145: Chapter 145 Xiao Nianyin's Three Conditions

"Blood Lotus—Soul Burn!"

At the critical moment of life and death, Situ E could no longer afford to hold back. With a furious roar, the blood-colored lotus tattoo on his forehead burst into flames!

That was a forbidden technique that burned the Divine Soul!

At the cost of consuming one's Lifespan and damaging one's Foundation, it granted a brief explosion of power!

Blood-colored flames soared into the sky, transforming into a hundred-zhang blood lotus that met the icy blue sword light!

Boom—!!!

The sword light and the blood lotus collided!

The world lost its color, and the sun and moon grew dim!

A terrifying shockwave swept in all directions. The ground outside the Hehuan Sect's mountain gate was ripped up three feet deep, and countless rocks were ground into powder!

Among those Jile Sect Cultivators, those with weak cultivation were instantly shaken into a bloody mist, while those with stronger cultivation spat blood and were sent flying!

Even the Hehuan Sect Elders standing inside the mountain gate felt their blood and Qi churn from the shockwave, forcing them to retreat repeatedly.

Only Xiao Nianyin remained standing in the air, her robes fluttering, not even a strand of hair out of place.

She looked coldly at the center of the explosion.

The dust and smoke dissipated.

Situ E's figure was revealed.

He was kneeling on one knee, covered in blood. A sword wound deep enough to see the bone ran across his chest, nearly splitting him in half!

The blood-colored lotus tattoo on his forehead had become dim and dull, even showing signs of cracking.

The forbidden technique of burning the Divine Soul had failed to completely block that single sword strike.

"Cough, cough... cough, cough, cough..."

Situ E coughed up large mouthfuls of blood, his eyes filled with fear and despair.

He had lost.

He had lost utterly and completely.

Even after using his life-risking trump card, he had still lost.

"Xiao... Sect Leader Xiao... have mercy..."

Situ E spoke with difficulty, his voice hoarse:

"I... I am willing to swear a Heavenly Dao Oath that in this life... I will never step foot into the Hehuan Sect again... The Jile Sect... is willing to offer up... all its treasures... only... only spare my life..."

He had completely caved in.

In the Face of death, things like dignity and Face were no longer important.

As long as he could live, he would do anything.

Xiao Nianyin looked at him quietly, saying nothing.

The tip of her luoyun sword was still pointed at Situ E.

To kill, or not to kill?

If she killed him, the Jile Sect would be left without a leader and would surely fall into chaos, which would be an opportunity for the Hehuan Sect.

But if she didn't kill him... keeping him alive might still be useful.

For example, to keep other Demonic Path Sects in check.

For example, to have him deal with Liu Rurao.

A flash of calculation crossed Xiao Nianyin's eyes.

"Sparing your life is not out of the question."

She spoke slowly, her voice still cold:

"But, you need to agree to three conditions from this Seat."

"Please speak, Sect Master!" Situ E said hurriedly. "Not to mention three, I would agree to three hundred!"

"First," Xiao Nianyin held up one finger, "Swear a Heavenly Dao Oath that in this life, you shall never step foot into the Hehuan Sect again, and you shall never again harass this Seat or any Disciple of the Hehuan Sect."

"I agree!" Situ E did not hesitate.

"Second," Xiao Nianyin held up a second finger, "The Jile Sect shall compensate the Hehuan Sect with one million Spirit Stones, one hundred Heaven And Earth Treasures, and ten volumes of Cultivation Techniques and records."

"This..." Situ E's expression changed.

A million Spirit Stones, a hundred Heaven And Earth Treasures, and ten Cultivation Techniques—this was nearly half of the Jile Sect's entire fortune!

But seeing Xiao Nianyin's cold gaze, he could only grit his teeth:

"I... agree!"

"Third," Xiao Nianyin held up a third finger, a cold light flashing in her eyes, "Go and kill Liu Rurao."

Situ E's whole body trembled.

"What? You can't do it?" Xiao Nianyin sneered. "That enchantress tricked you into coming here to die, and you're still reluctant to kill her?"

"No... that's not it!"

Situ E shook his head quickly, a ferocious look flashing in his eyes:

"That bitch lied to me; I want nothing more than to tear her into ten thousand pieces! It's just... the Meiying Sect's strength is not weak, and that bitch Liu Rurao is cunning..."

"That is your business."

Xiao Nianyin interrupted him:

"Within three months, this Seat wants to see Liu Rurao's head. Otherwise..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but the meaning was clear.

Otherwise, she would take his head instead.

Situ E's expression shifted, and finally, he gritted his teeth hard:

"Fine! Within three months, I will definitely bring Liu Rurao's head to see you!"

"Take the oath."

Xiao Nianyin said indifferently.

Situ E did not dare to delay. Using his essence blood as a medium, he immediately swore a Heavenly Dao Oath.

As the oath was established, a streak of bloody light sank into his brow—that was the Heavenly Dao Mark. If he violated the oath, he would surely suffer heavenly retribution.

"Now, get out."

Xiao Nianyin sheathed her sword and turned around.

As if granted a royal pardon, Situ E scrambled to his feet, gathered the remaining Jile Sect Cultivators, and fled in a wretched state.

Outside the mountain gate, only a mess remained, along with... a group of Hehuan Sect Elders with various thoughts.

Xiao Nianyin slowly turned around, her gaze sweeping over everyone.

Those Elders all lowered their heads, not daring to meet her eyes.

"Elders," Xiao Nianyin spoke slowly, her voice calm but carrying an unquestionable authority, "Today's matter ends here."

"But—"

Her tone shifted, turning cold:

"If there is a next time, and someone dares to stand by with folded arms when the Sect is in danger, or... secretly plots..."

She didn't continue, but everyone understood.

Zhao Wuji and the others trembled, breaking into a cold sweat.

"Alright, you may all disperse."

Xiao Nianyin waved her hand, no longer looking at them, and flew off toward Ningyin Hall.

She left the group of Elders in front of the mountain gate, looking at each other with hidden motives in their hearts.

This storm seemed to have subsided.

But the undercurrents within the Hehuan Sect had only just begun to surge.

And at this moment, no one noticed—

From the direction of the back mountain, in the Ancient Hall of Love and Heaven, a pair of clear, large eyes was watching everything happening outside the mountain gate clearly through some profound Restriction.

"Xiao Yinzi... seems to be really angry."

The Little Girl propped up her chin, tilting her head, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous light:

"But... it seems even more interesting than before."

She turned her head to look at Xu Ruyu, who was meditating beside her, a meaningful smile curling at the corners of her mouth:

"Little Brother, your Revered Master... seems to really care about you."

Xu Ruyu slowly opened his eyes, a flash of complexity in them.

He did not speak.

He only looked toward Ningyin Hall, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

That woman who stood with her sword, cold as frost, intimidating all directions...

Was she really the same Revered Master who had sobbed and trembled in his arms last night, asking him, 'Do you not despise me?'"

Or rather...

Was this her true appearance?

And he was nothing more than an insignificant passerby in her long life?

Xu Ruyu closed his eyes and thought no more.

Deep within his Qi Sea, his Qi Refining Level 9 Taixu True Qi slowly circulated.

Like a hidden dragon in the abyss, waiting for the wind and clouds.

And the wind and clouds had already arrived.