Nightfall

A Bold Change For The Better

If the greenery in the valley formed a complete picture, then the Abbey Dean would be a part of it as well. However, at the same time, he was also outside of the picture. More specifically, it seemed like there was another smaller picture hidden in the complete picture, and the Abbey Dean was actually part of the smaller picture.

The smaller picture was a mezzanine of the breath of nature. It was a secondary dimension that existed between the dimension of reality. As he stood in that space, it seemed that he was very near, but in reality he was a lot further away. It seemed like he was in the picture, but in truth he was inside another picture that was inside the picture.

The parameter within a few feet of the Abbey Dean’s surroundings was affected by the breath of nature exuded by the mezzanine, hence it felt like the season of spring was at its peak. Baby green buds decorated the trees and yellow flowers were dotted everywhere among the grass. Ning Que’s iron cutlass of thousand slashes cut out the Yi Talisman, it could slice the green buds and blooming flowers into pieces, but not the coming of spring. Spring inherently took no form.

The spring breeze blew, and the leaves swayed in the wind. The Abbey Dean’s figure flashed to a safe distance, approximately ten yards away from the edge of the lake. Far away from the terrifying Talisman Intent and blade intent, which prevented him from entering the area.

It was like the wall of a fortress, people from the outer side cannot enter, but at the same time the people on the inside cannot exit as they please. It became a prison cell in the end, regardless of the fortress or lake.

Ning Que had gotten himself imprisoned twice in Chang’an city, hence he was no stranger to this situation.

“You should not have left Chang’an city,” called out the Abbey Dean as he stared at Ning Que, his expression calm and gentle as always, reminiscent of the spring breeze. It was as if he was an elder that understood all that happens under the sky, providing sincere and genuine advice, “You do not have any chance of winning.”

Ning Que knew that what he said was right. His biggest hope to gain victory over the Abbey Dean or the Drunkard, who were both Grand Cultivators, would rest on the most powerful weapon in his arsenal: the God-stunning Array in Chang’an. It was passed down by his teacher, and to leave Chang’an would mean abandoning the weapon ten thousand miles away from him. In other words, it amounted to suicide.

But he had to leave Chang’an.

On that fateful day, while snowflakes fell gently in the wind, he had made this decision and will not regret it. He was aware that the Abbey Dean planned to kill Sangsang, and he was the only one who could find Sangsang before the Abbey Dean does.

I should stop thinking about had happened, but instead think about is about to happen.

Ning Que looked the Talisman Intent that completely surrounded the lake. He remained silent as he tried to figure out his next step. The moment the blade intent disappeared, he would leave, as far as he could. Sangsang would be safe if the Abbey Dean could not perceive her world.

Everything he did was to provide a chance for her to escape, although it might eliminate his own chances of surviving. He glanced at the big black horse, fully aware that it would most likely die alongside him. Regret and pity for the creature raged in his heart.

However, the big black horse did not meet his gaze. It refused to see the apologetic look in his eyes. It wasn’t acting cute or demonstrating its usual antics of silliness or arrogance. It was merely staring sharply at the Abbey Dean who was at the other side of the lake, like a warrior ready for the final battle.

Ning Que felt rather touched. He smiled softly while caressing the mane on its neck. Abruptly, his smile disappeared, seriousness washing over his face.
A clear cracking sound could be heard coming from behind him.