Chapter 794: Releasing The Phoenix
Li Qiye laughed at Yuan Caihe's praise and gently shook his head: "Little Sister, it is not because I am kind but because I also want to see its rebirth." A glimmer flashed across his eyes as he looked at the Phoenix and spoke: "The rebirth of a phoenix through fire has long been spoken of by people, but how many have actually seen it? If this Phoenix can actually be reborn, then there will be an entirely new understanding in the search of eternal life in the future."
Eternal life was an issue explored by countless invincible existences. In this era where true immortality was impossible, people looked towards rebirth and endless reincarnation. If one could obtain one of these methods, then it was virtually the same as having eternal life.
Regarding this matter, the once immortal Dark Crow had researched it and had a stronger understanding compared to others.
"Rebirth…" The Hundred-Life Alchemy Emperor let out a long sigh. He, as an Alchemy Emperor and an Emperor Candidate, had studied this topic as well. He emotionally added: "If I can see the rebirth of a phoenix in my lifetime, then I can go on without regrets. At the very least, it shows that rebirth is not something unattainable. Until now, it remains as the greatest secret. If I can learn a bit more in this life, then death won't seem that bad."
The alchemy emperor knew how to prolong life better than other invincible existences. But in this generation, he could no longer further extend his lifespan and was completely helpless.
Li Qiye also nodded to this comment: "Across the ages, no one has ever unraveled the mystery of the phoenix's rebirth. If this phoenix wants another chance at life, then it has to rely on itself. If I keep it by my side, then it will never be able to obtain this opportunity and live again!"
Having said that, Li Qiye gently patted the pretty and perfect feathers of the bird. Just its feathers alone were priceless, let alone its entire being.
Nevertheless, Li Qiye was willing to let it go instead of keeping it by his side. Perhaps he would be able to have the chance to learn a few things after seeing the potential true rebirth in the future. Eventually, he made up his mind.
At the same time, Yuan Caihe's group and countless experts from the kingdom wanted to watch this scene, this potential miracle!
The moment the group came out of the ancestral ground to release the Phoenix at the mountain pass caused many spectators to be alarmed.
The moment a supreme immortal bird like the Phoenix came out, an endless and majestic aura immediately rose and was felt by everyone in Alchemy City. To their astonishment, they looked up all at once to see Li Qiye raising the Phoenix in his hands.
"No way, is he crazy? Releasing the Phoenix?" From his actions, some could guess what Li Qiye was about to do and felt astounded.
"How preposterous is this? This is a Phoenix! No matter if it is alive or dead, it is still a priceless treasure. Just its heart alone is comparable to an Immortal Emperor Life Treasure!" Even a great power's ancestor was scared silly by Li Qiye's actions.
Those who knew more about the value of a phoenix felt that it was even more insane. Releasing such a treasure was a prodigal decision of paramount proportions — truly enraging!
"Go find your own fortune for rebirth and seize the future full of opportunities." Eventually, Li Qiye sighed and threw the Phoenix up.
"Screech!" In the blink of an eye, the Phoenix soared to the sky and danced around three times above Li Qiye's head before using an astonishing speed to pierce through the sky, disappearing in the horizon.
Its swift speed was unmatched; even the reflection of moonlight would seem slow in comparison. It disappeared into the distance in just the blink of an eye.
The spectators in the city were stunned. A phoenix had left just like that because of Li Qiye's prodigal decision. Some wanted to curse and yell at Li Qiye to give the Phoenix to them instead of releasing it like this!
"Chase after it!" Some ancestors and legendary masters regained their wits and suddenly rushed into the sky. They flew at amazing speeds to chase in the direction of the Phoenix.
Suddenly, a few existences with real power followed suit. This was a Phoenix! They, being Virtuous Paragons, naturally wanted to seize it!
"Some paragons are chasing after it." The madam worriedly said. Since so many gave chase, what if the Phoenix fell into their hands? That would be a waste of her Young Master's efforts.
