However, in that brief moment when Lan Qing was teetering on the brink of death, he understood. His dharma and Vairocana strengthened, and he was able to withstand the onslaught. At the same time, his understanding of protogenia took a big step forward.
However, none of this affected Lan Qing's dazed expression.
He'd never imagined something like this would happen.
The Astral Phantom's Self-Immolation was draining him of all his energy.
Right now, "he" was in an extremely sorry state, and the disguise on "his" body was gradually disappearing.
Long purple hair flowed down her back. She was tall and slender, and her purple eyes were filled with anger and resentment.
Violet light swirled around her, but the Astral Phantom's protogenia was constantly being burned away.
Her beautiful face even had a hint of coldness and poignancy.
A woman?
Lan Qing wasn't the only one who was dumbfounded. The other Paragons of Skyfire Avenue were no exception.
Hidden in the shadows, vicious and merciless, the greatest assassin in the world, Her Majesty the Astral Phantom, a Paragon.
It was a woman?
In everyone's minds, they'd imagined her to be a wretched middle-aged or old woman.
However, who would have thought that it would be a woman?
And a beautiful one at that.
In terms of looks, only Zhou Qianlin could rival her. Even the Clockmaker paled in comparison.
Besides, she was a Paragon. Zhou Qianlin couldn't even begin to compare.
However, Lan Qing recovered quickly. His face was as cold as ever.
He didn't relax just because his opponent was a woman.
He brought his palms together in front of him, and the Buddha's Illumination Domain flared once more. The Astral Phantom was pinned down by the Astral Phantom's Sunfire.
The Astral Phantom couldn't fight back after the last clash. All she could do was resist the Sunfire.
She knew, however, that if this continued, it wouldn't be long before she was consumed by the Buddha's fire.
She stared at Lan Qing, her beautiful eyes spitting fire.
If looks could kill, Lan Qing would have already been dismembered by her.
But Lan Qing faced her gaze.
However, he was expressionless as he calmly received her gaze.
The outside world was silent.
The battle had ended with Lan Qing's victory.
It wasn't easy to witness a peak Adept ascend to Paragon, but it was even more difficult to witness a Paragon's death.
There was no doubt that they would have the honor today.
These appraisers who represented various parties to participate in this auction all had different expressions and emotions.
But all of them had similar thoughts.
In this auction, they could only participate honestly and not have any ulterior motives.
At this moment, a voice suddenly rang in Lan Qing's ears.
Lan Qing was slightly taken aback. Golden light flickered in his eyes as he looked into the distance.
Looking outside this world, Jueti nodded slightly at him.
He looked at Lan Jue, who nodded back.
Lan Qing turned his attention back to the Astral Phantom.
"You have two choices. Open your protogenia and let me brand you.
Submit to me.
Or die. "
His voice was audible only to the Astral Phantom, not to the outside world.
According to Lan Qing, the Astral Phantom should be killed.
But Jueti had another suggestion.
He looked at Lan Jue because the Astral Phantom was their common enemy, and there was also the fact that Zhou Qianlin was injured.
Lan Jue nodded.
She was convinced by Jueti's words.
The Astral Phantom stared at Lan Qing with incredulity as he burned with Solar Truefire.
"You want me to submit?" The fury in her eyes flared, and the hatred in them grew.
This was a direct insult!
Every Paragon was proud.
How could they submit to another?
Lan Qing fixed her with a cold stare. "You don't have much time. Submit, or die!"
"You think I'm afraid of death?" The Astral Phantom's voice was hard.
Lan Qing smirked. "You're a Paragon, but you're greedy for profit.
You're willing to take risks for your own gain.
You've never been a proud person.
All you care about is profit. You're selfish.
To you, survival is more important than pride.
Of course, I'd love to see you display the pride of a Paragon. Let's see if that's what it takes. "
"You!"
The Astral Phantom was enraged. She opened her mouth to retort, but Lan Qing's eyes flashed. The Solar Fire around her burned even hotter.
It wasn't real fire, but it was far more frightening. It was pure purification power.
Not only could it purify energy, it could purify the body, and even the soul. The Astral Phantom was in danger of being destroyed in body and soul.
And with so many Paragons out there, she had no hope of escaping.
What now?
The Astral Phantom's mind was a mess.
Lan Qing was right. She'd always loved money, and everything beautiful.
Even as a Paragon, she'd persisted in being his assassin.
She controlled the largest assassin organization in the world. She'd amassed countless riches over the years, but she hadn't been satisfied.
She was in her sixties, but she looked like a young woman in her twenties. That was because she'd consumed many rare treasures.
Not only could she obtain them with power, but she'd also had to trade for them.
She'd managed to stabilize her appearance when she broke through to Paragon.
The exuvium process and the vital crystals had been a pleasant surprise. Paragons could still die, but exuvium was different.
Exuvium, however, was a different story. Exuvium was a Paragon's protogenia, and although normal exuvium techniques wouldn't work on them, as long as they had enough vital crystals or high quality vital crystals, they could extend their lifespan. They could even use the energy of the exuvium to increase their strength.
She'd been stuck in the Realm of Protogenia for a long time, and hadn't found the opportunity to break through.
She was a cautious person. She'd asked around, and had a series of follow-up plans.
She hadn't expected to be tricked by a little girl.
Skyfire Avenue was also well prepared, so she couldn't use any of her other tricks. In the end, they fell into the enemy's hands.
Her life was in danger, and she was proud. But what could be more important than her own life?
Only by surviving could she have a future.
When she died, there would be nothing left. Everything would vanish like smoke.
Her internal struggle didn't last long. Thoughts raced through her mind as she tried to think of a way out of this place.
But the Solar Fire was too strong. No matter what she did, she couldn't escape.
(To be continued)