CHAPTER 81: THE AFTERMATH.

Yi Xin Xue,

If the domain does not lie, then its cruelty lies not in chaos, but in structure. How unfathomable

She pressed a palm to the jade token.

Three deaths allowed. Three names burned. The fourth... must cost something. I feel like this domain wants us all dead. How can we fight against a near rank 6 beast?

Even a highly talented group of Qi Saint powerhouses might hardly fight against a peak rank 4 beast, noneless a peak rank 5 Nightfang with an emperor grade bloodline in the night where its regeneration is basically near-immortal.

She crouched behind a crooked flamewood tree, the bark still warm from some beast’s recent passing. The blood scent wasn’t fresh, but it lingered. She didn’t flinch.

She sat there and poured her Qi into the jade token that was now glowing red, telling that she was the only one alive. Noneless, her consciousness was taken into the space inside.

Upon the golden holographic projection of the

Young Master Zhao Fan and the companions, a delicate incense stick was gracefully smoldering.

( not the other 10, they have lost all 3 lives)

This sacred phenomenon, imbued with the essence of the Dao, was the essence for the Young Master’s revival. Once this incense is entirely burned, Young Master shall be resurrected.

As for the rest such as Pan Wei, Lu Tian... The way of the trials offers a path of mercy; one can choose to revive a fallen comrade for the sum of 1500 points.

While acquiring one’s own life is a humble expense, the act of restoring another comes at a steeper price, demanding 50% more of one’s resources.

Could such be the delicate balance of existence, where the value of life is both precious and costly? The decisions weigh heavily, reflecting the truths of the cultivation journey.

Additionally, it suddenly came to her attention that, the incense appears to be burning at a considerably slower rate than usual.

Wasn’t it a one Agar incense?

This raises an important question in her mind: could it be possible that this slower burn indicates that the process of resurrecting the Young Master and others will also take a longer time than initially anticipated?

It seems to be burning like a Fugger Incense. ( 2 hours)

Yi Xin Xue’s thoughts trembled like the flickering flame of the incense. The jade token pulsed with an ominous warmth, mirroring her turmoil, but she couldn’t even curse this domain.

She quickly ran away from there too knowing that after feasting on Young Master and Yin sister’s flesh, those wolves might be looking for her.

After an hour and 40 minutes, she was silently exploring and picking a few rare plants left and right but, unknowing she came across another group.

"Elder! Look a jade maiden..." A perverted Daoist uttered.

"Ho ho!" chuckled the elder with long white beard flowing like waterfall, his voice rich and full of mirth, echoing like the gentle chimes of distant bells.

His eyes sparkled with a mischievous gleam as he regarded the young one before him, whose skin glimmered like smooth jade under the soft glow of the moonlight, reminiscent of the precious stones revered in sacred temples.

"Ah, hah hah, Jade-like skin, a treasure bestowed by the heavens, as if woven from the very essence of nature itself... You shall bring warmth to this Elder’s nights, illuminating the shadows that linger in the corners of this humble dwelling," he continued, a knowing smile dancing upon his lips, hinting at a deeper understanding of the mysteries that bind youth and age, spirit and flesh.

True scholarly intent.

"Don’t you feel honor to serve this Seat!?"

Yi Xin Xue felt the weight of the Elder’s gaze as his words floated around her like a thick cloud of incense.

The moment dripped with danger — he was a figure of authority in this lawless domain with 14 minions, and she was alone.

Honor? Is that what they call it here?

She thought, maintaining a facade of calm.

To be viewed as a possession rather than a person?

Her heart raced, reminding her of the precarious balance between survival and submission in this wretched space.

She clenched her jade token.

The other members of the group loomed behind the Elder, their hungry eyes filled with a mix of lust and ambition.

With a practiced grace, Yi Xin Xue bowed just enough to acknowledge the Elder’s presence while concealing her disdain.

"Thank you, Great Elder," she said, her voice smooth and steady, betraying nothing of her inner turmoil. "But I am on a journey of my own. Perhaps another time would be more fitting for such... illumination."

The Elder chuckled, his amusement echoing off the trees.

"A journey, Jade fairy speaks of? How unpredictable and chaotic life can be in this domain! Yet here we are, converging upon a fate that may have been woven long ago." His smile was enigmatic, but Yi Xin Xue caught a glimmer of cunning within his eyes.

She knew she had to tread carefully. The risk of drawing attention was too great; she had survived this long through stealth and cunning.

As the Elder continued to wax poetic about the profound mysteries of life and beauty, her mind behan to form plan.

With a subtle shift in stance, she edged backward, testing the waters of their interest.

"Future encounters may yield greater benefits for us both, Elder," she said, sensing her opportunity.

She didn’t wished to offend them, and wanted to maintain the peace, after all, this isn’t the moment to act strong. There is thin line between stupidity and pride.

The Elder’s expression morphed slightly, revealing a delicate yet unmistakable flicker of interest igniting beneath the surface, as if a long-dormant ember had been stirred to life.

His brows furrowed, and for a brief moment, the stoic facade he usually maintained faltered, feeling as if his authority was challenged.

"Ignorant woman," he began, his voice low and layered with an undercurrent of incredulity. "How dare you reject my peaceful offering, a gesture extended with the sincere hope of fostering understanding and harmony between our worlds?" His tone held both a challenge and an invitation, as if he were not only questioning her decision but also beckoning her to reconsider the profound implications of her choice.

"Else don’t blame me for being cruel..."