In the mountain forest, a shroud of blood mist obscured everything.
Within the mist, the carriage jolted on the road. The horses pulling it and the coachman had already fallen in a pool of blood.
The members of the Black Wind Sect, who had dispersed, had executed a feigned retreat.
As Guan Liao had predicted, this was all part of their meticulously planned operation.
Luring the tiger away from its mountain!
Once Ye Cangtian gave chase, the others were to return and take Duo Gu Ling’s head.
Their plan had succeeded; Ye Cangtian had indeed pursued them.
Empowered by the Blood Mist Array, their strength had surged. They had not only slain the coachman but also critically wounded Duo Gu Ling, leaving her unable to retaliate.
"Heroine Ling, do not blame us. These are all orders from above!"
"If you seek vengeance in the afterlife, look to them, not us."
"But you have no regrets. You took down so many of our comrades before your death. It's worth it, at least your journey to the underworld won't be lonely..."
A Black Wind Sect member spoke indifferently, watching Duo Gu Ling lean against a carriage wheel, struggling to stand.
It had to be said that Duo Gu Ling’s strength was truly extraordinary.
Even with the enhancement of the Blood Mist Array and their numerical superiority, Duo Gu Ling had still managed to kill over ten of them before being severely wounded.
It had come at a bloody price.
Fortunately, their mission was now accomplished. With a single stroke of his blade, he could fulfill their objective. It was all worth it.
"Why are you killing me..."
Duo Gu Ling, clutching her profusely bleeding wound, looked up with difficulty, gritting her teeth as she asked.
"Heh, Miss Duo Gu, don't waste your efforts."
"We won't let you stall for time!"
"If you have a spirit in heaven, you will understand everything..."
Hearing Duo Gu Ling's question, the burly man smiled faintly and slowly approached, raising the saber in his hand.
Was it truly over like this?
Brother Ye, why aren't you back yet? Ling’er truly can't hold on anymore...
Seeing her subtle plea revealed and the man preparing to strike, Duo Gu Ling felt a wave of despair wash over her. She slowly closed her eyes.
She was unwilling to die like this, but her injuries left her with no hope of survival.
"That's right. If you're obedient, it will be less painful."
"Don't worry, this strike of mine will be quick!"
The burly man smiled with satisfaction as Duo Gu Ling ceased resisting. He raised his saber and brought it down.
*Puff!*
The blade fell, and blood splattered.
But it wasn't Duo Gu Ling’s blood; it was the burly man’s.
The instant the man struck, a dark light flashed, striking his neck directly.
The immense force sent the man flying, and the falling saber veered off course, missing Duo Gu Ling by her side.
"Who!"
The burly man crashed to the ground, and all the surrounding Black Wind Sect members were startled. Their gazes swept around them.
A figure slowly emerged from the blood mist, their sharp gaze as formidable as that of a harbinger of death.
"Brother Ye..."
Sensing the disturbance beside her, Duo Gu Ling opened her eyes. Seeing Ye Cangtian return, she trembled all over.
She had believed her death was certain, but at the critical moment, Ye Cangtian had returned.
It felt like a glimmer of dawn breaking through a pitch-black world, reigniting her hope for survival.
"I let you go once, and you came back to kill. Truly seeking death!"
Ye Cangtian strode forward, speaking with chilling coldness that sent shivers down one’s spine.
"Ye Cangtian, stop pretending!"
"Your strength is undeniable, but don't forget, Duo Gu Ling is in our hands. With a mere gesture, she will be dead!"
"We advise you not to act rashly. If you truly wish to preserve Duo Gu Ling's life, kneel and kowtow. Perhaps we'll consider it!"
Hearing Ye Cangtian's words, a chill ran down everyone's spines. Then, a stout man stepped forward.
There were still more than a dozen of them. Killing Ye Cangtian would likely be difficult, but fortunately, Duo Gu Ling was now like fish on a chopping block, ripe for the taking.
This gave them leverage for negotiation. After all, everyone knew Ye Cangtian's mission was to protect Duo Gu Ling, and he would never abandon her.
"Heh, you still dare to threaten me? It seems the lesson just now wasn't enough!"
"How about this, whoever among you is foolish enough, feel free to make a move."
Ye Cangtian’s face held a disdainful smile. He didn't stop his advance, walking forward step by step, his pace unwavering.
Hearing this, Duo Gu Ling remained silent, showing no sign of anger.
Although Ye Cangtian seemed unconcerned about her life, she placed immense trust in him. Since he dared to say so, he would ensure her safety.
"This..."
Seeing that Ye Cangtian was utterly unfazed by their threats, everyone panicked.
They didn't believe Ye Cangtian could stop them if they attacked simultaneously. But the problem was, even if they killed Duo Gu Ling, they would die here!
Completing the mission was important, but sacrificing their lives for it was clearly not worth it!
"Retreat!"
Finally, a burly man spoke. The Black Wind Sect members hesitated for a moment, then immediately turned to flee.
This man was a trusted subordinate of Guan Liao. Although they were of the same rank, his words carried considerable weight.
Moreover, they couldn't afford to hesitate any longer. Ye Cangtian was getting closer. A few more steps, and escaping would become much more difficult.
Therefore, if they didn't want to die, retreating now was the best option. At the very least, Ye Cangtian wouldn't pursue them, as he still had to care for Duo Gu Ling.
"Heh, since you've come, you can't leave without paying a price!"
Seeing the Black Wind Sect members turn to flee, Ye Cangtian's face displayed a cold smile. As he muttered this, the sound of whistling projectiles filled the air.
Several pebbles flew out, striking five or six people precisely. Instantly, several spat blood and collapsed to the ground.
Having already expended a great deal of vitality using the Blood Mist Array, and coupled with the disparity in strength compared to Ye Cangtian, they were utterly unable to withstand the power of the pebbles.
Struck in the back by these pebbles, they were killed on the spot.
As for the remaining members, Ye Cangtian didn't pursue further. They had already used the blood mist to conceal themselves, and he had lost the opportunity to strike.
The next moment, he arrived before Duo Gu Ling and examined her wounds.
Instantly, Ye Cangtian's fury blazed anew.
Duo Gu Ling's internal injuries were not severe, but her external wounds were truly horrific.
Her delicate body bore at least a dozen stab wounds. The most terrifying was a gash that ran diagonally from her shoulder across her chest.
Had this wound been even slightly deeper, Duo Gu Ling would likely have perished.
"I'm sorry, I came back too late."
Ye Cangtian sighed, his voice grim.
Duo Gu Ling slowly shook her head and said, "It's not your fault. I am the one who is incompetent, lacking even the ability to protect myself..."
Ye Cangtian gazed deeply at Duo Gu Ling before quickly taking out a Great Replenishing Pill and administering it to her.
He then lifted Duo Gu Ling into the carriage.
"Brother Ye... can you help me... bandage this..."
As she leaned against the carriage, a flush appeared on Duo Gu Ling's extremely pale face, and her speech became stammering.
Her body was covered in external injuries, and bandaging them would require removing her clothes. This was incredibly difficult for an unmarried girl like her to accept.
However, to survive, she had no choice.
Otherwise, the sheer loss of blood alone could claim her life.