Chapter 1: Return to You

The great figures above the dome, as if knowing that the overall situation was set, their consciousness receded like a tidal wave.

Though the overall situation was determined, the details still needed refining.

Zhao Jundu did not look at Qian Ye; instead, his gaze fell on Edward, and the azure long spear in his hand pointed at the Vampire Prince.

Edward’s eyes immediately flashed with solemnity and gravity, instinctively tightening his cloak. This spear Zhao Jundu was aiming to use against the witch—if used on him, how could he possibly withstand it?

In front of Zhao Jundu’s spear, Edward suddenly realized that his unparalleled speed was useless. No matter how he dodged, he could not avoid Zhao Jundu’s spear. It was only then that he remembered the terrifying ability that established Zhao Jundu’s reputation as the Empire’s number one genius: “Sure Hit.”

To counteract “Sure Hit,” one had to enter the void before the spear was unleashed, using space to cut off Zhao Jundu’s lock.

However, when Edward turned around, he saw many of the younger generation of Evernight standing behind him, including Vampires, Demonkin, Werewolves, and Spider Demons. Among them, only Edward, now a Marquis, had the ability to escape into the void. But if Edward fled, no one left would be a match for Zhao Jundu, let alone Ji Tianqing and Li Kuanglan. How many could return, it was hard to say.

Edward tightened his cloak, his eyes burning with blood and fire, staring intently at the spear’s tip, deciding not to flee but to confront the attack head-on.

Zhao Jundu was somewhat surprised, not firing the spear, and asked coldly, “You’re not going to run? You are so confident in blocking my Zhao Four’s spear?”

Edward smiled bitterly, saying, “Not at all. But I am, after all, the Vampire Prince, the descendant of the Queen of Night. How can I run at this time?”

After hearing this, Zhao Jundu pondered for a moment, raised the spear, and said, “You may go.”

Edward was taken aback, glanced deeply at Zhao Jundu, and without further ado, flew into the sky, heading deep into the night. With his departure, the other young Evernight warriors followed suit, leaving one after another.

In the depths of the void, the young Demonkin stood motionless, and after a moment, said, “Let’s go back.”

All the Demonkin were stunned, and soon someone stepped forward, urging, “Young Master, if we leave like this, won’t this battle be a complete loss? Those spots…”

The young Demonkin sighed, saying, “Zhao Jundu’s spear has not yet been fired, and I am not confident in blocking it either.”

The Demonkin looked at each other, not expecting the Young Master to hold such high regard for Zhao Jundu. An elder Demonkin spoke in a grim tone, “Why doesn’t the Young Master order Edward not to avoid the battle and consume Zhao Jundu’s spear? As long as the Young Master presents that token, I’m sure Edward wouldn’t dare refuse!”

The elder’s voice was full of malice, and the Demonkin were greatly tempted, nodding in agreement. A Prince who had resisted the Blood Trial would be a big trouble for the Demonkin in the future. Better to solve it now.

The young Demonkin smiled helplessly, saying, “You… still underestimate Zhao Jundu. That spear is not meant for Edward; it’s reserved for me.”

“Does he know we are here?”

“How could he?”

The young Demonkin shook his head, “No matter what method he used, he surely knows I’m here. Let’s go. If even Her Highness the Witch couldn’t complete the task, neither can I.”

With his command, the warship silently turned and quietly disappeared into the distance.

Zhao Jundu stood firm in the air, not even glancing at the young Evernight warriors flying into the void, but focused on a certain spot in the void. After a moment, his aura gradually subsided, and he descended to the ground.

Qian Ye was in a strange state, floating like a fallen leaf, descending to the ground. His body seemed weightless, almost non-physical, just a shadow in the world. Many people tried to sense, even touch him, but they felt only emptiness. It was as if Qian Ye had never existed.

Among the crowd, a few people suddenly moved towards Qian Ye. However, some were faster; Ji Tianqing and Li Kuanglan, though late, arrived first, instantly below Qian Ye. Yet, they too appeared bewildered, unable to determine Qian Ye’s state, even questioning if the image they saw was real.

Unable to sense Qian Ye, how could they catch him?

Seeing Ji Tianqing and Li Kuanglan ahead, those who had moved stopped and retreated. Zhao Jundu, overlooking everything, suddenly raised his hand, lightly tapped the air, and several azure lights flashed, slicing the bodies of those few people at the waist! Their faces showed shock, confusion, and anger, but they could not utter a sound.

The sudden turn of events left the many Empire warriors stunned. Though some recognized the sinister intentions of these individuals, no one expected Zhao Jundu’s methods to be so ruthless and domineering, with no hint of disguise.

Ignoring the strange looks from the others, Zhao Jundu simply ordered, “Add them to the list of casualties.”

Under Qian Ye’s falling body, countless flowers of the Nether River bloomed, and Zhao Ruoxi stood amidst the flower sea, extending her arms, gently catching Qian Ye.

