CHAPTER 136
Sisters Unite
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"Jue'er, what are you thinking about?"
"I was thinking how truly formidable Master Su is. It seems nothing is beyond your capabilities."
"Hehe, General Dongfang flatters me~"
Su Cheng thought to himself: Every living soul has weaknesses.
Compared to an all-knowing, omnipotent deity, humans had far too many vulnerabilities. Had Dongfang Jue not been such a gentle soul, Su Cheng possessed ample strategies to breach her defenses even through direct assault—and certainly wouldn’t have needed such a large force.
"I'm not as formidable as Jue imagines. I've simply gained more experience in handling troublesome situations."
After issuing his orders, Su Cheng commanded the army to retreat. Every road, major or minor, was placed under strict surveillance. Within a single night, over a dozen spies attempting to slip out were captured.
But this worked to his advantage. Su Cheng's primary purpose in using the Fallen Immortal Ruler was to sever communication between the two cities, allowing the fog of war to shroud the outskirts.
While Dongfang Jue's forces undoubtedly possessed means to sever communications between the two cities, it was evident that Su Cheng's magical artifact remained entirely unaffected.
Su Cheng knew full well that sheer force of numbers would not intimidate this seasoned general, who was well-prepared. Only when she realized that everything was unfolding differently than she had anticipated would the unknown become the most potent weapon to break this veteran commander.
Only a scheme beyond her expectations could unsettle her composure.
Bringing out the Fallen Immortal Ruler was also to guard against any peculiar communication methods the enemy might employ. This was the most crucial part of the plan, leaving no room for error.
"Jue'er, shall we go into town for dinner?"
Dongfang Jue suddenly realized that Master Su had accompanied her all day and assisted her greatly.
"Master Su, please wait. I've already made arrangements for you."
Dongfang Jue feigned seriousness as she summoned her aide: "How much longer until dinner? Inform the kitchen—I expect it served promptly!"
The aide understood immediately, nodding repeatedly and assuring her it would be ready soon.
Su Cheng smiled. Clearly, the army hadn't reached the stage of cooking meals yet, but he had no intention of exposing Dongfang Jue.
"Master Su, Jue'er will go check the kitchen."
"The same as the soldiers will suffice. I have no taste for fine food and silk robes; my daily fare is simple tea and plain rice."
"Understood, Master Su. Rest assured."
With that, Dongfang Jue turned and departed.
Only then did Yu Lan speak up: "Husband, did you know this princess would come looking for you?"
Su Cheng shook his head. "We came here for other matters. This was merely a small favor—it won't take long."
"My lord seems quite fond of this Dongfang girl."
Dongfang Jue merely instructed that dinner for Su Cheng be prepared to royal standards. Though military conditions couldn't match those in the city, Dongfang Jue dared not neglect Su Cheng, especially since the Sect Leader had done her such a great favor.
No sooner had she returned to the entrance of the military tent than she overheard the accompanying mute boy discussing her with Su Cheng. She decided to linger outside the tent and eavesdrop.
"Jue'er has a pure and kind heart. It's just that living in official circles for so long has made her seem more calculating."
"Is that so? My husband seems to be avoiding my question~"
"I once believed most matters would unfold according to Heaven's will, but now it seems Miss Dongfang was indeed correct."
Yu Lan, unaware of Dongfang Jue's past apprenticeship, looked equally puzzled.
"Heh, perhaps destiny truly isn't set in stone."
"Oh? Does my husband also practice divination?"
Su Cheng smiled and said no more.
Dongfang Jue was somewhat shocked. It seemed Master Su truly possessed the divine ability to peer into the secrets of heaven!
If that were so, and since destiny could change, might she too be able to enter Lingxian Hall?
As for the two disciples, they hadn't rested since entering. The battles rolled on like waves, ceaseless and relentless.
Li Shiyu was utterly exhausted, the Chaos Bell never leaving her grasp. The vicious beasts formed from shadows seemed endless, but she had no other choice.
[Senior Sister? Where did you go? Shiyu is about to collapse.]
Ye Qinghan's situation was no less dire. The relentless struggle had left her looking somewhat bedraggled.
[I'm not doing much better. Where is Shiyu?]
【I don't know. I just kept moving forward. It's been so long, and it's still pitch black around me.】
Ye Qinghan thought to herself, She's worse off than Shiyu. I can't even tell which way is front or back anymore.
Apart from her personal Six Rites artifacts, Ye Qinghan couldn't summon any other magical treasures. She could only rely on her raw strength to endure the endless onslaught of ferocious beasts.
【Stay put and wait for me. I'll come find you.】
Clearly, Ye Qinghan had also recognized the problem. Whether it was her or Shi Yao, completing their master's task alone was truly difficult.
Accustomed to invincibility, Ye Qinghan had intended to test Li Shiyu's mettle. Little did she expect that even she herself was struggling to keep up.
These beasts were no match for Ye Qinghan, but there were simply too many of them! It was impossible to kill them all!
Li Shiyu didn't possess Ye Qinghan's formidable offensive power, but with the innate treasure, the Chaos Bell, few beasts could even touch her.
Ye Qinghan had already fled far ahead, yet she was now visibly exhausted.
Though Li Shiyao could still hold her own, she hadn't advanced much further after all this time.
【Good!】
After spending some time turning back to find his junior sister, both were slightly disheveled when they reunited.
"Are you okay?"
"With you by my side, Shiyu feels much better!"
"How about we team up?"
"Sure! Shiyu will follow your lead, senior sister!"
It must be said that after Senior Sister arrived, Li Shiyu's spirits lifted considerably. It seemed that with Senior Sister present, any problem could be solved.
"Senior Sister, gather them together. Shiyu will find a chance to smash them to death!"
"Awoo~"
Li Shiyu grinned, her earlier flustered demeanor completely vanished, her energy fully charged~
"What's with the 'woof'?" Ye Qinghan managed to interject between fending off attacks.
Shiyao casually manipulated the Chaos Bell and replied, "I don't know, but I just felt like making that sound~"
"Seriously, Shiyu, could you aim a little better?"
"Senior Sister, Shiyu is trying her best! These monsters keep moving around!"
Ye Qinghan had assumed that one plus one would be greater than two. With an extra helper, things should be easier.
But clearly, that wasn't the case!
One plus one didn't even equal two—it was less than one. Coordinating effectively proved rather difficult…
Ye Qinghan moved swiftly. To her, the terrain resembled a village carved from black marble.
"Shiyao, can you buy me some time? I think I'm starting to understand this terrain!"
"Got it!"
Li Shiyu's Chaos Bell glowed golden, standing out starkly in the pitch-black secret realm. When it came to drawing aggro and taunting, Li Shiyu had always been a master.
Ye Qinghan floated in midair, summoning her sword case and releasing all the immortal swords within. She imbued them with her divine sense to expand its coverage.
Though he'd long suspected it, the sheer endlessness of the enemy forces still caught Ye Qinghan off guard.
The flying swords probed the surroundings, and it soon became clear that if they didn't advance, they would be worn down and killed here sooner or later.
While it was unlikely to be life-threatening, being touched by this monster still hurt quite a bit. Moreover, she didn't want to disappoint her master.
"Senior Sister, are you done yet?! Shiyu! I can't hold on much longer!"
Shiyao could protect herself adequately, but shielding Ye Qinghan, who was channeling the spell, stretched her defenses thin.
The monster's claws swept by like a hunting dog's. One moment of carelessness, and her skirt was torn to shreds.
"Hang on a little longer, it'll be done soon!"
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