While the two spoke, they began to form a formation.

Within a few breaths, the three of them had created a formidable triangle formation and tightly surrounded Seraphina and her party.

At the same time, Gilbert and Willow released overwhelming pressure.

Seraphina and her companions were instantly shrouded in an aura of terror.

The combined strength of an eighth-turn Mahayana and a ninth-turn Mahayana cultivator was enough to freeze the blood in one's veins.

Furthermore, the killing aura that steamed from Gilbert was even colder and more ruthless than the icy breath radiating from Seraphina herself.

This dreadful presence overloaded Edwin and others' senses, numbing them.

"What do we do now?" whispers of fear floated through the group.

"The man they call Mr. Willow was once a seventh-turn Mahayana powerhouse. Now his strength is obscured, but I believe he's advanced into the eighth turn. The black-clad man beside him is even stronger," Edwin explained gravely.

At this declaration, the crowd's expressions shifted, sinking into despair.

An eighth-turn Mahayana opponent alone rendered them powerless.

With a ninth-turn lethal cultivator added to the mix, escape seemed impossible.

"Gods, why has Bram from the Vernal Dawn royal family come to Skyreach Territory?"

"And fate has brought him right to us!" someone murmured bitterly.

Teeth were ground in frustration, blaming fate's cruel hand.

"Don't lose heart just yet. This is Noble Sun City, where private fights are forbidden."

"Moreover, Bram and his group hail from the Vernal Dawn royal family. We will receive special protection. This isn't Vernal Dawn Dynasty soil—it's Skyreach Territory. They will not be permitted to act arrogantly or recklessly here."

"For now, let's handle them cautiously. I believe even they dare not openly attack us within the city walls," Seraphina urged, forcing calm upon herself.

She analyzed the situation swiftly and gave orders.

"Listen to the Saint."

"This is Noble Sun City."

"No matter Bram's arrogance, he won't chance an outright attack here. But once outside this city, all bets are off."

"Forget trying to plan too much. We'll handle things step by step," Edwin replied, trying to boost morale.

He glared sharply at Willow and Gilbert.

Against such formidable foes, fight would mean certain defeat.

A moment's distraction would give the enemy victory.

"Everyone, why are you all leaving in such haste?"

A rich chuckle drifted through the square.

"I've made a decision today. How about I treat you all to a drink?" Bram's voice boomed.

"Do we know you?" Seraphina asked cautiously.

"Get to know each other more and you will," Bram sneered with ease.

"Look at your sorry state. Had you accepted me from the start…"

"You'd be a princess by now. Glory, wealth, endless resources. With your talents and my guidance, you'd have reached the Mahayana realm by now."

He strode closer to Seraphina, examining her carefully.

His head shook, breathing deep sighs between words.

"So many choices in life. Made wrong ones and look where you are now. One arm crippled, cultivation still at Tribulation Transcendence Realm."

"I bet you need a precious elixir to heal that arm, don't you?"

"Here's my offer. Come with me, be mine. I'll restore your arm. Then we'll exact vengeance together. How's that?"

"Also, if your also bring your master and Althea, Your Azure Origin Dao Sect and Vernal Dawn royal family will be protected fiercely. None will dare threaten you."

"Plus, I can help you rise to lead the four great sects."

Bram puffed out his chest, confident.

Seraphina's face turned cold and she was silent.

Suddenly, Bram leaned in like a lecherous beast toward her.

A grave chill stabbed her heart.

"I dare you to humiliate my master. That's a death wish!"

Bram laughed loudly.

He enjoyed her fiery spirit—rebellious yet resigned.

There was fear beneath her anger.

And savoring others despair gave him wicked pleasure.

"Sixth Prince," Edwin interrupted with a firm voice.

"What you propose cannot be so hastily accepted. Give us time to consider."

"To consider?" Bram snapped.

"I'm not discussing with you."

"I give you one chance. Hand over Seraphina and you can live. Refuse, and you'll all die."

Bram baring sharp fangs was no longer joking.

"…"

Seraphina's jaw clenched.

Bram's words were a brutal threat to kill or surrender.

Gale Reed and others felt shaken deep inside.

After all, self-preservation is a powerful instinct.

To save their own lives, why not betray the saint?

Especially since Bram craved Seraphina more for her beauty than her life.

If she obeyed him, it would be like a marriage between Azure Origin Dao Sect and Vernal Dawn royal family.

What harm could it bring?

Many considered Bram's proposal carefully—it did seem pragmatic.

Seraphina herself had nothing to lose.

"Shouldn't Her Majesty the Saint consider this?" one asked.

"Yes, as a saint, she owes devotion to the sect."

"Following Bram offers only gains, no drawbacks."

"The sect benefits too."

"Given current circumstances, accepting Bram is the wisest choice."

"…"

Seraphina's stunning face darkened with fury.

She could not believe the sect's people would so readily sacrifice her to save themselves.

Yet she would never agree.

Her happiness was her own to control.

No one could force her.

"Her Highness the Saint wouldn't risk all our lives for selfish gain, would she?"

"If the saint insists on such selfishness, then don't blame us for being rude."

One voice cut with cold warning.

Bram scanned the group's conflicted, restless expressions.

A playful but cruel smile crossed his face.

He knew human nature's frailty.

Facing life-and-death dilemmas, even the strongest bonds fracture.

The sect's unity began to tremble.

"…"

Seraphina ground her teeth in silent rage.

These people, terrified for their own survival, dared to betray even the sect's saint.

If disaster ever struck the Dao Sect, these would be first to sell it out.

If she returned to the Azure Origin Dao Sect, she would report this corruption to her master.

Those scoundrels of the sect would face justice.

"Enough!" Edwin's sharp voice cut through the murmuring.

He silenced the wrangling before it could spread further.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Capsule - 1 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 3 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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