"Brother!"

A fiery red dress streaked across the snow, like a glaring flame.

Xin'er's speed was swift, and she immediately placed her Horizontal Blade in front of Wang Junze, her eyes filled with killing intent as she looked at Jing Yuan and Nini.

Although she didn't know what had happened earlier, she understood that Wang Junze was now very weak, at a time when he most needed protection, and the culprits of all this were undoubtedly Jing Yuan and his group.

Yet, Nini and Ah-Man didn't care about Xin'er's hostility, and simply stepped forward to help Jing Yuan up.

"Brother Wang, now I'm gravely injured, and you've exhausted your strength, but the battle isn't over... What do you think, who will win?"

Though heavily injured, Jing Yuan was still smiling, his expression unruffled as he spoke warmly.

In the brief moment of speaking, other members of the Human Race and the Deserters had also rushed over, surrounding Wang Junze and Jing Yuan, forming another standoff.

However, it was clear that these people had also just gone through a bloody battle—not only were there many fewer of them, but many of those who arrived were injured too, their gazes toward one another also carrying hints of apprehension.

In that blizzard, both sides had suffered heavy casualties; if they were to fight again now, neither side would have the assurance of victory.

After a moment of silence, Wang Junze eventually sighed in his heart.

He indeed wanted to seize the opportunity while Jing Yuan was gravely injured to kill him outright and eliminate the threat, but reason soberly told him that if they actually fought, he was far more likely to die than Jing Yuan.

Because these people of the Human Race behind him were not to be trusted.

In his peak state, he did not fear; but in the current situation, if he clashed again with the Deserters, a breach might appear, and if someone took the chance to ambush, he might truly die at the hands of his own people.

Compared to the Human Race, the Deserters' side was much simpler—although many elite Deserters had been slain by Wang Junze before, now that the blizzard had stopped, and anyone could see that after the battle with Jing Yuan, Wang Junze was already exhausted, they naturally no longer feared him.

More importantly, Jing Yuan held absolute authority among these Deserters, and as long as he was alive, they would unquestionably execute his orders.

"Kill! At all costs, kill Wang Junze!"

Raising his head, Jing Yuan's brows revealed a fierce expression, giving orders without the slightest concern for his own injuries.

"Wait a moment!"

Just as the Deserters prepared to strike, Xin'er suddenly interrupted.

Raising his hand slightly, signaling the Deserters behind him to wait a moment, Jing Yuan's gaze fell upon Xin'er, and he softly said, "Are you Xin'er? I know you; you're Brother Wang's sister. Don't be afraid. Considering my past friendship with Brother Wang, I guarantee I won't kill you."

"Thank you, but... I will kill you!"

Upon hearing Jing Yuan's words, Xin'er chuckled lightly, first thanking him, then earnestly said, "So many people want to kill my brother. I can't stop them on my own."

Although the Deserters hadn't gathered in full yet, there were already four or five Refining God Powerhouses in sight. Once a fight started, in the chaos, it would naturally be impossible for Xin'er to protect Wang Junze; even if she risked her life, she couldn't block so many Deserters, not to mention having to guard against potential traitors on the Human Race side.

But, what if she didn't defend?

The best defense has always been offense!

"Hmm?" Hearing Xin'er's words, even Jing Yuan was a bit surprised, carefully scrutinizing the little girl he hadn't paid much attention to before.

Lightly stroking the blade, Xin'er continued with a smile, "I may not be as formidable as my brother, but I'm still a Refining Spirit. You should understand, a Refining Spirit willing to sacrifice their life for a chance at mutual destruction, given your current state... they can't stop me!"

Xin'er spoke with ease, but the determination and killing intent beneath her words were intensely strong.

Most crucially, as she spoke, a terrifying Sword Intent emanated from Xin'er, directly locking onto Jing Yuan.

If Jing Yuan weren't injured, or not so severely, Xin'er's threat might be less effective, but in this situation, such a threat felt particularly real.

A Refining God Powerhouse, especially one who understood Sword Intent, willing to gamble their life in a mutual destruction scenario, was hard to fend off— even with two or three Refining Spirits guarding closely, and the Human Race wasn't without Refining Spirits either; if a real fight broke out, not enough Refining God Powerhouses could be spared to protect Jing Yuan, otherwise this battle wouldn't be fought.

Hearing this, even without Jing Yuan needing to speak, a hint of nervousness flashed in the eyes of the surrounding Deserters.

Although they vowed to kill Wang Junze at all costs, that cost surely didn't include Jing Yuan's life.

Watching Xin'er's earnest demeanor, Jing Yuan remained silent for a few breaths, then slowly raised his hand, gently applauding.

"Impressive! I underestimated you. I take back what I just said..."

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