Wind Wushang strode forward, with Silverblade King and the other two spreading out behind him in a line, their presence overwhelming. The situation flipped in an instant, and Princess Flower Shifter’s gaze grew serious. If she were at full strength, she might have a chance to maneuver, but right now, although her inner power was still at the Fourth Innate Heaven, its quantity was far below her peak. Facing four Innate Kings, plus one mysterious powerhouse whose abilities couldn’t be gauged but was definitely a Heavenly King, there was simply no chance of victory.
Wind Wushang glanced playfully at Princess Flower Shifter, praising, “I’ve long heard the Flower Shifter princesses are unrivaled beauties, stunning the world. Today I finally get to see the real deal.” He swept his gaze over Fang Lingji, who was still dazed like she’d had one too many, being dragged off by Luo Yuxi. “No wonder Flower Kingdom has its reputation—so many gorgeous women. Maybe only the now-defunct Butterfly Kingdom could compare.” The way he talked, it was like he was sizing up candidates for his harem, so casual it was almost nauseating.
“Who are you?” Princess Flower Shifter stepped in front of the two women, staring Wind Wushang down. She didn’t bother with pleasantries, since this guy showing up with Silverblade King probably meant he was the mastermind behind the attack on Flower Shifter Village back then. Since they were clearly enemies now, there was no point in arguing—better to focus and think of a way out.
“Who am I? Hahahaha!” Wind Wushang suddenly burst out laughing. “Haven’t we already met? We just never saw each other’s true faces before.”
“Huh?” Princess Flower Shifter’s mind raced: met before, true face, Heavenly King, unfathomable aura—she was sharp, and in an instant, she thought of someone. Her expression turned grave and she shouted, “It’s you?! You’re still alive!”
“That’s right, it’s me. I came back from hell.” Wind Wushang’s eyes turned into vertical slits, glowing with an eerie light, his voice booming like a bell: “Let me reintroduce myself. I am Wind Wushang, younger brother of Wind Wuxin, King of Golden Roc Kingdom, future emperor of Golden Roc, and soon-to-be master of the whole world!”
Whoosh! As soon as Wind Wushang finished speaking, Silverblade King drew his sword and charged. His sword shimmered with silver light, endless sword energy swirling around. At the same time, Lady Simone let out a charming laugh and flitted around with her lightness skill, purple mist trailing behind her like a celestial maiden—wherever she went, it was like a scene straight out of paradise. With a flick of her finger, her jade zither rang out, and the sound domain unfolded. This time, her sonic field was even stronger and more disorienting than back at Flower Shifter Village.
“Just the two of you?” Silverblade King and Lady Simone were old rivals, and icy mist instantly enveloped Princess Flower Shifter. Those purple clouds froze and shattered as soon as they touched the mist, looking like they’d been turned to ice—actually, it was proof that Lady Simone’s energy was utterly outclassed.
Princess Flower Shifter’s whole body glowed like jade, as if she were a statue carved from precious stone. Her palms blossomed like a hundred flowers. Silverblade King slashed his sword, but it was like he’d swung into a burst of fireworks—instantly stuck in a quagmire. Princess Flower Shifter looked like a celestial flower in full bloom; even in a plain cloak, she gave off the illusion of dancing in heavenly robes.
But this dance was absolutely deadly. With a few crisp sounds, Princess Flower Shifter’s ten slender jade fingers plucked at Silverblade King’s sword like playing a zither. His sword energy shattered instantly, and just as he tried to retreat, Princess Flower Shifter’s palms flashed and struck his chest like a phantom.
Fiona Fang was splattered with blood, finally snapping out of her trance. Seeing Rachel Luo in pain but still gritting her teeth, Fiona felt nothing but guilt, anger, and anxiety. She could only help Rachel up and run, but they were getting farther from the exit and cornered.
Princess Flower Shifter’s eyes flickered, wanting to help, but the four Innate Kings gave her no chance. With a ripping sound, Iron Spear King pierced her sleeve—she almost got cut.
Lady Simone laughed triumphantly, her music shifting from murderous to mysterious. Her battle pets slowed their attack. She wasn’t in a hurry to kill or capture the girls. She wanted constant danger to distract Princess Flower Shifter—better than outright capture, which would make them worthless. This cliffhanger tension was the best leverage.
Wind Wushang, watching from the sidelines, gave Lady Simone a thoughtful look.
The Innate battle raged on, and Fiona Fang kept fleeing. She gritted her teeth and ran as hard as she could. Not only did the Three Wonders Sect disciples pose a threat, but the round hall’s floor was full of traps—sometimes a tile would drop into a black pit with no warning. Fiona had to watch her step while running for her life; some Three Wonders disciples screamed as they fell. The echo was bone-chilling.
Luckily, her luck held.
"It’s all my fault… If only I hadn’t…" Fiona Fang was full of guilt. She blamed herself for triggering the trap that led to this mess.
"Don’t say that—it’s not your fault, just run!" Rachel Luo’s back was bleeding, but she could still keep going. In her desperate sprint, she entered a state of absolute focus and calm, like Jack Young once did. Time seemed to slow down—she dodged attacks and noticed other things.
Rachel Luo suddenly saw hope ahead. "Quick, let’s go there!" She pointed at a stone wall. At the same time, Wind Wushang raised an eyebrow and said, "Bronze Axe, go capture those two girls."
Bronze Axe King grinned, his muscles bulging as he charged forward, swinging his massive axe. The ground shook as he slammed it down, blocking Rachel Luo and Fiona Fang’s escape route.
Rachel Luo’s face changed—she knew she couldn’t fight Bronze Axe King head-on. She pulled Fiona Fang behind her, trying to dodge, but the axe’s wind sent them tumbling.
Fiona Fang cried out in fear, clutching Rachel Luo tightly. The two were forced into a corner, nowhere to run.
Bronze Axe King laughed, raising his axe again. "Don’t bother struggling!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the hall.
Wind Wushang watched with a smirk, arms folded. "Let’s see how long they last," he said, clearly enjoying the show.
Princess Flower Shifter struggled to break free from the siege, her eyes full of worry for her disciples.
Lady Simone’s zither rang out again, sending her battle pets charging at Rachel Luo and Fiona Fang.
Rachel Luo gritted her teeth, swinging her sword to keep the pets at bay. "Fiona, stay behind me!" she yelled.
Fiona Fang nodded, trembling, but did her best to hold her ground.