"What!" Everyone in the hall instinctively gripped their weapons and warily retreated several steps. Yet fearing that any movement would invite a thunderous blow, none dared to be the first to step forward.
As for the Grandmasters, they had long since seen through such matters and remained calm and detached.
Li Qingluo's hand trembled slightly as she held Xiaolongnü's. She whispered, "Later, I'll do my best to hold him off. Your lightness skill is good—perhaps you'll have a chance to escape."
Xiaolongnü shook her head. "Isn't your lightness skill good as well? I'll hold him off. You go."
Li Qingluo frowned. "My Lingbo Weibu is best at evasion. I can barely hold him back for a while, but how could you stop him? Don't act on impulse. I'm older than you, and I've experienced everything this life has to offer. You still have your best years ahead of you. Remember to tell that Song fellow what happened here, so he won't fall victim to Jia Sidao's schemes someday. And... if possible, have him avenge me."
Xiaolongnü hesitated but said nothing. The successors of the Ancient Tomb Sect had always valued purity of heart and freedom from desire. Even when Granny Sun had died before her eyes, she had not been terribly grieved. Now that Li Qingluo's reasoning made sense, she no longer argued with her.
At that moment, Jia Sidao waved his hand, and a group of fully armed soldiers surrounded them, each holding a powerful crossbow. The remaining members of Ghostly Villa tried to resist, but they were quickly shot dead by the heavy bolts.
These men seemed to have received instructions beforehand. They shot only the people of Ghostly Villa and the surviving guards, leaving everyone else untouched. Li Qingluo and Xiaolongnü exchanged a glance and did not