Su Xi watched Li Ping, who had disappeared for a long time and then suddenly reappeared. She blinked her hazy eyes, a look of sudden realization dawning on her face.
Li Ping's current appearance was too coincidental; it wasn't that simple.
When everything seems not so coincidental, it means it's not a coincidence at all, but rather a deliberate scheme.
It was highly likely that Li Ping had been secretly observing them for a long time, trying to confirm certain matters. Now that he had suddenly reappeared after such a long absence, he must have another purpose.
"What do you mean by this?" Su Xi asked Li Ping, her attitude not exactly pleasant.
If her Judge's Brush hadn't coincidentally been able to deal with the bat just now, she truly would have lost her life because of it. The bat hadn't appeared for such a long time, and then it suddenly appeared so silently – Li Ping must have brought it.
Having nearly lost her life, she naturally felt a surge of anger.
Li Ping looked at the fuming Su Xi beside him and smiled faintly. "Since I decided to let you take me away, I naturally needed to see your strength. Otherwise, how could I possibly escape if I were to be tricked?"
"Now that I have witnessed your abilities, I can decide to have you take me out of this godforsaken place."
Su Xi didn't know what to say upon hearing Li Ping's words.
After all, from Li Ping's perspective, his actions were perfectly reasonable. However, she simply didn't want to be taken advantage of.
The current situation was clearly that she had been played, and had even nearly lost her life. If she did nothing about it, she wouldn't be able to swallow her pride.
Even if Li Ping was powerful and she didn't want to provoke him, being made a fool of was also clearly unacceptable.
She wouldn't let him get away with it without paying some price.
Seeing the anger on Su Xi's face, Li Ping understood what she was thinking. He didn't mind, but instead, a smile appeared on his face, and he said lightly, "I know this was not a noble thing to do. Now, I will give you something as compensation."
As he finished speaking, Li Ping instantly produced a small black ball from his person and handed it to Su Xi.
"What is this thing?" Su Xi took the small ball and examined it carefully, unsure of what it was.
It didn't seem very valuable.
Just as Su Xi was pondering its nature, Li Qiuyu, who had been sulking nearby, suddenly exclaimed, "The National Destiny Dragon Pearl."
???
Hearing Li Qiuyu's words, Su Xi turned her gaze to him and asked curiously, "So, you know what this thing is?"
Li Qiuyu nodded, his face filled with excitement. "This is the National Destiny Dragon Pearl of the entire Great Xuan Empire. Once one obtains the National Destiny Dragon Pearl, not only can they cultivate with the power of a nation, but they can also remain eternally young."
"This item should be the most suitable for you."
Li Ping had another thought he hadn't voiced: if Li Qiuse had obtained this National Destiny Dragon Pearl back then, he wouldn't have needed to resort to such an evil cultivation method. With the Dragon Pearl, things would have been much easier.
Su Xi's expression became incredibly complex upon hearing Li Qiuyu's words.
She truly hadn't expected Li Ping to offer such a precious item. Was it real or fake?
She found it hard to believe that something so good was being given to her.
Su Xi firmly believed in the adage that unsolicited favors often hid ulterior motives.
She didn't trust Li Ping's sudden generosity.
Now that Li Ping had presented the National Destiny Dragon Pearl, such a valuable item, it was definitely not just for compensation; there must be some unspoken reason.
Li Ping noticed Su Xi's scrutiny and smiled faintly. "You don't need to worry about me having any ulterior motives. It's just that there are some things I can't use right now."
Although Li Ping understood the benefits of the National Destiny Dragon Pearl, he had now transformed into a Yin entity and couldn't use it. Keeping the Dragon Pearl with him would not only be useless but also detrimental.
The National Destiny Dragon Pearl was too full of Yang energy. Carrying it would only make him unable to cope.
Hearing Li Ping's explanation, Su Xi nodded. "If everything is as Li Ping says, then it's indeed something he can't use."
However, while Li Ping couldn't use it, it was exactly what she needed.
Therefore, Su Xi quickly put away the National Destiny Dragon Pearl and fastened it onto herself.
As it lay against her skin, Su Xi felt a gentle warmth. The moment it touched her, she felt a constant influx of energy coursing through her body.
