Chapter 453: Summoning (Fifth Update)

Elder Zong Ye felt a sense of trepidation in his heart.

As a sixth-tier martial artist, he could naturally sense the aura within that pillar of light, and it seemed somewhat wrong.

Seeing Elder Ye in such a state, his worry grew even deeper.

However, since he had already spoken those words earlier, it would be difficult to go back on his word now.

Thinking that Situ Xingchen had always been a person of discretion, his heart settled slightly, and he offered a forced defense

"There is no need for outsiders like you to worry about such matters!"

Having said that, he also turned his gaze toward the pillar of light.

At that very moment, the aura on Situ Xingchen's body had already broken through to the middle stage of the fourth tier! And it was still continuously strengthening!

In Elder Zong Ye's heart, he felt half excitement and half worry.

However, he failed to see that beside him, Elder Ye—upon seeing a crack appear in the pattern atop the pillar of light—had a flash of shock cross his eyes!

Situ Xingchen's breakthrough speed was even faster than he had anticipated!

The power within that bronze vat was still continuously surging out!

If this continued, he feared things would become increasingly uncontrollable!

That's right!

There was also Emperor Jiawen!

Thinking of this, Elder Ye turned to leave.

With quick reflexes, Elder Zong Ye blocked his path once again, asking with extreme vigilance

"Where do you think you're going!?"

Elder Ye's gaze was heavy

"Zong Ye, I have already said that I will no longer attempt to stop Situ Xingchen! You had better step aside now!"

Elder Zong Ye did not believe his words at all.

Who knew what other schemes this Ye Zhiting would come up with to deal with him and Xingchen!?

"No matter what, you must stay here! You aren't going anywhere until this is over!"

Elder Zong Ye sneered.

"The two of us are evenly matched. Even if I cannot subdue you, it won't be so easy for you to leave!"

Elder Ye was so angry he nearly cursed, wishing he could smash Zong Ye's head open just to see if it was filled with water!

"Zong Ye! Do not push your luck!"

Elder Zong Ye shrugged his shoulders, making it clear he intended to fight him to the end!

***

Unlike the chaotic palace, the Prince of Li's manor was currently a place of tranquility.

Rong Xiu stood in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, gazing toward the direction of the palace from afar.

When he saw the patterns upon it begin to crack, his sword-like eyebrows twitched slightly.

Standing behind him, Yu Mo could not help but ask

"Master, it seems Situ Xingchen's ambition is even stronger than expected. To think she could break through to this level in such a short amount of time..."

"With her limbs crippled, her original power sealed, and the various humiliations she has endured these past few days... anyone would do the same. Let alone her?"

Rong Xiu gave a half-smile.

Yu Mo thought to himself that it made sense.

Situ Xingchen was no benevolent person; judging from recent events, this woman was clearly the type who would use any means necessary to reach her goals.

Never mind that she might not know about the other secret hidden within the bronze vat—even if she did, she would likely take a gamble and try anyway.

"What are the Third Imperial Brother's plans?" Rong Xiu asked calmly.

Yu Mo immediately replied, "The Third Prince is preparing to activate the Xuanming Array. However... for some reason, there has been no movement yet."

"On the battlefield, Third Imperial Brother has always emphasized knowing both oneself and the enemy to ensure victory in a hundred battles. Currently, he likely does not yet know exactly what Situ Xingchen intends to do, so he plans to wait and see the changes. Naturally, he will not act rashly."

Moreover, he had just taken the imperial capital; he was only one step away from the throne.

Naturally, he would be extremely cautious.

A knowing smile flashed in the corner of Rong Xiu's eyes.

In truth, from all perspectives, Rong Jiu was very outstanding.

The idea itself was not flawed.

But... what he did not know was that sometimes, timing does not wait for anyone.

If one waits until they are fully prepared to strike, it might already be too late.

"Master, are you... not planning to intervene?" Yu Mo asked curiously.

Rong Xiu's phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.

"Why bother with such unnecessary effort?"

This way, it would also save him a great deal of trouble.

Yu Mo responded respectfully.

Suddenly, a ripple surged through the void.

Yu Mo turned his head and saw Yan Qing, whom he had not seen for a long time, walking out from within.

He appeared to have rushed back in a hurry, covered in the dust of travel.

"Greetings, Master!"

Yan Qing knelt on one knee and presented a letter with both hands.

Rong Xiu stared fixedly at the letter.

"Master, that side cannot hold out much longer. Elder Ming Sanshi personally wrote this letter, requesting that you return as soon as possible."

Hearing the name "Elder Ming Sanshi," Yu Mo's eyelid twitched.

That person had actually come forward personally?

It was evident that the situation over there was indeed not optimistic.

In fact, thinking about it carefully, it made sense; it had been a long time since the Master had returned...

Rong Xiu picked up the letter.

The moment it touched his fingertips, the letter instantly transformed into a streak of light! It flew before Rong Xiu's eyes!

Subsequently, that streak of light transformed into a circular light screen!

A blurred human figure appeared upon it!

"Does His Highness truly not intend to return?"

A low and gentle voice drifted out, like a breeze brushing against lute strings, making one feel as if they were bathed in a spring wind.

Yu Mo suddenly shuddered. He exchanged a glance with Yan Qing, and both saw the terror in each other's eyes!

This person actually spoke with such a voice!?

It's over!

Rong Xiu's gaze tightened slightly, but the corners of his lips still held a calm, light smile.

"The Elder misunderstands. In a few days, this Prince shall return."

"That is good, then."

That voice remained gentle, even carrying a hint of a smile

"That is good. Since His Highness has not returned for so long, everyone thought you had died out there."

Rong Xiu's eyelid twitched violently.