Chapter 577: Cruel and Inhumane, Holy Slave Number Two

"Glaring?" Xu Xiaoshou felt Shou Ye's murderous glare, finding it both amusing and a little touching.

Frankly, Lan Ling's mind had completely unraveled. Indeed, no one present could process what was happening. Even Xu Xiaoshou himself was almost getting confused, let alone others.

Earlier, with Yu Zhiwen's betrayal, he had thought he was surely doomed. At the very least, with the information Yu Zhiwen shared, it would have been effortless for the Red Clothes and others to expose his identity.

But now, seeing the reactions of Shou Ye, Lan Ling, and the others, Xu Xiaoshou realized something. Yu Zhiwen had indeed guessed his identity and, from the perspective of the Red Clothes faction, had directly chosen to reveal it. However, her revelation only stated that "Xu Xiaoshou might be here." This phrase could encompass two meanings: first, that there was another Xu Xiaoshou hiding nearby; second, that it referred to himself.

"But she didn't elaborate..." Xu Xiaoshou secretly felt fortunate that he hadn't killed her in a fit of rage, but instead had taken her into his Yuanfu. Otherwise, the misunderstanding would have been immense!

Judging by Lan Ling's reaction, it wasn't hard to guess that Yu Zhiwen wasn't the only one who had suspected his identity earlier. It was even possible that Lan Ling's various conjectures about him were more extensive than Yu Zhiwen's.

In such circumstances, perhaps if Yu Zhiwen had chosen to reveal his identity step by step, it might have genuinely preserved his secret. But there was a greater possibility that Lan Ling, if she eventually disbelieved or held onto a shred of hope, would have chosen to test him. And Xu Xiaoshou knew he absolutely couldn't have withstood that test.

Yet, Yu Zhiwen had done the opposite. She directly steered the Red Clothes' thoughts towards the idea that he was the real Xu Xiaoshou. Doing so could easily provoke him into a furious attack, stifling the revelation in its infancy. But she dared to do it!

She even waited until the very last moment, uttering the word "run," which fundamentally shattered Lan Ling's entire thought process, causing her to lose even the courage to verify his identity.

It must be said, that was truly brilliant.

But... "Why would she protect me?" Xu Xiaoshou wondered. That cry of "run"—Xu Xiaoshou himself had only thought of using it that way at the very last moment.

By using "Transformation" to mimic Yu Zhiwen's voice, he could incinerate people within the White Flame's burning barrier, which blocked spiritual senses. At the same time, a single word could shatter Lan Ling's mind, causing her thoughts to completely collapse.

This was also Xu Xiaoshou's only method of self-preservation at the critical moment. There was no other.

But he never imagined that before he even used "Transformation" to speak, Yu Zhiwen had already endured immense pressure to shout that exact phrase to him.

A single word, "run," had turned the tide and resolved a deadly situation.

"But..." "Why protect me?" Xu Xiaoshou could discern Yu Zhiwen's stance. She was undeniably a typical member of the Holy Divine Palace, and it was impossible for her to shield an opponent, even if they had traveled together for a few days. Yet, for such a minor reason, she had abandoned telling the Red Clothes the truth and chosen to protect him? He couldn't figure it out... So he simply stopped thinking about it!

Xu Xiaoshou didn't have any more time to dwell on Yu Zhiwen's actions. Facing so many formidable enemies, he had to summon all his focus. After all, the show wasn't over yet!

"I really didn't expect that after directly incinerating the Holy Maiden of the Holy Divine Palace, you guys would be so scared that you wouldn't dare to act." Xu Xiaoshou only dared to mock this silently in his mind.

The planned outcome of the Red Clothes rioting due to Yu Zhiwen's death and subsequently breaking open the ancient book space simply hadn't occurred. Clearly, that single word "run" not only turned the tide but also intimidated the Red Clothes, making them retreat slightly.

And so, Xu Xiaoshou scanned the people around him, his gaze settling on Shou Ye, who was seething with anger, and smiled indifferently.

"As for Xu Xiaoshou, this old man has nothing more to say." His tone shifted, becoming teasing, "However, the previous wager won't change just because that little girl died. After all, this old man only received half of what was owed."

"You dare?!" Shou Ye exploded in rage instantly, but surprisingly, he didn't advance, merely shouting and remaining rooted to the spot.

"Then... want to try?" Xu Xiaoshou remained completely unafraid. He didn't actually want to court death like this, provoking the Red Clothes at such a critical juncture. But the performance had reached this point... He had to do it!

*Whoosh.* His gaze swept over the Red Clothes, and everyone felt a chill run through their hearts.

At the last moment, Xu Xiaoshou's eyes focused on the seemingly invisible youth in the field, who always stayed behind the Red Clothes.

Yu Zhiwen had little connection to you all, so her death wouldn't ignite much rage. But that guy, he should work, right? The one who held the secret of the Red Clothes Ghost Beast and was also the disciple of Sword Immortal Wuyue—Lu Ke!

