Chapter 107: Escape

The members of the Ashen Sect were not merely fleeing blindly; various divine arts were continuously unleashed, flames roared skyward, the earth transformed into molten lava, and the scorching heat was unbearable, all to block their pursuers.

Boer, the most formidable warrior, was restrained by Zhou Tian’s formation. Even though the others fought with all their might, it was nearly impossible to stop the Ashen sect’s retreat.

The Ashen Spear held Ming Ye firmly in place, with the Crimson Flame Divine Chain extending from the spear’s shaft, layer upon layer locking the void. Despite Ming Ye’s full effort, he could only resist the corrosion, unable to break free.

This was a divine technique that Anduin forced out by consuming his own divine blood to stir the deepest power of the Ashen Spear. He was not the Lord of Ashes; to unleash the spear’s full might, he had no choice but to use this forbidden art, which required a long period of recuperation afterward.

“You are no follower of the Evil God Cult, so why fight us to the death?” Boer suppressed his inner fury. He could not fathom Zhou Tian’s true strength. Despite obvious flaws in his defense, Zhou Tian blocked every attack and countered sharply, yet never struck first, as if toying with him.

Moreover, escaping from the Tribunal was almost unbelievable. This was an ancient remnant tribunal, not some trash they built themselves. Even with Anduin’s cooperation, it was jaw-dropping—so many beings were imprisoned there, yet why was only he able to work alongside Anduin?

“Why?” Boer demanded.

A pensive expression crossed Zhou Tian’s face.

“That was one afternoon, running beneath the setting sun, I lost…”

“Enough!” Boer roared sharply. Regardless of Zhou Tian’s hidden power, the Ashen Sect was about to leave Sailor City. Without his aid, the pursuing paladins were suffering heavy casualties.

A milky-white radiance blazed forth. Boer’s blood surged, sword in his left hand, holy fire kindling in his right, transforming into a sacred hammer that crashed toward Zhou Tian. Then, speed increased sharply, becoming a streak of light as he charged past Zhou Tian toward the Ashen Sect.

Zhou Tian shrugged helplessly, allowing the hammer forged of holy flames to strike him. “You ask why, then don’t let me answer—why are you so pretentious?”

In a flash, someone blocked Boer’s path. The strength level in the Forsaken Lands was seriously inflated, possibly due to lost inheritances. Boer, nearly at the Saint King realm with half a foot inside, lacked diverse skills. He only swung sword energy or hurled hammers, ignorant even of basic spatial manipulation, relying solely on physical speed. Overall, he was merely an average saint with well-developed limbs.

“My words aren’t finished yet. How rude you are,” Zhou Tian said displeased, then hurled the recently absorbed holy hammer back.

Boer furrowed his brow, raising a radiant shield to block the burning hammer. Deep down, he had a suspicion. At first, he thought Zhou Tian deliberately mimicked his moves to mock him. But seeing the white flames burning on the hammer, he realized things were more complicated.

Before he could investigate further, Boer’s face suddenly registered shock. He glanced back at Ming Ye, still locked in battle with the Ashen Spear, a fleeting look of unwillingness crossing his eyes.

“Members of the Holy God Cult, cease the pursuit!”

The numerous knights chasing stopped abruptly, exchanging bewildered looks, unsure what had happened.

Zhou Tian was also momentarily stunned—no more chase?

“I hope you will never regret what you did today,” Boer said calmly, his slightly aged face shifting from initial surprise to serenity as he addressed Zhou Tian.

Zhou Tian laughed, “Whether I regret it later, I don’t know. But I do know people must live for themselves—not for someone or something else.”

Boer’s expression remained stoic. He had moved beyond the realm of blind fanaticism, or rather, had reached a deeper understanding.

“My existence is for the Lord,” he said with the same calm certainty as stating, “I am hungry and must eat.”

Zhou Tian said no more. He could not say Boer was wrong, nor that the Forsaken Lands were wrong.

Right and wrong, correctness—there was never a clear boundary. Words no longer disturbed Boer’s heart.

Looking back, the Ashen Sect had already left Sailor City, and the Holy God Cult had no intention of continuing the pursuit. It seemed they genuinely gave up, not merely stalling.

Zhou Tian scratched his head, glanced at Boer.

“May your... Lord be blessed with health and longevity. Farewell.”

Initially, Zhou Tian wanted to bless Boer, but then thought perhaps blessing his Lord would please Boer more.

Boer’s gaze burned as he stared where Zhou Tian had vanished, whispering, “May the Lord redeem you.”

Zhou Tian continued to teleport along the path the Ashen Sect had taken, relentlessly pursuing. Before long, he caught up.

Seeing Zhou Tian follow, Zhang Yi and Mu Su visibly relaxed. The Ashen Sect did not pause, pressing on for hundreds, their footsteps relentless, not heading for their old lair near Sailor City.

With no pursuers, the Ashen Sect displayed the composure of a major religious order, splitting into groups to explore the terrain, inscribe runes, and erect simple defenses.

“Indeed, your sect’s elites move with such skill,” Zhou Tian murmured in admiration.

Anduin smiled awkwardly twice, admitting it was due to his insufficient strength that they had to keep hiding.

“Friend, thank you,” Anduin earnestly said to Zhou Tian.

“This was arranged—mutual help,” Zhou Tian waved it off; it was merely a transaction.

“Once I recover, I will settle accounts with the Holy God Cult,” Anduin said, rubbing his brow. This time, his vitality was severely depleted; the loss of divine blood meant a long recovery.

Zhou Tian glanced at him, ignoring the pretentiousness in that statement, and asked, “We escaped, but your sacred artifact remains in Sailor City—will you abandon it?”

Anduin gave a mysterious smile, his pale face eerie.

“Abandon it in Sailor City?”

Raising his left hand, a crimson light glowed, revealing the spearhead of the Ashen Spear.

The Ashen sect members nearby looked upon him with reverence.

Zhou Tian raised an eyebrow. Despite its broken form, the artifact was still formidable, self-guiding—and, inadvertently, giving Anduin yet another reason to show off.

Highly recommended!

Thanks to Supreme Jiuli for the generous reward—much appreciated!