The radiance on Ying Qingqing's body had scattered completely. She opened her eyes and asked, "Do all of you have to be so shocked?"
Sixth Prince Li Tai's face twitched a little.
The entire world knew that the Sword Sovereign's disciples received guidance to comprehend the Heaven Sword Book. They would then develop unique sword dao absolute arts that belonged to themselves. No one had ever inherited the Clear Sky Divine Sword. With Shi Jing and Nie Hua included, everyone among the five disciples who knew about Ying Qingqing were extremely curious as to why Ying Qingiqng was proficient in the Sword Sovereign's unique absolute art.
It was a pity that the Sword Sovereign wasn't around, while Ying Qingqing had lost her memories, resulting in no answers even until now.
Right now, Ying Qingqing had taken the initiative to disperse her Clear Sky Divine Sword cultivation. Even Sixth Prince Li Tai who was reserved had momentarily lost his composure. However, it was just a split moment, and he instantly reverted to normal.
In the Grand Divine Province, there were only two individuals proficient in the Clear Sky Divine Sword. It was needless to say that the Sword Sovereign was one of the individuals, while Ying Qingqing had dispersed hers. Right now, even if the Demon Sovereign was planning to use the Clear Sky Sword Qi to recuperate, his plan would be in vain.
No matter what, this was good news. Li Tai looked up and laughed while saying, "Young Lady Qingqing's sacrifice is too excessive."
"Since there are chains that are restraining myself, why not sever it? What is this talk about sacrifice?" Ying Qingqing shook her head and said, "Even if I gave up on the Clear Sky Divine Sword, I still have other martial arts. My strength might have declined, but in most situations, I am still able to protect myself."
As for what those "most situations" referred to, there wasn't a need to explain.
Li Tai had an unchanged expression as he said, "Young Lady Qingqing, you are too impulsive. There wasn't a need for things to reach this stage. This Prince might have proposed to use the Soul Fright Elixir, but it doesn't matter even if I have to give you the antidote now. This Prince doesn't dare to harm the Sword Pavilion's guest. All arrangements are merely to deal with the Demon Sovereign. Young Lady Qingqing is kindhearted and cares for all lives in the world. I don't think that you want to see the Demon Cult washing the Divine Province with blood either and for all lives to turn into ashes, right? You said that the Demon Sovereign has done a favor for you, but how can your personal matters be compared to the well-being of all lives?"
"I believe what Your Highness has said." Ying Qingqing nodded.
Putting aside the fact that Li Tai wished to recruit the Sword Pavilion to help him seize the throne, even if there wasn't this matter, he wouldn't try to offend the Sword Pavilion.
"I believe that the two sirs and Sixth Highness don't have the intention to harm me. However, instead of having everyone worried that I might aid Cult Master Chen, why don't I settle things right now?" Ying Qingqing stated.
Li Tai smiled and said, "But Young Lady Qingqing's actions might have infuriated the Demon Sovereign and Fourth Sir might be in trouble."
Ying Qingqing looked at the silent Shi Jing and Nie Hua. "Back at the Sword Pavilion, I had been taken care of by everyone there. Fourth Sir has a cold face but a warm heart. He values righteousness more than his life. I admired him a lot. I am still willing to make a trip over to Cult Master Chen and hope that I can convince him to be merciful."
Sixth Prince Li Tai laughed and didn't say anything. He wasn't going to analyze what Chen Luoyang was going to do, but if Li Tai was in Chen Luoyang's position, Ying Qingqing would no longer have any value without her Clear Sky Divine Sword.
There were plenty of beauties in the world, but the actual relationship between Ying Qingqing and the Sword Pavilion was still a great concern.
Perhaps her value might not just be her Clear Sky Divine Sword… Li Tai pondered.
"We are the ones that forced you to do it and have been rude. We brothers are truly grateful that Young Lady Ying is still willing to help."
