What nonsense!

The Black Mountain Demon King rolled his eyes in anger. How can you speak so grandly when you yourself won't risk your life against Zhou Dongfei?

You make it sound as if by taking this sword strike, I couldn't annihilate everyone from the Profound Moon Sword Sect.

Yet, if he were to retreat now, the Black Mountain Demon King felt an equal measure of reluctance in the depths of his heart.

At present, this was the best opportunity to eradicate the Profound Moon Sword Sect. If he missed today, he would have no more chances to strike, and moreover, today's battle had already irrevocably offended the Profound Moon Sword Sect. If he couldn't kill them all, it would surely be sowing the seeds of disaster!

After all, considering the foundational strength of the Profound Moon Sword Sect, who knows if another Qu Lishang might emerge in ten or twenty years?

"Zhou Dongfei, let's both cease our actions and let them decide the outcome themselves, how about it?"

Narrowing his eyes slightly, the Black Mountain Demon King suddenly spoke.

Under the current circumstances, the Profound Moon Sword Sect was already at a disadvantage. If the Saint Realm powerhouses didn't intervene, the Profound Moon Sword Sect was likely to lose; even if they didn't, continuing the fight would lead to a pyrrhic victory, and few might survive in the end.

"Retreat, or die!"

Unchanging in expression, Zhou Dongfei repeated coldly.

He didn't hesitate to walk the Slaying Dao, precisely to save these disciples. If the fight continued unchecked, then what was the point of his Slaying Dao?

"You have but one sword strike left, you can't kill two Saint Realm powerhouses!"

Looking at Zhou Dongfei, the Black Mountain Demon King said deeply, "After your death, the disciples of the Profound Moon Sword Sect will still die!"

"So what? Do you dare to gamble your life on it?"

"..."

For a moment, the situation seemed to deadlock.

Yet, at the same time, the sound of hooves echoed from afar once more. Instinctively shifting their gaze, they saw that both the Changling Army and the Deserters' forces had appeared in view.

Jing Yuan!

Wang Junze's mind instantly flashed with the image of Jing Yuan, and he couldn't help but feel a slight relaxation in his heart.

In this situation, Jing Yuan's arrival seemed, in contrast, to offer Wang Junze some relief.

The current circumstances were exceedingly perilous. If the Black Mountain Demon King lost his head, it might indeed result in mutual destruction where no one escapes alive. On the contrary, someone like Jing Yuan would be much more composed.

Though Jing Yuan might propose harsher terms, he certainly wouldn't gamble everyone's lives so lightly.

Moreover, the presence of the Changling Army, even if they didn't intervene in the battle, would cause the other side to have more concerns.

In fact, Gao Hongliang, who also sighed in relief, still worried about Su Yuwei's safety if the Black Mountain Demon King truly went mad. However, with the Changling Army's return, even facing the worst scenario, they could safely extract Su Yuwei.

Seeing Jing Yuan approach with the Deserters, expert Deserters immediately fell beside Jing Yuan, quietly explaining the current situation.

"Demon King, Sect Leader Zhou, could I have a word?"

Slowly stepping forward, Jing Yuan smiled and spoke.

"Speak, I'm listening!"

With a not-so-good expression, the Black Mountain Demon King didn't refuse.

"Both of you are formidable in the Saint Realm. If you wage such a life-and-death struggle, the losses for both sides would be too great; it's unnecessary." Shaking his head, Jing Yuan continued, "In that case, why not each take a step back!"

Turning his gaze to Wang Junze, Jing Yuan continued, "Brother Wang, do you remember our previous bet?"

Waving his hand, the surrounding Deserters promptly brought Yuan Shouyi forward.

Opting to surrender to the Deserters, Yuan Shouyi essentially handed his life over to them. His lieutenants had long been disarmed by the Deserters, and Yuan Shouyi himself couldn't resist any of Jing Yuan's decisions. Being escorted by the Deserters, his face turned particularly sour, struggling fiercely to argue.

"Jing Yuan, I'm still useful, you can't hand me over to the Profound Moon Sword Sect. Doing so will chill people's hearts!"

"Relax, City Lord Yuan, with such earnest sincerity, how could I not grant you a chance for merit?"

Smiling, Jing Yuan responded warmly.

Meanwhile, he turned his gaze once more to Wang Junze, softly saying, "Brother Wang, how about you and Saintess Luo team up to battle City Lord Yuan?"

"Whether you win or lose this fight...both the Deserters and the Demon Race will withdraw their troops, ending this conflict here!"

"Does everyone accept this proposal?"

A few simple sentences brought a sudden hush to the scene, making everyone's heart involuntarily skip a beat.

It's ruthless!

This condition undoubtedly seized the lifeline of the Profound Moon Sword Sect.

No matter the stance, it must be acknowledged that Wang Junze and Luo Qingxuan are the sect's most outstanding talents. If they were to die here, even if the truce followed, the Profound Moon Sword Sect would suffer a tremendous blow. It might take decades to cultivate such talents again, which practically severs the lineage.

Yet, under this scenario, the sect finds it challenging to reject this proposal.

After all, other sect elders and disciples can die, so why shouldn't Luo Qingxuan and Wang Junze also take the risk? If the proposal was outright refused, the members would harbor dissatisfaction inevitably, driven by human nature.

The key point is...the battle isn't necessarily hopeless!

Yuan Shouyi might be in the Divine Travel Realm, but with Wang Junze and Luo Qingxuan joining forces, there genuinely is a chance to kill him. However, they both had just experienced consecutive battles, now stuck at a critical juncture.

Even the Saint Realm powerhouses find it hard to predict the outcome of this fight.

Such a contest, where both sides have opportunities for victory, seemingly satisfies everyone's interests across the board, while limiting the stakes to an acceptable level, without pushing anyone to have a complete falling-out.

Even Yuan Shouyi might be willing to accept such terms.

This proposition is truly cunning.

Even Zhou Dongfei found himself hesitating for a moment.

He deeply cared for Luo Qingxuan and didn't want her to take such risks, yet... the responsibility of the entire sect rested on his shoulders; uttering a refusal, taking everyone to their deaths, was impossible.

"I accept!"

Taking a deep breath, Wang Junze slowly lifted his head and answered of his own accord before Zhou Dongfei could speak.

His and Luo Qingxuan's fates were already intertwined, leaving nothing to decline.

Having control over his destiny was the outcome he desired.

"I agree!"

Luo Qingxuan nodded slightly as well, lightly stepping to Wang Junze's side.

"Excellent!"

Jing Yuan nodded with satisfaction, signaling the nearby Deserters to release Yuan Shouyi, saying with a smile, "City Lord Yuan, if you win this battle, I assure you by the name of the Divine Court that you will receive the best treatment, and will never be coerced again."

"..."

Twitching his eyelids, Yuan Shouyi eventually cupped his fists slightly toward Jing Yuan, saying solemnly, "Yuan Shouyi, at your command!"

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