Devil Gate Star, Jade Lake encampment.

  Just as Ding Kuang was concerned about Faceless’ army inbound for Devil Gate Star, he received word of the clash between said army and Heavenly Court.

  A Celestial Immortal said, “It’s better if we retreat!”


  Ding Kuang glared. Fleeing before the battle was a one-way trip to a century in prison. For Jade Lake, a century wasn’t much but no one wanted to experience such life.

  This was desertion.

  Once withdrawn from the Three-headed Dragon Constellation, the Faceless would make sure they would never step a foot inside.

  Another Celestial Immortal exclaimed, “General, we’ll just have to fight Faceless!”


  Ding Kuang’s glare came with a vengeance. Going out to face a Faceless? Do you think it’s enough to win?

  A Faceless’ head was packed with contributions but also laced with countless traps.

  The Faceless was always proficient in using uncanny methods to gather power. Once he came out, everything was laid to dust!

  To attack was out of the question, and the same went for retreating. Ding Kuang chose the easiest path, to cross swords with his army for a brief period then retreat. This way they wouldn’t die from Faceless either.

  A messenger entered, “General, someone from Heavenly Court requests an audience!”


  Ding Kuang waved, “Since he’s here, show him in!”


  Duan Shou walked in dressed in Heavenly Court garb. He let his eyes roam and when he spotted Ding Kuang, a trace of Gold Immortal energy leaked from him, “In my opinion, letting others withdraw would be a more sensible choice.”


  Ding Kuang’s shivered, Where did a Gold Immortal come from? He’s not Heavenly Court’s. What’s his plan in coming here? “Withdraw!”


  As the hall was cleared, Duan Shou thought of his original plan to have the two factions join together and keep the Faceless occupied. He would then be hiding among Heavenly Court and steal the Soul Beads.

  But he didn’t consider Faceless’ resolve. Just as his army arrived, he was already at Heavenly Court’s throat. Jade Lake was now hesitating, an action Duan Shou could surmise as to why. It had no way out.

  Heavenly Court’s only choice was to fight, while Jade Lake could either join or flee. I have to say, this Faceless knows how to grasp the hearts of men. His control is exquisite!

  If Jade Lake stalled for long, his window would close. He was strong, but not enough to face an army.

  Ding Kuang questioned, “Who exactly are you?”


  Duan Shou chuckled as he tore away the golden armor to reveal his great saber and ten metal skulls in all their glory, “You ought to listen to what I have to say.”


  Ding Kuang was in shock, “You’re a Blade from the Heavenly Bat Constellation!”


  “Let’s make a deal. I offer you the head of Three-headed Dragon Constellation’s Faceless and you hand over the Soul Bead. You will earn huge merit and I complete Sire Faceless’ mission.”


  “You can track him?”


  This Faceless was beyond bizarre. Duan Shou lost him several times already, how could he track him? But he would never admit to this. How else will I make Ding Kuang join me? “Sire Faceless has had his eye on him for a long long time.”


  “What is sir planning?”


  “Simple, Heavenly Court’s fate is sealed, with no hope of survival. When they’re through, his army and Blades will be exhausted from battle. If you meet them, you will gain the upper hand, killing his Blades. This will draw him out and that’s when I’ll kill him. His army will descend in chaos and will flee. Their defeat is guaranteed!”


  Ding Kuang took his time pondering over his words. He would finally get to say he killed a new Faceless. He would just have to make some random Celestial Immortal as a scapegoat for losing the Soul Bead.

  Plus, with Faceless’ army taken care of, who knew, Since Duan Shou is alone, I can kill him at the end of it all and have both Faceless’ head and the Soul Bead!

  Ding Kuang asked on purpose, “I heard Faceless have a rule. While at war with each other, they must not borrow another’s power. Won’t this plan violate such rule?”


  “That’s only valid among Faceless. A Faceless can’t, but I can. I am a Blade.”


  Ding Kuang was exuberant, “That’s perfect. I have heard of sir’s name and, since I have your help, I will set out at once!”


  Heavenly Court battlefield.

  Lu Qingxuan broke the lines, Li Suyi pounced with his army, and Shan Qingfeng was raging trying to reach the first.

  Chen Ming was sure of Lu Qingxuan and Yang Hun’s power, that they were more than capable of beating Shan Qingfeng. Since victory is settled, there’s no need to mind the rest.

  It was time to try out that bold plan of his.

  He took off his mask and pretended he only now woke up. He sat on the golden-winged roc, Let’s see if I can steal Shan Qingfeng’s head from under them.

  Lu Qingxuan finished his task, his assault breaking the battlefield to pieces, and was now moving in on Shan Qingfeng.

  The two met among the chaos. Lu Qingxuan hammered Heaven-drawn Halberd from overhead, causing Shan Qingfeng to stagger back three feet, hands numb.

  Why does this Lu Qingxuan have such dreadful power? I never heard of him!

  Chen Ming rode his roc, keeping a safe distance from the two. He was like a dog, hunting for the perfect moment to strike. He was playing the critic, gauging the players’ remaining life!

  On his wait, Chen Ming heard two heavenly soldiers’ talk, “The barbarian on this roc must be a shaman!

  “They don’t have much power, let’s kill him!”


  Chen Ming cursed, Blast it! How am I supposed to beat two Celestial Immortals?

  If these two got to him, he’d be a true martyr. Once started I can’t back out!’


  Chen Ming urged the roc to double back but the Celestial Immortals never let up.