Chapter 427: Kneel, or Die?

Chapter 427: Kneel, or Die?

At dusk, the setting sun was as red as blood.

On the peak of a snow-capped mountain, a full-length mirror suddenly opened, and several mysterious figures wearing straw hats and raincoats emerged.

"Ice River!" Jing Hong reported immediately.

The weather today was exceptionally good, with no howling winds.

Under the glow of the sunset, the snowy world appeared serene and beautiful.

Lu Ran stepped forward and gazed into the north.

He saw a wide, frozen river stretching across the mountains.

Luo Ying, with her back to the sunset, looked eastward along the Ice River and her eyes narrowed. "Sect Leader, it's that mountain! The tallest one!"

"Oh?" Lu Ran gazed into the distance, his line of sight gradually rising.

It was a majestic and grand snow-capped mountain, with a peak that seemed to pierce through the nine heavens!

The Northern Wind Sect's base was truly impressive.

It could rival the Sword Peak!

"Sect Leader!" Yu Changsheng spoke up at the right moment. "We shouldn't rashly intrude."

Lu Ran: "."

No!

What kind of person do I seem to be in your eyes?

How arrogant must I be to dare to directly open the Bronze Mirror into their lair?

Yu Changsheng, seeing the aggrieved look in Lu Ran's eyes, smiled. "We are here to gather intelligence, so it's best not to cause any conflicts. Sect Leader and the Nightmare Guardian both possess Night Charm Sorcery, which can be useful."

Deng Yuxiang gazed at the Northern Wind Sect's mountain peak. "Conglong's suggestion is for us to pretend to be Northern Wind disciples?"

The Northern Wind Sect and the Night Charm Clan indeed had many similar techniques.

For example, the Gale Order and the Nightshade Blade.

Both were in the form of wind blades.

Yu Changsheng nodded. "The Northern Wind Sect is mostly made up of strong and cold individuals. They might find it hard to communicate amicably with us, who are from other sects."

Lu Ran winked at Deng Yuxiang.

Strong and cold, huh?

Deng Yuxiang's face darkened, suppressing the urge to kick Lu Ran.

No, she had to hold back!

The sect members were watching from behind; she couldn't tarnish the Sect Leader's reputation.

Yu Changsheng also knew that Deng Yuxiang had once been a Northern Wind disciple.

Although she had become a "Northern Wind outcast," Yu Changsheng's evaluation of Northern Wind disciples still applied to her.

Yu Changsheng paused before continuing. "This is the Northern Wind's main base, with many people and a strong presence. Their actions and conduct will undoubtedly be more stringent, making it even harder to communicate amicably with them."

Deng Yuxiang subtly glanced at Lu Ran and respectfully asked, "Sect Leader, shall we two go to gather intelligence while the others hide in the snow forest, ready to provide support at any time?"

Lu Ran: "."

You're so fierce!

How could I possibly say no?

The group quickly formulated a plan. Lu Ran activated the Teleportation Mirror, and everyone stepped into the mountain forest.

"Absolutely don't move around, and don't use any divine techniques to avoid any divine energy fluctuations," Deng Yuxiang instructed carefully.

Due to the fear of the Northern Wind Sect's Divine Technique·Listening to the Wind, the Flame Gate members hid far away.

The Northern Wind Sect's snow-capped mountain stood on the north side of the Ice River.

Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang crossed the forest and headed north. Since they planned to bluff their way through, they prepared to boldly cross the Ice River.

However, before they even touched the Ice River, Lu Ran sensed an ambush at the riverside forest!

"Whoosh~"

Lu Ran casually flicked His Wrist, and a Nightshade Blade Shot Out Rapidly.

The Blade Pierced Deeply into the Wood, but It Didn't Completely Penetrate the Tree.

This Was Clearly Not an Attack but a Way to Identify Themselves.

"Northern Wind Disciples?" A Tall and Thin Middle-aged Man Stepped Out from Behind the Tree.

