly frightened Imdohr. He released Yuan Lianyao's soul and hastily took flight without a moment's hesitation, with a host of ghosts trailing behind him.

"Yuanyuan, are you okay? The audacity of Imdohr to imprison you!" Ann Ziqing exclaimed, her purple divine armor glinting as she rushed to her sister's side. Her stunning face was etched with deep concern. "Forgive me for being late, sister. Please, forgive me."

Yu Yuan watched the little witch's exaggerated concern with a mix of emotions, rubbing his forehead in irritation. The spot where the Crescent Sickle had targeted him was still throbbing.

What was more frustrating was realizing that both he and Yuan Lianyao had been extricated from peril thanks to Ann Ziqing's intervention.

"It's because my own power is still slightly lacking. I exhausted all my strength with a single sword strike," Yu Yuan reflected silently, acknowledging that the Spectre of the Land of Terror wasn't as formidable as their own ranks suggested, yet not so weak that he could easily vanquish it.

"Enough with the act."

Having just emerged from the World of Darkness, Yuan Lianyao overheard the exchange between Ann Ziqing, Yu Yuan, and Imdohr. Now free, she watched Ann Ziqing's feigned concern with a sense of irritation. "You saved me this time, and I won't forget it. There will be a chance to repay you in the future."

"You're too formal, sister. You looked after my young master so well when you were in Asvetaesi. It's only right that I help you," Ann Ziqing said with a beaming smile, speaking warmly. "Sister, you weren't mistreated by Imdohr with an evil soul in there, were you?"

Yuan Lianyao spoke with a sense of resignation, "I'm fine."

"I'm relieved to hear that; you had me really worried," Ann Ziqing said, her hand on her chest.

"Yu Yuan, what about White Bone?" Yuan Lianyao dismissed her concern and, with a furrowed brow, spoke softly, "I think we should avoid going there. With Chu Yao present, White Bone is more likely to face danger than fortune. Your going there would be in vain."

Ann Ziqing nodded in agreement, "Absolutely, absolutely."

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