Shattered Star Sandstorm. The violet lightning filling the sky dispersed.
The phantom of the giant hand emerged, utterly unscathed.
Yet Song Wen was nowhere to be seen within the giant hand phantom, which had already clenched into a fist.
Only bits of rotten flesh could vaguely be seen between its fingers.
The man pursuing him closely came to a halt once more.
"Another substitute-death spell?"
The man looked around, trying to find Song Wen's whereabouts.
His composed expression suddenly changed drastically, and he cried out in alarm.
"Yin Ling, watch your back!"
The woman called Yin Ling turned around in panic. Before she could clearly see anything behind her, nine transparent blades came flying at her, plunging straight into her brow.
"Ah—"
Yin Ling let out a pained scream. Her body swayed violently, and she fell toward the ground.
A figure flashed past.
Song Wen grabbed Yin Ling's fair neck and lifted her in his hand.
"Senior, please do not act rashly. Otherwise, I can only kill her first!"
Song Wen's gaze was icy as he stared intently at the man in the distance, who was about to attack.
The man's body stiffened, and he dared not press closer.
"Junior, I advise you—release her. Otherwise, you will wish you were dead!"
The corner of Song Wen's mouth curled slightly as he sneered.
"Senior's strength is unfathomable. I know I am no match for you. But before I die, I will certainly drag her down with me."
"You..." The man's expression kept changing. After hesitating for a moment, he finally compromised. "What do you want?"
Song Wen said, "This junior asks for nothing else but to leave alive. I ask that Senior not pursue me. Once I am certain of my safety, I will naturally let this fairy return safely."
"Wishful