“How audacious…”

“In that case, your life… the Underworld will claim it.”

Li Che snapped his fingers.

In an instant, black chess pieces exploded one after another around the towering figure as imposing as Tower Mountain. Black mist surged, twisted, and writhed.

One figure, two, three…

The disheveled Underworld Wine Sword Immortal Huang Jianjiu, clad in golden armor after devouring the Martial Saint Soul Capturing and stepping into the Martial Saint Realm, You Liqing, along with Green Bird, Long Tai, Black and White Impermanence Xue Dufu, Shadow Guard True Person and Niu Shisan, all Soul Capturing entities, appeared one after another.

Each had a unique demeanor, flocking around Li Che.

“Lord!”

The seven Soul Capturing figures manifested and respectfully cupped their hands toward Li Che.

Li Che nodded slightly, transmitting his command through thought.

In the next moment, several dark silhouettes twisted and dispersed.

Behind the towering frame of Bull Demon, the gaunt Horse Face, disguised as a Fairy in the Painting avatar, hoisted an enormous Blood Fire Bodhi Barrett, his toes lightly landing on a leaf.

Silently, he disappeared into the distance.

…

…

Late spring, March. In Jiangnan, grass grew lush, speckled flowers adorned trees, and flocks of orioles flitted chaotically.

On the official road outside Qianyuan Dao City, the wheels of a carriage crushed the dust, kicking up clouds that billowed across the verdant scenery on both sides. Life overflowed with vitality after the Qingming rain had passed, and everything was rejuvenating.

A luxurious carriage sped along the official road recklessly, moving at an extraordinary pace. Beneath it, the Treasure Blood Flood Dragon Horse’s scales shimmered faintly, Divinity radiating from them, propelling its speed to ever greater heights as it dashed like a streak of lightning.

Its hooves struck the ground rhythmically, the sound echoing continuously.

Inside the carriage, however, silence reigned, insulated from the noise outside.

Dragon Queen Consort Ao Yuxin leaned against the soft interior, her eyes slightly closed. Nearby, a carbon stove boiled water, bubbles rising steadily. Little Dragon Girl Ao Qingqing skillfully tossed a few tender tea leaves of early spring into the boiling water, causing them to swirl and tumble.

The fragrance of tea wafted throughout the carriage.

“Aunt… are we really just leaving like this?”

“Yes.”

The Dragon Queen Consort responded faintly without opening her eyes.

Moments later, she opened her eyes and gazed at Ao Qingqing, her expression softening with a trace of pity, guilt, and affection.

Ao Qingqing’s hand paused as she poured tea, and a moment of realization dawned on her.

“Aunt…”

Ao Qingqing pressed her lips together.

Having endured the Heart Test, she seemed to have grown perceptive and wise. Yet for Ao Yuxin, this realization had come too late.

Ao Qingqing had failed to become a direct disciple of the Sect Master and Great God. For Ao Yuxin, staying in Qianyuan Dao City had completely lost its meaning.

“Later, if a battle breaks out… escape if you can. Surviving would be best.”

“Aunt must take you out of the city. Only then will it seem incidental and compel those cautious creatures of the Underworld to act…”

The Queen Consort gently brushed Ao Qingqing’s cheek.

“Aunt… it will be fine…” Ao Qingqing shook her head.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

From outside the carriage windows, the wind roared and howled.

Suddenly.

The Dragon Queen Consort’s sapphire blue eyes reflected shimmering brilliance as she stared at Ao Qingqing’s freshly poured cup of tea.

The tea…

Began rippling violently, circle after circle emanating outward.

“As expected…”

“They’re here!”

The Dragon Queen Consort’s eyes widened, veins seeming to stretch from the corners of her eyes, spreading blood-red tendrils across her skin.

At the same time.

A terrifying, overwhelming killing intent swept in from all directions, shrouding the carriage entirely.

All sound disappeared. The world fell silent, leaving only the eruption of murderous intent cascading like surging Earth Bursting Golden Lotus!

Ao Qingqing sat frozen within the carriage, trembling uncontrollably. The oppressive killing intent felt as though it had solidified her blood and flesh.

So strong… so suffocating…

She found herself unable to even breathe properly under the intense pressure.

The Underworld…

The Underworld!

Could it truly possess such terrifying and concentrated killing intent?!

It felt as though there was some deep-seated blood feud, an unyielding vendetta!

Did the Underworld crave her aunt’s death this badly?

Ao Qingqing’s heart grew cold, but as she turned to look at her aunt’s equally crimson and frenzied gaze, she felt a faint shock in her heart.

No doubt about it—Aunt had left Qianyuan Dao City precisely to lure the Underworld into making a move?

The previous attempt to feign severe injury hadn’t drawn out the Underworld. This time, secretly leaving the city, pretending to take advantage of everyone’s distraction with the direct disciple selection, was meant to slip away unnoticed.

But in truth, it was an even more ingenious ploy to attract scores of assassins from the Underworld!

Using herself as bait…

But this was far too dangerous!

BANG—!

Just as Ao Qingqing was still paralyzed by the terrifying killing intent, the carriage wall suddenly exploded, shards of wood flying, fragments hurtling wildly!

The winds from the carriage’s high-speed journey rushed through the shattered breach!

And then, in an instant, a streak of crimson lightning appeared before the Dragon Queen Consort!

It was…

A slender, teardrop-shaped mechanical bullet!

Exquisitely crafted, as if it were the pinnacle of mechanical artistry!

Mechanical sniping!

The Underworld—Horse Face!

So fast!

So terrifying!

This sniping couldn’t be dodged, utterly inescapable!

Ao Qingqing’s mind barely had time to process the situation. The Blood Fire Bodhi Bullet had already arrived. If its target had been her, her head would’ve been pierced, her lifeforce extinguished by now!

Time seemed to freeze at this very moment!

BOOM—!!!

The Dragon Queen Consort’s flawless face contorted with fury.

Her fingers curled sharply, as though enveloping something. They gleamed with intricate blue dragon scales like crystals, radiating brilliant luster.

Her Dragon Claw extended forward, reaching for the deadly, piercing bullet fired by the Underworld’s Horse Face!

CRUNCH, CRUNCH…

The bullet spun relentlessly in the palm of the Dragon Queen’s claw!

The screeching friction and shattering sounds of dragon scales sent chills coursing through Ao Qingqing’s body. She remained frozen, unable to move at all.