Zhunti tightly gripped the black crystal called the "Epoch Anchor." That cold, boundless power of darkness flowed through his arm and into every part of his body. Not only did it cause him no discomfort, it even made his Saint incarnation, which Duobao had injured, several degrees more solid.
He exchanged a glance with his senior brother Jieyin. Both saw resolve in the other's eyes, along with a trace of crazed greed.
"We shall not fail the mission!"
Following that resounding pledge, the dark figure known as the Dark Night Monarch gave a satisfied chuckle. His body dissolved soundlessly into the air like a drop of ink dispersing in clear water, vanishing as though he had never been there.
Once he left, the terrifying pressure capable of crushing eternity instantly dissipated.
Inside the command tent, everyone looked as though they had just been hauled from the water, gasping for breath as cold sweat soaked through their robes.
"Senior Brother..." Zhunti stared at the strange black crystal in his hand, his voice somewhat hoarse.
"Let us go." Saint Jieyin let out a long sigh. His suffering face was filled with exhaustion and helplessness, but even more than that, it carried the ruthlessness of someone driven into a dead end. "We have no choice."
Yes, they had no choice.
Either they became dogs and bit people, perhaps earning a bone or two in return.
Or they died right now.
For the Two Saints of the West, who had carved "endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens" into their very bones, this was not a difficult choice.
The two said no more. With a flash, they transformed into two streaks of light and vanished from the Western Qi camp, heading straight for the boundless Nether Blood Sea.
Their hearts were filled with humiliation and