The mine tunnel sprawled endlessly except for its deepest parts. As we reach here, I hope readers will remember our domain name.
Yan Hua navigated through the tunnels with ease, showing no signs of being lost or off track. She moved forward step by step with methodical calmness.
Along the way, she could feel increasing heat. Further ahead lay a volcanic vent, with an exit path, though it wasn’t easy to traverse.
"Is someone trying to escape alone? Or just taking a peek at the outside world?" Yan Hua licked her lips, no longer in a rush. This was a process she relished—the thrill of hunting prey.
It made the heart race with excitement.
At this moment, she pulled out a small knife, specifically meant for slicing through skin. "I wonder what his face will look like when he sees me cut open his chest and take out his heart," Yan Hua said with a smirk, looking at her knife, imagining the scene. "His expression must be priceless."
In an instant, she vanished.
A short while later, she reached various forks in the path and tracked down her quarry to a scorching cavern. In its center, magma surged, ready to turn intruders to ash.
Entering the cave, Yan Hua was a bit surprised. "How did he get away so quickly? That’s not possible."
She glanced around, noting a path leading across but devoid of tracks. This suggested the person had likely not crossed yet.
Her tracking skills hadn’t indicated a crossing either. As understanding dawned, Yan Hua smiled and held her knife defensively.
Clang!
A blade was deflected outside her defense.
Yet from another direction, a dagger darted from the shadows and plunged into her neck, catching her off guard. She paid it no mind, merely turning her head to look behind.
Squelch!
A long sword pierced her. Then an ensuing swing severed the hand holding her knife, leaving her disarmed and astonished.
She was desperate to locate her opponent, but more swords continued to stab her from every side, pinning her like a hedgehog.
But she showed no fear, nor did a single drop of blood spill.
"Junior Brother, you’re quite mischievous," Yan Hua said, turning her head, though her body remained still.
She finally caught sight of someone—Jiang Hao.
Seeing Yan Hua in this state, Jiang Hao felt a heaviness in his heart. Yan Hua was tougher to kill than he’d thought, seemingly without a vital point. No matter what he tried, not a trace of blood appeared from her body.
"A person who plays with puppets to the extent of turning herself into one?" Jiang Hao pondered to himself. He would have backed off if the appraisal hadn’t confirmed this was her real body. Sensing something off, he appraised Yan Hua again. It noted there was indeed a vital point, albeit elusive.
"Senior Sister seems to be seeking me," he said softly.
"When did Junior Brother find out?" Yan Hua asked, impressed. "Junior Brother, you’re even more outstanding than I imagined. No wonder you were chosen to cultivate the Heavenly Fragrance Dao Flower. Senior Sister truly adores you."
"How many traitors like Senior Sister are there in the sect?" Jiang Hao inquired.
He was nurturing his blade, building its momentum, now seemingly ready.
"Any last words, Junior Brother?" Yan Hua dodged Jiang Hao's question and casually pulled out the spirit swords embedded in her, correcting her posture.
Her nonchalant demeanor suggested she believed everything was under her control. Along the path, she had set many traps, ensuring Jiang Hao couldn’t escape.
At this moment, Jiang Hao had no plans of running. He drew out the Primordial Heaven Blade, with Purple Qi swirling around its hilt.
"Senior Sister, in your next life, remember to be wary of people like me. For now, let it go."
With these words, Jiang Hao swung his blade.
With great power, a massive aura descended crushingly from the Heavenly Blade. A previously nonchalant Yan Hua was suddenly stunned, realizing things were no longer as she anticipated. Even the calm in her eyes gave way to a flicker of fear.
But it didn’t last long; the Heavenly Blade fell. With one sweep, it cut through all obstacles.
Yan Hua’s thoughts ceased instantly, without a clue as to what method did away with her.
With a bang, her flesh scattered.
Crushed by the mountain's overwhelming might, Yan Hua was reduced to dust. For safety, Jiang Hao swung the Heavenly Blade twice more. Still worried Yan Hua might revive, he tossed all the flesh and even blood-soaked stones into the magma.
Only then did he relax.
Standing still for a moment, confirming nothing would rise from the ashes, Jiang Hao began to think about his next steps.
"Yan Hua's death won't affect me. It's crucial to understand the situation outside."
"If the Heavenly Sound Sect cannot withstand or respond in time, this place might be blown open, necessitating a swift exit."
He glanced ahead.
Though it connected to the outside, he might run into Situ Jian and his group there. Best to wait and let them leave first, as engaging them had no benefit. Having already lost the initiative, who knew what might happen if a fight ensued.
Another glance at the magma made Jiang Hao resolve to guard against people from the Heavenly Saint Sect.
If one Yan Hua was hard to kill, Senior Sister Ming Yi as a Candidate Saintess would be even more perilous. And with Senior Brother Mu Qi entangled with her, being on guard was paramount. Danger could strike him unwittingly.
Rumble!
The cave trembled again, even the magma surged wildly.
"No more time to waste."
Stowing away the Heavenly Blade, Jiang Hao made to leave.
Yet, as he took a step, he halted, turning toward the path whence he came, seeing someone enter.
"The other route is blocked. This is the only way," Bei Xue’s voice echoed.
Soon, Situ Jian and his friends stepped into the cavern, catching Jiang Hao and them in a glance.
Everyone was startled.