"He had no intent to cross swords with the Shade, for there had been no enmity between them from the onset. Preserving peace and tranquility served the interests of all involved.43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqISqJuOv1
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz1cP6ajqM
In this juncture, the Shade approached a shelf, deftly seizing a tome he knew well, stowing it away within his pouch. Clearly, this manuscript was his coveted treasure.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFw5Zfennv
"Here concludes our encounter. Farewell," declared the Shade, eager to depart upon obtaining the tome. Yet, Alexander suddenly interposed, halting his departure.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zC5kJkYOg
Turning slowly, the Shade queried with some discontent, "Do you have further inquiries?"
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEaQYxaDNr
"Fear not, I harbor no intention to oppose you further. I am merely puzzled by some unresolved matters," Alexander remarked with a smile. "We have fought side by side before, and today, as we part ways, who knows when we shall meet again?"
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gtk5f7EIk
"How about removing your hood, allowing me a glimpse of your true visage?"
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBrfVtqAiL
This request stemmed solely from Alexander's curiosity, never expecting the Shade to acquiesce. After all, the Shade concealed his identity for a reason—to remain hidden. How could a mere request alter his resolve?
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BM7FVaN3m
Yet, reality often defied expectations. Slowly unveiling his hood, the Shade revealed a visage of exquisite beauty to Alexander's astonishment. Silver locks cascaded down, framing a countenance fair as porcelain, adorned with a faint blush upon alabaster cheeks.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiS7WNGVz5
As creamy as condensed milk, brows akin to distant mountains, eyes like shimmering pools, lips red as cherries, she appeared like a celestial maiden descended to mortal realms, leaving Alexander momentarily spellbound.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIHmPyImKz
Before doubting the Shade's identity, Alexander had entertained various thoughts. Yet, he never imagined that behind that hoarse voice lay such a woman.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDBWcY9RYf
If Meng Qingning's beauty epitomized youthful charm, and Xia Yanzhi's allure exuded mature elegance with a touch of transcendence, then compared to this silver-haired maiden before him, both would pale in comparison.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssXnrExV0v
Her beauty was pure, divine, unapproachable, akin to a celestial being, evoking an involuntary sense of inferiority.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy09BN1sPhb
Now, Alexander was even somewhat apprehensive. Such a woman, with a voice as coarse as sandpaper behind the hood, was akin to blasphemy against perfection!
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB0WC8M6Ug
"Are you satisfied now?" The silver-haired maiden spoke suddenly, her voice crisp and melodious, akin to pearls cascading upon jade plates, or the gentle rustling of leaves in the mountains.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFtk4ZV12D
The Shade's expression shifted, his demeanor transforming from tension to resignation. There was no point in prolonging this confrontation. "You are correct. I have indeed come in search of a certain item. It holds no value for you, yet it is of paramount importance to me."
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnxMqkVDSu
"All the treasures in this chamber are yours to take. Let us part ways in peace," the Shade offered.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpHtRb0Ftg
Alexander nodded earnestly, already assessing the situation on the field, his gaze subtly shifting towards Wei Wujie and the others who had fallen from poison. Their lives were not in danger, but their cultivation was temporarily sealed. With some rest, they would recover.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HXSD9UN3n
Continuing this stalemate served no purpose.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMrJFmaSxI
"Be it so," he said. "What are you doing? Did you not hear my command?" Damien exclaimed upon witnessing Alexander's hesitation. "You should know that with your abilities, you are no match for me. I do not believe you possess any means to contend with a Nascent Divinity cultivator!"
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPC7rWby062
In the face of Alexander's threat, the Shade pondered for a long time before finally giving an answer that was clearly not what Alexander desired.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIowDu0nmyn
Seeing Alexander's confident smile, he concluded that Alexander's speculation was correct. The Shade had come to this Celestial Temple not for any treasure, but for something of great importance to him, likely related to the temple's master.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WOYBtWfk0
Now, it seemed that the Shade had relinquished his intention to act.
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsytBaSWYHm
"You are quite clever, Alexander," the Shade's voice grew even hoarser. "But do you not understand that the smarter one is, the harder it is to live?"
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoOIfx8iMY
"Apologies, but I do not care about the future. I only care about being alive now," Alexander shrugged casually. "Are you not tired of constantly worrying about what lies ahead?"
43Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhFh6k9tEF
Upon the spacious and majestic hall, countless cultivators congregated. A youth clad in coarse linen stood tall, his ordinary robes failing to conceal his indomitable spirit and defiant countenance. Facing the figure seated at the head of the assembly, regal as a deity, Damien, he exuded an air of dignified pride."
ns216.73.216.27da2
