"Hmph. Since you're here, stop skulking around."
Yue Ling sensed another presence steadily approaching and quietly raised his guard.
Gold and purple light intertwined and burst from his palm, accompanied by the soft clicking of his martial soul.
The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum bloomed and spun.
Beneath his feet, five spirit rings slowly rose: one yellow, two purple, and two black.
"You're a Soul King too?! That soul ring configuration..." A startled, doubtful cry rang out nearby.
Yue Ling stared toward the source of the voice.
A slender, blood-red figure suddenly darted out of the bushes, five spirit rings rising beneath his feet: two yellow and three purple.
At that moment, the gulf in foundations between two Soul Kings was laid bare.
The two black Ten Thousand Year Soul Rings beneath Yue Ling were a chasm this Evil Soul Master could never cross.
There was no need to think twice. The Evil Soul Master before him was the leader mentioned in the intelligence, and the strongest of the group.
Meanwhile, the instant the Evil Soul Master got a clear look at Yue Ling, he froze in place, cold sweat soaking his back.
Dark green fitted clothes, a dark green mask, and a cloak of the same color.
Wasn't this fucking guy from the Shrek Inspection Team?
Why had someone from the Inspection Corps come here? Nobody had sent word!
What now? Run? Where could he run?
Memories of nearly dying flooded his mind, especially that scorching, terrifying blaze. Merely imagining it made his skin faintly burn.
Thump, thump!
Feeling his heart pound wildly, the Evil Soul Master's expression shifted with realization.
So he'd deliberately lured me here. No wonder he took all the villagers away... His companions might be hiding in the shadows!
The Evil Soul Master's thoughts raced as