Published: March 8, 2025
Blade of Life and Death Qu Xiange bore a heavy-backed blade that was ancient and pitch-black, walking down alongside Li Chunbo.
The two ninth-rank bodyguards, Li Zuo and Li You, followed closely.
The four had indifferent expressions, showing no emotions.
Next came Li Xiangsi and her group, all of whom followed calmly, descending the mountain in an orderly fashion.
Many of them even had faint smiles at the corners of their mouths, smiles that showed no regrets.
This scene truly did not resemble a group heading towards a life-and-death battle, but rather seemed like participants going to a banquet or some joyous event.
Finally, there were over a dozen Li family members, all injured but supporting each other, chatting and laughing as they slowly moved forward. When they reached Mo Tianji, they even smiled and greeted him: “Mo Junshi, in this life, we may not meet again, let’s hope to see each other in the next life.”
Mo Tianji took a deep breath and forced a smile: “Safe travels, see you in the next life!”
Across from them, led by Xiao Chenyu, more than nine thousand members of the allied forces formed neat lines as they approached. In comparison, the mere six hundred from the Li family seemed far too disorganized and undisciplined.
Grouped together, they strolled along, their ranks stretching long.
Both sides halted their advance, standing a hundred paces apart on the smooth, mirror-like ice surface, gazing at each other from a distance.
Diwu Qingrou observed the opposing formation and sighed, drifting out from the ranks to stand alone at the side, remaining perfectly still.
In this battle, he had no role to play!
Because it was evident that the other side had come to die! Their sole purpose was to die in battle!
Nothing was more significant than death; if even death was not significant, then nothing could be considered significant!
This was indeed a battle of the most pure and straightforward kind.
At this moment, if he were to involve himself in the command of the battle, it would be too unfair; his conscience would not allow it.
On the battlefield, one could spare no effort, but there must be a sense of place, occasion, and time, allowing the enemy to maintain their final dignity was always a requirement.
Let them have a dignified showdown!
Let them leave without regrets!
In addition, Diwu Qingrou noticed a white-clothed youth standing far away in the enemy camp, his white robe billowing. He should have been someone who transcended the mundane, but at this moment, he was enveloped in an unusual atmosphere of indescribable melancholy and desolation.
The presence of this person was another significant reason for Diwu Qingrou’s decision to no longer interfere in this battle.
At the critical moment before the final showdown began, two peerless strategists, either intentionally or unintentionally, withdrew from the command positions.
This battle was solely about death; command was no longer necessary.
Wisdom was no longer needed!
What was required was merely the savage tearing apart of beasts.
When Diwu Qingrou discovered Mo Tianji, he was also noticed by Mo Tianji at the first moment; the two hesitated at the same time, then both stepped forward to walk towards each other.
In the center, Li Chunbo and Xiao Chenyu were conversing, but no one was listening as it no longer mattered.
As they drew closer, they reached a distance where they could attack each other, yet neither stopped, continuing their advance.
Three paces. This was a distance that could determine life and death.
Finally, they stopped, standing opposite each other, sharing a smile.
“Mo Tianji?”
“Diwu Qingrou?”
“Haha…”
“Hehe…”
This was their first meeting.
Their first conversation.
It was surprising that their first face-to-face exchange occurred at a moment they had expected chaotic command in a life-and-death battle.
The intricacies of the world are astonishing, greatly unexpected yet not beyond reason.
“This battle, I am defeated…”
“I am defeated!”
The same words of defeat escaped their lips almost simultaneously.