Qu Cheng felt the urge to retreat for the first time.
Although the Heavenly Evasion Sect possessed the most vicious assassination sword intent, it had never advocated that sort of narrow-path encounter. It had always planned in detail, prepared meticulously, used patience to seize opportunities, and used skill to create them. If it did not strike, so be it; once it struck, it never missed.
Retreating now actually accorded with its principles and was not shameful. Yet he would have to shoulder a heavy burden. When he returned in force, it would surely become a fight to the death, and all risks of their cultivation methods leaking out in the meantime would rest upon him alone.
Even so, it was far better than leaving his corpse here.
Once the thought of retreat arose, Qu Cheng became much more agile. He even softened his tone. "If Your Eminence insists on exchanging for the Melting Shadow Escape, I cannot make that decision. Please allow me to report it to the Sect Master and wait some days. As for this..."
"Go tell him, then."
Her indifferent tone held no sincerity whatsoever. What she meant was plainly: Yu Ci and the Xuan Huang Killing Sword are under my control. Whatever happens in between is none of your concern.
If not for your skill in pill refinement, and those old friends behind you, the sect would have long since flattened your valley and vented its years of resentment...
Unfortunately, even now, Qu Cheng could not state those words outright. He gritted his teeth again and lowered his voice. "Our sect and Your Eminence have shared ties for many years. Would it not be a pity if they were destroyed in a single day? I recall that not long ago, Your Eminence personally tailored several dharma