After seeing Hun Changqing gather his aura, Gu Xun'er's fair and delicate face smiled even more, like a pure and elegant snow lotus blooming freely on the top of a snow mountain. Under such a beautiful face, the world seemed to lose its color for a moment, and the air seemed to freeze slightly. Gu Xun'er smiled and spoke.
"Back when we reunited at the Ancient Burning Sect, you killed Han Feng of the Black Corner Region. You must have taken the Sea Heart Flame from his body, right? The battle aura you exuded just now, though much stronger than before, was still as cold and pure as ever, without any trace of the Sea Heart Flame. It must not have been refined by you.
That Sea Heart Flame is somewhat useful to me. I wonder if you would be willing to part with it? I know you don't have much support within the Soul Clan, and your resources are limited. But if you give me the Sea Heart Flame, I can provide you with additional resources. You know my identity and the foundation of my Ancient Clan. I believe you won't be disappointed."
As Gu Xun'er finished speaking, Hun Changqing's thumb, hidden beneath his black sleeve, unconsciously began to rub the storage ring on his index finger. A look of understanding appeared in his eyes. It turned out that Gu Xun'er had her eye on the Sea Heart Flame he had obtained earlier.
Gu Xun'er's offer did indeed make Hun Changqing's heart skip a beat. Even without Gu Xun'er saying anything, Hun Changqing knew she wouldn't disappoint him. He had tasted her sweetness once before, having completely exploited her, gaining both her and his money. Originally, Hun
Changqing thought he had already squeezed Gu Xun'er dry, but unexpectedly, she offered herself up again. Moreover, judging from her expression, she was clearly prepared for him to make exorbitant demands. This made Hun Changqing incredibly tempted, and countless thoughts flashed through his mind as he began to ponder. Hun Changqing
fell into thought, and for a moment, the area fell into a silent atmosphere. Gu Xun'er stood with her hands behind her back, a smile on her face, awaiting Hun Changqing's reply. Medusa also knew this wasn't the time to be capricious, so she stood quietly beside Hun Changqing.
Even the usually mischievous and unrestrained Zi Yan stood obediently to the side, wisely refraining from disturbing Hun Changqing at this crucial moment. Although she was unruly, she could still distinguish between what was important and what was not. Zi Yan knew that Hun Changqing would indulge her when she was being silly, but if she caused trouble for him on important matters, he wouldn't be so lenient.
Finally, under everyone's gaze, Hun Changqing, who had been lost in thought, slowly raised his head. At this moment, his beautiful face, hidden in the shadow of his hood, flashed with struggle, resentment, helplessness, and heartache. Finally, Hun Changqing let out a silent sigh, gently shook his head at Gu Xun'er, and said with a hint of regret.
"I'm sorry, Miss Xun'er, although I'm very interested in your deal, you've come a bit too late. The Sea Heart Flame is no longer with me. A year ago, when I was out, I happened to meet an alchemist who offered me a price I liked, and I eventually traded the Sea Heart Flame to him."
Hun Changqing's words were pure nonsense. The Sea Heart Flame was currently lying obediently in his storage ring. Although Hun Changqing was very interested in trading with Gu Xun'er, he hadn't forgotten that Gu Xun'er cultivated the Burning Technique. Hun Changqing knew very well what Gu Xun'er wanted to do with the Sea Heart Flame. Although Gu Xun'er hadn't shown any hostility when she came to his Underworld Palace this time, Hun Changqing didn't believe that Gu Xun'er would simply let by time forget everything he had done to her in the past.
Although he still held Xiao Yan in his hands and Gu Xun'er's life in his grasp, he was unsure if he and Gu Xun'er would clash again in the future. Therefore, after a moment of internal struggle, Hun Changqing decided against doing something so foolish as to aid the enemy.
Moreover, Xing Su, possessing a superior divine bloodline from the Soul Clan, had already returned to the clan. Once she returned, she would instantly rise to a position of unparalleled power. Given Hun Changqing's current relationship with Xing Su, his need for resources was no longer as desperate as it had been in Wutan City, to the point that it had driven him to kidnap and extort the young lady of the Gu Clan. Therefore, with a hint of regret, Hun Changqing refused Gu Xun'er's offer, casually making up an excuse to appease her.
"Oh? Is that so? Then what's that alchemist's name, and where did you meet him?"
Gu Xun'er's eyes, which had been filled with laughter, flashed with a strange light upon hearing this, but on the surface, she showed no sign of anything amiss, remaining as calm and composed as before, asking Hun Changqing with a smile.
"How the hell would I know where I met an alchemist?"
Hun Changqing thought to himself, but on the surface, he put on an upright and righteous demeanor, speaking with conviction.
"While I may not be a good person, I have my own bottom line. I, Hun Changqing, would never do something as despicable as betraying my trading partners. Such a thing is utterly unforgivable and beyond redemption. I never imagined that after knowing you for so many years, Miss Xun'er would still misunderstand me. I am definitely not that kind of person!"
As Hun Changqing said this, the area fell silent once more. Even Medusa, who had been quietly accompanying Hun Changqing, deeply concerned for him, twitched at the corner of her mouth after hearing his words. She then abruptly lowered her head, not wanting anyone to notice the strange expression on her face.
Zi Yan, upon hearing this, also parted her lips slightly, unable to close them, her eyes wide with confusion. Countless questions arose in her small head, her mind filled with doubt. Was her master talking about himself? No, couldn't he?
Recalling her first meeting with Hun Changqing, and his actions that shattered her understanding of the meaning of "ruthless," Zi Yan was utterly astonished by his words.