"With just them?" Li Qiye simply didn't care and dismissively said: "They are not qualified. If any random street dogs could catch a Phoenix, then it wouldn't be an existence that was once comparable to Immortal Emperors."
After hearing this, the madam felt relieved.
The news of the release of the creature spread throughout the Stone Medicine World and caused a huge stir. Many ancient existences couldn't sit still after hearing it.
"Who cares if he is crazy or not, summon the ancestral weapon so that we can catch the bird!" A timeworn ancestor crawled out from the ground and set off immediately!
"Summon the patriarch's Immortal Emperor's carriage. We have to catch this Phoenix at all costs!" Even imperial lineages' ancestors were no exceptions. They brought out their imperial treasures and gave chase.
In a short period of time, a storm swept across this world with countless lineages, including imperial lineages, joining the chase for the Phoenix. It swept through the entire world with old undyings rising from the earth to join the hunt.
New information came every day. One day, some people found the bird in the Medicine Realm. The very next day, someone spotted it in the Beast Realm, and then the Stone Realm.
The bird seemed to be searching for something as it traveled across the world. Despite people spotting it numerous times, no one could catch up to it. As an immortal bird, its speed was so fast that even imperial carriages couldn't catch up.
This lasted for a while before the Phoenix suddenly crossed the void and disappeared into the vast sky. No one could chase after it. All the paragons dejectedly gave up, so the curtain finally fell.
Despite the big commotion, Li Qiye paid it no mind. He expected this result and continued to stay at the kingdom's ancestral ground to pass on his dao of alchemy to Yuan Caihe.
One day, the Hundred-Life Alchemy Emperor personally came to see him: "My lord, the platform is ready. Would you like to go take a look?"
"Good, let's check it out." Li Qiye nodded and followed the alchemy emperor.
There was an archaic platform inside an important forbidden ground of the kingdom with a gigantic gateway. It appeared to be a teleportation portal but was slightly different. Above the platform was a gigantic ring that slowly rotated, causing time to fluctuate to its rhythm.
Li Qiye emotionally stated after seeing this platform again: "What an extraordinary item! Even an Immortal Emperor wouldn't be able to copy it! Your ancestor was very lucky to have obtained this door. At the very least, this is one more shortcut straight to the Drystone Courtyard!"
"This thing is really great, but the chance of success is too low. I have tried several times when I was younger but failed each time. I didn't dare to try it again later on since it would be too much for me to handle." The emperor wryly smiled: "I can't say that this time will be successful either even if my lord is the one to operate the portal."
"I know. Like I said before, this is just an attempt to reach the Drystone Courtyard. It is only a speculation that I want to personally test. If it's unsuccessful, then I'll try other methods. They will only be a bit more troublesome." Li Qiye smiled.
Li Qiye carefully examined this portal and eventually nodded: "Embed the Immortal Emperor Refine Jades and let it stabilize, then I'll set off."
"My juniors have carefully prepared them already. Once it stabilizes, my lord can go at any time." The alchemy emperor responded.
This gateway required a massive amount of imperial refined jades. However, it was not a problem for the kingdom.
"I want the Heavenly Annihilations of those three imperial weapons! Let them prepare well so we can get started." Li Qiye commanded.
"If my lord wants to use the annihilations, then we have to open the old Godfiend Battlefield because very few places in this world could handle such force." The alchemy emperor replied.
"Right, your kingdom has a battlefield ready. Let them prepare now; this time, they will absolutely lose some of their lifespans." Li Qiye nodded.
The alchemy emperor had no objections to this request. Li Qiye's exoneration was already merciful enough towards the other ancestors.
The kingdom had an archaic battlefield. Legend states that Immortal Emperor Bi Shi brought it back. As for where he got it from… not even the ancestors were privy to this.