"Lan Ling, it's Xiao Ke!" Xin noticed the Holy Slave's Second Boss's gaze focusing and was utterly stunned. Was this guy poisonous? He didn't target anyone else, only the one with the most powerful background? It was fortunate that no outsider knew about Xiao Ke being Sword Immortal Wuyue's disciple. Otherwise, the Holy Slave's Second Boss's primary target would definitely have been this kid!

"Protect Xiao Ke!" Xin roared out loud. By this time, his physical injuries had almost healed with the aid of elixirs. As long as it wasn't an accident like before, he still had the strength to fight.

"Little one, are you here for training?" Xu Xiaoshou ignored everything else, just smiling at Lu Ke.

He could tell the Red Clothes might have a plan; otherwise, they wouldn't let him target someone like this. But a plan was good! It would be best if it helped him blow up this ancient book space so they could all escape together—that would be truly perfect.

*Buzz—* The famous sword Azure Scaled Spine trembled violently, seemingly sensing immense pressure. But even if he raised the renowned sword in his hand like a dauntless swordsman, Lu Ke was already trembling so much that he couldn't even make a sound.

This was a powerful figure from the same generation who had fought his master! If it were anyone else, no matter how strong, Lu Ke felt he could remain unfazed. But, strangely, the comparison was so jarring. His master, who was insurmountable in his eyes, had an opponent, and that opponent was now targeting him!

"The dignified Holy Slave's Second Boss, has no sense of being a powerful figure? Only targeting the weakest person?" Sweat poured down Lu Ke's forehead. He no longer knew whether to call this old man undignified or to praise his vicious insight.

*Whoosh.* A gentle breeze swept through the void. For the third time, the old man, clutching his straw hat, vanished into thin air. The Storyteller's eyes narrowed. This was the third time he had witnessed this spiritual skill. Yet, at his current cultivation level, he still couldn't discern how the Second Boss managed it. There wasn't even a trace of Heavenly Dao fluctuations. The Storyteller hadn't even sensed a hint of Holy Dao aura. What exactly was this skill of the Second Boss?

"Lan Ling!" Shou Ye roared, unable to remain still any longer, no longer putting his hopes in the plan. "Teleportation array, follow me!"

With that command given, he kicked through the void, and when he reappeared, it was as if he had extended his hand from a spatial rift, directly gripping Lu Ke's stiff left shoulder.

*Snap.* At the same time, the straw-hatted old man's figure appeared on Lu Ke's other side, placing a hand on Lu Ke's right shoulder.

Both of them turned their heads simultaneously, their eyes meeting over Lu Ke's head.

Before Shou Ye could act, Xu Xiaoshou had already withdrawn his surprised gaze from the spatial rift and chuckled, "So fast? You want this kid too?"

After a pause, he added, "How about one for each of us?"

*Click.* Shou Ye froze instantly. That strong, vulgar style of speech... For a moment, he even felt he wasn't facing the legendary Holy Slave's Second Boss, but that scoundrel Xu Xiaoshou!

But his mind only wavered for a single instant. Shou Ye realized he was already a step too late.

He only heard a soft sound by his ear. The Holy Slave's Second Boss had already turned sideways, wielding the Four-Edge Sword in his hand, and fiercely slashed towards him.

The immense force emanating from Lu Ke's body also warned Shou Ye that if he truly exerted force, the result would only be tearing Lu Ke in half, one for each of them.

What was even more despairing was that this dead old man with ink-dark eye bags, the direction his Four-Edge Sword was slashing, was not himself. It was Lu Ke's left shoulder! He intended to pull the person over...

Not to mention Lu Ke couldn't withstand such immense tearing force. Even if he could, the time it took to turn his body sideways would be enough for the Four-Edge Sword to cleave into Lu Ke's right shoulder.

"Utterly shameless!" Shou Ye was going mad. He had no retreat, so he could only gently push Lu Ke, sending him towards the Holy Slave's Second Boss.

At the same time, he quickly dodged, avoiding the Four-Edge Sword's attack, which was filled with malevolent demonic energy.

Blackness ripped through the void. The Holy Slave's Second Boss's slightly raised, triumphant smirk was utterly detestable at that moment.

At the same time, Lu Ke's deeply hidden despair and fear were also cast upon him.

"It failed..." Shou Ye watched helplessly as Lu Ke was pulled away, his heart almost splitting. At that moment, he wished the Holy Slave's Second Boss would die on the spot. But he was powerless.

"Your senior, he abandoned you, you know." Xu Xiaoshou leaned down and said to the completely stiff Lu Ke, "He personally pushed you over. Did you feel it? Did you remember his face?"

"Hate him! Despise him! In despair..."

"I'll kill you!!!" Lu Ke could no longer endure the nagging in his ear. Fury surged in his heart, strength returned to his body, and he raised his famous sword, slashing horizontally towards that ugly, gaunt old face.

"Good sword." Xu Xiaoshou circled in mid-air, and with a slight hand movement, he flipped the unsuspecting Lu Ke, causing his sword to cut downwards from the sky.

At the same time, a powerful roar came from behind him. "Old ghost, die!" The air was directly shattered by Xin's kick.

