Though she said nothing, Xun Er kept her wary gaze fixed on the rear. Xiao Yao's confidence had not made her lower her guard in the slightest—Gu Yao's strength was there for all to see, and there was no room for carelessness.
Had Xun Er witnessed how Xiao Yao fought the many experts of the Soul Hall a month ago, she would have known just how powerful he had become and would not have worried that Gu Yao could harm him at all.
In only a few breaths, the three of them arrived at an open valley deep within the back mountain.
Jagged rocks littered the area, and towering cliffs surrounded it on all sides, forming a natural battlefield.
Xiao Yao and Xun Er landed steadily atop a massive boulder, while Gu Yao hovered in midair, energy surging around him as he stared at Xiao Yao with blade-like eyes.
Ling Quan arrived shortly afterward with the Black Annihilation Army, but they did not step forward, stopping only at the edge of the valley.
The Black Annihilation Army stood solemnly along the valley's edge. Their dark armor gleamed with a cold, hard luster beneath the mottled light, their spears angled toward the ground. Even their breathing was deliberately softened—no one dared make an unnecessary sound while two Dou Zuns faced off.
Ling Quan clenched his fists tightly, his gaze shifting between the icy blue Dou Qi churning around Gu Yao and Xiao Yao's calm back. His brows were knotted tightly together.
"Xiao Yao! If you know what's good for you, let go of Xun Er obediently and swear never to pester her again! Perhaps I'll show mercy and spare your life!"
Gu Yao's voice was like ice tempered in frost, echoing through the valley along with the surge of his Dou