He Had a Rugged Face and a Stern Aura, Wearing an Ancient White Outfit.

This is way too Northern Wind, right?

"Yes," Deng Yuxiang observed the Man by the Tree. "We Were Teleported to the Southern Continent by Northern Wind and Traveled Through Mountains and Rivers to Arrive Here."

The White-clad Man Remained Calm on the Surface but Was Internally Amazed.

He Didn't Expect the Woman to Be So Young?

Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang Both Wore Straw Hats, Concealing Most of Their Faces.

The White Clad Man Observed Carefully for a Moment, Then Waved His Hand. "Since You Are Fellow Disciples, Follow Me. Let's Talk in Detail Once We're in Camp."

Lu Ran Became Cautious.

Isn't This a bit too Smooth?

Just by a Wind blade, They Recogn our identities?

They didn't even inquire about our circumstances, asking how we found—well, they required Us to Enter Camp.

This so-called "camp" might be easy to enter but hard to leave.

Deng Yuxiang and Lu Ran Shared the Same Concern and communicated telepathically: [It feels off. ]



Lu Ran: [Just ask Yan Shuangzi. ]



"Brother!" Deng Yuxiang called out loudly, "Have You Heard of Our Sect Disciple, Yan Shuangzi?"

The White Clad Man's Expression Slightly Changed.

Though Subtle, It Was Still Noticed by Lu ran.

This man Always had a stern face, even when he met lu ran and deng yuxiang, he didn't react much.

Why did he change his expression when he heard "Yanshuangzi"?

White Clad Man: "Who?"

"Yan Shuangzi." Deng Yuxiang Described, "She is about my height and age. She uses a very distinctive weapon, a large knife with a blade length of about 2 meters."

The White Clad Man Thought for a Moment, Then Slowly Shook His Head. "There is no such person in the Knife Spine."

Lu ran's Heart Sank.

This man was clearly lying!

The White Clad Man Continued: "What Is Your Relationship with This Person? Why Are You Looking for Her?"

Lu Ran Quickly Interjected: "Senior Sister Yan and We Two Were Part of the Same Batch Chaleng the Divine Ruins. In Our Group of Over Ten, Only She Succeeded. Now, We Two Were Also Teleported to the Holy Spirit Mountain, Just Want to Find Her."

The man in white remained stoic, listening quietly.

Lu Ran put on a dramatic performance, feigning a helpless and regretful demeanor, "This realm is too perilous, completely overturning our understanding."

The man in white finally revealed a hint of emotion, a faint cold smile.

He exuded a sense of superiority, as if he had been through it all.

Watching the young man endure a painful lesson, he mocked with a cold gaze.

Lu Ran continued, "Yan Shijie came to this realm long ago. If she's still alive, her strength must be formidable! We were old acquaintances, and we had a bond. I was thinking of seeking her out and surviving together."

Especially the last sentence, Lu Ran spoke with a sense of righteousness.

The setting sun's afterglow fell upon him, as if it were holy light.

Deng Yuxiang remained silent, feeling something was amiss.

Lu Ran repeatedly referred to "Northern Wind Master" and "Deity Master" with utmost loyalty, his attitude and tone filled with reverence! But initially, when Lu Ran was under the watchful eyes of Deity Northern Wind himself, he caused chaos in Northern Wind City.

Yet, he was utterly unrestrained!

"It seems you two have endured much suffering," the man in white spoke up, "Holy Spirit Mountain Realm is indeed perilous, but once you've passed through the Blade Ridge Peak, you need not live in constant fear."

"Blade Ridge Peak will protect you. Follow me."

As he spoke, the man in white turned and took a step forward.

[We can't go.] Lu Ran's mind commanded, [Also, this man is lying. He must have heard of Yan Shuangzi.]



Deng Yuxiang furrowed her brows slightly, unmoving: [Capture and interrogate him?]



"What's wrong?" The man in white turned around and saw the unmoving pair.

He felt a sense of mockery and couldn't help but chuckle. "Have you been so traumatized by Holy Spirit Mountain that you don't trust your own sect?"