794 TeaserLi Qiye laughed at Yuan Caihe's praise and gently shook his head: "Little Sister, it is not because I am kind but because I also want to see its rebirth." A glimmer flashed across his eyes as he looked at the Phoenix and spoke: "The rebirth of a phoenix through fire has long been spoken of by people, but how many have actually seen it? If this Phoenix can actually be reborn, then there will be an entirely new understanding in the search of eternal life in the future."
Eternal life was an issue explored by countless invincible existences. In this era where true immortality was impossible, people looked towards rebirth and endless reincarnation. If one could obtain one of these methods, then it was virtually the same as having eternal life.
Regarding this matter, the once immortal Dark Crow had researched it and had a stronger understanding compared to others.
"Rebirth…" The Hundred-Life Alchemy Emperor let out a long sigh. He, as an Alchemy Emperor and an Emperor Candidate, had studied this topic as well. He emotionally added: "If I can see the rebirth of a phoenix in my lifetime, then I can go on without regrets. At the very least, it shows that rebirth is not something unattainable. Until now, it remains as the greatest secret. If I can learn a bit more in this life, then death won't seem that bad."
[collapse]Chapter 795: Before The Journey
On this day, the battlefield was finally opened. The moment one stepped inside, they would find that it was a disorderly space with an endless sky of nothingness.
Here, there were peaks that were as big as independent worlds, and a galaxy that stretched from the northernmost to southernmost reaches with stars floating about…
Unfortunately, this was a location that could have created a series of worlds but had been shattered into pieces. The mountains were destroyed and the galaxy fragmented with the destruction of the stars. The only thing in sight was a scene of ruin and destruction.
One could easily imagine the terrible war that took place here. Either that or this place used to be a brutal training ground. The destruction of the world was the most appropriate term to describe the field ahead.
The ancestors from the kingdom who had sinned had all arrived. They also carried along the three imperial true treasures of the kingdom — the Brightflame Cauldron, the Divine Beast Zither, and one more item that looked to be a basket woven from bamboo leaves.
However, do not underestimate this basket. Its origin could scare people to death! It was the true fate weapon of the kingdom's progenitor, Immortal Emperor Yao Zu. Its name was the Dragon Subduing Basket, an extremely powerful true treasure.
"Very good, all three imperial treasures are here. You all know the drill, I assume?" Li Qiye slightly nodded his head and said: "I need Heavenly Annihilations!"
Having said that, Li Qiye took out one treasure after another — the Yin Yang Immortal Mirror, the green lamp with the black fire, the Declivity-Mountain Bell, the Heaven Sealing Pentagate…
The ancestors' eyes widened after seeing Li Qiye take out so many treasures. They were legendary masters and eternal existences. Some were even God-Monarchs! Of course they knew their stuff.
As a sect with three emperors, they had the most treasures and imperial weapons in the Stone Medicine World. To them, this was a source of pride since it signified their power.
However, Li Qiye alone took out this many treasures. Each of them was not necessarily weaker than their imperial true treasures… This sort of thing to them was simply absurd.
Their entire sect's treasury was inferior to Li Qiye's personal stash. This was unbelievably unfair!
The alchemy emperor, on the other hand, only smiled while the ancestors were astounded. These juniors had never seen the Dark Crow of past. His treasury back then could scare people to death. Even Immortal Emperors would feel envious before it!
Of course, this was normal for Li Qiye. He even gave away the Immortal Writ and lightning eye to Tie Yi. Treasures to him were not anything special. When he needed them, he had plenty of means to gather more!
"In addition to the Heavenly Annihilations from your true treasures, my items will also unleash an ultimate attack." Li Qiye told the ancestors after taking out these treasures.
The ancestors swallowed their saliva. This was quite a difficult task for them. One of the ancestors couldn't help but say: "I'm afraid that even if we drain all of our vitality, we wouldn't be able to unleash so many Heavenly Annihilations."
Unleashing an annihilation was very difficult. Although they were sinners so they had to do this, they were powerless to an extent.
