Where did this woman keep coming up with so many tricks? Time and again she provoked his limits, yet now he truly did not know how to deal with her. Instead, he ended up battered and bruised. It was infuriating beyond measure.
But in just an instant, the spatial fragment rune struck again. Mu Zixu had no choice but to brace himself. Unfortunately, the power within him was in complete chaos. With each attempt to circulate his energy, his meridians throbbed in pain.
He gritted his teeth and fought back, barely evading the rune, when King Yama and the others activated another formation, forcing more Yin energy into his body.
The situation worsened rapidly.
Mu Zixu's expression changed completely. If this continued, he would succumb to possession. All for a Red Lotus Karma Fire, it was hardly worth it. But now it was not only a matter of the Red Lotus Karma Fire, it was a question of face and dignity.
As Mu Zixu pondered, Song Wanníng summoned a divine thunder to strike him mercilessly. This time, Mu Zixu could not evade. The thunder fully engulfed him.
"Pfft—"
He coughed up several mouthfuls of blood. His immortal energy was completely disrupted, beyond his control.
Not good!!!
Mu Zixu's heart sank. Gritting his teeth, he endured the divine thunder. As soon as it dissipated, he vanished from their sight in an instant. Before leaving, his resentful gaze toward Song Wanníng was like a vicious snake, ready to strike at any moment.
Mu Zixu's departure was sudden, leaving behind chaos and the wreckage of the Eighteen Layers of Hell.
Once he left, Song Wanníng sagged against a nearby pillar and spat a mouthful of blood.
"Pfft—"
Her face turned pale. Her mental energy was almost completely depleted. If Mu Zixu had hesitated another moment, she would have collapsed.
Fortunately, fortunately…
Leaning against the pillar, Song Wanníng wiped the blood from her lips. Her eyes shone brilliantly. She had successfully frustrated Mu Zixu. Even at considerable cost to herself, she felt immense satisfaction.
King Yama and the Mahayana cultivators were also battered and exhausted, leaning against pillars for support.
Their eyes were full of disbelief.
They had actually dared to drive away an immortal?
Exchanging glances, each of them showed shock. Then they all turned toward Song Wanníng in unspoken acknowledgment. Who would have thought this Xiaoyou could wield such tricky techniques?
Thanks to her help, they had been able to manipulate the formation and inject Yin energy into Mu Zixu.
After a long while, they finally caught their breath.
Song Wanníng's face also recovered slightly, though her mental energy was nearly exhausted. Full recovery would take at least a full day and night.
"Xiaoyou, what is your name?"
King Yama stepped forward, a friendly smile on his previously stern face.
"Junior Song Wanníng, greetings to all Seniors," she replied, standing straight and bowing politely.
Her demeanor, neither humble nor arrogant, impressed the Mahayana cultivators.
Someone with such skill must either have a remarkable background or a bright future.
"Hahaha, truly a formidable young talent," said King Yama, eyes full of gratitude. Even though her cultivation was lower than theirs, Song Wanníng had proven her strength and earned their respect.
"You are not from our Underworld, are you?"
King Yama reasoned that such a talented junior could not have gone unnoticed if she belonged to the Underworld. And since Mu Zixu knew her, she likely came from the Immortal Realm.
"Yes, I am not from the Underworld," Song Wanníng nodded, showing a trace of apology.
"I only followed Mu Zixu here by accident. Please forgive me, Seniors."
A smile disarms even the harshest hearts. Song Wanníng earnestly sought the Red Lotus Karma Fire, showing sincerity.
King Yama and the others liked her even more.
"No matter. You are not like him, and we can see that clearly," he said with a smile. Mu Zixu had forcibly attempted to seize the Red Lotus Karma Fire and injured many ghost cultivators. He had acted outrageously.
Song Wanníng, on the other hand, had helped them regardless of her purpose.
They would remember this favor.
Seeing this, Song Wanníng hesitated briefly before politely making her request.
"Seniors, I also came for the Red Lotus Karma Fire, but I am willing to exchange treasures rather than take it by force."
She produced several treasures she had obtained from the Huo family and placed them before them.
This straightforward gesture surprised King Yama and the others. Exchanging glances, they examined the treasures. Each was valuable enough to attract a scramble among cultivators. She clearly did not seek to take advantage.
King Yama and the others remained silent, immersed in thought.
Song Wanníng seized the moment, maintaining her sincere expression.
"I believe you have already seen that I have a mortal enmity with Mu Zixu. As an immortal, it would have been easy for him to kill me…
I only made this humble request to preserve my life. Please do not take offense, Seniors."
The Red Lotus Karma Fire had an owner. It could not be seized by force. Although Song Wanníng was not entirely virtuous, she still adhered to basic morality. If it were unclaimed, she would have taken it… perhaps even more ruthlessly than Mu Zixu.
"This…"
Hesitation flashed across King Yama's face.
The Red Lotus Karma Fire was a supreme treasure of the Underworld. It could not be given lightly. Yet Song Wanníng's sparkling eyes, sincere attitude, and previous assistance seemed to tilt the balance. King Yama hesitated and moved aside to consult with the senior cultivators.
Song Wanníng stood by, awaiting the outcome. If they had refused outright, the matter would have ended immediately. Discussion meant there was hope.
After a minute, King Yama returned with a smile.
"Wanníng, the Red Lotus Karma Fire is a treasure of the Underworld. No treasure can match its value. But I can grant you a portion of the flame. If you cultivate it well, it will grow rapidly.
We do not need your treasures. That we survived is thanks to your assistance. Consider this flame portion a token of gratitude. Accept it." King Yama was never greedy. Song Wanníng's treasures were unnecessary.
"Really?"
Song Wanníng did not expect such an unexpected delight. Her eyes shone with joy.
"Thank you, Seniors!"
She bowed sincerely, graciously accepting their kindness.