Chapter 849 - 204: Evacuation
"What agreement?" Lillian blinked her eyes, revealing a confused expression.
Zhou An heard this and immediately displayed a dangerous look. The rusty flying sword in front of him spun rapidly, emitting a piercing sound:
"Since so many people have died already, I don’t mind if more die."
Although he spoke like this, he still harbored some apprehension towards the loli in front of him, who was Chenxi’s Apocalypse, with unfathomable power.
Lillian traced a charming smile on her face and took a few steps forward: "Just joking, don’t be anxious. Mainly, who would have thought you could survive? Alas, no one planned for this."
"Too sudden... So, how did you win?"
She stared intently at Zhou An like a black cat crouching in the night.
Zhou An revealed a disdainful expression and casually said, "You should know, my brother, Su Changxing is back."
Lillian looked thoughtful: "It’s true... Since you won, the agreement naturally counts. We can retreat from here."
"The monsters from the World of Heaven probably won’t let this rest, and I just heard that a powerful presence in the World of Heaven suddenly disappeared. Did he act?"
The reason they bowed to the World of Heaven was precisely because they knew it harbored unimaginably powerful entities.
Zhou An licked his parched lips and said nonchalantly: "You guess."
Lillian smiled but turned around, saying to Chen Qi:
"Inform everyone we’re retreating, not fighting anymore, can’t win anyway."
"But..." Chen Qi hesitated.
Lillian frowned and spoke coldly: "Do you have any objections?"
Chen Qi showed a stiff expression: "No, I’ll notify everyone to retreat. So, let’s cease fire, General Zhou, please have your men stop as well."
Zhou An grinned: "Of course, no problem."
Despite saying this, he let out a sigh of relief, at least they wouldn’t fight anymore. Continuing to battle in his current status would be incredibly challenging.
The confrontation came to an abrupt halt with their conversation, and both sides simultaneously retreated.
It seemed Chenhe’s personnel were already prepared to withdraw, and the prior battles between both sides appeared to be merely for show.
Zhou An watched Chenhe’s people leave swiftly and suddenly felt as if his backbone had been pulled out, crouching on the ground, breathing heavily:
"Runwei! Once they retreat, take people to clear the surrounding area. Don’t let anyone in or out."
Qian Runwei, carrying chained dual hammers on his shoulders, appeared troubled: "Brother Zhou, we’re not going in?"
"No, what’s the point of going in?" Zhou An stood up from the ground supporting his sword, speaking calmly,
"Also, inform others... Old Shang is dead."
Qian Runwei nodded, unsurprised; having not seen Old Shang, he knew he was dead. Among those who went, apart from Zhou An, none survived: "Understood."
"Also, have Qin Decang temporarily take his position then,"
Qian Runwei smiled wryly: "He sure is unlucky, mentioned before finishing this battle he’d find a wife, been a bachelor for many years."
Zhou An licked the spot on his lip where the skin was broken, tasting the tangy, rusty flavor of blood which he liked:
"In that condition, he was not planning to survive, initially, he didn’t have to die,"
"He was a stubborn person." Qian Runwei added.
"Indeed," Zhou An nodded in agreement, then waved his hand: "I’ll go over there and check, just in case they pull something."
Zhou An climbed to the peak of the tall city wall, sitting, monitoring those below as they gradually retreated.
"Injured badly?" A petite figure appeared at the side, speaking softly.
Zhou An remained unchanged in expression, saying: "No need for your concern."
Lillian stood on the railing at the edge of the city wall, somewhat dissatisfied: "No need to be so cautious of me. If I wanted to strike, I would have already; you are no match for me now."
This was true; given Zhou An’s current status, he was definitely not her opponent.
Zhou An snorted, turning away and said: "Against enemies, we must remain vigilant. Don’t try to test my limits; I might just strike."
"My sword, you know, killing is but a moment’s task."
Lillian puffed up her cheeks at this: "Since you put it like that, killing you here would be justified."
Zhou An was utterly unfazed, saying easily: "You wouldn’t dare. My older brother is just over there. If I die, so do you."
"And I’m sure you won’t strike, you’re timid, even more so than me."
Lillian’s face displayed a dangerous expression, the orange flame in her pupils becoming brighter.
Suddenly, Zhou An felt a scorching hand grab his neck, immobilizing him.
"How about now?" Lillian wore an innocent smile, eager to embarrass Zhou An.
Zhou An’s face twitched involuntarily but he forced himself to remain calm: "If you’re gonna kill, then do it."
The battle would be decided in an instant, whoever struck first was likely to win, yet neither chose to act, both fearful.
"Boring," Lillian threw off a remark, turned away, and vanished into the night, leaving behind just a few tender flames.
Only after sensing Lillian had completely left did Zhou An sigh heavily; although convinced she wouldn’t kill him, the feeling was still thrilling.
Chenhe wouldn’t remain solid, being internally fragmented; otherwise, Seventeen wouldn’t persist until now.
Lillian was the sort who appeared to join the war but merely watched, never once actually fought, at least as Zhou An recalled.
Indeed, she had secretly saved him once, affirming his conviction she wouldn’t strike him; otherwise, he would have died long ago.
Zhou An touched the mark on his neck, a red hand imprint, still hot.
Physically, among peer Extraordinaries, he was considered weak, easily killed if close.
To him, the best defense was a strong attack; eliminating a target before it struck, thus avoiding danger.
"It’s almost over," he muttered to himself, contemplating sealing the passage, hoping the situation would improve.
Death Curses, black and numerous, wandered between mountains and forests, swarming with the wind and fog, leaving a desolation in their wake.