In that life-or-death moment, time seemed to freeze.
The Crimson King's eyes held no fear or hesitation, only unwavering resolve and boundless composure.
His gaze was like a torch, seemingly piercing through all the fog of the world, fixed directly on Qian Renshang.
His smile blossomed at that moment, a smile that seemed to carry a sense of relief, an acceptance and transcendence of fate.
It was also filled with care and responsibility for Qian Renshang, a profound emotion that could not be expressed in words.
"Boy...you must live well!"
The Crimson King's voice, though weak, carried endless expectation and exhortation, as if these words had exhausted all his strength.
"Knowing you...it's truly been a joy!"
His tone was full of relief and satisfaction, as if the time he had spent with Qian Renshang was the most precious treasure in his life.
Tears streamed down Qian Renshang's face; his heart was consumed by immense pain and despair.
He desperately tried to rush forward, to stop it all, but was blocked by an invisible force.
"Uncle Chi! No!"
Qian Renshang's cries were heart-wrenching.
His hands stretched forward, trying to break through the invisible barrier, his eyes filled with helplessness and pleading.
The light emanating from the Crimson King grew brighter and brighter, the protective shield shimmering with dazzling colors, like a brilliant aurora.
Every ray of light pulsed, as if making a final stand, each flicker like a cry for the Crimson King's life.
Qian Daoliu's angelic sword slammed fiercely into the protective shield, and instantly, the world seemed to be filled only with the sound of that impact.
A deafening roar, like ten thousand thunderbolts, shook the entire world.
The entire space trembled violently from the impact of this powerful force, the light overflowing, blinding everyone.
The light was as dazzling as the sun, stinging the eyes.
As the light faded, everyone saw the Crimson King's body swaying precariously.
The protective shield was riddled with cracks, like shattered ice, a shocking sight, as if it would break at any moment.
"Crimson King!"
Xiong Jun and the other beast kings cried out in anguish, their voices filled with anger, sorrow, and despair.
Their eyes were filled with terror and disbelief, as if they couldn't believe what they were seeing.
Qian Renshang heard only a deafening crash, followed by the Crimson King's painful groan.
The sound was like a heavy hammer blow to his heart.
He tried desperately to see what was happening before him, but the raging wind, carrying overflowing energy, formed invisible barriers, blurring his vision.
"Uncle Crimson!"
Qian Renshang cried out hoarsely, his voice filled with fear and despair.
His voice was carried away by the wind, sounding so small and powerless.
As the gale subsided slightly, Qian Renshang finally saw what was before him.
The Crimson King knelt on the ground, his clothes tattered and his once magnificent armor now broken and unable to conceal his battered body.
Blood flowed continuously from the corner of his mouth, dripping onto the ground and forming a small pool.
His body trembled slightly, but his hands still stubbornly supported him on the ground, as if demonstrating his final defiance to fate.
But the breath of life had already begun to fade!
That faint breath, like a candle flickering in the wind, could be extinguished at any moment.
The Crimson King struggled to raise his head, looking at Qian Renshang, and offered a weak smile.
That smile held endless tenderness and reluctance:
"Kid, am I... handsome?"
However, his voice was so weak, almost inaudible.
The Crimson King's entire chest cavity had been torn open, blood splattered everywhere, its crimson color stinging Qian Renshang's eyes.
Qian Renshang stared blankly at the horrific scene before him, his mind a complete blank.
His lips trembled, wanting to say something, but he found his throat blocked, unable to utter a sound.
His eyes were filled with pain and helplessness, as if the entire world had collapsed at that moment.
The Crimson King's breath was extremely weak, his eyes began to glaze over, but he still clung to his last breath, looking at Qian Renshang, and said with difficulty:
"Kid... don't worry about me... go..."
Each word seemed to be squeezed out with his last ounce of strength, carrying an endless resolve.
Qian Renshang's tears flowed like a burst dam. He staggered forward, trying to support the Crimson King.
"No, Uncle Crimson, you'll be alright, you won't!"
Qian Renshang's voice was choked with sob.
He gripped the Crimson King's arm tightly with both hands, as if that would save the Crimson King's life.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xiong Jun and the other Beast Kings broke free from their opponents and arrived at the side of Chi Wang and Qian Renshang.
Xiong Jun looked at Chi Wang's injuries, his eyes reddening, his voice trembling:
"Chi Wang, you must hold on!"
His eyes were filled with anger and sorrow, as if he wanted to tear all the enemies before him to shreds.
Bi Ji quickly cast a healing spell, green light flashing in her hands, trying to stabilize Chi Wang's injuries.
However, she soon discovered that her power had no effect on Chi Wang.
In other words, Chi Wang was beyond saving! Qian Daoliu's attack had almost destroyed all his life force; this was merely a final burst of energy before death.
Unless they immediately returned to the Lake of Life, there might still be a chance, but now… was that even possible?
Bi Ji turned to look around, her eyes filled with despair.
The members of the Spirit Hall were also caught off guard by this turn of events.
A group of people gathered again, their momentum surging.
"That red-haired spirit beast looks like it's finished; the balance has been broken…" someone shouted excitedly.
"We're going to win!" another person laughed triumphantly.
"Several hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts!
Our Spirit Hall has really struck it rich this time!"
Greedy eyes gleamed in their eyes.
Bibi Dong's expression was also ferocious; Qian Renshang was now hers.
Qian Daoliu, not expecting his final attack to fail to kill Qian Renshang, stood up again.
His expression was extremely ugly; he hadn't expected his final attack to be blocked by that soul beast.
Damn it!
"Kill...we must kill Qian Renshang!"
Qian Daoliu ordered again as soon as he stood up, and the six elders from before immediately surrounded him again!
At the same time, the Spirit Hall's reinforcements arrived one after another, a dark mass of people.
Although they were all soul masters below the Title Douluo level, their sheer number made them a formidable opponent.
"Damn it!"
"Go!!!"
Di Tian looked at the beast kings and Qian Renshang with a grim face and said firmly.
"While that human hasn't recovered, I'll cover their retreat.
If we don't leave now, it'll be too late!"
"Hurry!!"
A roar finally pulled everyone back from their sorrowful thoughts, and Xiong Jun and the others reacted immediately.
"Yes, let's go!"
"Qian Renshang...don't just stand there, go!
"The Crimson King is dying!?"
They urged Qian Renshang, but he held the Crimson King's corpse and roared,
"No, I won't leave!
I'll kill them all!!"
"I'll kill everyone in the Spirit Hall!!!"
"Ah!!!"
Drip! Drip!
Large drops of tears mixed with blood fell, turning the entire world of Qian Renshang crimson.
His expression was terrifyingly ferocious!
A dense aura of darkness began to slowly release, its cold and evil aura causing Bi Ji to shiver involuntarily!
"Ah!!"
Qian Renshang was still roaring, teetering on the brink of losing control, when suddenly a figure appeared behind him, delivering a swift chop to his neck.
Qian Renshang stared at Gu Yuena in disbelief before collapsing unconscious. "
Di Tian, cover the rear... Everyone, leave immediately!?"
Gu Yuena calmly ordered, her expression chillingly cold.
"Yes!"
The beast kings replied.
(End of Chapter)
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