"You—"
Looking at Hun Changqing, who spoke righteously and eloquently, seemingly a person of high moral character, yet was shrouded in black robes and mist, emanating a chilling aura, the strange contrast between these two extremes made Gu Xun'er's expression falter. Her eyes twitched slightly, and she raised a finger to point at Hun Changqing, wanting to say something, but the words caught in her throat.
In the end, Gu Xun'er gave up on refuting Hun Changqing's words. Gu Xun'er knew exactly what kind of person Hun Changqing was. She also knew that Hun Changqing's words were complete nonsense. Hun Changqing simply didn't want to make a deal with her. Gu Xun'er withdrew her finger that was pointing at Hun Changqing, flicked her skirt, and the smile on her face disappeared without a trace. A cold voice came from her slightly parted lips.
"Whether you're that kind of person or not is another matter, but your skin is still as thick as it was back then. I'm not surprised that you can say such things. Since you don't want to make a deal, then let's call it quits. However, I believe that the Sea Heart Flame will eventually come into my hands."
A golden flame appeared in Gu Xun'er's beautiful eyes. As this golden light flowed in her eyes, a scorching and explosive aura emanated from Gu Xun'er's delicate body. The surrounding temperature also rose sharply at this moment, and the ground around her turned from pitch black to dark red, as if subterranean fire was about to erupt from it at any moment. As Gu Xun'er's aura erupted, Medusa's pretty face turned serious, and Zi Yan, who had previously looked strange, also showed a solemn expression. They both became secretly vigilant, wary of Gu Xun'er's sudden and ruthless attack.
"Perhaps," Hun
Changqing said, completely unfazed by Gu Xun'er's sudden burst of terrifying aura. His robes remained unmoved by the force of the attack, and he spoke calmly to the cold-faced Gu Xun'er with a half-smile.
"Is that so? Perhaps... In the future, I will personally capture that alchemist who possesses the Sea Heart Flame and take it from his hands."
After a brief burst of power, Gu Xun'er slowly withdrew her aura under everyone's gaze. Her eyes flickered uncertainly as she stared intently at Hun Changqing, speaking to him in a meaningful tone, emphasizing the last syllable as if hinting at something.
"In that case... let's wait and see."
Upon hearing Gu Xun'er's words, a cold, eerie light flashed in Hun Changqing's eyes, and a slightly sinister smile appeared on his face hidden in the shadows as he replied to Gu Xun'er in a sinister tone.
"Hmph, Elder Gu Ming, let's go."
Gu Xun'er gave Hun Changqing a deep look. She was very dissatisfied with Hun Changqing's rude attitude. The more dissatisfied she was with Hun Changqing, the more she looked forward to seeing him helplessly struggling under her. That scene made her blood boil, and she couldn't wait any longer.
"I hope that Burning Technique can give me a surprise. If not, I'll have to use some other methods. I... can't wait any longer."
Looking at Hun Changqing, Gu Xun'er silently thought to herself. Then she coldly snorted at Hun Changqing, who was surrounded by black mist, and turned to Gu Ming.
"Farewell, Miss Xun'er. I won't see you off."
Hun Changqing stared expressionlessly at Gu Xun'er's retreating figure as she turned to leave. His cold voice carried a hint of killing intent. Previously, out of fear of the power behind Gu Xun'er, Hun Changqing had never shown any murderous intent towards her. He could never actually kill her, so why would he show any killing intent? Just to scare her?
However, Hun Changqing is no longer the orphan with no backing who could only rely on himself. Xing Su might have already returned to the Soul Clan, been ousted by Hun Feng, and obtained the position of the young clan leader. Now, when it comes to rallying support, Hun Changqing is not afraid of Gu Xun'er at all. Moreover, with the Soul Clan's grand plan imminent, if Gu Xun'er dares to rally support, the Soul Clan might be happy to give the Gu Clan a big blow at this time. Therefore, Hun Changqing's fear of Gu Xun'er has reached its lowest point.
Originally, Hun Changqing only felt that it was a bit troublesome and did not want to break ties with Gu Xun'er. However, after Gu Xun'er said those words, a murderous intent began to spread in Hun Changqing's heart. He even had a vague feeling that Gu Xun'er might bring him endless trouble in the future. This made Hun Changqing, who already hated trouble, even more intense in his murderous intent, which was already faintly overflowing from his body.
Upon hearing Hun Changqing's voice, which carried a faint killing intent, Gu Xun'er paused in her departing figure. Her jade-like hands, clenched tightly beneath her robes, turned a pale blue-green, revealing the turmoil within her. However, she then relaxed her grip.
Then, as if nothing had happened, she continued walking towards the spatial passage that Gu Ming had just opened. As she left, a cold voice emanated from her alluring figure, a voice that stirred the imagination.
"It's alright, Xun'er will take her leave now. No need for the Lord of the Underworld to see me off."
With these cold words, Gu Xun'er appeared before the spatial passage. Just as she lifted her foot to step into it, a violent spatial fluctuation suddenly rippled through the void beside her. With this violent fluctuation, ripples spread rapidly across the sky, covering the entire expanse.
This sudden anomaly caused Gu Xun'er to pause in her departing steps, slowly turning around and focusing her gaze on the spatial turbulence. Hun Changqing, who had been standing in the void before the Underworld Palace, also narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on the spatial fluctuations.
Before everyone's eyes, the violently fluctuating space began to distort, and then spatial passages appeared within those distorted spaces. One after another, dark figures slowly emerged from these passages, standing in a formation resembling an array. Within this formation, a figure slowly materialized.
Upon seeing these dark figures clearly, both Hun Changqing and Gu Xun'er were stunned. Even Gu Ming, who was maintaining the spatial passage beside Gu Xun'er, showed a look of astonishment upon seeing these figures appear.