The old city lord hesitated, unsure whether to open the barrier, as once Zang Xu entered, no one inside could match him.
Xiao Man looked at the old city lord, signaling him to open the barrier and allow Elder Ren of the Five Poisons Sect to enter.
The old city lord pondered for a moment, then opened the first layer of the barrier, letting Elder Ren enter the outer city. Elder Ren, carrying Ze Fang, entered the outer city and approached Zang Xu.
"Sect Master."
Zang Xu's gaze fell upon Ze Fang. Ze Fang possessed no spiritual energy, leading Zang Xu to believe he was merely an ordinary child. "Xiao Qin, open the outer city barrier."
"Xiao Qin, you must think carefully," the old city lord reminded Xiao Man. At this moment, with Zang Xu and the two formidable experts from the Ren family trapped in the outer city, Xia Lao and Zhong Sheng's strength within the city was sufficient to handle them. However, if people were allowed out, the lives of those in the Land of No Law would be jeopardized.
"Let him in," Xiao Man said calmly.
"The people of the Land of No Law..."
"I have my plans."
The old city lord gritted his teeth and opened the barrier. Zang Xu swaggered out, proving that even the cunning 'Belted Protector' had his weaknesses.
"Give me the child," Xiao Man extended her hand.
Ren Min looked at Zang Xu. Seeing Zang Xu nod, he handed Ze Fang, whom he held, to Xiao Man.
Xiao Man received him and asked softly, "Are you injured?"
Ze Fang shook his head. "Shi Lan was injured."
Xiao Man acknowledged this and, still uneasy, examined Ze Fang thoroughly. Assured that Ze Fang was unharmed, she finally relented.
"Lead the way," Zang Xu's voice was deep and cold. "Don't play any tricks, or this time, I won't let you off."
Xiao Man, carrying the child, headed towards Yangming Valley. The old city lord's expression changed drastically. "You're actually going to take them there?"
"Naturally, I intend to take them. Otherwise, why would I have let them in?" Xiao Man replied unhurriedly, her tone betraying no emotion, as if nothing could perturb her.
"Father, where are we going?"
"To a good place," Xiao Man said softly. "Sect Master Zang, please."
"Xiao Qin..."
"Old City Lord need not come..."
"He must," Ren Min blocked the old city lord's path. After all, the old city lord was the gatekeeper of the Land of No Law. If they encountered barriers they couldn't open, they would still need him.
"In that case, let's go," Xiao Man's expression was composed. She led the way calmly. The old city lord, feeling uneasy, quickened his steps to walk alongside her.
"Young friend, do you have a way to deal with them?"
"No."
"No..." The old city lord's eyes nearly bulged out. Seeing Xiao Man's composed demeanor, he had assumed she had a plan to counter them, only to find she had none.
"Can you think of a way?"
"We are too weak. Before these two, we don't even have the ability to resist, let alone with a child."
The old city lord's gaze fell on Ze Fang. "How did you get caught?"
Ze Fang hugged Xiao Man's neck, glancing back at Zang Xu. "That man in grey did something to Qi Hong. Qi Hong was with us, so he was caught."
"Qi Hong." The old city lord looked back at Qi Hong, whom Ren Min held, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "What is Qi Hong's use? Why does the Five Poisons Sect need him so badly?"
Xiao Man stopped and looked at Zang Xu. "Sect Master Zang, are you so insistent on Qi Hong because of his special physique?"
Zang Xu gave a disingenuous smile. Elder Ren took a step back, carrying Qi Hong behind Zang Xu, thus preventing Xiao Man from attacking Qi Hong.
"If I'm not mistaken, you intend to use Qi Hong as a sacrifice, right?"
"Sacrifice?" The old city lord was perplexed. Why must the sacrifice be Qi Hong? What was special about his physique?
"What if it is?"
"You want to use him for a living sacrifice, as a vessel for Yu Ju, correct?"
Zang Xu stared at Xiao Man, then after a moment, said slowly, "There's no harm in telling you. No one here can help you now."
"Sect Master..."
"It's fine," Zang Xu said calmly. "I heard you came from the Land of No Law. You must know many people there. If you dare to have any ulterior motives, everyone in the Land of No Law will die."
"I wouldn't dare."
"It's best you don't," Zang Xu said unhurriedly. "The Sovereign was sealed in the Land of No Law for ten thousand years. His physical body is likely gone, so he needs a vessel. Although this boy's talent is ordinary, he is an excellent candidate for a vessel."
"So it truly is to make him a vessel." Xiao Man nodded in understanding. Her initial suspicion was that Zang Xu wanted Qi Hong's body. However, since she and Ze Fang had already destroyed the sacrificial formation, what method would they use to release Yu Ju?
"It seems you guessed it long ago. But it doesn't matter, we are determined to have him."
Xiao Man continued forward, her steps still unhurried. Zang Xu did not rush, following close behind.
"Xiao Qin, how much further to our destination?" Elder Ren inquired.
"Not far. At this pace, we'll arrive before dark."
"An hour," Zang Xu's voice suddenly deepened, carrying an intense pressure. Cold sweat beaded on the old city lord's forehead, and he involuntarily quickened his pace, wishing to be further from Zang Xu.
Xiao Man glanced at the old city lord, who had moved ahead of her, and chuckled. She gathered her strength and followed.
Ze Fang felt very worried, his gaze occasionally flickering to Zang Xu behind them. He had already sent a signal. He wondered if the Sect Leader could arrive in time. If not, it would be extremely disadvantageous for them.
"Daddy," Ze Fang wanted to speak but hesitated. However, this was the Land of No Law, with nowhere to escape. Even fleeing to the Eight Regions would only lead to more innocent lives lost.
"Don't be afraid. This time, I will protect you," Xiao Man's voice was exceptionally gentle as she gently patted Ze Fang's back. "I won't let anything happen to you again."
Ze Fang's heart warmed. He rested his head on Xiao Man's shoulder. It was truly rare to encounter someone who cared for him wholeheartedly. Even the Sect Leader's affection had ulterior motives. Only Xiao Man's kindness was pure, simply caring for him.
"Mmm, I know. With you here, I fear nothing," Ze Fang said with a smile. "As long as I'm with you, I won't fear even death."
"Don't talk nonsense," Xiao Man chided him, her voice tinged with mock anger. "Especially that word. You're not allowed to say it."
Ze Fang's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Okay, I won't. Daddy, try to stall for time. Reinforcements will arrive soon. Once they're here, we'll be saved."