With a thunderous crash, I burst through the surface of the curse power stream, clutching Sylvia Blue in my arms. Blinding rays of sunlight poured over us, enveloping our bodies.
"Ethan, watch out behind you!"
With a bang, the split curse power stream sealed itself shut. Instantly, the waters from both sides collided, sending a towering wave crashing upward. The black curse power surged after us, shadow-like and relentless.
I reached out, my mind flooded with memories of my humanity. Raising one hand, I saw Sylvia Blue gazing at me in awe, then calmly resting her head against my chest.
Clusters of light flew toward me, and I felt waves of power surging into my body—the Four Saintly Sisters.
A cluster of purple flames ignited in my right hand, the fire dancing along my body.
Tiny purple flames flickered in my hand, fiery patterns tracing across my arm. Suddenly, the piercing cry of a Vermilion Phoenix echoed.
The black curse power stream surged beneath my feet. With a swift motion, I raised the Phoenix Blade, ablaze with purple fire, and struck down toward the curse power below.
A burst of purple flames exploded beneath my feet, but I immediately sensed the terrifying force of the curse power below. Even the purple flames could not stop the curse power from surging upward.
"It's not enough. Give me all your power!"
I roared, feeling a surge of power flood my body. Clutching the Phoenix Blade, I pressed down hard. The purple flames suddenly swelled, deepening in color as crackling sounds echoed. The fire seemed to solidify, its surface splintering with fissures.
Gradually, streaks of golden light burst from the purple flames. For the second time, I raised the Phoenix Blade, pushing Sylvia Blue aside with my left hand.
"Spirit Snake..."
I shouted, and Spirit Snake swiftly swooped down from above. Once Sylvia Blue landed on Spirit Snake's back, I unfurled the purple-flamed wings on my back, gripping the Phoenix Blade with both hands as my body tilted downward.
The curse power broke through the purple flames. With a rush, I beat my wings furiously. A streak of golden fire ignited on the Phoenix Blade, and I swung it at the incoming black curse power.
A deafening hum echoed as a powerful shockwave radiated outward in all directions. Sharp cracking sounds came from the Phoenix Blade, while the Vermilion Mantle on my body solidified and began to shatter, falling away in fragments. The Phoenix Blade slipped from my grasp, splintering into pieces.
The black curse power was suppressed, denting the water's surface. Amid the massive impact of the golden flames, four hands grabbed me. Spirit Snake darted over as I clenched my teeth, pain ripping through my body. The ghostly power within me grew restless, threatening to burst out at any moment.
A massive black vortex appeared on the dark water's surface; the golden flames had vanished.
Spirit Snake did everything it could to carry us upward. Eagle-like brown wings sprouted from its neck, flapping powerfully as it ascended.
With a rush, we were enveloped by vast, white clouds. Soon, we felt an intense, blinding light—the sun on the horizon was a giant fireball above the clouds, making everything dazzlingly bright. The beauty here was breathtaking, a world apart from the chaos below.
We all squinted, taking in the scene around us. The sea of clouds shimmered like a lake, bathed in gentle light. I lay quietly on Spirit Snake's back, glancing up at Sylvia Blue sitting atop its head.
A gentle breeze stirred her bright white hair, wisps of black dissolving into mist and fading away. The smile at her lips was soft and tender—Sylvia Blue must be happy now.
My heart brimmed with joy. After so long, this beautiful sight, this fierce battle for survival—I had done it. I clenched my fist in triumph.
"Here you go. Next time, don't be so reckless."
Little Lan, with a childlike innocence, leaned close and handed me the purple crystal pendant. I smiled and nodded, placing a hand on her forehead, then glanced at the other three Saintly Sisters.
"Thank you all."
After putting the pendant back on, I looked over—Rachel Lan lay quietly on Renee's lap, her flawless body drained of all color. I tried to rise, but felt utterly weak.
If not for the help of the four of them, I would have been doomed. But in that fierce golden light, I sensed more than just their power—a pure, overwhelming force protected me, shielding my body from what I could not endure.
"I hope they can settle well in the living world."
I murmured. Renee, holding Rachel Lan, came to my side, with Aimee following. I reached out to take Rachel Lan in my arms—her body cold, eyes tightly shut, not a trace of life within her.
"What exactly is your relationship with that woman?"
A slightly angry voice broke in—Aimee glared at me, her eyes flicking toward Sylvia Blue atop Spirit Snake's head.
I shook my head slightly, then replied.
"Maybe it's love."
Immediately, Chloe and Renee stared wide-eyed, while Little Lan tugged my ear.
"Ethan Zhang, how could you do this? Rachel isn't dead yet! How could you..."
"It's not that kind of love—not what you think. I can't really explain it. Sylvia Blue feels like an old friend, a soulmate from long ago. Forget it, I don't know how to put it. Let's all rest for a bit. Once I've recovered, I need to find the Azure Luan Egg."
Naturally, the Azure Luan Egg had sunk to the bottom of Curse Lake. To find it, I’d have to dive again—there was no time to waste. I didn’t know if the curse power would harm the egg. If I were whole, I wouldn’t wait even a second.
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At that moment, a slender finger poked Rachel Lan's cheek. I turned to see Sylvia Blue smiling gently at her.
"She's really gone."
"You..."
Aimee, still indignant, chased after me. Sylvia Blue dodged nimbly, stepping back onto Spirit Snake's head, giggling with her hands behind her back.
"Hurry down. If we don't find that egg soon, the only hope inside will die and everything will be lost."
I straightened up, holding Rachel Lan, and nodded. Spirit Snake began to descend slowly. As we returned below the clouds, everyone's expression grew serious.
The once beautiful and prosperous Four Sacred Realm had vanished. Around the vast black Curse Lake, only barren, desolate land remained. The world was shattered—nothing left.
I worried about Entity 013 and Entity 016. To me, neither seemed truly evil. Maybe I sensed something else—both were missing now.
"They should be in the Umber Domain."
Renee pointed to a spot below. Spirit Snake flew over, but could only stop about a thousand meters above the lake—any closer and we'd be affected by the curse power.
I handed Rachel Lan to Renee. Then Aimee took off her fiery red coat and draped it over Rachel Lan.