A range of mountains stretched as far as the eye could see, within a secluded valley.
Four figures ca to a halt.
"Older brother, are you okay?"
Shi Xiaole reached out to support Uncle Wang, without uttering any unnecessary words that he shouldn’t have been saved, for that would be an insult to the other’s sentints and sacrifices.
"These old bones of mine haven’t scattered that easily yet."
Uncle Wang chuckled, but then coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Despite appearing mightily invincible before, it was partly due to the amplification of the Slaughter Martial Way, and partly because he was forcing himself beyond his limits. Now, he was facing a period of weakness from overexertion, making him an easy target for either Shen Yuan or Shen Wu should they catch up.
Mu Qianji gently pressed on Uncle Wang’s back and, after a while, said with surprise, "The elder has broken sixty-six bones and most of his internal organs have shifted, yet he managed to hold on for so long."
She was sowhat impressed by his perseverance, realizing that anyone who could practice the Slaughter Martial Way to 120% completion must indeed be a formidable figure.
Uncle Wang rely smiled, but inwardly he sighed.
He did not consider such injuries significant; the real issue lay in the Slaughter Martial Way’s fissures.
The Slaughter Martial Way, unlike other martial paths, augnted one’s combat strength significantly through emotions, montum, and killing intent. However, the corresponding downside was potential damage to the martial way itself if it were heavily burdened for too long.
Previously, to alleviate the pressure on Shi Xiaole, Uncle Wang had almost singlehandedly battled against nurous enemies. He hadn’t just forced his martial way, but increased the burden by several or even tenfold. His martial way had just broken through and had not yet stabilized, resulting in fractures.
This kind of injury, akin to a ntal fracture, was nearly incurable—at least according to Uncle Wang’s knowledge, he could not think of a cure. And it virtually eliminated any possibility of further advancent.
Even with Uncle Wang’s open-minded disposition, he could not help but feel so regret and pain. However, he did not want Shi Xiaole to see this, so he casually laughed and said, "It’s just a minor issue, a few days of rest should suffice."
Mu Qianji looked deeply at Uncle Wang and said nothing more.
Soon, the group of four entered a certain cave.
"Master!"
Xia Xiaonine’s eyes lit up within the cave. Her sitting figure imdiately stood up, wanting to move forward but not daring to do so.
"I had a vague idea about your whereabouts before, so I sneaked into the princess’s mansion and happened to encounter Protector Han. The ease with which I could kidnap Xia the young lord was part of a strategy we had agreed upon earlier," Uncle Wang suddenly said.
Even with his top-tier skills as a Heaven Realm Martial Emperor, infiltrating the Daxia royal palace was not an easy feat, let alone passing through layers of defense to directly seize Xia Xiaonine.
In truth, it was the result of Xia Xiaonine’s own initiative. Having ascended the throne for over ten years, he still had so trusted aides. Smuggling Uncle Wang into the palace was not a difficult task for them.
Shi Xiaole glanced at Xia Xiaonine.
Xia Xiaonine held his breath in nervousness.
As a ruler revered by millions with the power over life and death, he never lowered his proud head even in front of Ancestral Temple masters and Witch Heavenly Guards, but he felt a genuine, heartfelt respect for the young man in green standing before him.
He would never forget, it was his master who saved him in a mont between life and death, on that uneventful and warm New Year’s Eve, then on their way back to Daxia, they encountered a group of bandits, and Chang Wei died in battle.
Yet, it was only at the end that he learned his master had secretly taught Chang Wei so powerful martial arts. It was precisely because of this that Chang Wei had helped him miraculously escape death for a second ti.
So people, outwardly aloof, but upon closer inspection, one might discover the warmth and kindness hidden behind their seemingly distant actions.
This was more touching than any overt friendliness or intentional clarity, because it ca without expectation of reward.
Xia Xiaonine truly did not want to lose the friendship of Shi Xiaole and was willing to try anything to retain it. Thus, even with the risk of life and death, he was willing to allow himself to be kidnapped so that he could rescue his master.
Without a word, Shi Xiaole supported Uncle Wang as they entered the cave to treat his injuries.
"Master...,"
As they brushed past each other in that mont, Xia Xiaonine’s lips quivered, her complexion pale.