Zhao Ruoxi’s spread of the flower sea was a clear warning: any who dared approach would die. Ji Tianqing and Li Kuanglan exchanged a helpless glance and retreated. Few among the two camps would dare to stand near the Nether River flowers, and their current cultivation was not quite enough.

Zhao Jundu, however, descended directly into the sea of Nether River flowers. As he moved, several Flowers of the Other Shore blossomed around him, but the light of the azure spear in his hand blazed, emitting azure beams, sealing the flowers.

Manjushaka seemed to sense something, chirping in Zhao Ruoxi’s hands, and dozens of Flowers of the Other Shore appeared in front of Zhao Jundu, blooming one by one. As the flowers bloomed, Zhao Jundu’s movements slowed, and he began to flatten, as if enclosed in a mirror.

The spear in Zhao Jundu’s hand instantly brightened, the azure beams substantial, reopening the space and restoring his form. He immediately leaped out of the twisted space, appearing before Zhao Ruoxi. But after this confrontation, the light of his spear dimmed, while Manjushaka remained unchanged. The contrast was clear.

“Step aside!” Zhao Ruoxi gritted her teeth, pointing Manjushaka at Zhao Jundu’s forehead.

Zhao Jundu sighed, gently pushing away Manjushaka, saying, “This spear is not used like this.”

“Better than not firing a single shot!”

Zhao Jundu replied meaningfully, “The enemies are not just those who fled. Saving this shot is better than firing it.”

Zhao Ruoxi looked confused, not fully understanding Zhao Jundu’s words. She didn’t want to understand at the moment, lowering her head to look at Qian Ye. But as she gazed, tears streamed down her face.

Qian Ye lay quietly, as if in deep sleep, with no visible wounds, even the minor injuries from the earlier battles had vanished. But he had no breath, no heartbeat, no sign of life, his skin glowing with a lustrous sheen, making him look like an exquisite, lifeless artwork.

At a loss, Zhao Ruoxi, in her short life, had never encountered or heard of such a situation. Instinctively, she looked up at Zhao Jundu. In her memory, this fourth brother had never failed at anything. But this time, through tearful eyes, she saw a face of deep solemnity.

Suddenly, she panicked, never having seen such gravity on Zhao Jundu’s face.

“Life, life…” she muttered, suddenly drawing the bloodblade from Qian Ye’s waist and stabbing it towards her own chest!

Zhao Jundu, shocked, acted swiftly, grabbing her wrist. But the action was too sudden, the blade pierced her clothes, cutting her skin.

“What are you doing!” Zhao Jundu demanded.

Zhao Ruoxi struggled fiercely, shouting, “This crystal in me is his! If I give it back to him, he will wake up!”

Zhao Jundu raised his voice, “It’s no use!”

“I don’t care!!”

In the struggle, Zhao Ruoxi bit her lip, and several Flowers of the Other Shore suddenly appeared on Zhao Jundu, momentarily freezing his movements. Seizing the chance, she forcefully took the bloodblade, closed her eyes, and stabbed herself again!

The blade pierced her flesh, but Zhao Ruoxi felt no pain, only warm blood dripping.

When she looked down, she saw the bloodblade had pierced Zhao Jundu’s hand, not her chest. Zhao Jundu’s fingers closed, gripping the blade, preventing it from advancing. Weakened by the Flowers of the Other Shore, Zhao Jundu’s body was now akin to a normal person, blood gushing from the wound, staining Zhao Ruoxi’s dress.

“Ruoxi, this really won’t work,” Zhao Jundu’s voice was soft and gentle.

“I know… but, but what should I do?” Zhao Ruoxi’s tears mixed with Zhao Jundu’s blood.

“Qian Ye will be fine. Leave it to me. No one can take Qian Ye from me,” Zhao Jundu’s voice was gentle, yet filled with unwavering determination.

Zhao Ruoxi hesitated, then nodded. She released her grip, and the Flowers of the Other Shore gradually faded, the Nether River disappearing into the void.

Zhao Jundu pulled the bloodblade from his hand, inspected it, and returned it to Qian Ye’s scabbard. Turning, he ordered, “Take the young lady and Qian Ye to my place. No one is to disturb them.”

As he stood, Zhao Jundu transformed back into the commanding figure, the first genius of the Empire, who had long established his position as a Celestial King.

But he did not tend to his wounded hand, letting the blood drip onto the ground.

After a long while, Zhao Jundu said calmly, “I heard the Li family owes Qian Ye a dose of Mirror Water Regeneration. Since Qian Ye needs it now, send someone to fetch it.”

A Zhao clan general stepped forward, “I volunteer!”

Zhao Jundu nodded, silent. The general, known for his swift action, ran to the airship landing field without even using a vehicle.

Everyone knew this trip might not be easy. But Zhao Jundu did not mention what would happen if the Li family delayed.

The night of the City of Eternal Flight suddenly became filled with a deadly chill.