Chapter 86: Luo Ling’s Fragility, Unfathomable to Ke Bei

The glinting ice spikes were the first to attack, piercing the air with a sharp whistle as they crashed violently against the wall of deep blue flames. Boom! With a thunderous sound, the meter-long, arm-thick ice spike stabbed into the wall, sending ripples through the deep blue flames. The young man's body shook violently, his face growing paler. He narrowed his eyes, staring intently at the ice spike, a look of resolve on his cheeks. Gritting his teeth, he raised his palm abruptly; a surge of deep blue flame erupted from his palm, and he slammed his hand against the spot where the ice spike was lodged, through the thick wall of flames.

Crack—Bang! With a crisp sound, the ice spike shattered, scattering shards of ice across the ground.

“Pfft—” As the ice spike broke apart, the young man spat a mouthful of blood, his body swaying, barely able to stand, as if he might collapse at any moment.

Whoosh!

Just as he had managed to block the ice spike, a deep crimson flame shot through the air like an arrow, whistling with a piercing sound. “Damn it, I... I can't hold on anymore...” Seeing the flaming arrow and the four pale blue water spheres following close behind, the young man felt his mind spinning, his eyelids heavy, and he staggered before falling.

Luo Ling bit her lower lip, supporting the unconscious youth. She spun around abruptly, preparing to shield him with her own back from the incoming attack. Though her black battle suit was the top-tier of the Phantom series and could not be torn by such assaults, the force would still inflict considerable harm.

Luo Ling was only a lower-tier Transcendent, facing a group of upper-tier Transcendents. She had no hope of dodging; she could only brace herself and take the hit.

As Luo Ling turned and closed her eyes tightly, a figure suddenly appeared within the distant golden pillar of light.

The newcomer was none other than Ke Bei, who had just rushed down from the top floor of the Sky Tower.

The moment Ke Bei arrived, he saw Luo Ling turning away and closing her eyes. Seeing her helpless, fragile form, a pang of anguish twisted in his heart.

Then, his gaze swept over the fiery arrow about to strike Luo Ling’s back. Ke Bei’s pupils contracted sharply, a palpable surge of murderous intent blazing in his eyes. The immense power of the Nine Suns Divine Art rushed to his legs, and he pushed the Ripple Step to its limit, leaving clear afterimages as he moved. Just as the deep crimson arrow of flame was about to hit Luo Ling’s back, Ke Bei appeared, his sturdy frame like a stone tower, shielding Luo Ling completely behind him.

“Hmph!” Ke Bei eyed the incoming flaming arrow, his gaze narrowing in disdain. He raised his palm casually, unleashing a torrent of inner power from his dantian. A wave of scorching, invisible energy erupted from his hand, colliding fiercely with the crimson flame arrow.

Boom! Boom!

Deafening explosions rang out as the flaming arrow was shattered by Ke Bei’s palm, breaking into scattered sparks.

As soon as he destroyed the arrow, the four pale blue water spheres flew toward him. Facing these spheres, brimming with destructive energy, Ke Bei’s expression remained calm. He drew his palm to his chest, clenched it into a fist, and smashed out four quick punches, each aimed at the incoming water spheres.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

A faint golden glow seemed to shimmer on Ke Bei’s fists, the surging Nine Suns energy pulsing with each strike. Accompanied by thunderous roars, the four heavy water spheres were pulverized by his punches.

The spheres exploded, filling the air with a mist of pale blue droplets. Ke Bei stood resolute amid the mist, letting the heavy water droplets strike him without flinching.

The droplets splattered against his cheeks with a crackling sound, but Ke Bei’s expression didn’t change. A mocking smile touched his lips. Now that he had mastered the Diamond Body, every inch of his skin was harder than steel. Not only could these dispersed droplets do him no harm—even a whole water sphere crashing against his face couldn’t so much as ruffle a single hair!

With a wave of his hand, Ke Bei unleashed another burst of inner power, sending a gust of wind that scattered the droplets.

“It’s over...” Dispelling the mist, Ke Bei slowly turned around, his murderous intent receding, replaced by a gentle smile. He gently patted Luo Ling’s shoulder and murmured softly by her ear.

“Ke Bei...” Hearing his familiar voice, Luo Ling spun around, her bright eyes welling with tears. Her delicate nose quivered, as if she had suffered some great grievance. She flung her slender arms wide and threw herself into Ke Bei’s embrace.

Usually so valiant and composed, Luo Ling now curled in Ke Bei’s arms, sobbing like a child. Ke Bei was at a loss, unsure whether to hold her or let go. After a moment’s hesitation, he gritted his teeth and gently wrapped his arms around Luo Ling’s waist, patting her softly on the back.

“All right, it’s over. I promised your brother I’d take good care of you. I won’t let anyone harm you!”

It was Ke Bei’s first time in such a situation; he truly didn’t know how to comfort Luo Ling. Besides, she didn’t seem to be injured, so why was she crying?

Ke Bei knew nothing of the ways between men and women; he couldn’t fathom Luo Ling’s feelings at that moment.

Luo Ling clung tightly to Ke Bei, nestled in his embrace, basking in his warmth. An unprecedented sense of safety filled her heart. She couldn’t remember how many times it had happened, but in her memory, whenever danger struck, Ke Bei’s silhouette would always appear!

No matter how strong a woman is, she has her moments of fragility—especially when she stands before the man she loves. Then, her vulnerability shines through without reservation.

Luo Ling was a heroine among women, but in front of Ke Bei, she became a soft, gentle girl. She longed for his warmth and safety, and as long as he was there, no matter how dire the threat, she would never feel a trace of fear. She believed the man she loved would always protect her.

Ke Bei couldn’t understand Luo Ling’s feelings, but he knew one thing: she was crying.

If she cried, she must have been wronged!

At this thought, Ke Bei’s gaze turned sharp, a cold fury rising within. For some reason, seeing Luo Ling sobbing in his arms filled him with endless tenderness—and a burning rage that threatened to break free.

“Wait for me a moment!” Gently pushing Luo Ling from his embrace, Ke Bei turned around, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd from the Ancient Tang Base. A chilling murderous intent erupted from him.

ps: Thanks to Sword Saint Su Bing and Peng7 for their continued support, and to Laughing Proudly at the World. My progress as a humble scribe owes everything to your support. I know my updates are few, but I’m working hard, and at least now the schedule is stable, isn’t it? I shamelessly ask for votes even though my update count is low. Lords, gods, I look at you with pitiful eyes—can you bear not to give me your votes?