A dark figure, carrying the chill of night and the dust of travel, quietly stepped inside.
He stood tall, his features somewhat blurred by the faint firelight beyond the door. Yet his eyes were clear and resolute, as though they could pierce through every veil of confusion.
It was Li Changsheng.
He had concealed his tracks all the way here, avoiding the chaotic battle on the outskirts and using the Power of Tai Chi to dissolve several waves of residual Soul Power before finally reaching the destination of this journey—the Sea God Pavilion.
He was mindful of his promise to Mu En, and even more worried about Ma Xiaotao's safety.
At that moment, the light from inside and outside the door met.
Li Changsheng's gaze instantly met those pure crimson eyes, utterly devoid of any impurity.
His steps paused slightly.
Looking at the figure before him, familiar yet strange enough to make his heart tremble, looking at the girl who had once been as proud as a Phoenix now wrapped in evil flames with hollow eyes, Li Changsheng's heart sank.
The worst-case scenario had still happened. Jing Hongchen had completely triggered her evil fire. Just like in the original outcome, she had awakened on her own!
Ma Xiaotao's advancing steps also halted.
She seemed to have instinctively reacted to the sudden appearance of a living being. Tilting her head, she locked her crimson eyes onto Li Changsheng. The dark red flames around her rose with a hum, their threatening intent unmistakable.
That terrifying evil aura pressed toward Li Changsheng as though it were tangible, carrying a contradictory blend of scorching heat and chilling cold that would have been enough to make even ordinary Soul Emperors and Soul Sages lose their minds.
Yet Li Changsheng showed no trace of fear.
He