Volume One: The Hidden Dragon Beneath the Abyss Chapter 121: Strange

“Brave warrior, I was so frightened just now. This man tried to force himself upon me, but thankfully, you came to my rescue. I am deeply grateful. However, I am injured and cannot properly repay you. Let us part ways here.”

The woman in the blue dress immediately struck a formidable impression, having appeared and slain two men with ease. Observing her ruthless methods—the destruction of evidence—one could tell she was merciless and meticulous, leaving no room for error. She was no ordinary person.

Just as she planned to seize the opportunity to flee, a sudden unease washed over her.

A fierce gust of wind charged toward them.

Xu Qing flicked a pebble beneath her foot, sending it flying swiftly. It struck the woman’s body, momentarily halting her graceful figure, causing her to stagger dangerously close to falling.

Regaining her balance, her once proud expression darkened even further, now looking grim and disheartened.

“You and I have no grudge. Why resort to such brutality? Must you really go all out?”

“I’ll ask you once more—who are you...?”

Before Xu Qing could finish speaking, the woman’s body suddenly emitted a crimson glow. Amid a piercing, fierce scream, she charged at Xu Qing.

“Witchcraft!” Xu Qing sneered, casting a glance at the display of magic. It was nothing compared to her own skills—clumsy and amateurish.

By the time the woman reached her, her blood surged with power.

With a triumphant smile, she struck fiercely, the blow exploding like gunpowder in midair.

Beasts from all directions sensed imminent danger and swiftly vanished, fleeing in panic.

But it was short-lived. The woman’s triumphant expression abruptly shifted to shock as she collapsed, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, gasping violently.

Xu Qing stood firmly, unmoved.

Like ancient pines or sturdy bamboo—steady and unyielding.

Motionless.

Just moments ago, it had seemed as if she did not resist at all.

“I have no time to watch your futile struggles, nor any interest,” Xu Qing said, shaking her head. She spread her fingers and extended them as if claws.

In an instant, invisible energy claws reached the woman’s neck, tightening slowly but inexorably.

Though Xu Qing’s movements appeared leisurely, her resolve was unhesitating, her expression cold and indifferent as if killing were the most mundane thing.

She was truly ruthless—killing with ease as if reaping grain.

“Heh, it seems I’ve angered you. I... I told you, I told you everything...” The woman coughed up fresh blood, life draining swiftly.

Xu Qing had hoped for a final attempt, but it was futile. Charm techniques had no effect on this person.

She was like a rock—cold and unfeeling.

Still, Xu Qing intended to press on.

“A demon clan member? Forget it, I’ll find out in time...” With a snap, Xu Qing’s fingers squeezed, and the woman’s neck broke with a crisp sound.

That was her last conscious moment, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Without wasting time, Xu Qing tidied the scene briefly and, with the mother and daughter, took a detour to continue their journey.

This was not a sect or school from the Nine Provinces.

The Demon Realm?

No wonder the Martial Academy could not spare the resources to deal with the Demon Emperor; Tian Xingzi could not summon reinforcements.

Just from seeing even these minor demons breaking through and appearing here...

The passage of the demon clans would undoubtedly drain the Martial Academy’s strength.

Wait, no...

Xu Qing suddenly realized that perhaps only those of lesser cultivation could appear here.

Even so, a large number of such demons would be problematic.

Ordinary people would have no means to protect themselves, and these demons would wreak havoc across the world.

The entire realm watched this war with utmost concern; it was of monumental importance.

At this moment, Wang Chuan rode his swift horse deep into the vast grasslands.

Accompanying him was a group of top-tier experts summoned by Tian Xingzi, arguably the most fearsome force on earth.

Perhaps due to the barbarian armies advancing southward, after seven or eight days of travel, they had slipped in unnoticed.

The group pressed forward toward the area thick with demonic energy.

Soon, they beheld a heavenly palace inexplicably towering in the grasslands—eerily out of place.

The magnificent, majestic palace radiated an imposing aura that inspired awe from afar.

“Wait! What are those over there?” someone exclaimed.

A circular platform constructed from stacked stones now loomed like a small mountain.

“Just an altar, nothing unusual, except its sudden appearance here is strange,” Wang Chuan frowned.

“Who is it meant for?”

Perhaps it was intended to facilitate some form of exchange.