The soul was intact and undamaged. It glittered in Hanbas hands. Its transparent body contained no impurities whatsoever. As he gazed at it, Jiangchens gaze intensified.

Breathing rapidly, he reached out and accepted the soul.

This.

When we first found the soul, we were surprised too. It was hidden in a cave not far from the battlefield. The moment we laid eyes on it, it flew towards us of its own volition, as if it had been waiting for us to find it.

Houqing smiled at the soul. Inwardly, he felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Although all four of them were called Zombie Progenitors, the other three knew full well that Jiangchen far surpassed them.

Houqing, Yinggou, and Hanba were at most vessels for his soul.

If he had the chance, he would devour their souls and return to his former glory as the legendary savage beast Denglong.

Although he was inwardly distressed, there was nothing he could do about it.

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful, Jiangchen nodded, then carefully lifted the soul up.

So long as this soul remained, he was still fully complete. Gu Li could never have imagined that, when Yinggou used the Rakshasas Sea of Blood, his soul would remain intact.

It would be best if the soul crystal were real, otherwise.

Houqing, after noting that Jiangchen was in a good mood, decided to speak up. Elder brother, weve already delivered the soul, so Hanba and I will take our leave. Her arms require medical attention.

Alright. Go on, then.

After obtaining the soul, Jiangchen was completely fixated on it. He didnt even glance at the other two Zombie Progenitors.

They bowed and left the room. As they reached the door, Jiangchen said, Ill be in seclusion for the next few days as I fuse with this soul. You absolutely must not let anyone disturb me, especially not Gu Li. Got it?

Got it.

They tightly shut the door as Jiangchen stared greedily at the wisp soul in his hands.

Nuwa, just you wait!

With that, he opened his mouth wide and tossed the soul into his gaping maw.

Nngh.

After closing the door, Hanba could no longer bear the pain; she started softly whimpering.

Jiangchen had practically crushed her shoulder to bits. Her nerves had been burning with heart-rending agony this whole time. Even so, she hadnt dared complain in front of Jiangchen.

Houqing glanced at her indifferently. Hurry home and treat your wounds.

I know. She stubbornly endured the pain, her gaze still fixed on Jiangchens room. Why did we have to give him the soul?

Didnt you give it to him yourself? Houqing laughed

I

Hanba bit her lip but said nothing. Its not that she wanted to give it to him. Rather, she dared not keep it from him.

I know what youre thinking. I would have done the same thing in your shoes, Houqing smiled calmly. From the outside, it seems were all equals, but we all know full well whos really in charge. Jiangchen is the main body. None of us dare defy him.

But now that he has Yinggous soul, what will become of us?

Hearing this, Houqing froze despite himself. He looked up to the brilliantly lit moon and sighed. Who knows?

If he really wanted to reclaim our souls, would we let him? Or not? Hanba had no idea what to do. She suddenly regretted returning Yinggous soul to Jiangchen.

In the past, they could keep each others power in check.

But once Jiangchen absorbed Yinggous soul, even if she and Houqing fought together, theyd stand no chance against him at all.

For now, it's impossible to know for sure.

Houqings expression darkened. Actually, he said, my desires are simple: so long as the Yellow Emperor dies, who cares if Jiangchen takes my soul?

Hanba couldnt help but sigh.

Suddenly, the look in Houqings eyes shifted. He pursed his lips and snorted, enough. Theres no need to worry about all that. Calm down, then go treat your wounds. We cant know for sure whether or not Jianghcen will try and take our souls. For now, theres no need to borrow trouble.

Thats true enough, said Hanba. She nodded and turned to leave.

Shortly before arriving at her residence, she froze. Shed suddenly sensed someone following her.

Who are you? she shouted, expression grave. Before long, Houqing walked out of the darkness.

Why are you following me?

Arent you injured? I was afraid youd run into danger so I decided to protect you in secret, said Houqing with a smile.

Sorry for the trouble, said Hanba. She felt something was off but nodded nonetheless. But Im safe already; youd best hurry back.

How could I? Id best see you safely back to your room.

What exactly are you up to? Hanbas said, suddenly on edge. Youre acting strange.

Of course Im acting strange. I followed you this time because I want your life.

As he spoke, he drew closer and closer and closer to her. His broad smile was unchanged.

Houqing! Hanba cried out and retreated.

Houqing merely laughed in response. What are you doing? Youve realized it too: Jiangchen is inevitably coming for our souls. Instead of giving him your soul, why not offer it to me? Ive always been kind to you.

Houqing, dont even think about it, Hanba said, voice low. She knit her brows instinctively. Under normal circumstances, she had nothing to fear from Houqing. Now, though, both her shoulders were shattered.

Her skills depended on her physical power. If she couldnt use her arms, her strength was useless.

If you want to blame someone, blame Jiangchen. If he hadnt broken your arms, I likely would never have even considered going this, said Houqing, his expression sinister. He pushed her further and further back. Hanba had no time to think; she turned and ran in the opposite direction.

Want to run? Houqing sneered. He kept on walking, his gait unhurried.

There was no escape.

When she saw there was nowhere to run, Hanbas heart froze. She turned around, only to see Houqing approaching leisurely.

Houqing, dont be irrational. If you dont want to give him your soul, we could work together.

Work together? If I swallow your soul, I wont simply add your strength to mine. Rather, my strength will increase many times over. You ought to understand that too, right?

Houqing!

Shut up. Giving me your soul isnt really so bad.

With that, he attacked.

An hour passed..

Is obediently offering me your soul really so bad?

Hanba was sprawled on the ground. Houqing looked down at her, then reached out and placed her on his shoulders. He turned to look at Jiangchens room, his gaze frosty.

How could I possibly let Jiangchen take my soul? This is my life: Im in control of it!