"Time and space—she wants to know whether doing this would be detected by the divine realm."
"Because her cultivation method is different from the Soul Masters of this world. Theoretically, even if she reaches godhood, she wouldn't be forced to ascend." As she spoke, Tokisaki Kurumi huffed angrily.
Damn it, if you want to test it, wait until your strength is sufficient and try it yourself! Why use my true form as your stepping stone?
I may not be human, but Ning Rongrong, you're truly shameless.
"Kurumi, Rongrong, she—"
"Ahhh, I don't know! Her cultivation method is a complete mess. I can't make sense of it at all."
Tokisaki Kurumi shrugged indifferently.
"Anyway, it's most likely far superior to your cultivation methods, which rely solely on meditation and plundering the power of soul beasts."
"Well, that's all." Tokisaki Kurumi prepared to vanish but seemed to remember something and added, "Oh, after this incident is over, she probably has something else to discuss with you. Whatever, I'm definitely in trouble this time, so I'm not bothering with you anymore."
Tokisaki Kurumi dissolved into black mist and disappeared, leaving Ning Fengzhi and the others staring at each other in bewilderment.
The battle continued, but Qian Daoliu no longer appeared as composed as before.
"Seventh Soul Skill—Divine Light Illumination!"
As soon as Qian Daoliu's voice fell—
"Useless."
"Space·Sixth Bullet—Lion's Bullet!"
The bullet that struck Divine Light Illumination distorted the surrounding space, creating a small spatial quake. Before the Divine Light Illumination could fully manifest, it was swiftly devoured.
"Damn it!"
Qian Daoliu accelerated with his Martial Soul, diving straight toward Tokisaki Kurumi.
"Angel Holy Sword—Slash!"
The terrifying slash roared forward, erupting with intense soul power that caused the surrounding space to tremble.
The fierce wind scattered Tokisaki Kurumi's black hair as she slowly raised her right hand.
"Second Bullet."
"Biu."
The Angel Holy Sword in Qian Daoliu's hand trembled slightly.
The next moment, he felt his consciousness grow sluggish.
His heart sank.
"Not good—"
But before he could react—
"Zafkiel: City of Devouring Time!"
The domain swiftly enveloped Qian Daoliu's position.
"Clang—"
The crisp sound of clashing blades rang out.
The Angel Holy Sword in Qian Daoliu's hand was sent flying in an arc before embedding itself into the ground.
Tokisaki Kurumi canceled Zafkiel: City of Devouring Time and appeared behind Qian Daoliu.
A sword pressed against his neck.
"Grand Priest Qian Daoliu, checkmate."
Feeling the abnormal fluctuations of time and space emanating from the blade, Qian Daoliu's expression stiffened.
After a long pause, he sighed. "You win, Miss Kurumi. You're stronger than I imagined. You weren't even serious, were you?"
"What exactly are you—"
"Ara ara, does it matter?"
"...Fair enough." Qian Daoliu's voice carried a trace of melancholy. "Aside from that one, you are the strongest on this continent."
"Heh, the Silver Dragon King of the Star Dou Great Forest? So you've met her. Though, the fact that you returned alive is quite intriguing!" Tokisaki Kurumi's tone held a hint of surprise.
"I was let go. The aura she gave off was different from yours. Truly..."
Sensing that the surroundings had already been soundproofed by Tokisaki Kurumi, Qian Daoliu fell silent for a moment before speaking.
"She is a god. A god among soul beasts."
"There's more to it, isn't there?" Tokisaki Kurumi's voice betrayed no surprise.
"She must have spoken to you about the Angel God. Otherwise, you wouldn't have remained so indifferent."
She had been testing Qian Daoliu earlier. His lack of reaction when the Angel God was mentioned made it clear he wasn't entirely ignorant.
"You mean... its fall?"
"As expected. No wonder Di Tian and Bi Ji went to Heaven Dou City back then—it seems they intended to form an alliance with you."
"You—"
"Are you referring to Qian Renxue's matter?"
"You know about that?" Qian Daoliu's expression tensed. "Please spare Xue'er. She has nothing to do with this."
"I bear no ill will toward you." Tokisaki Kurumi smiled. "Whether it's the Star Dou Great Forest or the Spirit Hall, it's all irrelevant to me."
"I just want my Rongrong to peacefully ascend to godhood, and for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda to remain undisturbed."
