Chapter 84: Chapter 84: If not now, then never

Astral tightly grasped Eren's wrist, exerting immense pressure that nearly crushed it. Despite Eren's attempts to free himself, Astral stubbornly held on, seemingly intent on delivering more punishment.

Xiu Ying had been standing quietly, following Eren's instructions to let him handle the situation. However, when she saw the pain etched on Eren's face, she couldn't restrain herself any longer.

"Release him!" she exclaimed, rushing forward.

Astral sneered, acknowledging her presence. A thin, protective spatial barrier materialized before his eyes, shielding him from Xiu Ying's alluring charm, which posed the greatest threat.

The barrier not only provided protection but also heightened his vision.

With this skill, Astral could utilize space to enhance his sight. Time seemed to slow down as he observed every minute detail unfolding before him.

It was one of the invaluable abilities that the real Astral had taught him, enabling him to survive countless brutal battles in the past.

Astral finally released his grip on Eren's wrist, clenching his fist tightly. He meticulously studied every movement Xiu Ying made, as if time had come to a crawl for him.

While most people would have been caught off guard by Xiu Ying's attack, Astral proved to be different. He gracefully evaded her strikes, leaving no room for even the slightest of her movements to escape his watchful gaze.

"It would have been more difficult if you had launched a long-range attack, given your abilities," Astral stated, appearing behind Xiu Ying.

"But it seems you didn't want to harm him. Nonetheless, it was a foolish decision to get close to me!"

Drawing upon his abilities, Astral manipulated space to his advantage. Another layer of spatial energy enveloped his fist, transforming it into an unstoppable force akin to a mountain.

With a powerful strike, Astral's fist collided with Xiu Ying's back, sealing her fate.

The impact of Astral's strike was felt through Xiu Ying's body.

Her body crashed against the window, shattering it into a million shards. She was sent flying out the window, coughing blood.

"Well, that woke me up."

Astral stood tall, a twisted smile playing on his lips.The spatial energy surrounding his fist dissipated, leaving behind a lingering aura of dominance.

"As for you..." Astral looked back at Xiu Ying, who was standing in silence, a trail of blood still visible around her lips.

"I don't understand why you care for him. But I am curious to see. Will you sacrifice your life to save him? Or will you risk his life to survive?"

He had a feeling that Xiu Ying was going to choose herself. There was no way she was going to give her life for another man.

Xiu Ying looked at Eren, and only smiled. Her voice appeared in Eren's head.

"This vacation was the best time of my life, as I got to spend it with you. But it seems this is as far as my happiness lasts."

Eren could only hear her mental transmission, but he could not use cultivation. He could not return a message that only she could hear.

"Stop this nonsense! Just trust me on this! I will be fine!" Eren was growing impatient, worried about Xiu Ying's safety.

Xiu Ying did not believe Eren on this. She thought he was just saying that to make her attack, because he wanted her to survive, even at the cost of his own life.

"Hmm? What am I seeing? The man wants to die for the woman, and the woman for the man? Is this what they call love?" Astral couldn't help but laugh, although beneath his laughter, there was anger.

He had experienced firsthand the futility of love when he was betrayed by the person he loved the most.

"You will soon realize how useless love is," he told Eren, already anticipating Xiu Ying's response.

He believed she would attack them after putting on a facade. Before ending her life, he wanted Eren to witness this scene, to understand what he had gone through.

Astral even wondered if he could manipulate Eren into killing her instead.

"I am your enemy. I killed your people. Let him go. He has nothing to do with this," Xiu Ying pleaded, falling to her knees, shocking Astral yet again.

Frustration tugged at Astral's lips. Was she still pretending? Did she truly believe he wouldn't kill her?

Eren, too, was taken aback. He had hoped she would retaliate, but instead, she was willing to sacrifice herself for his safety. He knew he couldn't let that happen. If things continued like this, she would die.

He had one chance to save her, one use of the Pendant of Strength remaining. And now, with Astral right beside him, it was the perfect opportunity.

He activated the Pendant of Strength!