"Don't worry, I can personally unleash some annihilations! I just need some help in this process for stabilization." He paused for a bit before continuing: "Though all of you are sinners, I will not mistreat those who work for me! Regardless of what you think, as long as all of you do a good job, I will refine several batches of heavenly medicines for you!"
The ancestors couldn't help but glance at each other after hearing this. They were quite moved. Although their future was one of being sealed underground, they eventually would come out again in the distant future. As long as they were still alive, who wouldn't want to live a bit longer?
Although the kingdom was the most powerful alchemy lineage in this world, only two people were able to refine heavenly medicines, the Hundred-Life Alchemy Emperor and Ancestor Wushuang!
These ancestors had used many items to prolong their life including a large quantity of longevity medicines. However, they had never consumed heavenly medicines before.
Although their two oldest ancestors could refine these medicines, they would not continuously do so due to the negative effects the process had on their blood energy. Their lifespan was countless times more precious compared to the junior ancestors.
This was not the case for Li Qiye. He was still young and had no worries in this aspect. Moreover, he also had the ability to do so!
"What are you all waiting for? Show your gratitude to the lord's benevolence." Even the alchemy emperor was happy for his juniors. This was a rare opportunity.
"Thank you, my lord…" The ancestors were no longer arrogant. Even though Li Qiye decreed for them to be sealed underground, they were still very excited and moved. This was a blessing amidst a disaster.
Li Qiye insipidly said: "Let us begin."
After some time, the atmosphere in the entire Stone Medicine World seemed to become suffocating. No one knew what was going on, but they could feel that something was coming. Every so often, there would be an explosion that caused the ground to slightly shake.
No one knew what was going!
"The old battlefield, someone is definitely opening the Godfiend Battlefield!" A few legendary masters and eternal existences understood the event that was unraveling.
Nevertheless, no one knew which lineage was opening this battlefield. Very few sects were able to have access to a battlefield of this level. People became afraid of what kind of battle required its opening. Speculations began to run amok all over the Stone Medicine World.
Of course, no one knew that during this period, Li Qiye was unleashing one Heavenly Annihilation after another, from one ultimate attack to another. After many repeated attempts, he was finally successful.
At the end of this process, he collapsed from fatigue. The other ancestors were not faring any better. Their lifespans were greatly spent. Fortunately for them, Li Qiye had agreed to refine heavenly medicines so their efforts inside this old battlefield were all worth it.
In the end, the group left the old battlefield. Although all of them were battered, Li Qiye had an astonishing harvest.
Outsiders didn't know of his spoils, but the ancestors of the kingdom did. After finding out Li Qiye's capabilities, the ancestors felt a fear that seeped into their souls. Even if they were ten times more courageous in the future, they still wouldn't dare to oppose him. They realized that someone even more powerful than they would be easily crushed by him!
Yuan Caihe had lingered long enough at the Alchemy Kingdom, so after Li Qiye came out, she decided to return to the Serene Garden. On the second day, she went to Li Qiye to bid farewell.
"Big Brother, you have to come visit me at the garden some time." At the time of her departure, even the calm Yuan Caihe was a bit unwilling to leave.
Li Qiye smiled in response: "I'm afraid I won't be able to this time. I need to go visit many places, so we'll have to wait until next time. Of course, you can also come to the Mortal Emperor World."
No parting lasts forever; Yuan Caihe gently kissed him and eventually left.
After saying goodbye, Li Qiye called for the madam and spoke in a serious manner: "Zi Yan, you have followed me for some time now. Do you wish to go with me?"
The madam wasn't prepared for this sudden question. She was slightly stunned before answering: "Where does Young Master want to go?"
Li Qiye revealed a mysterious smile and said: "Well, I'll let you know after hearing your decision."
The madam took a deep breath and solemnly replied: "If Young Master is willing to take me, then I am willing to follow you to the edge of this world." She had made up her mind at this time.
Others would find this unbelievable. The madam was still young and was already a Heavenly King, a ruler of an entire country! Many people would find her to have boundless potential and an unreachable status.
No matter the perspective, being a ruler was much better than being a driver.
