Chapter 1321: The Sacrifice Plan

Chapter 1321: The Sacrifice Plan

“They retreated. Should we chase them?”

“No, don’t pursue the defeated. Our goal is the Magic Spring.”

Liu Shuqin quashed Su Kexin’s impulsive thoughts; obtaining the Magic Spring was the priority. Who knew what kind of traps they had set?

Like Lin Nuo, the strategy was to play it safe.

But clearly, Su Kexin was the reckless type. If it weren’t for her protagonist’s aura, she would have been in trouble several times already.

The almost desolate Demon Star was gradually emitting weak energy, and the waters of Ningzhou Peak were tainted with Demon Qi.

The Magic Spring that Liu Shuqin had once jumped into was long gone, replaced by numerous smaller springs. Now, the monks and Taoists who had been partially demonized by Liang Zhao soaked in these springs, biding their time for evolution.

Of course, not everyone succeeded; many who failed met their end, and the springs were filled with the remnants of those who turned to madness.

It was like a morgue for the deceased.

As long as they occupied this place, they only needed to wait for Lin Nuo to make arrangements.

However, they sensed the strength of the Demon Star growing stronger, like a slumbering giant awakening.

“Someone is performing a ritual. Keep your distance from it.”

Qin Shili said, stepping back from the Demon Star to avoid being engulfed by the surge of power.

“Yes, someone is trying to call upon the power of the Demon Star.”

Liu Shuqin replied, and they speculated who it might be.

“It can only be Liang Zhao. Qin Dao doesn’t have that capability.”

Qin Shili had struggled under Liang Zhao’s witchcraft before and sensed a familiar aura nearby.

“We just eliminated one of his puppets, and logically, his main body should still be at headquarters. But it’s possible he set up a teleportation Spirit Technique beforehand to come here. His main body is hard to locate, and he must have prepared various teleportation arrays in case of retreat,” Qin Shili deduced.

“Is he planning to abandon the headquarters?” Liu Shuqin asked.

“Not necessarily. He might be confident in his defenses, believing Lin Nuo can’t breach their headquarters’ line in a short time. But you should see it too: Lin Nuo isn’t aiming for their headquarters; he just wants to stall him so we can break through here. In fact, we are progressing quite smoothly; Liang Zhao’s puppet is really no match for us. But Liang Zhao is crafty; I believe he might be hiding something.”

Although Qin Shili yearned to personally eliminate Liang Zhao, she remained rational and knew this old fox had back-up plans.

“Are you saying Liang Zhao teleported here? What a great opportunity! Let’s fish him out.”

Su Kexin was as impassioned as ever. If Liang Zhao was here, they should confront him.

“While your abilities are formidable, I still believe only Lin Nuo can kill him. Don’t act recklessly, or you might attract trouble.”

Qin Shili was steadfast in her trust towards Lin Nuo, asserting that no one should act out of line, especially when facing the cunning Liang Zhao.

Before long, a group of demon soldiers arrived at Ningzhou Peak via the teleportation array.

It was Qin Dao. He had been ambushed while attacking the Sword Tomb, resulting in heavy casualties and chaos, and now he could only retreat back to Ningzhou Peak.

The arrival of Qin Dao startled Su Kexin and the others.

“Ah? More people are coming!” Su Kexin exclaimed.

“It’s Qin Dao. Given his current state, he seems to have lost the battle. But the elite troops he personally led are a completely different tier from those who were just stationed here.”

Qin Shili recognized Qin Dao’s forces and immediately prepared for battle.

Returning to Ningzhou Peak, Qin Dao was shocked to find piles of corpses.

“Someone’s coming? Hm? It’s them!”

Qin Dao noticed Su Kexin and her companions, their power unfathomable, especially Su Kexin, who was a bane to demons and should be avoided.

“Lord Qin, Master Liang has sent a message. Please retreat to the southern mountain. The Master has plans.”

A demon master under Liang Zhao came personally to report to Qin Dao.

“The Master came personally? What about the headquarters? Isn’t it being defended?”

“The Master has his arrangements. Lord Qin, please follow them.”

“Arrangements? Am I not the master? Why can’t I know?”

Fuming, Qin Dao realized Liang Zhao had deceived him more than once. Whatever plans there were, he was always kept in the dark, as if he didn’t matter.

“This is the Master’s intention, please forgive us, Lord Qin.”

The demon master quickly bowed and apologized, leaving Qin Dao no choice but to adjust his emotions and comply with Liang Zhao’s wishes.

“Alright, I’ll go.”

Hastily, Qin Dao led his troops to join Liang Zhao, unaware that Su Kexin and the others did not pursue.

Soon, Qin Dao met up with Liang Zhao.

“Master, there is an ambush at the Sword Tomb. Not only did the Immortals from Zifeng Valley participate, but the Sword Saint has also come, and even more terrifying, a woman who counters us.”

“That’s Luo Xiaoxue; her soul hails from the Sacred Realm,” Liang Zhao replied, his expression unchanged and calm.

“What do we do, Master? Our headquarters is under attack, we’ve been ambushed, and now Ningzhou Peak has fallen. Most importantly, they have someone who counters us. How do we break the deadlock?”

“You will know soon.”

“Master, we’ve shared joys and sorrows, can’t you at least enlighten me? So I have some understanding. I usually comply with your commands, but you always keep me in the dark—it feels off.”

Qin Dao complained a bit, but Liang Zhao paid it no mind; this plan couldn’t be shared with him.

Because Qin Dao was destined to be sacrificed.

Liang Zhao had raised Qin Dao not for him to become a king, but to maximize his value one day.

And now, he was needed.

Liang Zhao planned to kill both Su Kexin and Luo Xiaoxue; otherwise, he would be the one to die.

He was conducting a grand ritual, utilizing the power of the Demon Star to eliminate all obstacles.

Su Kexin was the last descendant of the War God, her soul having descended to the mortal realm, while Liang Zhao was from a once-great family that swept through the Demon Realm. They thought they could rule the Sacred Realm after their expedition but were defeated by the War God, leading to their decline.

Later, although they killed the War God’s descendants, only one had descended to the mortal realm, becoming a significant threat.

And he, too, had fallen to the mortal realm without any memory.

But once he re-entered the Demon Realm, he regained those memories. He went to the family tomb and discovered the method to resist Su Kexin’s abilities.

So today was destined to be Su Kexin’s demise, a chance for revenge for the shame suffered over a century ago.

“I understand your feelings. Some things aren’t easily explained in a few words. You see this Demon Star? The time is nearly ripe. I will awaken it again, and then you can harness its power. After that, Su Kexin and her companions will be no threat to you.”

Liang Zhao said solemnly, appearing to offer Qin Dao hope, all the while slowly pushing him toward an abyss.

“Can I truly gain its power? Is that real?” Qin Dao asked, skeptical.

“Yes, you are indeed the chosen one. Enduring humiliation for so long is merely for today,” Liang Zhao stroked his beard and said.