The Demon Sealing Formation core's light thoroughly retreated inward. Itsank into the earth. Onlyleft behind one intact bronze pillar quietly standing in the empty underground space, emanating a faint golden glow. The demon entity's bodyroaring and impact sounds had already disappeared. Itas if it never existed. Above the Hall of Ten Thousand Soulsthe collapse's thunder also fell silent. only occasional sporadic gravel falling sounds reminded that this place had just experienced such a tragic upheaval.
The airstill carried the smell of sulfur and burning. Butthat omnipresent suffocating demonic energy had already dissipated. replaced by a kind of post-calamity stillness carrying a dusty taste.
Liu Yunsat down on the ground in exhaustion. in her arms tightly held the still unconscious but breath-stabilizing Tang Xiaoqi. She gazing at thelooked at the stabilized sealing core, then at the other side. Senior Brother Mu Qingfengunconscious from origin exhaustion, face ashen, breath faint as a gossamer. Aunt Sulying in the corner, face pale as snow after the mask shattered, the only remaining vitality barely perceptible.
They had won. The demon was resealed. The Soul-Controlling Jade destroyed.
But this victorywas exchanged for Xu Zhan's soul scattering, Aunt Su's near-death serious injuries, Senior Brother's origin exhaustion, and Xiaoqi's severed meridians and deep coma. Her owninternal organs also severely damaged. the sword-holding arm trembled slightly.
Grief and exhaustionwelled up in one's heart like a tide. But she knew this was not the time to relax. This placenot suitable for staying long. though the Hall of Ten Thousand Souls collapsed, Shadow Snake Pavilion remnants may not be completely cleared. moreover, this deep underground was still full of unknown dangers.
Must immediately evacuate.
She struggled to stand yetfelt legs like they were filled with lead. the continuous high-intensity combat, mental strain, and the blow of companions' serious injuries pushed this consistently resilient sword cultivator to her limit.
Just then.
Above camea rustling sound and several deliberately muffled calls.
"Mu Daoist Liu Daoist Tang Xiao Friend Are you below?"
It was Sun's voice. with anxiety and inquiry.
Liu Yunspirit lifted. Shesummoned a breath and said loudly: "We are below Come quickly for support."
Soon several figurescarefully climbed down along the huge crack they jumped into. precisely Sun Yi, Iron Wall, and two other members with injuries but still sharp gazes from the Shadow-Breaking Alliance. Theyobviously also went through hardships to break through the perimeter blockade and found this place.
When they saw the scene beloweven these Shadow-Breaking Alliance men accustomed to life and death could not help inhaling sharply.
.
"This" Iron Wall gazing at Xiaoqi'spale blood-stained face and the scene of Liu Yun's empty arms with no trace of Xu Zhan's soul fire. Hishis tiger eyes reddened, voice choked "Senior Xu he"
Sun silently shook his head. Hegestured for him not to ask further. Hewalked quickly to Liu Yun's side and said quietly: "Liu Daoist the outside istemporarily safe. Our peoplecreated sufficient chaos outside. Shadow Snake Pavilion remnants seemed to have fallen into internal chaos and rout due to the headquarters' collapse and demonic energy dissipation. We must leave immediately This placethe disturbance too great, unexpected events may occur."
Liu Yun nodded. Shecarefully handed Xiaoqi to Sun Yi: "Take care of him." Then sheforced himself to stand up. she walked to Mu Qingfeng's side. together with Iron Wall, carefully helped him up. .
"Can you find a way out?" Liu Yunlooked at Sun Yi, voice hoarse.
Sun nodded. Hepointing to a relatively narrow but seemingly diagonally upward natural rock crevice on one side of the crack: "We discovered this seam when we came It seemscould bypass most of the collapsed area and lead to the swamp's outer perimeter Though difficult this isthe currently safest path."
No time to hesitate.
"Go." Liu Yunsaid through clenched teeth.
The groupcarrying four severely injured membersbegin.
Sun carried unconscious Xiaoqiwalked at the very front. Hishis steps were steady yet every step carried an indescribable heaviness. Xiaoqi lay on his back. Hisface pale, breathing faint but even. Itas if merely falling into deep sleep. However Sun can clearlyfelt within this young body the nearly exhausted vitality, severed meridians, and empty dantian with no spiritual power fluctuation at all. this youth bearing strange fortunes and repeatedly creating miracles was now no different from a mortal, even more fragile.
Iron Wall and another Shadow Snake membersupporting Mu Qingfeng, carrying Aunt Su on the back, followed closely. Mu Qingfeng's eyes were tightly closed. Hisbrow tightly furrowed from the pain of origin exhaustion. Hisbreath faint as a gossamer. entirely relying on the two people inputting faint spiritual power to sustain life. Aunt Su was like an exquisite doll without life. her breathing was faint to the extreme. the only remaining vitality seemed as if it would scatter with the wind at any moment.
Liu Yunwalked at the rear with sword. Herher spine remained as straight as the sword in her hand. but those phoenix eyes had lost their former radiance. only the bottomless exhaustion and desolation remained. Herinternal organs were severely damaged. the sword-holding arm trembled slightly. every step tugged at the injuries within the body. But shestill stubbornly performed the rearguard duty. her gaze vigilantly scanned for possible dangers around.
No one spoke.
silence, like an invisible boulder, pressed on everyone's heart.
Had they won?
Yes. Soul-Controlling Jade shattered, demon lord's fragment soul annihilated, Nine Heavens Demon-Sealing Array reinforced, the Shadow Snake Pavilion headquarters that ravaged for a hundred years turned to ruins. Theycompleted the nearly impossible task, prevented a calamity that could sweep the world.
But this victoryhow tragic, how heartbreaking.