There were two figures, both dressed in pink robes.
However, there was a crucial difference:
One lay flat on his back, eyes shut, unmoving—completely unresponsive to the outside world, as if gravely ill.
The other, who had been sitting by the bed, immediately shot to his feet upon noticing the disturbance.
His expression was a mix of alarm and fury—Bi Qin.
This was not what she had expected.
Hong Ning stiffened in shock, instinctively taking a step back.
“Two of them?”
Bi Qin’s voice rang out, sharp and firm.
“My brother and I have no desire to be your enemies. Why must you insist on forcing us?”
Seeing that the other figure was incapable of causing harm, Hong Ning regained her composure and put away the Demon-Revealing Mirror.
“You steal human brains and take innocent lives. If there were no consequences for such acts, wouldn’t this world be unbearably unjust?”
Bi Qin spoke slowly. “So you truly refuse to let us go?”
Hong Ning said, “Letting you go isn’t difficult.”
She agreed so quickly that Bi Qin was momentarily stunned.
Hong Ning continued, “As long as you hand over your inner core, I will spare both of you.”
The inner core (neidan) was the essence of a demon’s cultivation—a testament to its spiritual power.
Handing it over was akin to giving up everything.
Bi Qin let out a cold laugh. “Foolish girl, you overestimate yourself.”
With a flick of his sleeve, several peach blossom petals shot toward her, cutting through the air like hidden daggers.
But this time, she was prepared.
Channeling yin energy into her cypress sword, she deflected the attack while swiftly retreating down the steps.
Bi Qin seized the opportunity and fled outside.
However, the moment he stepped into the courtyard, the intense yin energy stirred, surging toward him.
The formation had already been set, trapping him within.
Earlier, Hong Ning had been careless, but this time was different—she had carefully fortified the entire courtyard with enchantments.
Moreover, with his spiritual power still restricted by the enchanted wine, escape was no longer an option.
Yet, despite his desperation, he could not abandon his brother.
With gritted teeth, he clapped his palms together, and countless peach blossoms burst forth, swirling into the air to resist the encroaching yin energy.
The blossoms were stunningly beautiful, their petals bewitching yet deadly.
A sudden weight pressed against Hong Ning’s chest, making it difficult to breathe.
Within moments, she was completely engulfed in a storm of petals.
Bi Qin’s expression also grew tense.
In a battle like this, whoever faltered first would die.
Hong Ning understood this perfectly.
Though her body was trembling, she clenched her sword even tighter, refusing to let go.
Silently, she murmured an incantation, preparing to summon the Demon-Revealing Mirror.
But Bi Qin was watching her closely.
The moment he saw her attempt to activate the mirror, he let out a low scoff.
Instantly, countless oversized peach leaves shot into the sky, forming a dense canopy that completely blocked out the night sky.
The Demon-Revealing Mirror drew its power from the sun, moon, and celestial energies—with no access to that power, it became useless.
Of course, this maneuver had cost him.
The brief distraction allowed the yin energy to strike him, and dark shadows began to spread across his pale face.
Neither side could hold out much longer.
A single pink peach blossom bloomed at Hong Ning’s feet, growing rapidly until it reached her waist.
Despite the worsening situation, Bi Qin refused to yield.
His face remained ashen, but he showed no intention of retreating—he was truly willing to risk everything.
If this continued, both of them would perish.
Unwilling to accept that outcome, Hong Ning suddenly had a bold idea.
In desperation, she shouted, “I can save him!”
As expected, Bi Qin’s gaze snapped toward her.
Suppressing the blood surging in her throat, Hong Ning forced herself to speak slowly and clearly.
“If you give me your inner core, I will save him.”
Bi Qin took a deep breath.
“You have a way?”
Hong Ning didn’t hesitate. “His soul is damaged. I once consumed Kunlun Mountain’s Qilin Grass.”
Bi Qin’s expression lit up with hope, but soon after, he hesitated. “How can I trust you?”
“You have no choice but to trust me.”
Hong Ning smiled.
“He is as good as dead right now. If you hand over your inner core, it will only mean starting your cultivation anew. One day, you two will meet again.”
“But if I die here, no one will be able to sustain his spiritual energy.”
“He will die too.”
“And not just die—his very soul will be obliterated.”
Bi Qin’s expression changed dramatically.
In an instant, he withdrew his power.
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