Even though there was no spiritual energy in this Seventh World, her cultivation had inexplicably risen to the Integration stage. And if her body allowed, her cultivation might have continued to increase.
"So strong."
Su Xi was utterly shocked by the changes in her body.
She had leaped from the Soul Transformation stage to the Integration stage in such a short time. Without any other significant events, it was truly extraordinary.
If one discounted plot holes in writing, then such a legendary occurrence clearly indicated that what was happening before her was highly unusual.
The only explanation was that the Dragon Pearl was too powerful.
Li Ping nodded as he observed the escalating magical fluctuations emanating from Su Xi.
The more powerful Su Xi became, the more capable she would be of taking him away in the end. Thus, giving her something he couldn't use was not a loss; rather, it was a rather good development for him.
After all this was done, Su Xi felt as if she had been sublimated. The surging power within her brought an indescribable sense of comfort.
She suddenly felt a surge of heroic spirit, wanting to pluck stars from the sky, capture dragons from the sea, and display her might.
However, regrettably, despite her grand ambitions, reality was often filled with helplessness.
There was no light in this place, so how could Su Xi possibly unleash her full potential?
Li Ping, seeing Su Xi completely immersed in the energy brought by the National Destiny Dragon Pearl, couldn't help but remind her, "Excuse me, shouldn't you be looking for a way to leave?"
Li Ping was still waiting for Su Xi to lead him away. If Su Xi became lost in her own situation, how could she take him with her?
Hearing Li Ping's words, Su Xi's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Let's go, we'll head to the northeast corner immediately," Su Xi said, pulling Li Qiuyu along as she walked forward.
Now that she had gained such a benefit, it was naturally best to find the person quickly and leave this accursed place. Otherwise, if they lingered, they might lose their lives and have no one to boast to.
Li Qiuyu felt envious of Su Xi but also clearly understood.
He was currently unable to obtain any of this, nor could he achieve it.
At this moment, the National Destiny Dragon Pearl, which had once been precious to him, was now useless. His only reliance was on Su Xi, and when she could help him resolve his issues.
Su Xi's expression became one of excitement as she surveyed the surroundings.
Since things had reached this point, they could finally proceed to the next step.
However, soon, Su Xi understood what it meant to have joy turn to sorrow.
Without walking far, countless dense objects suddenly appeared before her eyes.
These objects, appearing before her, provided her with ample substance.
The darkness before her eyes began to gradually recede, and everything around them appeared like the normal world.
Li Ping, seeing the long-lost colors before him, muttered, "Could it be that we've already found our way out?"
But he quickly shook his head, realizing his guess was wrong.
Although this place looked identical to the outside world, it wasn't the real outside world. Everything around them still carried the same aura as the Seventh World, so it was definitely not outside.
Yet, precisely because she knew this place was different from the outside, Su Xi became even more curious about what it could be.
"Master?"
Su Xi called out tentatively, hoping to receive a response.
This place was considered the northeastern corner of the Seventh World, and the surrounding environment wasn't particularly harsh. It was possible someone might be here.
However, although Su Xi had spoken, there was no response at all.
The surroundings were deathly silent, without a single stir.
???
What was going on?
Without the expected response, Su Xi felt a pang of disappointment, even a sense of helplessness.
If they couldn't find True Master Tiangang here, then where had the others gone?
This place seemed to be their only sanctuary.
However, Li Ping stood beside her and said coldly, "This place doesn't feel right. We should leave quickly. If we stay any longer, we'll be in danger."
Although she didn't know what this place was, it gave her a great sense of unease.
There were countless people lurking around this place, and it was impossible to hide from them. Therefore, the best course of action was to not enter.
"Not enter?" Having come this far, if they just left without doing anything, they would be left with great regret.
Moreover, if there was danger, she had to help.
Li Ping looked at Su Xi and nodded gravely. "If you go in now, I have a premonition that you won't be able to get out."
Hearing Li Ping's words, Su Xi's expression instantly turned grim.
Could this place, which appeared to be the safest, be so dangerous?
However, Su Xi knew that Li Ping wouldn't lie to her. The only explanation was that the place before them truly held immense danger.