However, the madam did not share this thought. After staying by Li Qiye for all this time, she understood what miracles and unbelievable wonders were!
In her opinion, even if she continued to stay at Giant Bamboo, her final accomplishment would only be Virtuous Paragon. Her world would be limited to the Giant Bamboo Country. Even if she was able to take things one step higher, she would be limited to the Stone Medicine World.
However, this wouldn't be the case if she followed her Young Master. She would be able to witness the secrets across the ages. Her horizon would no longer be limited to the Stone Medicine World, but all of the nine worlds!
By following her Young Master, her future would be full of miracles and possibilities.
"Very well, I'm glad that you have thought it through." Li Qiye gently nodded. He personally held her in high regard. He would have fewer worries with her by his side.
He commanded: "You should go back to Giant Bamboo and deal with the matter of succession. Afterward, take the Imperial Draco-Bull to the Giant Bamboo Country. It will leave behind a divine ring there."
"Young Master won't go back to Giant Bamboo?" The madam was slightly surprised.
Li Qiye gently shook his head: "I want to go to the Drystone Courtyard with the kingdom's portal."
Chapter 796: Parting
"Drystone Courtyard?!" The madam gasped as her expression quickly changed: "Young Master, do you really want to go there?"
"Yes, I plan on having a look." Li Qiye nodded: "I have a speculation that needs to be confirmed at the courtyard. Of course, I will quickly return."
"Young Master, we are talking about the Drystone Courtyard here!" The madam's mind became heavy because she was worried that her Young Master was taking it too lightly.
"I know about the courtyard and also that it is one of the twelve burial grounds. It's the most dangerous place in the Stone Medicine World." Li Qiye smiled.
How could he not know about the courtyard? One would be hard pressed to find others more knowledgeable than him in present times.
The madam wryly smiled and said: "Young Master, 'dangerous' is not enough to describe it. It is simply a land of no return. Even legendary Godkings would not be able to come out alive! Another rumor states that there had been Immortal Emperors trapped there; they even nearly lost their lives."
The Drystone Courtyard was a very dangerous location in the Stone Medicine World. Throughout the ages, countless people had died there, but curiosity still got the best of the future explorers.
Many had gauged the twelve burial grounds before, and they believed that if there was a list that ranked the level of danger for each of them, then the Drystone Courtyard could be considered among the top three.
Some invincible existences had attempted this as well. Although a place like the Heavenly Ancient Corpse Burial Ground was full of the dead and corpses, many inhabitants there had voluntarily buried themselves.
There were not as many corpses at the Drystone Courtyard, but people believed even more cultivators had died there compared to the Heavenly Ancient Corpse Burial Ground. Moreover, many among them were Virtuous Paragons or unbeatable existences!
Of course, the courtyard's secret was why people wanted to go there. Even Immortal Emperors wanted to solve the mystery, but it had remained unsolved for millions of years!
Li Qiye only smiled after seeing the worried madam: "Zi Yan, there is no need to worry about me. I am very confident about this trip to the courtyard. Plus, the portal of the kingdom is one of the few shortcuts in present times, but this shortcut's success rate is very low. Whether I can go inside or not is still hard to say."
The madam knew that she couldn't convince her Young Master to change his mind. The only thing she could do now was to pray for his safe return.
"Regardless of whether I can make it inside or not, I will take a trip to the Beast Realm afterward." Li Qiye told her: "We will meet again at the Beast Realm. When the time is ripe, I will take you to the Bi'an Beastworld."
"The Bi'an Beastworld?" The madam was startled and murmured: "One of the legendary six ancient immortal earths?"
Li Qiye nodded slightly: "Yes, the beastworld is not a bad location at all and is absolutely worth your time."
The madam found this difficult to believe: "But Young Master, I heard that the beastworld has disappeared for a very long time now. People say that it never showed up again after the destruction of the Divine Beast Realm. Many lineages — including imperial heritages — had tried to find it to no avail."
