After the last bone had been incinerated, the Eerie Castle no longer existed within the Forest of Bones. Even the bones on the ground had been completely destroyed, revealing black dirt that had not seen the light of day in ten thousand years. Although Xi Ling had limited the area of the Heavenly Wrath of the Nine Suns, the surrounding area within 1,000 metres had been completely razed to the ground.

No matter how terrifying flames were, they were bound to die out sooner or later. When the last piece of the Eerie Castle had disappeared, the nine golden suns in the sky finally completely disappeared, and the flames also began to extinguish. Without the dark clouds covering up the sky, Ling Chens surroundings were no longer dark and gloomy.

A red silhouette began to drift downwards, seeming as light as cotton. Ling Chen walked forwards, and caught the drifting Xi Ling in her bird form in his hands.

Xi Lings body was no longer covered in flames, and her body was only barely warm. Her body quivered in his hands, and she tried to raise her head, but was unable to do so. She was only able to make a few weak noises.

Xi Ling Ling Chen bit his lips, and was only able to let out a helpless sigh. This result had been inevitable the moment Xi Ling had activated the Heavenly Wrath of the Nine Suns, and he could do nothing about it.

Xi Ling, you have the power of the Golden Crow, and are able to make even the Demon Emperor and ten ancient demon beasts tremble. I, on the other hand, am only a human who has just entered into this world. In this world, millions of my own lives would not be as valuable as even one of your feathers, why would you do this for me Ling Chen absentmindedly muttered to himself.

In this life, the things he had experienced the most were pain and suffering; the least were warmth and joy. Before meeting Shui Ruo, his entire world had been icy cold, and he himself was cold and heartless, like a demon. Shui Ruo had changed his entire life, and he was willing to use his entire life to repay her. The warmth and kindness she had shown him that year was forever engraved into his memories. Apart from Shui Ruo and her parents who had taken him in, Ling Chen had never thought himself to owe anyone anything

However, in this virtual world, this beast he had casually released had used her life to protect him again and again

Back then when I saved you, it was just something that I casually did, and never once expected you to do anything because of that when you sacrificed yourself for me at Lonely Spirit Ridge, you did not owe me anything anymore now, its only me who owes you; you did not have to save me like this at all.

If he had not chosen to enter the Eerie Castle, none of this would have happened, and Xi Ling would still be alive He had willingly accepted this sort of danger, even though he knew that he might face death- however, even if he did die, he would not regret it at all. Despite this, looking at Xi Ling in his hands, he realised right now, he was not by himself anymore. He now also had Xiao Hui and Xi Ling to think about- the choices he made would not only affect him, but also his companions.

Xi Ling could no longer reply to him, but if she could, her reply would definitely be, I am completely willing

For now, she wont die. Qi Yues sighing voice appeared in Ling Chens mind. She was also feeling very melancholic over Xi Lings choice. A powerful being possessing rootless flames giving up their life for a human was something that no one could ever accept.

You mean Hearing what Qi Yue had just said, Ling Chen was extremely shocked.

If she wasnt your pet, she would have died immediately. You have to remember, this is her second life, and her life force is linked to yours. As long as she is near you, she can remain alive from your life force however, her current condition isnt too far from being dead. Right now, shes not able to move or fight. Even if she uses all of her strength to just survive, she wont last for too long. Qi Yue replied.

Ling Chen twisted his hands together, and asked, Qi Yue, what I want to know is if theres any way to rescue Xi Ling youve lived for ten thousand years, so you must know things that other people dont know. There has to be a way, right?

Ling Chen did not receive an answer from Qi Yue but neither did she deny it.

Qi Yues reaction caused Ling Chen to see a faint glimmer of hope. He hurriedly asked, Qi Yue, do you really know of a way to save Xi Ling?

Qi Yue remained silent, as if she didnt want to tell Ling Chen. After a few seconds, she replied, You could say there is, but also isnt because right now, to little master, there is indeed a way to save Xi Ling, but its almost the same as not having one at all.

Qi Yues meaning was very obvious- although there was a method of saving Xi Ling, it was so difficult as to be almost the same as not having that method.

What method is it?! Quickly tell me! As long as I can rescue Xi Ling, even if it is as difficult as reaching up to the heavens, I still need to try!! Ling Chen resolutely said.

Alright, since little master is so insistent, Ill tell you later. However, little master dont you feel something is a bit weird? Qi Yue suddenly said.

Something weird? Ling Chen looked around him.

Most of the flames had already died down, and there were only little tongues of flame on the ground. Not too far away from him was the Warring Palace Skeleton on the ground. Although its body had somehow escaped being incinerated by the golden flames, it was undoubtedly dead. Next to its gigantic body, Ling Chen saw the black-clothed semi-spirit girl

Please dont die

Dont die

As she cried, she spoke with a small, trembling voice that could cause anyone to feel sympathetic for her. This girl had been here for a long, long time, and this gigantic skeleton had been her only companion, and possibly her only family. Now that it had died, she had broken down despite being a semi-spirit girl.

Right now, she was probably more devastated than Ling Chen who was about to lose Xi Ling she was crying her heart out, and seemed to have forgotten about Ling Chens existence.

That girl

Wait!!

Seeing the fallen skeleton, Ling Chen finally realised what the something strange was

The Warring Palace Skeleton had evidently been killed by Xi Ling, so why wasnt there a system announcement saying that this Heavens End Boss had been killed? Moreover, there were no SP or Fame Points rewards, nor was there any EXP given.

What was going on? Could it be that there were no rewards for killing this skeleton at all?

Please dont die

Please dont die

Dont die

Ling Chen looked at the girl, surprised. She didnt have a body, and definitely should not have tears. However, Ling Chen clearly saw her teardrops falling onto the Warring Palace Skeletons body. She repeated those few words over and over again in her soft, but trembling and desperate voice.

Please dont die

Dont die!!!!

Her weak voice suddenly became louder, pierced into Ling Chens ears. As she let out that piercing cry, a thick, black smog rose up from her body

What was that? Ling Chen began to have an uneasy feeling.

Boom

The ground began to shake as an oppressive aura started to weigh down on Ling Chens body and mind.

As the ground trembled, Ling Chens eyes widened as he saw the Warring Palace Skeleton begin to move again. The arm holding the massive sword slowly rose up, and its upper body sat up. Its dark eye sockets once again lit up with an eerie green flame

A sound that was not meant to be ever heard again sounded out in Ling Chens ears.

EvenifIdieIwillnotletyouharmthepersonIamprotecting

Allofyoufallintoanicyhell

Ling Chen: !!!!!!!