Lu Ran struggled, but eventually said, "Since Yan Shijie isn't here, we'll search elsewhere."

The man in white: "Since you've arrived home, how can you leave again? You can settle down at Blade Ridge Peak, join your fellow disciples in missions, and together we'll search for our missing disciple."

"Bu Ming, you're really useless, unable to handle even two young juniors." Suddenly, a woman's voice echoed.

Her tone carried a hint of ridicule, not concealing her words, "How did you manage to infiltrate our Northern Wind Sect?"

Bu Ming, the man in white, turned to look, responding calmly, "Kong Shimei seems to have it easy."

Lu Ran also looked over and saw a short-haired woman approaching, with two stern-looking men behind her.

These Northern Wind disciples, judging by their demeanor, seemed like they were cast from the same mold.

[I heard there were four, what about you?] Deng Yuxiang listened intently.

[Only four, they must be specifically guarding this area.] Lu Ran's mind responded, slowly turning to see the woman a few meters away.

The four Northern Wind disciples surrounded Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang.

The short-haired woman wasn't that old, probably around thirty.

Her gaze was particularly icy, domineering, and her terrifying aura surged towards Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang.

She should be at a high stage of the River Realm.

Lu Ran felt the pressure of her level.

Deng Yuxiang: [These people are all at the River Realm. This Kong and Bu behind us should be at the peak of the River Realm.]



"Kneel down," Kong Jingqi stood with her hands behind her back, slightly lifting her chin, her cold gaze fixed on the pair.

Deng Yuxiang's expression turned cold.

Lu Ran remained unmoving.

"Can't you hear my command?" Kong Jingqi's voice grew colder, "I'm telling you to kneel!"

Lu Ran spoke up, "Since the person we're looking for isn't here, we'll take our leave. We're all fellow disciples, serving the Northern Wind Master. Please don't make things difficult for us."

Behind Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang, Bu Ming remained expressionless, quietly observing the scene.

However, Bu Ming's calm demeanor as he watched the spectacle still made Kong Jingqi's face lose some of its composure.

Earlier, she had mocked Bu Ming for being unable to handle young juniors, but now...

She couldn't handle them either?

Kong Jingqi abruptly interrupted Lu Ran, her eyes turning fierce, and she spat out three words:

"Kneel, or die."

1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds...

Lu Ran and Deng Yuxiang remained unmoving.

"It seems Holy Spirit Mountain Realm hasn't taught you how to behave!" Kong Jingqi chuckled coldly, casually summoning a gale blade, "Remember, this is your own doing!"

Deng Yuxiang's eyes turned icy, and she suddenly spoke up, "Did it teach you?"

Kong Jingqi's heart skipped a beat, looking at Deng Yuxiang in disbelief.

How dare you speak to me like that?!

Admittedly, the young woman before them had a high level of strength and cultivation, likely at the higher stage of the River Realm.

But do you really think you're that strong?

You want to die!!

[Push me.] Lu Ran's mind conveyed, quickly stepping forward, and he shouted, "No, no, no!"

He blocked Deng Yuxiang, and he turned to face the short-haired woman behind him, his gaze anxious, and he begged:

"Sister! Sister, please don't get angry, we follow orders, we'll kneel."

"Kneel if you want, get lost!" Deng Yuxiang pushed Lu Ran away.

"You!" Lu Ran stumbled, his feet unsteady, but he took the opportunity to dash forward!

Kong Jingqi's expression changed abruptly!

Instinctively, she drew her blade to block, her figure rapidly retreating.

The youth in the green raincoat and hat, where was there any trace of panic or pleading?

As the raincoat fluttered, a faint radiance flashed!

Unintentionally, the gazes of the man and woman met.)



The short-haired woman was both shocked and angry.

The youth's eyes were cold, and a hint of seductive deep red flashed in his eyes.

Holy Spirit Mountain,

Indeed, it taught me much.

But

It didn't teach you well?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end