Chi Xue knew that placing one hostage under a soul contract on each side was the best way to keep each other in check—and the foundation of mutual trust. After all, they were sworn enemies and trusted one another not at all. This was the only way they could cooperate; otherwise, they would not have the slightest chance of capturing Ling Tian.
Though he understood all that, the Jade Devouring Sky Python mattered more to Chi Xue than anyone else. He would even entrust his life to it, and had given it the Phoenix Soul Fruit. Naturally, he did not want its life in the hands of the Po Family Brothers. After all, even if he learned the soul-contract technique, only the person who had placed a soul contract could undo it.
That was right. If Po Tian placed a soul contract on the Jade Devouring Sky Python, only he could undo it. Even if Chi Xue mastered the secret technique, he would not be able to undo it for the python. In other words, the Jade Devouring Sky Python would then be meat on the chopping block in the hands of the Po Family Brothers.
Perhaps Chi Xue was a sinister and crafty man, willing even to abandon his fellow disciples in the Immortal Realm. But there were cultivators he treasured, such as his master and the Jade Devouring Sky Python. He would never trade its life for anything—not even the Phoenix Soul Fruit.
But the Jade Devouring Sky Python declared outright that it was willing to accept. Its tone was firm and resolute; it had clearly made up its mind.
"No. That's far too risky. What if the Po Family Brothers..." Chi Xue began, but the Jade Devouring Sky Python cut him off before he could finish.
"The