"What do you mean, Master Zachary Wu?"
I pressed him anxiously, and Master Zachary Wu began to explain.
"Soul Avatar projection is not the same as a full soul departure. In our Daoist tradition, those who reach a certain level of cultivation can separate and merge a part of their soul and power, sending it out while retaining consciousness and movement. The projected Soul Avatar can perform actions that are almost impossible to detect—even Lord Malice would struggle to notice it."
I grew anxious, but at the moment, I had no idea how to reach that battlefield.
Ethan Zhang suggested, "Should we just leave now?"
Miles Chen spoke up, but Master Zachary Wu shook his head gravely.
"It's safer to stay here. Don't go anywhere—it's dangerous outside."
Master Zachary Wu muttered, worry etched across his face.
Redmond, growing impatient, slowly drifted over. Judge Bane remained motionless; aside from his turning eyes, his body seemed completely rigid.
With a whoosh, a massive burst of Malice Wraith Fire hurtled toward Judge Bane. Suddenly, Judge Bane sprang into action, opened his mouth wide, and swallowed the Malice Wraith Fire whole.
"What exactly do you mean?"
"Master Zachary Wu, do you know about the Return Image?"
I asked, and Master Zachary Wu shook his head. I quickly explained—several times, John Chou had used the Return Image to communicate with me.
"It's somewhat similar to the Soul Avatar, but not quite the same. To break it, you need extremely powerful backing. But against an opponent like Judge Bane, our chances are slim."
Redmond, his face twisted with impatience, raised both hands. Waves of Malice Wraith Fire crashed toward Judge Bane, but every one was devoured by his monstrous mouth without exception.
"Old man, what kind of trick are you playing?"
Redmond snapped angrily, but Judge Bane ignored him. Suddenly, Judge Bane burst out laughing.
"What's so funny, old man?"
Suddenly, Judge Bane snorted in anger. He raised his right hand, making a fist as if pulling on something. The space around them began to tremble, and the clouds in the sky spun wildly.
Redmond's eyes widened in shock.
"Found you! Come out, little girl."
A flash of purple light flickered violently. With a thunderous bang, Vivian Maple was wrenched from Judge Bane’s right side. His clenched fist seemed to generate a terrifying suction; Vivian stared in horror, her abdomen pinned against Judge Bane’s fist, her body paralyzed, unable to escape.
"Vivian!"
Redmond shouted and, with a whoosh, flew toward Vivian Maple.
"Once the Triune Unity collapses, I can finish you off next."
With a thunderous crash, a massive red light appeared, instantly swallowing Vivian Maple’s figure. Redmond roared and charged forward.
"Celestial Lockwheel..."
With a crack, a red chain suddenly shot out from Judge Bane’s right hand. A bizarre wheel-shaped device formed on his arm, the chain linking to the wheel.
With a snap, Redmond burst into scattered flames, the chain missing its target.
As the red glow faded, Redmond glared at Judge Bane with feral hatred, clutching the limp, barely-breathing Vivian Maple in his arms.