At this moment, Hei Qilin's handsome face bore a calm and composed smile, as if everything was under control. As he walked, he spoke casually, "Dear Dark Empress, I know you are nearby. Come on out, my little darling, I'm about to find you."

This Dark Empress was, of course, referring to Natasha!

Every Hall Master of the Dark Temple would be bestowed the title of 'Dark Empress.' He felt this title suited his identity better and was more fluid to say.

Because it incited his desire to conquer, and to conquer an Empress—what man wouldn't want to do that?

Of course, his pursuit of Natasha was not merely for conquest; his larger goal was to gain the power of the Dark Temple!

Although the Dark Temple wasn't considered a top force in the Western World, it housed many skilled individuals. For instance, Natasha, the current Empress, along with previous retired Empresses, could significantly boost his power once incorporated under his command, facilitating upcoming plans.

Natasha remained hidden, seemingly unmoved by his words, her gaze icy cold as she observed Hei Qilin and his group. She gripped a blood-drenched dagger tightly against her chest, poised to strike like a venomous snake, ready to attack and plunge the dagger into Hei Qilin's heart the moment an opportunity arose.

"Good chance!"

Natasha's eyes brightened as Hei Qilin drew within seven or eight meters of her hiding spot. Filled with a deadly intent akin to a prey-striking serpent, she suddenly darted out at rapid speed.

It's now!

The blood-drenched dagger, swift as lightning, carved a deathly crimson arc, targeting Hei Qilin's heart with precision, determined to hit its mark.

"Hmm? Dear, you finally decided to show yourself. I've been waiting for you for quite a while."

Facing Natasha's assassination attempt, Hei Qilin was delighted rather than afraid, as if he had expected it all along, awaiting her to present herself voluntarily. Only then could he have the chance to capture Natasha, rather than search aimlessly!

His form subtly flickered, transforming into an elusive shadow, easily evading Natasha's lethal strike! At the same time, he expanded his form, attacking Natasha bare-handed, clearly intent on capturing her alive.

Hei Qilin's lips curled in a faint confident smile. He had absolute assurance in his own strength; Natasha, despite being the Dark Empress with formidable skills and diverse secret techniques from the Dark Temple to protect herself, ultimately fell short of his prowess!

As long as Natasha didn't flee or hide during the battle, he had complete confidence in capturing her without needing weapons!

He didn't want to inflict severe injuries on Natasha, striving to preserve her power; naturally, he refrained from using weapons. After all, weapons could cause unintended harm or permanent damage, which he wished to avoid.

Naturally, the fact that her prepared attack was effortlessly evaded unsettled Natasha's heart further! Her eyes flickered briefly before abruptly shifting her target to attack a man behind him.

If she wasn't a match for Hei Qilin, she'd start by eliminating his aides and followers, buying time to help her maids escape successfully.

The individual targeted by Natasha jumped in fright, surprised by her sudden advance, immediately retreating backward, unwilling to confront her head-on.

This woman possessed the strength to contend with Hei Qilin, he naturally wouldn't stand a chance. Choosing to fight directly would undoubtedly end poorly!

"Dear, why resort to knives and guns upon meeting? Quite uncouth and undignified! Besides, I'm your actual opponent."

Hei Qilin smiled slightly, realizing Natasha's intentions, quickly stepping forward to intercept.

Natasha snorted coldly, swiftly reversing the blood-drenched dagger in her hand. The crimson light intensified, cutting an angled arc aimed at Hei Qilin's throat.

"NoNoNo, dear Dark Empress, you actually want to kill me? That's not a wise move."

Seeing this, Hei Qilin chuckled lightly, raising his hand casually. A dark black light flashed, as his palm thrust forward.

The motion appeared slow, yet in a blink arrived at Natasha's chest, unleashing a torrent of black mist, forming a giant mouth to devour Natasha!

Natasha's expression changed, her eyes turning solemn. With no time for further thought, she erupted with fierce and mysterious energy! A thick blood aura surged from her body, forming a protective Qi Shield over her skin.

Additonally, a portion of the blood aura seeped into her dagger, instantly enhancing the crimson glow, slicing toward the black mist before her with perfect sharpness.

Pchh!

The blood-drenched dagger sliced downwards, bisecting the black mist into two, completely tearing it apart.

However, the black mist she severed didn't dissipate immediately; instead, it compressed and enveloped Natasha securely within! Upon contact with Natasha's surrounding blood mist, it emitted a fierce 'shh-shh' sound, aggressively corroding her blood energy shield.

Yet Natasha ignored it, her gaze fixed intensely on Hei Qilin before her, attacking furiously! She might not be able to kill him, but at least she had to injure him, thus giving her a chance to escape.

Faced with Natasha's 'damaging a thousand enemies while losing eight hundred' strategy, Hei Qilin opted for evasion using movement technique rather than direct confrontation, retreating ten meters away.

Taking a brief look at Natasha, he smiled slightly, saying, "Dear Empress, why hesitate again? Why not dare to strike me down? If you relentlessly fought to the death with me, perhaps a chance for victory might exist! Alas, it's regrettable; with your current strategy, you can't possibly defeat me."

A strike unsuccessful, Natasha steadied herself, gazing at Hei Qilin from afar. She summoned blood energy to dispel the black mist, speaking calmly, "Hei Qilin, your Dark Council and our Dark Temple should essentially belong to the same lineage, with no enmity between us! Personally, I have neither life nor death vendetta against you. If possible, I don't wish to kill you, as it equates to declaring war on the Dark Council! Yet my patience has limits, so refrain from pressing me harder; otherwise, even if we both perish together, I will never succumb to you."

Hei Qilin responded with a serene smile, "Dark Empress, I admire your spirit, albeit not your method! Your actions reflect a foolish decision, not only failing to aid you but also steering you and your backing Dark Temple further into a wrong path. If it were me, I'd lay down my weapon and submit immediately, for the one you'd yield to is the Dark World's overlord—the Dark Council! This is nothing to be ashamed of."

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