"Yes, I know." Li Qiye cheerfully smiled: "But this generation is different from others. The beastworld will inevitably appear in this one."
The madam was slightly stunned by her Young Master's confidence. At this moment, she realized that he could find the beastworld's location. Or in other words, he already knew where it was.
One should know that ever since its disappearance, people in each of the following generations had tried to find it, including Immortal Emperors. However, all of this was for naught. It seemed to have disappeared into thin air; its location was a complete mystery!
However, the world knew that it was one of the six ancient immortal earths. Even if many lineages and great powers moldered over the years, it would continue to exist in an indestructible and everlasting manner!
Because of this, great masters from future generations all wanted to find the crux of the problem. They wanted to know what the reason was for its disappearance!
Li Qiye chuckled at the madam's silly state: "After we get there, I will take you around and see what kind of fortune you will be able to obtain."
"A fortune at the beastworld?" The madam was astonished, but she was not very confident. The legend of the beastworld was unreachable, and many came back empty-handed. She couldn't help but say: "Is it possible for me?"
"Have trust in yourself, you can definitely do it. Plus, I will be there as well, so there is no need to worry." Li Qiye smiled: "Leave the Immortal Devouring Evil Jar back at the Giant Bamboo Country. This is the country's defining treasure, so after you come with me, you should return it to them. I will find you a different treasure."
"I understand." The madam nodded. After leaving the country, she would surely return an important treasure like the jar. She was its disciple, after all, and hoped for the country to have a long lasting future.
Li Qiye eventually told the madam: "Go, deal with the matters there, then we can leave with no hesitation."
The madam bowed to Li Qiye before setting off towards the Giant Bamboo Country on the second day. She had many things to transfer over. For example, the successor to the throne and the dao lineage…
She grew up in the country so she still felt some sadness about leaving it. In the end, she steeled her resolve. Although she would no longer be its ruler or even an official at the country, she would always be its disciple. This was with Li Qiye's permission. He only needed her by his side to work for him. Whether she was a disciple of Giant Bamboo or not didn't matter.
At the same time, the Alchemy Kingdom had embedded the required refined jades, and the portal had stabilized. Li Qiye could begin his trip to the Drystone Courtyard.
However, he was interrupted by a challenger.
"Jian Wushuang is here. The girl wants to challenge you." Ming Yexue sent the news to Li Qiye. She didn't think much of Jian Wushuang's sudden challenge because this wasn't the first time it happened.
"That girl is really courageous to try again." Li Qiye couldn't help but chuckle after hearing this.
Anyone else, even those who were adored by the heavens, would be absolutely appalled with fear in their mind after dying once. But in just a short time, Jian Wushuang dared to come challenge him again. This showed that she was sufficiently prepared and was ready for death as well!
"You didn't kill her last time?" Ming Yexue was curious. She couldn't watch the fight last time, but she knew that Li Qiye won for sure. Otherwise, she wouldn't come challenge him again.
"No, she really died last time." Li Qiye gently shook his head: "The girl is too proud and stubborn — this will be her undoing."
"The Jian Clan is indeed amazing. They really do have a method to revive someone just like the legend states!" Ming Yexue had to praise: "No wonder why Jian Wushuang can be so arrogant. She died but can come back for another shot in just a short period of time. This shows that she didn't only recover, she will come with an even more powerful approach."
"The girl indeed has the ability to be so proud. Unfortunately for her, she chose the wrong opponent." Li Qiye smiled. Although he didn't like Jian Wushuang in the past, he still appreciated her skill.
"Will you accept the challenge?" Ming Yexue asked: "The ancestor said that the portal is completely stable now so you can leave anytime."
Despite receiving the challenge, Ming Yexue felt that there was no need for an actual fight. She knew who the victor would be. Jian Wushuang indeed had frightening talents and was qualified to fight someone like Ye Qingcheng, but she couldn't reach the apex when compared to Li Qiye.
