Central State border.
Beneath the vault of heaven, two figures strode upon the clouds.
Sun Qian stood with his hands behind his back atop the clouds, a trace of anxiety reflected in his eyes.
"Gongsun, thank you for coming with me." Sun Qian's thoughts were in turmoil. Behind his back, the palm clutching the black wooden box had long been soaked with sweat.
Gongsun Xiao wore dark armor. He appeared far more relaxed than Sun Qian, yet his expression was equally grave.
"Elder Xin has personally taken action, and Senior Ruan Hong is holding Jing Province. Demon God Valley's destruction this time does not depend on one more man like me.
Besides, I think highly of that boy Fang Xuan. If you hadn't beaten me to it, I would have long since taken him as my personal disciple."
Their gazes met, and neither spoke.
At this moment, they both understood the situation clearly. Some words did not need to be said.
Wind and waves continuously receded past them.
Even Shang Jing gradually came into view before them.
But just then, Sun Qian abruptly halted. It was as though all strength had been drained from him in an instant, and his face turned hideous with despair.
Gongsun Xiao noticed that something was wrong with Sun Qian. Yet when he focused his senses, he detected not the slightest trace of demonic aura within distant Shang Jing.
He immediately asked in confusion, "Old Sun, what's wrong with you? This isn't the time to doze off!"
Just as Gongsun Xiao was about to press further—
Sun Qian's utterly helpless voice rang out:
"Gongsun, do you know why I rushed to Shang Jing in such a feverish hurry?"
Though the nine Miao Zhu of the Martial Temple had all stayed at Kunwu Mountain for several