Chapter 14488 Let's Fight!

Chapter 14488 Let's Fight!
When his gaze fell upon the jade talisman, the Lord of the Silent Realm's brows furrowed abruptly: "Everyone says that the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion's divination skills are unparalleled in the world, but they couldn't have foreseen this contingency plan you left behind, could they?"

The jade talisman suddenly emitted a clear and melodious sound, and a silver light rose from the runes, circling the talisman before disappearing.

"No rush, your time will come." She flipped her hand and put away the jade talisman. Her figure turned into green smoke and merged into the depths of the sea of ​​clouds, but her voice still lingered on the altar, "At that time, the Lord of the Realm will once again rule the world."

……

In an inn in Lin Yuan City, Ling Xiao sat cross-legged by the window, his eyes closed, a faint blue light surrounding him, his aura flowing slowly through his meridians. He wanted to break through his cultivation level again before heading to the Fallen Dragon Valley. Every point he gained in his cultivation level would increase his strength, giving him a greater chance of success on his journey to the Fallen Dragon Valley.

He never wanted to place his hopes on others.

Neither Dao Sha's ruthlessness nor Lan Jingjing's resourcefulness can ultimately compare to the reliability of one's own strength. After all, the intentions of others are unpredictable, and only one's own cultivation is the most secure reliance.

The seventh day arrived in the blink of an eye.

boom!
A surge of azure light suddenly erupted from Ling Xiao's body, causing the dust accumulated on the window frame to fall in a flurry. The aura surrounding him was no longer the turbulent one of the past, but rather like polished steel, so solid that the patterns of the airflow could be clearly seen. Although he had not broken through to a higher realm, it was several times sharper than it had been seven days ago, and even the way his fingertips brushed against the air produced a subtle whooshing sound.

"It's time to keep my appointment."

Ling Xiao slowly opened his eyes, a flash of blue light appearing in them. He stood up, tucked the short blade back into his waistband, casually rolled up the blue robe and cloak on the table, and as he turned to push open the door, the morning light outside fell on his shoulders, warming them.

Several people were standing at the entrance. Jin Yan leaned against a pillar, twirling a fiery red token between his fingers; Ling Bi stood with his hands behind his back on the steps, his faint sword aura slicing the morning dew into tiny beads; Meng Haoqing stood on the outermost side in a horse stance, his heavy gauntlets gleaming coldly. The three of them just stared at him, the bits of grass clinging to their shoes indicating they had been waiting for quite some time.

"You're not planning to go on an adventure alone, are you, boss?" Jin Yan straightened up, a smile playing on his lips. The token between his fingers spun around with a "click," but his eyes held a resolute determination to fight to the death. That token was a protective talisman passed down in his Jin family, yet today he held it casually in his hand.

"of course not."

Ling Xiao smiled and patted Jin Yan's shoulder. As his fingertips touched the other's taut shoulder line, he suddenly remembered how they used to stand side by side, and his voice softened: "Brothers united, their strength can break metal. This battle is not something I can carry alone."

"Add me one!"

A clear voice came from the alley entrance. Ling Bi strode closer, the long sword at her waist seeming to respond with a soft hum, its blade sweeping across the ground and carving shallow marks into the bluestone slabs. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes sharper than the sword's edge: "Aren't you afraid of being targeted by the Holy Temple?"

"What's there to be afraid of?" Ling Bi tilted her head and smiled, her fingertips brushing the patterns on the sword sheath. "If something happens to you, young master, what's the point of me living? I know better than anyone how you treat me, and I certainly won't let you venture into the Meteor Dragon Valley alone."

"Me too."

Meng Haoqing spoke in a deep, muffled voice, taking a step forward, his heavy boots causing the ground to tremble slightly. The usually taciturn man didn't say another word, only raising his hand to pat Ling Xiao's other shoulder; the rivets on his boxing gloves brushed against the fabric, a gesture more substantial than any promise.