"I'll settle this matter before going." Li Qiye stroked his chin: "Go tell the girl that I accept her challenge. I will choose the location, and she will come alone! If not, I won't bother fighting her."
Ming Yexue complied and went to answer Jian Wushuang.
For Li Qiye, having an expert like Jian Wushuang was non-essential. However, he still agreed to this fight. He wanted to settle this matter, and Jian Wushuang was a good sparring partner. It didn't matter whether she was friend or foe. Her strength and offensive potential were very beneficial to his Death Seal. It could increase his death energy by a sizable amount. Plus, even if Jian Wushuang could kill him, she would not be able to harm his true foundation.
Her power was just right, so Li Qiye viewed her as the best source of death energy. Where else could he find a better opponent to gather death energy?
Chapter 797: Jian Wushuang's Second Challenge
The battle location was unknown to everyone besides Li Qiye and Jian Wushuang. Even Ming Yexue didn't know. Li Qiye chose this place to avoid outsiders from seeing his secrets, at least for now.
Jian Wushuang was already waiting by the time he arrived. She hadn't changed one bit; she was still as beautiful and charming with that same obnoxious pride.
Looking at Jian Wushuang would give the feeling that her beauty was not important because her arrogance alone was enough to make others back away. No matter how charming and kingdom-toppling she might be, others wouldn't dare to come close, not even those who had a crush on her.
They would lose confidence before her arrogance and aggressiveness. Even those who were bolder would easily be deterred by her pride. Her attitude was not just for show. It came from her absolute confidence. She was a noble phoenix that looked down on the world and its inhabitants.
Li Qiye remained unperturbed. His temperament simply couldn't compare to Jian Wushuang's
arrogance. Nevertheless, it was not affected by her aggressive presence.
"I'm a bit surprised." Li Qiye smiled after seeing her: "It mustn't be easy for you to dare come challenge me again."
Jian Wushuang coldly glared at him. Despite her defeat and even death to his hands, she was still as imperious as before without a hint of pretension.
She coldly uttered: "Why would I not dare to come again?! Victory and defeat are normal to a warrior! I will defeat you one day!" Despite her arrogance, her mentality was still quite good.
She didn’t falter after dying to Li Qiye and instead rose to even greater heights with a stronger battle intent. She was better than many people in this regard. For example, the white hair alchemist. He was a brilliant genius, but alas, he couldn't handle the blow of defeat.
Li Qiye carefully glanced over her as if he wanted to see through everything. She, on the other hand, was not afraid at all and met his gaze head on with great confidence.
Compared to last time, Jian Wushuang was quite different in the sense that she was much stronger. Although her attitude did not change, she became less talkative and was more collected.
"Not bad at all. To continue treading forward after dying — this is worthy of praise." Li Qiye voiced his praise after his observation; he now appreciated her character a bit more.
The two continued to stare at each other. Jian Wushuang's eyes were sharp and overbearing. She was indeed an extraordinary girl!
Li Qiye smirked: "Although you have made some progress this time, you are still no match for me."
"No need to bluster before the battle!" Jian Wushuang sneered coldly: "The victor has yet to be determined!"
Although Jian Wushuang was not as imperious as before, her arrogance and aggressiveness did not change one bit. Despite dying to Li Qiye once already, she remained undaunted.
Li Qiye shook his head in response: "No, in my opinion, there is no need to fight. The outcome has already been decided. You are not my match, and you won't be able to surpass me."
"Wait until we fight, then we can see whether I am your match or not." Jian Wushuang snorted.
Li Qiye smiled: "Do you know why I came this time? It's because I want you! If you don't give me some benefits, then I won't be interested in fighting today."
"Li Qiye, I thought you were an indomitable fighter, but it turns out that you can't even keep true to your words." Jian Wushuang sneered.
Li Qiye smiled and slightly shook his head: "I didn't go back on my words at all. Yes, I accepted your challenge, but it is up to me whether I will attack or not. I am standing right here, so you can attack me. After you attack, your challenge will officially begin, but I can also turn around and leave since I have no interest in fighting you! If you can catch up to me or stop me, then good for you. But if you can't, then this challenge will be over. It is your fault for not being able to stop me!"