But Xu Xiaoshou seemed to have eyes in the back of his head, capable of surveying the entire scene. How could he not know that when Shou Ye moved, Xin also rushed towards him? With a delighted chuckle, he turned his body, aiming Lu Ke's sword at Xin's incoming kick.

"Holy crap!" Xin instantly cursed. He never imagined someone could be this shameless! There wasn't even a shred of grace befitting a powerful figure in the Holy Slave's Second Boss; it was practically a negative value!

At the critical moment, Xin quickly retracted his foot, pulling back all his strength and spiritual energy. Even though it made his Qi Sea tremble violently, Xin absolutely could not kick Lu Ke in the face. His head exploding would be a minor matter. Attacking his own people was utterly out of the question.

However, while Xin was able to withdraw his hand and possessed self-control, the enraged Lu Ke, slashing horizontally with his sword, had no sense of restraint whatsoever.

With the frenzied infusion of sword intent, the Azure Scaled Spine even cut black lines in the void. *Whoosh!* The sword struck without a hint of suspense. Half a foot flew out, slamming hard onto Lu Ke's left cheek, leaving a large splattering of blood, before flying off.

The air fell silent.

"Ah—" Lu Ke completely broke down! Crimson blood flowed from his nose into his wide, horrified mouth. Lu Ke's pupils trembled, he couldn't even hold his sword steady, and he simply fell weakly.

"Xin... Master Xin?" His sword strike had been aimed at the Holy Slave's Second Boss. How was it that Master Xin was the one injured?!

Lu Ke clutched his head, his lips twitching, opening and closing several times as he tried to ask something, but the words only trembled twice before dissolving into air.

"Xiao Ke..." Xin's mouth twisted bitterly. He didn't blame Lu Ke for not being able to stop his hand. If anything was to blame, it was that the famous sword Azure Scaled Spine was truly too sharp. And combined with being used by a brutal old man, Lu Ke had simply become a marvelous weapon in the opponent's hands against the Red Clothes!

"Yes, exactly like that." Xu Xiaoshou smiled as he pulled the completely broken-willed youth closer, speaking like a devil: "The Red Clothes abandoned you, and your sword is pointed at them. This is the most natural, the most correct choice. You've done really well! Hatred, betrayal, disgust... indeed, they are the best catalysts for a person's growth. See, you can already harm a Dao Severing expert. That's truly remarkable." Xu Xiaoshou praised him sincerely.

"Shut up!!!" Lu Ke abruptly covered his ears, screaming hysterically, his eyes bloodshot with remorse.

Xu Xiaoshou smiled, pointing to the famous sword that had fallen to the ground with a clang. "Don't you want it? This is a good item." Lu Ke suddenly snapped out of it. With a clench of his hand, he summoned the famous sword Azure Scaled Spine back.

Xu Xiaoshou nodded, smiling. He had experimented earlier; such renowned swords, bound to their masters, couldn't even be contained within the Yuanfu. At this moment, he wouldn't lower himself to pick up the sword only for it to be summoned back. The Holy Slave's Second Boss had a reputation to uphold; he couldn't afford to lose face.

When the famous sword Azure Scaled Spine returned to Lu Ke's hand, the void quieted somewhat. Shou Ye and Xin no longer dared to advance. They didn't know what the Holy Slave's Second Boss would do with Lu Ke in his hands. And Xu Xiaoshou...

"Well done." Xu Xiaoshou watched the youth pick up the renowned sword and praised, "After all, it's a famous sword; you absolutely mustn't let it fall into the hands of these ruthless Red Clothes. You hold onto it for this old man for now. If anyone continues to attack you, just cut them down. Don't be polite."

The entire scene fell silent. Lu Ke's face was ashen, his lips twitched, and a choked sob escaped his nose. He had no idea what to do. He wanted to throw the sword away, but he feared it would be taken by the Holy Slave. He didn't want to throw the sword, but it would injure his own Red Clothes allies.

"Hiss." The Storyteller, observing from afar, couldn't help but shiver. "Demon, the Second Boss is the real demon." "Who can withstand this? This guy is clearly a pervert..."

"Received Curse, Passive points: 16.""Received Fear, Passive points: 19."

"Lan Ling!!!" Shou Ye, who had been rooted at the back, not daring to advance, could no longer restrain himself and roared in fury.

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...* As that cry fell, several beams of light suddenly descended from the void, directly enveloping the Red Clothes.

*Whoosh.* When one of the light beams tried to encompass Lu Ke as well, Xu Xiaoshou stepped forward, directly taking the place of the youth in his hand.

Lan Ling's entire face instantly contorted. With a flick of her hand, the beam of light sharply curved in mid-air, shot into the ground, and vanished.

Even if she couldn't bring Lu Ke back, there was nothing else to be done at this moment. The ancient book space had to be broken. After all this preparation, this was the only path to salvation. Otherwise, within this space, the Holy Slaves would be the butchers and the Red Clothes would be the fish, left to be slaughtered at will!

Lan Ling clasped her hands together and roared, "Heaven Sealing Grand Array, Collapse Heaven!"