Chapter 2553: Bowing

Chapter 2553: Bowing

Xue Muyao's eyes burned with defiance, her icy aura flaring around her like a storm. Blood dripped from the cut on her arm, staining the pristine white of her robes, but she stood tall, her gaze unwavering. The sword cultivator's blade hovered dangerously close to her throat, yet she refused to yield.

"Surrender to the Lord of Chaos?" she spat, her voice cold and sharp as the ice she commanded. "Never. I am the Endless Snow Empress. I bow to no one."

The sword cultivator's expression remained hidden beneath the shadow of his wide-brimmed hat, but his voice carried a chilling finality. "Then your people will suffer for your pride."

With a flick of his wrist, the sword cultivator sheathed his blade and turned away. Xue Muyao's heart clenched as she realized his intent. He wasn't here to kill her—he was here to break her. And he knew exactly how to do it.

Buzz—

The spatial rift that had brought him to the Endless Snow Kingdom shimmered ominously behind him. Without another word, he stepped through it, disappearing into the void.

Xue Muyao's instincts screamed at her to follow, but she hesitated. She knew she couldn't defeat him—not yet. His skill with the sword was beyond anything she had ever encountered.

But her hesitation cost her dearly.

Moments later, the skies above the Endless Snow Kingdom darkened. The pale blue heavens turned a sickly shade of grey, and the air grew heavy with an oppressive energy.

Ripp—

Xue Muyao's eyes widened as she saw the spatial rift expand, tearing open like a wound in the fabric of reality. From it poured creatures of chaos—twisted, grotesque beings that defied description. They descended upon the kingdom like a plague, their screams echoing across the frozen landscape.

"No!" Xue Muyao's voice rang out, filled with desperation. She raised her ice sword, summoning a blizzard to halt the invaders, but it was too late. The creatures were already spreading, their corruption seeping into the land.

"ARGHHH!!"

"Help!"

Xue Muyao took a deep breath and said. "Help everyone."

The elders exchanged glances and silently dispersed.

Xue Muyao raised her head to look at the sky and murmured to herself. "I can't escape in the end...?"

***

The Golden Qilin Kingdom.

Qi Zongwen stared at the horde of the creatures of chaos pouring out of the rift in the sky. After Yun Lintian's group had left, this phenomenon suddenly appeared, spreading throughout the entire realm.

"Master, please give us instructions," Qi Mu walked over and said solemnly.

The other elders also looked at him, waiting for Qi Zongwen to take action.

Qi Zongwen didn't say anything. His mind raced as he thought of his disciples who had died at Yun Lintian's hands. If they hadn't died, they would definitely have joined hands with these creatures and harmed the Golden Qilin Kingdom.

He turned to look at Qi Mu and said calmly, "Notify everyone. Prepare for battle."

"Yes!" Qi Mu responded readily and began to organize the troops.

"Hmm?" Suddenly, Qi Zongwen sensed a powerful aura that he had never sensed before emanating from the rift in the sky.

At this moment, a woman slowly walked out of the rift, followed by four General Class Shadow Demons.

If Yun Lintian were here, he would immediately recognize her. She was none other than Tantai Xue!

Tantai Xue swept her gaze over the verdant land below and finally paused at Qi Zongwen. "So, you are the Golden Qilin Emperor? Why do you look so weak?"