"We're going too!"

Momo pulled Weiwei out from behind the door, with Lü Ning and Shangguan Yue following behind. Even the little fox said it wanted to follow Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao shook his head, his gaze sweeping over the group: "I know you mean well, but this battle is dangerous. Your strength is insufficient to help, and you will only distract me. Jin Yan, Ling Bi, and Meng Haoqing will come with me. You all stay here and guard this place until we return."

Momo's eyes reddened, but she didn't argue anymore. She knew Ling Xiao's words were true; with their cultivation levels, they would only be a burden if they went. Weiwei quietly tightened her grip on her hand, her fingertips icy cold, but she still forced a smile: "We'll take good care of the house. You... you must come back."

"Don't worry, we're not that easy to kill." Ling Xiao raised his hand and ruffled the little fox's head. As he turned around, his cloak swept across the steps. "No need to see us off. Wait for our good news."

Watching the four figures disappear at the alley entrance, Momo took a deep breath, her voice trembling: "They'll come back alive, right?"

"I definitely will!" Weiwei clenched her fists tighter and tighter, her nails almost digging into her palms. It was unclear whether she was trying to convince Momo or encouraging herself.

……

At the distant horizon, four figures rode on swords. Ling Xiao led the way, his sword gleaming with azure light as he cleaved through the morning mist; Jin Yan's fiery red sword followed closely behind, its aura scorching the air; Ling Bi's longsword gleamed with cold silver, each swing producing a delicate ringing sound; Meng Haoqing stood atop a heavy iron sword, his aura as deep and unyielding as a mountain.

Ling Xiao closed his eyes slightly, his fingertips gently stroking the hilt of his sword. The words of the Lord of the Silent Realm were still ringing in his ears. He always felt that there was a conspiracy behind the alliance of those families that had not yet been revealed.

"Do you know who our opponent is?" Jin Yan suddenly asked, his fiery sword flashing.

“The Divine Light Clan, the Gu Clan, and the Demon Heaven Sect—these are the ones we know.” Ling Xiao opened his eyes, his gaze fixed on the distant, indistinct mountain range. “There are also unknown forces that might be waiting outside the Fallen Dragon Valley to pick up bargains.”

"Unknown?" Jin Yan frowned, and the flame at his fingertips dimmed.

"Mm." Ling Xiao nodded, but his tone didn't carry much worry. "We can't worry about that now. We're here, let's fight them!"

Ling Bi suddenly chuckled, her sword ringing with a carefree air: "Indeed, we have no way out, let's fight."

"What a fine 'Let's fight!'" Ling Xiao laughed heartily, and the azure light suddenly surged. "Let's go to the Fallen Dragon Valley!"

As the voice faded, the four sword lights suddenly accelerated, streaking across the sky like four shooting stars.

……

Inside the main hall of the Realm Lord's Mansion, the Realm Lord of Silent Annihilation sat reclining on her throne, holding a large, red apple in one hand, her fingertips glistening with juice. She took a big bite, the crisp sound echoing clearly in the empty hall. Only after swallowing the fruit did she casually speak: "Oh? Only four people went? Interesting. Did this kid really go to his death?"

The gray-robed old man below bowed, his withered fingers gripping his cane: "I also find it strange. Only four people? He's being far too arrogant. Unless... he has other plans."

"Other arrangements?" The Lord of the Silent Realm took another bite of his apple, his gaze sweeping over the white jade steps outside the hall. "Is there any movement from the Sword Sect? After all, their future sect leader has also gone off to fool around with Ling Xiao."

"Reporting to my lord, the Sword Sect has not made any unusual moves for the time being." The gray-robed elder shook his head, lowering his voice. "Our people in the Sword Sect say that Ling Bi is the most talented disciple in the Sword Sect in the past hundred years. They cherish this girl dearly and will never stand by and watch something happen to her. In my opinion, the Sword Sect will make its move sooner or later."