"Do you agree?"
"I understand." Qian Daoliu was momentarily stunned before nodding.
"Good, then it's settled." Tokisaki Kurumi still hadn't resolved to kill Qian Daoliu.
Remembering something, she added, "Be careful of the Rakshasa God. She and the Asura God..."
"Ah, never mind. What does the Spirit Hall's business have to do with me?"
"However, whatever you plan to do, don't drag the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into it. Your goals—and those of the Star Dou Great Forest—are far too grand. I don't want the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda caught up in it."
Tokisaki Kurumi flicked her wrist lightly, and space trembled as the Angel Holy Sword appeared in her left hand.
"This sword will serve as my spoils of war."
"Th-This is..." Qian Daoliu tried to speak, but the cold sensation at his neck cut him off.
"Two kun—no, five years from now, I'll return it. I need it for something."
"Can I refuse?" Qian Daoliu smiled bitterly.
"No, because I am the victor."
Tokisaki Kurumi withdrew the sword from Qian Daoliu's neck and stepped back slowly.
The Angel Holy Sword was then stored inside the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
The distorted space around them began to restore itself.
Qian Daoliu dismissed his Angel God Armor and suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"Cough, cough... You're strong. Stronger than Tang Chen. The Upper Three Sects truly live up to their reputation. I wonder if the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has someone like you as well."
"You're not bad yourself, Qian Daoliu." Tokisaki Kurumi toyed with the Angel Holy Sword. "As per our agreement, this sword will remain with me for now. You may leave."
Having dismissed his godly armor, Qian Daoliu appeared mentally drained but nodded firmly before flying toward Qian Renxue's location.
As Qian Daoliu and the others departed, Tokisaki Kurumi let out a sigh of relief.
She had also conveyed additional information to Qian Daoliu through a private message—for instance, that a god-level demonic entity, extremely malevolent, was sealed in the Far North. She warned him not to interfere.
In any case, the situation in Tian Shui City had been resolved.
"The special item needed to complete the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well has finally been obtained."
Though there had been unexpected twists and deviations from the original plan, the outcome could still be considered a success.
Tokisaki Kurumi glanced at the Angel Holy Sword in her hand, then thought of the highly concentrated ice-attribute divine essence sealed within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
"The cost was a bit steep."
Behind her, the massive clock formed by the fusion of time and space began to fade, its structure already on the verge of vanishing.
This was also why she had hurried to end the battle.
She couldn't hold on any longer.
The Ice Empress and Snow Empress had no intention of meeting with her. After the battle, they had quietly departed without even confronting Qian Daoliu, leaving their motives unclear.
Tokisaki Kurumi slowly descended to the ground and erected a barrier around herself, Ning Fengzhi, and the others.
"Father, I don't have much time left."
As the clock behind her disappeared, Tokisaki Kurumi's pupils returned to black. She staggered, nearly collapsing.
"So it really is you, Rongrong." Ning Fengzhi moved to support her, but Ning Rongrong raised a hand to stop him.
"Don't touch me, or you'll die instantly."
"Rongrong..." Ning Fengzhi's lips parted, but he slowly lowered his outstretched hand.
Tokisaki Kurumi's appearance faded, revealing Ning Rongrong's true form. Panting, Ning Rongrong spoke:
"Qian Daoliu honors his promises. The Spirit Hall shouldn't trouble the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda anymore."
"Additionally, Grandpa Sword has broken through to Rank 98. Once he familiarizes himself with Martial Soul Fusion Skills and Spirit Ring Fusion, he should be able to hold his own against even Rank 99 opponents—unless they're suicidal."
"Or unless they're demi-god-level existences like Qian Daoliu. Otherwise, he should be able to fight."
"Rongrong, you—"
"Grandpa Bone, don't interrupt. Let me finish." Ning Rongrong took a steadying breath before continuing.
"I'll be going into seclusion for a while. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda will be in your hands."
"I don't want to return to the sect only to find I can't even laze around as the young mistress anymore."
"That's all." Sweat trickled from Ning Rongrong's forehead down to her chin, but she seemed oblivious. She directly opened a spatial portal with the firearm in her hand.
"If anyone asks about my or Kurumi's whereabouts, just say Kurumi took me away for training."
Without giving Ning Fengzhi a chance to ask questions, she plunged headfirst into the newly formed spatial gateway.