Han Yanfa sighed and then forced a bitter smile. Throughout the journey, Shi Xiaole hadn’t initiated a single conversation with him, which was enough to represent the other’s attitude.
When soone’s will is resolute, it is beneficial for cultivation, but it also ans they are not easily swayed. Even if he and Xia Xiaonine sacrificed their lives, it seed they couldn’t smooth the knot in Shi Xiaole’s heart.
In the deep night, the stars twinkled brightly.
"Hall Master Shi, as I said before, if you’re able to subdue the Heavenly Will Sect, I will appoint you as the fifth protector of the Divine Sect. Now, I should address you as Protector Shi."
Mu Qianji walked to the entrance of the cave and looked at Shi Xiaole’s back. Seeing his silence, she patted her head and added, "Right, and I’ll also marry the most beautiful saintess of the Divine Sect to you. Hehe, the saintess’ beauty and figure are top-notch in the world. She’s naturally enchanting but with a chilly deanor. Ah, the taste of that, I guarantee that once you’ve had a taste, Protector Shi, you won’t ever forget it."
Shi Xiaole had not yet reacted, but Mu Qianji talked herself into a state of excitent, licking her lips and her cheeks flushing, looking as though flas consud her with impatience.
Still receiving no response, Mu Qianji grew displeased, "Hey, Protector Shi, what do you an by this? I’ve traveled miles to save you. The least you could do is grunt in acknowledgent. What’s with the cold act... Damn it, I was also going to tell you how to heal the martial way’s fissure, but it seems that’s off the table now."
Shi Xiaole turned around.
Mu Qianji crossed her arms and remained silent.
Shi Xiaole nodded and walked past her, infuriating Mu Qianji who had been all set to posture and give Shi Xiaole a piece of her mind, to the point where she almost exploded on the spot.
What is this kid thinking?
Although she admitted that the fissure in the martial way was nearly irreparable and even the Divine Sect’s scriptures were vague about it, there was still a glimr of hope, wasn’t there? How hard was it to speak kindly?
Mu Qianji huffed and strode into the cave. She planned to properly explain the dangers of the martial way’s fissure, to make this Shi fellow understand how much Uncle Wang had sacrificed and see if he would feel guilty or if his conscience would pain him.
"Big brother, let treat your wounds."
In the depths of the cave, Shi Xiaole sat cross-legged beside Uncle Wang.
Uncle Wang laughed reassuringly, "You don’t have to do this, Shi Bro. I can easily take care of these wounds myself."
"No, it’s not these wounds I’m talking about, I an the wounds from the martial way’s fissure."
Shi Xiaole spoke the last sentence through voice transmission.
Uncle Wang thought he had misheard, but Shi Xiaole’s tone was definitely not joking. Helplessly, he said, "You know about it? Well, it’s true. With your spiritual strength, there’s little that can be hidden from you. However, the fissure in the martial way is incurable, and you needn’t trouble yourself with it."
After a pause, he laughed heartily, "Ha! Actually, it’s not as serious as you think, Shi Bro. Even without the fissure, my accomplishnts have hit their limit. I won’t be able to make any further progress. If you feel guilty about this, then you are looking down on , big brother!"
Watching the carefree and feigned anger in the other’s features, as if saying one more word would lead Uncle Wang to turn his back on him, Shi Xiaole was overwheld with emotion and beca more determined about a decision that had caused him hesitation and doubt before.
A gentleman dies for those who appreciate him. If Uncle Wang could risk his life alone for him, how could he, Shi Xiaole, be one to hide and hoard?
"Big brother, rest assured, I really can save you."
"Shi Bro, are you not treating as a friend?"
Uncle Wang bristled with annoyance.
He knew all too well how great the harm of a heart demon could be to a martial artist. Without a doubt, if today’s matter wasn’t handled properly, it could beco Shi Xiaole’s heart demon and even ruin this heaven-sent genius.
Uncle Wang was extrely anxious. Beating and killing were his strengths, not resolving and advising, alas.
Just as he was troubled by this, Uncle Wang suddenly noticed Shi Xiaole place a palm on his body. Then, an enigmatic and profound aura, as if encompassing the ultimate truth of life and death, surged into his body.
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