"What harm is there in killing a few demonic scoundrels, even if it costs me a few days of life?"

In the next instant, dark light flashed in Liu Zonglin's eyes. His doubts vanished, replaced by a smile of certain victory.

"Merely three Inner Astral Force cultivators and five Outer Astral Force cultivators!"

"With Branch Master Yue and me joining forces, and Protectors Nie and Kou assisting us... aren't these people simply walking grand elixirs, merits delivered right to our door?"

"Hahaha, you're quite right, Elder!"

Yue Lingsong laughed heartily, then turned toward the western sky.

Not far away, eight streaks of flight light thundered toward them and halted together in midair.

Their multicolored astral force stretched across the sky like mountain ranges. Golden, azure, and crimson halos intertwined as they faced the six Demonic Path cultivators from afar.

"Hahahaha!"

Kou Guan licked his blackened lips and swept his gaze over the eight orthodox cultivators, his brazen laughter ringing through the night sky.

"I wondered what sort of mighty figures you lot might be. Now that I've seen you, you're nothing special... oh!"

He broke off, his gaze settling on Bian Hongyao, deputy tower master of the Qingyuan Sword Tower. A wicked gleam blazed in his eyes.

"Well!"

"I spoke too soon. To think there's such a fine-looking woman among you. She looks fiery, too. Just my type!"

At his words, Bian Hongyao's willow-leaf brows shot up. Fury suffused her lovely face, and her slender body trembled.

The Red Severance Sword in her hand seemed to sense its mistress's rage. Clear, ringing hums rose from it, murderous intent surging beneath the surface.

Yet she restrained herself, merely staring coldly at Kou Guan as though looking at a corpse already cold through.

"Tch, how dull..."

Seeing that she gave him no response, Kou Guan shook his head in disappointment. Still pointing at Bian Hongyao, he turned and chuckled.

"Fellow cultivators, this