Chapter 565: Free of Desire
Chapter 565: Free of Desire
Whoosh!!
As soon as the referee’s indifferent words fell, the entire audience erupted in an uproar!
Even the evil organization’s followers were no exception.
“Whoa! This draw is insane!”
“Yeah, they actually paired Livia with Ling Zhan!”
“She has the bizarre ability to instantly kill level 99 powerhouses, and I still can’t figure out how she does it. Can Ling Zhan really win?”
“I’ve heard doubts like yours countless times! Yet every time, Ling Zhan is the one who ultimately wins!”
“But this time might be different. You’ve heard the rumors about Livia, haven’t you? She’s a killing machine wherever she goes!”
“Alright, alright, shut up and watch the match! Ling Zhan is taking the stage!”
“...”
Amid the discussions...
Ling Zhan, expressionless, calmly stepped onto the arena.
He stopped in front of Livia.
Livia’s expression grew serious; even she hadn’t expected her next opponent to be the one existence the Demon Arrival Organization deeply feared!
Truth be told...
At first, Livia thought Ling Zhan wouldn’t be much of a threat, but after he instantly killed the Succubus Janet, she remained skeptical.
The reason was simple...
She, too, could instantly kill Janet in a similar fashion.
Succubi thrive on manipulating others’ desires, unaware that their own desires spell their doom when facing Livia.
Succubi...
How could they not have desires?
But now, Livia’s expression grew even more solemn.
The reason was simple...
She couldn’t sense any desire from Ling Zhan!
At least, not any directed at her!
This person...
Could he be emotionally detached?
Completely sealed off from his emotions?
No, that’s not it!
Absolutely not!
Someone emotionally detached wouldn’t act this way.
It must be that he had achieved perfect control over his emotions and desires.
Ling Zhan looked at the serious-faced Livia. For the first time, the normally silent man spoke, his calm, magnetic voice ringing in Livia’s ears.
“Why did you spare Luo Yun?”
Livia smirked coldly at his question. “What’s the matter? Does it upset you that I spared her? Are you so eager for your teammate to die at my hands?”
“Not quite.”
“I’m simply curious why you didn’t kill Luo Yun when you so decisively killed Stein.”
Ling Zhan lightly shook his head, plainly voicing his curiosity.
If Livia were part of the Demon Arrival Organization, he wouldn’t have even bothered asking.
Of course...
This was mainly because the Demon Arrival members had lost all semblance of humanity and never showed mercy.
The Dark Church, however, he hadn’t yet encountered. It was said they had been the sworn enemies of the Light Church since ancient times.
The Dark Church originated in the Holy Light Empire.
It was initially founded by a group of slaves.
Yes, slaves.
Over time, it grew, eventually falling into the hands of bandits.
Now, it had evolved into what it was today.
To be honest...
Ling Zhan had a poor impression of the Light Church. His experiences in the Holy Light Empire had left a bad taste in his mouth.
Beneath the Light Church’s surface righteousness lay nothing but shadows.
Ling Zhan had personally witnessed Light Church members publicly bullying ordinary merchants, verbally and physically abusing them.
The merchants dared not fight back.
One of them was even beaten to death.
The Holy Light Empire later justified the incident by claiming the merchant was an escaped slave and was fortunately apprehended by the Light Church in time.
As a result...
The Light Church member who killed the merchant wasn’t punished but instead praised.
From then on, Ling Zhan held no regard for the Light Church.
Even in this competition, the Light Church’s Holy Son hadn’t shown up.
While it was understandable for Saintess Saint Luni not to participate due to her lower level...
The new Holy Son of the Light Church simply didn’t dare to come.
The excuse given was plain and straightforward:
“I’m in seclusion to prepare for tier-four advancement.”
Such a laughable excuse.
This Holy Son had only recently reached level 99 to earn his position.
Saint Luni, as the Saintess, wasn’t deeply tied to the Light Church. Her role was mainly to maintain relations between the Empire and the Church.
At present...
Ling Zhan saw the Light Church’s brutality toward the people.
Yet the Dark Church’s Holy Daughter spared someone she could have easily killed, someone who clearly had no connection to her.
Luo Yun, like all reserve members, was clean and upright.
Even the slightest hint of impropriety would disqualify someone from becoming a reserve member.
“Your curiosity is pointless. If you want to fight, then fight!”
“Why waste words?”
Livia spoke arrogantly.
She was deliberately provoking Ling Zhan, trying to make him angry.
She hoped he would feel hatred, disgust, or even bloodlust toward her.
As long as his desires surged, she could act.
However...
She was utterly disappointed.
In her soul perception, all information about Ling Zhan remained a blank slate. No reaction whatsoever.
This man...
What kind of enigma was he?
Was he truly free of desire?
“Referee, I’m ready.”
Livia decided to stop overthinking and focus on the fight.
She intended to find Ling Zhan’s weakness during the battle!
That was the only way to win!
“Contestant Ling Zhan, are you ready?”
“I’m ready.”
Ling Zhan replied calmly.
“In that case, let the match begin!”
“A ten-second countdown starts now. If either participant strikes early, they must endure one unguarded attack from their opponent!”
The referee declared the start of the match in a steady tone.
Ten seconds.
Passed in the blink of an eye.
When the countdown ended...
Swoosh!!
Livia, the Dark Church’s Holy Daughter, didn’t foolishly charge forward like the Succubus Janet. Instead, she quickly widened the distance between them.
Her class was a sorcerer.
Naturally, she needed to maintain distance while seeking an opportunity to provoke emotions of disgust in her opponent.
Only by doing so could she secure victory.
“Hmm? Livia didn’t go for an instant kill on Ling Zhan!?”
“What’s going on?”
When Livia retreated, the entire audience was stunned!
They couldn’t understand why!
After all, Livia had instantly killed Stein!
Was she holding back again?
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