Luoshui County.
Across the vast lake, the night wind broke the silence, dispersing the river mist and whipping up the waves.
In a residence by the lakeshore, Jiang Ning looked at the Black Lotus Matriarch kneeling on the ground, his eyes calm.
In his view, the fear and submission in the Black Lotus Matriarch's eyes were all merely outward appearances.
As for what she truly thought, even he could not fathom it.
But he did not dare let down his guard.
Such an old monster had lived for who knew how many years.
In a battle of wits and schemes, he did not believe he possessed such ability.
But he also understood one thing: with sufficient strength, none of that needed to matter.
All manner of plots, ghosts, demons, and monsters were nothing but illusions before absolute strength.
"Get up!"
Jiang Ning spoke.
Hearing this, Black Lotus slowly rose.
Her long dress was like flowing clouds, swaying gently in the night wind.
Beneath her bright eyes was an exquisite little face brimming with charm.
"Honored God." Black Lotus lowered her head, looking at her own toes.
Her green-onion-like toes overlapped each other, making her seem somewhat uneasy while fully displaying a young maiden's demeanor.
Jiang Ning looked at her posture without the slightest stir in his heart, nor did he care.
Beauty, weakness, submission—those were merely the most superficial things.
Without such resolve, no matter how powerful one was, one would only become a blade in another's hand.
What concerned him now were the Black Lotus Matriarch's words from earlier.
Slaughter Luoshui County.
That was something he could not tolerate.
All kinds of thoughts flashed through his mind, and glimmers of light continuously flickered in his eyes.
"Black Lotus." Jiang Ning suddenly spoke.
"Here!" The Black Lotus Matriarch was startled,