The instant the Sacrificial Temple's doors opened, it was like the curtain of a grand stage slowly rising.
The long-awaited play had finally begun. The actors took the stage in full makeup, and the spectacle commenced!
And it was not just Xie Heli.
The moment Xie Heli drove in the first blade, a second knife pierced Worry-Free Duke's neck from behind. Then came a third, a fourth...
The allies who had somehow gathered around him all boldly thrust out their weapons.
It was merely a moment of stunned stillness.
But... why had that moment of hesitation come so suddenly?
In the instant of realization, Worry-Free Duke raised his head and looked beyond the crowd, at the aged monk who stood with lowered eyes, chanting scriptures.
Then, he couldn't help but laugh in fury.
"Those with wolfish ambition truly cannot be trusted!"
"Didn't Worry-Free Duke intend to betray the alliance from the very beginning? Why put on such an act?" Xie Heli let out a soft sigh. "A ruler's heart is unfathomable. Worry-Free Duke is no wise lord, and we consumables also wish to survive."
"Ha."
Worry-Free Duke grinned. Coughing up blood, he stared fixedly at the faces before him. "I'd like to see how you intend to enter the Sacrificial Temple without me..."
No one answered.
There was only a soft sigh.
At Worry-Free Duke's side, the sole surviving subordinate began to convulse violently.
As he stood frozen, distinct seams suddenly emerged across his face, fingers, and joints. Wood grain surfaced beneath his skin, until at last, his hollow eyes lifted, revealing a spark of spirit that even the greatest Masterwork could never reproduce.
He grinned at Worry-Free Duke.
"Old thief Worry-Free, long time no see?"
"How dare you, brat Chang Le!"
As though struck by lightning, Worry-Free Duke flew