The Demon with Holy Radiance

RUMBLE—

From within Earth Demon Cliff, Huan sensed the aura of the Golden Soul Sect’s Sect Leader. He summoned his Dharma Aspect—a colossal, towering figure. Holding a Magic Staff, it stared at the newly arrived Non-Birth.

He could not leave Earth Demon Cliff. Even his attacks would dissipate the moment they left its confines, so all he could do was watch quietly.

Whether it was to back up Yang An or to see what tricks this Non-Birth fellow was up to, he had every reason to stand there and observe.

Noticing Huan’s appearance, Non-Birth gave a slight smile. He turned and offered a deep bow toward Huan, who was within Earth Demon Cliff.

Was there a grudge between them? The concept was actually quite vague.

If one were to be particular about it, Yang An initially had no quarrel with the Golden Soul Sect. He had never even had any significant dealings with them.

But the moment the Workshop Master targeted the Command Token held by the Golden Soul Sect, whether or not a grudge existed became irrelevant.

Cultivators had always needed to clear all obstacles from their path to advance and achieve breakthroughs.

An obstacle was, by definition, an enemy—a foe blocking one’s Great Dao of cultivation.

Besides, this world was on the brink of collapse. Everything he and everyone else did was for the sake of survival, to escape with their lives.

In such dire circumstances, grudges were of no importance. What mattered most was who could find a way out and survive.

"He wanted to kill me, so I killed him."

Yang An’s answer was simple and clear. It was a universal formula that applied to Xuan You, just as it had applied to Jishan. It was applicable in most situations.

Having a formula made for a quick answer.

Hearing Yang An’s reply, Non-Birth also began to laugh. It was the first time he had heard such a catch-all answer.

"Then if I wanted to kill you, would you be able to kill me as well?"

He asked as if it were a casual question, but his gaze on Yang An was utterly serious. It seemed that if Yang An gave an answer that displeased him, he would use it as a pretext to strike.

It was a question, but it was also a test.

But having just killed Xuan You and verified his own current strength, Yang An felt no fear.

"You’re welcome to try, Senior."

He met Non-Birth’s gaze directly, without flinching.

Since the one Non-Birth sent here was not his true body, and his behavior and attitude showed no real intention to attack, Yang An could roughly guess his purpose. Perhaps he had only come to probe him.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have waited until now to appear; he could have easily saved Xuan You.

The atmosphere grew silent for two seconds. Yang An and Non-Birth stared at each other, neither making a move. In contrast, the onlookers from the Scripture Defector Association felt their hearts leap into their throats, not even daring to breathe.

If these two were to fight, at such a close distance, they would be the first to get caught in the crossfire.

Moreover, this was the Sect Leader of the Golden Soul Sect, a figure even more powerful than the late Xuan You.

If a real fight broke out, Yang An most likely wouldn’t be able to protect them.

But unexpectedly, after the silence, Non-Birth burst into laughter. A hint of admiration appeared in his eyes as he looked at Yang An.

"Young friend, you’ve killed two of my Golden Soul Sect’s Elders. It wouldn’t be right to just let this matter go. However, I can give you a chance to make amends. Why not leave the darkness for the light and join my Golden Soul Sect? The position of Elder is conveniently vacant. What do you say?"

A look of surprise appeared on Yang An’s face, as it did on the faces of the Scripture Defector Association members nearby.

No one had expected Non-Birth to suddenly try to win over Yang An at a time like this, extending an olive branch to him.

But with almost no hesitation, Yang An refused.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Senior, but I’ve always been used to acting alone and don’t wish to be restrained. For now, I won’t be considering your proposal."

A few years ago, before he had joined the Golden Thread Pavilion or Great Virtue Temple, he might have agreed.

But having spent time in these major powers, he knew there was no true sanctuary under the heavens. The Golden Soul Sect would be no different.

Yang An had no desire to enter such a place again, to be caught in a passive position, ordered around, and not in control of his own fate.

Besides, this man was no saint. Yang An naturally didn’t trust Non-Birth’s words. After all, he had just killed two of the Golden Soul Sect’s Elders, yet Non-Birth was willing to so easily wipe the slate clean and even try to recruit him.

It was clear enough that in Non-Birth’s eyes, these Elders were nothing more than unimportant pawns.

To take it a step further, he and the Golden Soul Sect were now like fire and water. Obtaining their Command Token was an absolute necessity, so how could he possibly choose to join them?

"Heh... I can give you some time to consider, young friend."

Non-Birth gave a cold laugh. The change in his attitude was instantaneous; his tone went from amicable to icy.

Yang An instinctively went on guard and glanced at the members of the Scripture Defector Association.

They immediately understood his meaning and hastily beat a retreat.

The atmosphere grew tense.

Non-Birth paid no mind to the departure of the Scripture Defector Association members. His eyes remained fixed on Yang An.

Only when they had fled far enough to be out of sight did Yang An give his answer again.

"There’s no need to consider. Thank you for your kindness, Senior."

WHOOSH!

The instant Yang An’s voice fell, with a gust of wind, Non-Birth’s figure appeared right in front of him.

They were separated by a mere foot. Non-Birth’s gaze remained locked on Yang An, unwavering.