73 The Chase Ends (1/2)

Quan Zhen concentrates all his waning power into forming the demonic flames, with a final burst of energy he heads straight at the Astral Void Beast. Jiang Bai can sense the tremendous amount of demonic energy in Quan Zhen's hands. The palace is in sight but Quan Zhen is closing the gap between them.

The Astral Void Beast looks at XiXi who is now fully awake and clutching onto his legs with a look of fear on her face as she stares at the demonic flames being circulated into a ball by Quan Zhen. Jiang Bai knows if she gets hit with even a sliver of that demonic energy it could blacken her pure soul.

His only thought is how to avoid her being hit, without thought of his own well being. While he is worrying about her, Xiaolian is formulating a plan of her own. Her mind feels weak but she delves into her memories for any solution, she is a Sorcerer's daughter, she must know something!

She recalls when her family was being attacked by the demon forces, at first her father was able to drive them back. Eventually he became weakened, there was no one left to stand beside him besides her mother who was equally drained. As she clung to her mother she saw her repel the demonic flames. How did she do that?

The Astral Void Beast's wings are flapping in a chaotic manner. He hopes the swirling wind current they produce will affect the flames trajectory. Quan Zhen calculates the distance is perfect right now. He sends the demonic flames towards the Astral Void Beast.The flaming sphere is heading right towards the beastas though a magnetic force was drawing it to its target- the beast's heart.

That's it! XiXi remembers her mothers actions. Her position being gripped by the beast's talons make it difficult to put her hands together.

”Jiang Bai drop me ! catch me before I hit the ground”

”Xiaolian that is too dangerous, hold on we will be at the palace soon” What is she thinking!

”I order you!”

He has no choice but to obey her command, he loosens his talons and she falls her hair flying in the wind.

Quan Zhen is watching this wondering what is going on. Why did the beast drop her..

He will fly down and catch the girl, this is better than he thought. Quan Zhen begins descending towards her.

XiXi quickly chants and swirls her hands together as she is falling through the clouds mimicking her mother. A ball of pure silver shining with stars in the form of a red lotus inside appears in her hand. She must wait until the demonic flames are closer to the beast.

The beast is heading down to catch her the demonic flames moments from impact on his heart. She waits..closer..closer..NOW..she flings the shining light towards the demonic flames, when they collide the gold, red and black flames change to a silver color then disperse into the air in a flash of light. The Astral Beast catches her in his talons, one more moment and it would have been too late.

Quan Zhen was expecting if the flames didn't destroy the beast's heart they would turn back on him. There is no indication any demonic energy remains in the air. He looks over at the Astral Void Beast who gently places the girl on the ground and lays at her feet.

”Who are you?” Quan Zhen lands coughing up blood a short distance away, his ancient body limp and his mind exhausted

Xiaolian is feeling her inner strength and resolve returning. She isn't feeling as weak as she has felt since she woke up here on the mountain.

”I am your Savior in a way”

”I can see this pursuit to escape the confines of this mountain prison has exhausted your energy. What little life force you have left will soon be snatched by the gods. I heard your cry of loneliness and didn't want you to be forced into servitude as an undead. I have one enemy in this world and that is the Demon King, he coveted my father's powers and my family died because of that.

If you repent to the gods for your evil deeds you will have a chance to reincarnate without having your soul shattered and dispersed. You should think about that... I don't forgive you or understand you, I only know that I prevented the Demon King from obtaining one more mindless soldier.

I will ask Wang Li Jie to be benevolent, to bury your corpse intact beyond your Ice Flower Garden, that is my only kindness towards you. The final choice is yours to make, hold onto a useless grudge against an unscrupulous woman who betrayed you, or break free for the chance to live again if the gods will it.”

Quan Zhen for the first time in thousands of years felt he had hope. This young girl made sense and was compassionate enough to spare him the future as an undead. If he could be reincarnated he would set aside his stubbornness and lead a righteous life.

”I have never truly said thank you in my life, but Thank you..”, Quan Zhen weakly bows towards XiXi..

I will remember your kindness even after death.”

Quan Zhen falls to the ground, his soul leaving his body for judgment by the gods.

Several servants had run outside when they heard the commotion by the Ice Flower Garden. They saw an old man lying on the ground dead out by the edge of the mountain, a frightening looking giant Mythological Beast and the girl that His Highness had brought here.

”Please carry this man to a place and cover his body respectfully until His Highness returns. He suffered a heart attack as we were strolling the grounds.{Best explanation I guess..}

They know not to be too inquisitive but what is going on?”

She could hear two maids muttering about the ugly appearance of the beast, the dead old man, they looked terrified. XiXi figured it was best to appear in charge and not acknowledge their words.

”Could one of you go bring me a warm coat, I'm not accustomed to this cold.” She wanted to thank them but they scowled at her when they didn't realize she was watching.

Now to deal with the late Quan Zhen. He couldn't remain just lying dead on the ground until Wang Li Jie decides if he will bury him or burn his body. Maybe a god will come to decide.

Two men who appeared to be the strongest of the lot came over lifting the barely cold body.

XiXi looks at the ancient man in the gray robes being carried away, she has pity for him being betrayed by one he loved and the madness that followed.