Nie Hua had an ashamed expression as he said solemnly, "It is natural that we wish to rescue Fourth Junior, but when looking at the bigger picture, if the Demon Sovereign obtains the Clear Sky Sword Qi to recuperate in exchange, then we might as well not conduct the rescue! Young Lady Yin has shown your sincerity by dispersing your cultivation technique. This humble Nie is in admiration while feeling ashamed at the same time. Right now, I truly don't dare to ask the Young Lady to enter the tiger's den anymore. Now that you don't have the Clear Sky Divine Sword, if you still ask for his mercy, you will probably infuriate that great demon. By then, even you will be in danger."
"Perhaps, but there might still be a chance. It is still better than Sixth Highness's proposal to use the Soul Fright Elixir," Shi Jing suddenly commented.
He looked at Ying Qingqing and said, "I just need Young Lady Ying to cooperate with one thing and will be able to ensure your safety."
Ying Qingqing looked at Shi Jing with calm eyes.
Shi Jing continued speaking, "When facing the Demon Sovereign, Young Lady Ying must not say that you have dispersed your cultivation technique and simply say that it is a special method done by us and that there is a method to recover."
Ying Qingqing frowned slightly.
Li Tai rubbed his palms and smiled. "Fifth Sir is right. The previous proposal can still be used, but the poison will be exchanged with the dispersion of cultivation technique."
Shi Jing said, "When the time comes, Sixth Highness's men shall explain the situation while Young Lady Ying just has to acknowledge silently."
Ying Qingqing asked, "Are you sure this method will work?"
"According to the previous incidents, the Demon Sovereign looks down on everything and is used to being overbearing. He will not tolerate us, the insignificant martial kings for playing a trick on him," Nie Hua said. "Just Fourth Junior alone wouldn't be enough to vent all his wrath. He has to wipe us out in order to appease the anger in his heart. However, this is also the opportunity for us to lure him away from his palace."
"That moment will also be the most dangerous moment for Fourth Junior," Shi Jing said softly. "There is a trace of hope that we can prod the Demon Sovereign to rationality and prevent him from killing on the spot. The best outcome is for him to severely injure Fourth Senior before catching us to deal with us altogether. Fourth Senior might suffer a little and might even die… However, the Demon Sovereign is powerful, and we cannot match him. But this might be the only opportunity to bring all of you back."
Ying Qingqing asked, "All of us?"
Shi Jing nodded. "I understand Young Lady Ying's intention. We are ashamed for restricting your freedom previously. But now, I cannot watch as you deliver yourself to the nest of demons. We must rescue you too. Even if you plan to return to the Demon Cult in the future, we will not continue to interfere. Furthermore, this trip might allow you to see the true colors of the Demon Sovereign."
"I understand." Ying Qingqing nodded slightly.
Sixth Prince Li Tai smiled and said, "Then Young Lady Qingqing should get some rest."
…
In the palace on the peak, Chen Luoyang was immersed in his thoughts and communicating with the black pot. He was carefully reading each line that appeared above the black pot. There were several groups of words that were dense and cluttered. Chen Luoyang thought to himself that he had picked the correct person.
The blood-red serum in the black pot was limited, and he could only choose one target. As for that target, he ultimately chose the Sword Sovereign's most junior disciple, Intelligent Sword Shi Jing.
Nie Hua might be the Sword Sovereign's third disciple, but after seeing his previous performance, it seemed that most of the time, Nie Hua was relying on his experiences and impromptu reactions. According to the information circulated in the Grand Divine Province, Fifth Sir Shi Jing was the youngest among the Sword Pavilion Five Heroes; he was also the one that made all the plans when the brothers were venturing outside.
For this exchange, it was very possible that Shi Jing was the connecting point for the different factions on the other side.
Chen Luoyang was quietly reading Shi Jing's life experiences and could only see what he had done and who he had met with. It wasn't possible to know what he was thinking, the processes of his plans, or the contents of his conversations. However, by taking reference from the information, Chen Luoyang was able to summarize plenty of valuable information.
Am I too despicable? This is cheating, right? But… every time I am cheating, I feel so satisfied… Chen Luoyang read while his mind was filled with random thoughts.