Quinn scratched his head. "A healer's heart is like that of a parent..."
"Bah! Shut up!"
Quinn sighed, looking desolate. "You don't understand a parent's heart... I know you're too kind to cut off your own clansmen's legs, but Cyrus Qi isn't one of your people. You could take his legs instead. Cyrus, it's nothing personal—just an example."
Cyrus Qi's face changed dramatically; his legs tensed. He replied calmly, "No need to explain, Quinn. I understand."
The Black Tiger God and Granny Sue led the way into the distance. Quinn hurried after them. Matthro Rook glanced at Cyrus Qi's legs, making him tense up again. Cyrus said coolly, "I'm from the upper heavens, Matthro—you can't afford to offend me. Besides, anyone skilled in medicine is also skilled in poison. If you trust him, you'll die for sure!"
Matthro Rook rode a cloud of demonic qi after Jade Raxa, sneering, "That snake-scorpion witch! When the Sovereign King and Celestial Teacher fight, you and I will clash too. Don't think you'll escape!"
Granny Sue glanced back with a sweet smile. Matthro was instantly bewitched, chuckling, "No matter how pretty you smile, it won't help. I'll capture you and make you my wife—willing or not!"
Jade Raxa, at his side, grew angry and lowered her voice. "Matthro, you've grown soft. You can't bring yourself to kill her, but she won't hesitate to kill you!"
Matthro shook his head dreamily. "She won't kill me. She smiled at me just now, and I saw a hint of affection in her eyes..."
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Matthro hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. He could sense something was off: Granny Sue had crippled his legs with a trick, yet somehow he couldn't bring himself to hate her.
Not only did he not hate her—every glance, every smile tugged at his heart, clouding his judgment, as if she'd taken up residence in his Dao-heart and he was falling hopelessly in love.
It was a dangerous state to be in!
Maybe letting Jade Raxa handle her was the best choice.
"Jade, don't kill her."
Matthro said seriously, "You know me—I rarely fall for anyone, but once I do, my devotion lasts to the death. If you defeat her, spare her life."
Jade Raxa gritted her teeth and snorted coldly.
Quinn blinked, thinking, "Did Granny Sue plant a Dao-heart seeding demon from the Grand Fostering Heavenly Demon Sutra in him? When did she do it?"
They raced a thousand li before the Black Tiger God suddenly stopped, scanning the area. The scene was apocalyptic—earth, water, wind, and fire churned endlessly, and in the distance a massive star-core lay half-buried, round and pitch-black, geomagnetic forces twisting so up and down were indistinguishable.
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"Let's do it here."
The Black Tiger God laughed loudly. "My demon friends, I think this place is perfect—whether it's our corpses or yours buried here, the fengshui's excellent! Disciples, head to that black sphere so you don't get caught in the crossfire."
Jade Raxa strode forward with Matthro, sneering, "This ground has buried plenty of demons already. It'll only bury your corpses next."
Granny Sue fussed over Quinn. "Your third eye's still showing—hurry and seal it with the Golden Willow Leaf. Don't use it lightly."
After a pause, she added, "If you really can't win, just take it off. It should be fine to use then."
Quinn grinned. "I'm just going over there to chat with these seniors. Nothing dangerous."
Granny Sue still looked worried. "Forget Zechariah Lee—be careful with Cyrus Qi. His techniques are powerful, but his big moves are slow to activate. He's got a scheming mind and keeps staring at your chest. If you get the chance, take him out first. The rest will be much easier."
Quinn nodded solemnly, waved, and headed toward the star-core.
Cyrus Qi walked shoulder to shoulder with him, saying coolly, "I heard everything, Quinn. You won't catch me off guard so easily."
Quinn replied seriously, "What are you talking about, Cyrus? I grew up reading the words of sages. I've always been upright and honest—I'd never attack from behind. Today, let's just talk about romance and the pleasures of life, not war."