Chapter 617 - 624: Finally Appearing

Song Wanning and Liu Xingzhi whipped their heads around, their eyes widening in shock.

For the person who had arrived was not Qin Ming at all, but Song Que!

Song Que had completely abandoned his usual attire. He wore a black robe, open just enough to reveal a sliver of his chest.

A full head of black hair was strewn carelessly over his shoulders, giving him a wild, unrestrained air.

He squinted, his normally benevolent gaze now filled with Evil Qi and mockery.

"Tsk, tsk. As expected of the Ancient Cold Sect’s chosen geniuses. To think you destroyed so many of my monsters in such a short time."

"So tell me, how do you plan to compensate me for such heavy losses?"

A cold glint flashed in Song Que’s arched brows. His mocking, half-smile seemed completely alien to Song Wanning.

As she watched the horde of monsters halt at Song Que’s arrival, a storm of complicated emotions brewed within her.

She’d had very little contact with Song Que, but from their brief interactions, she had always thought of him as an exceptionally patient elder—benevolent, yet with a touch of sternness.

He would scold the other masters mercilessly, but in private, he would dote on the disciples, personally delivering them Elixir Pills and Spirit Stones.

He was the kind of master who was fiercely protective of his own, yet still reasonable.

At least, in Song Wanning’s opinion, he was far more qualified to be a master than she was.

’But now?’

’The person behind it all... was actually Song Que.’

If Song Wanning was surprised, Liu Xingzhi was utterly stunned.

Uncle Song had always been a pillar of the Sect.

’He was always so steady and reliable, a participant in many of the Sect’s most critical decisions. And now I’m to believe he’s the one who raised these monsters?!’

"Uncle Song, did you raise these?"

Liu Xingzhi’s voice was cold, but it still held a sliver of hope.

As a fellow member of the Ancient Cold Sect, he desperately wanted this to be a misunderstanding.

But he was destined for disappointment.

Song Que crossed his arms and gave a wicked smirk.

"That’s right. I raised them all myself. What do you think? Do you like them?"

"I didn’t originally intend to annihilate you. But you just had to push your luck, trying to wipe my monsters out completely."

"How could I possibly let you destroy a century of my hard work?"

Song Que looked completely unconcerned, not at all worried they might send a message out.

’With this Array sealing the area, they can’t possibly make contact with the outside world.’

"Why?"

Song Wanning suddenly spoke, her gaze burning as she stared at Song Que.

She couldn’t understand. As a Supreme Elder of the Ancient Cold Sect, Song Que had both status and power. Why would he do something so destructive?

"Why?"

Song Que raised an eyebrow at her question. He gestured with his long, elegant fingers, his voice taking on a teasing lilt.

"I don’t need a reason for what I do!"

"And I certainly don’t have to explain myself to you."

He took a step forward, and as if on command, the monsters formed a living bridge.

They escorted him step by step toward the Array, stopping only when he was close enough to touch its barrier.

"Song Wanning, I admit, you are brilliant. So brilliant, in fact, that it’s intimidating."

"But faced with the trap I’ve laid, your only path is death."

A tempting glint flickered in Song Que’s eyes as he leaned in closer.

He studied Song Wanning carefully, a hint of appreciation swirling in the depths of his dark eyes.

"My dear girl, why continue this pointless struggle? If you are willing to follow me, I can let you walk away unharmed today."

"In the future, when I unite the Spirit Realm, you will stand at the pinnacle of power, revered by all!"

He gazed into the void with a look of longing, his greed practically written across his face.

"And when we ascend to the Immortal Realm, and then the Divine Realm, no one will be able to hold us back!"

"Are you truly content with being a mere elder in the Ancient Cold Sect?"

Every word from Song Que was an enchantment, painting a beautiful picture of the future. If Song Wanning and Liu Xingzhi agreed, he truly would let them go today.

He would much rather pull such geniuses into his own camp. To simply eliminate them would be a terrible waste.

The wind around them seemed to fall still, as if holding its breath for their answer.

Even the monsters were no longer agitated, waiting silently for a decision.

Liu Xingzhi’s grip on his long saber tightened. It was the first time he had seen this ugly side of Song Que, and the shock was immense.

’To think someone could hide their true self so deeply... It’s truly been an eye-opener.’

Song Wanning’s expression was complex, a smirk playing on her lips. "Do you really think you can conquer the world with these monsters?"

"Song Que, you’ve lived for centuries. How can you still be so naive?"

The mockery in her eyes was a stinging blow.

Song Que snorted. "I’ve long known you have a sharp tongue. The one who brought down the Huo Family is no simple character, after all."

"But you’ve overlooked one thing. I’m not one of those Huo Family fools. Daring to lure you here today means I’ve come fully prepared!"

The smile vanished from his face like a receding tide. "I’ll give you one last chance to choose."

"Death, or me?"

The wind whistled, whipping Song Que’s hair about.

The surrounding monsters grew restless again, baring their fangs and growling threateningly at the pair.

This time, before Song Wanning could speak, Liu Xingzhi raised his long saber and decisively struck at the Array.

Taking her cue from his action, Song Wanning wasted no more words.

’Now, only a vicious battle can get rid of these monsters.’

’And as for Song Que... since he’s here, he might as well stay for good!’

"Fine. Fine!"

A surge of fury rose in Song Que. He felt the two before him truly didn’t know what was good for them.

"If that’s how it is, then you can die together!"

With a forward thrust of his hand, countless monsters received his signal and pounced toward the pair inside the Array.

The curtain rose on another vicious battle.

Song Que stood outside the Array, his gaze dark, but he made no move to join the fray.

’The monsters can wear them down. I just need to strike at the last moment and deliver the fatal blow.’

He watched the bloody slaughter before him, an impassive look on his face. Arms crossed leisurely, he stood to the side, watching with keen interest.

However, less than fifteen minutes later, a sudden, powerful wave of emotion washed over him, startling Song Que so much that he spun around.

A familiar figure appeared before his eyes—it was Song Wanning’s avatar.

The avatar had rushed here at full speed, carrying the Snake Yin Flower. The moment it arrived, it unleashed the flower’s power.

While not as effective as it was against Gong Ye, it still had a considerable effect on the monsters and Song Que.

Song Que’s eyes darted to the avatar, then back to the Song Wanning inside the Array. In an instant, he understood everything.

"Hah. So you had an avatar."

"Perfect timing. I’ll just destroy it along with you and save myself the trouble!"

He suppressed the wave of sorrow washing over him and commanded another group of monsters to attack the avatar.

The avatar shot Song Que a cold glare and charged toward him, Snake Yin Flower in hand.

Aided by the Snake Yin Flower, many of the monsters fell into disarray.