The two exchanged a glance, their eyes full of desolation. Had they truly been abandoned by their leader? How could they escape the pursuit of Douluo without concealing their auras?
But there was no alternative. Reality left them no choice. If they followed the boss's orders, they might still cling to a sliver of hope. If not, death was certain.
"We understand, big brother."
"Good. Take this spare map."
Shura sneered inwardly, but outwardly remained calm and composed. He handed over a worn map from his robes to the pair.
"Take care, big brother!"
Despite their inner resentment, the two took the map and cupped their fists respectfully, playing the part for appearances.
"Take care, brothers. See you in Zhenqi City."
"Farewell!"
With that, the two let out their auras and fled in the direction Shura pointed. The trail of blood evil energy they left behind lingered heavily in the air.
"Let's move too."
Shura gestured, leaving with his remaining two allies—a Soul Saint at rank 83 and another at rank 77. Not exceptional, but still useful.
"Alright."
The two nodded, showing no concern for the ones they'd left behind. To them, those two were burdensome deadweight—ideal bait.
Following the plan, the trio crossed a wide river and traveled along the coastline east toward Zhenqi City. Though they were strong, this world's transportation methods were primitive. At best, they'd arrive in three days.
Meanwhile, the abandoned two halted. One, a bulky man with a thick neck, looked at the slender, sinister figure beside him.
"Zara, are we really going to die like this?"
"Hmph. Are you stupid? Just because the boss gave us orders doesn't mean we need to follow them."
Soba frowned in thought. "You mean... go back?"
"Idiot! That's suicide!"
Zara slapped the back of his head in annoyance. If not for his strength, he'd have been eaten already.
"Then what do we do?"
Zara unfolded the map and pointed to a nearby city.
"We head here. It's a major city, but we won't go inside. We'll hunt the villages nearby. Slaughter them, drink their blood, raise our strength."
A wicked glint flashed in his eyes.
"Once we reach high-rank Soul Saints, even the city's defenders will become our prey."
Soba's eyes gleamed scarlet. A cruel smile stretched across his face.
"Heh. I like it. My Bloodthirsty Battle Axe is ready."
"Just follow my lead. Trust me, there's no problem."
But deep in Zara's eyes, a flicker of frost lingered. Survive this ordeal... and he would become a Title Douluo. Then, he'd settle accounts with those who abandoned him.
Half a day later, Guangling Douluo led the Angel Legion to the southern edge of the mountain range.
Those with two-winged angel martial souls were attuned to sacred energy—and even more sensitive to blood evil aura. The trail ahead was pungent and fresh.
"Sir, they fled west. Shall we..."
The captain stopped mid-sentence as Guangling raised a hand and examined a map.
"They hid their aura earlier but suddenly released it? It's bait. Someone's been left behind."
His gaze shifted eastward. Hidden faintly, he could sense another trace of blood.
"There's a Demon Bear elder in Dilong Mountain City. They wouldn't return there. My guess? The real targets went east along the coast."
If that blood aura belonged to a Title Douluo...
He shook his head. Either way, time was critical.
"We split into three units. I'll take three and head east. You take five and chase west. One returns to Dilong Mountain City—inform Elder Demon Bear to move secretly toward Longyan City."
This southern border was remote. The evil soul masters' power was high. Every minute lost could mean the deaths of thousands.
"Understood!"
Without hesitation, the troops split and set off.
Two and a half days later, a village near Longyan City reeked of blood. Crimson mist hovered over lifeless streets.
"No! Please, don't kill me!"
A ragged man stumbled back on the ground, his voice trembling in terror.
"Hahaha! I haven't had such sweet blood in ages."
Zara grinned madly, licking blood from his lips. With one hand, he seized the man's throat. Eyes flashing red, he bit deep into his neck.
"Ggh...!!"
The man's windpipe was crushed. Blood spurted out as life drained from his body.
"Ahahaha!!"
Zara wiped the blood from his face and laughed maniacally. He then tore out the man's heart, consuming its essence.
Nearby, a small girl hidden in a cellar trembled, her eyes wide with horror. Her mouth was covered tightly by an older girl, preventing any sound from escaping.
On a rooftop, Soba casually tossed aside a lifeless woman. He inhaled deeply, intoxicated.
"Ah... delicious. This aroma is divine."
"Mmm... I smell more. Living ones. Where are you hiding?" Zara's tongue flicked over his lips, voice playful yet menacing.
He turned toward the cellar, a twisted smile forming.
Two helpless girls. Ordinary civilians.
How could they hide from a Soul Saint?
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