"You!" Jian Wushuang almost vomited blood from anger. She coldly stared at him and uttered: "You must be afraid of losing to me!"
"Your taunt has no effect on me." Li Qiye smilingly shook his head: "Regarding schemes, you are only a child in my eyes. If you think you are ready, then start the battle."
Jian Wushuang was now furious. She didn't come here to issue this challenge just so that Li Qiye could show up then run. She wanted to have a grand battle until she defeated him!
"What do you want?" She naturally was unwilling to have anything but a real fight!
Li Qiye looked at her and smirked: "What I want is very simple, just you! You must plead loyalty to me, then you shall have a position among my generals. If you are strong enough in the future, the number one general's seat shall be yours!"
"In your dreams!" Jian Wushuang snorted: "I will neither plead loyalty nor bow down to anyone. I will always be my own master!"
"You are mistaken." Li Qiye shook his head: "Being my general does not mean you are below me. I view those who stand by my side as my own family! Moreover, if I lose, I can grant you all of your desires!"
"No!" Jian Wushuang rejected the proposition and coldly grinned: "If you must bet, then I can bet something different with you. If I lose, I shall hand over a supreme treasure!"
"Treasure?" Li Qiye shook his head: "Your Jian Clan's treasures do not interest me in the least bit, not even your Immortal Emperor True Treasure. Do you dare to bet or not? Of course, if you are afraid, then we'll consider this battle as finished."
"I have never been afraid before, but I will not make this bet with you. Your ruse has no effect on me as well." Jian Wushuang coldly uttered.
"In that case, I am not very interested." Li Qiye smiled: "I'm right here. You can start the duel all by yourself." Having said that, he turned around and left.
Jian Wushuang did not attack. She was furious since this was not the battle she wanted. She wanted a real fight where a winner will be decided!
"Wait a minute!" She shouted right when Li Qiye was about to leave.
Li Qiye halted his steps and slowly turned around to look at her while smiling: "Changed your mind?"
Jian Wushuang was hesitant. She wanted nothing more than to rip him to shreds, but a real duel was even more tempting!
"I know you are unwilling and only want to destroy me!" Li Qiye chuckled: "I also know that you want to destroy my so-called devilish art with your strongest attack so that I will never revive again."
"However, all of this doesn't matter, don't you think?" Li Qiye revealed a gentle smile that was rarely seen and raised his arms to the side: "I'm right here, do as you wish. Shoot me asunder, slash me into countless pieces, blow me into smithereens. I don't mind whatever you want to do as long as you agree to our proposition."
"Hmph, will you only rely on your devilish art to win?" Jian Wushuang snorted. She was both unwilling yet itching to try.
"You think I can only rely on this 'devilish art' to win?" Li Qiye shook his head while smiling: "Since you are so unconvinced, I can let you have a taste of my strength. I will still use this art to defeat you by allowing you to use any methods to try and kill me."
"This will only be the appetizer to give you a chance to suppress and kill me." Li Qiye smiled: "If you agree with my proposal, then after you fail to kill me, our duel will formally begin!"
"Any other rules?!" Jian Wushuang's eyes turned serious after hearing this. This first test before the battle was a temptation difficult for her to resist.
"No other rules." Li Qiye smiled: "You can use any methods, treasures, or techniques during the battle! Of course, you will only have one chance since I only need one move to defeat you!"
"One move?" Jian Wushuang's anger welled up in her heart. She sneered: "Good, I also want to see just how powerful your archery is!"
She came prepared this time, so she was full of confidence.
"No, you misunderstood my intention." Li Qiye gently shook his head: "I know you are proud and still think that you have a chance. Since that's the case, I will let you witness my true strength. This one move of mine will not require any weapons or emperor laws. Just one move with my bare hands will be enough to take you down!"