The ground emitted a dull thud.
Just as Charlotte was stunned by Leo’s actions, the small island in the pond suddenly exploded violently.
Rocks flew, and the zither shattered into powder. A powerful Spiritual Power surged from the ground, rushing towards Charlotte’s feet.
With a scream, the unprepared Charlotte was thrown into the air amidst the flying debris. Her long sleeves fluttered as she spat out a mouthful of blood, clearly heavily injured.
Leo did not pursue her. Chasing a woman relentlessly was not gentlemanly.
In mid-air, Charlotte gracefully descended.
She landed lightly on the smooth water surface, like a fairy walking over ripples, and stood still.
Charlotte spoke in a steady voice, “What a surprise attack! Your assault is truly beyond comprehension, leaving no trace and impossible to guard against.”
“You’re too kind,” Leo replied calmly. “You are now seriously injured. Do you still intend to stop us?”
Charlotte nodded firmly. “I said before, my duty and gratitude leave me no choice. Even if I am shattered to pieces, I will have no regrets.”
Leo said no more. He formed a seal with his hands and pointed at Charlotte.
Spiritual Power formed into a light sword, slashing down towards Charlotte.
Charlotte’s face changed drastically. She shouted, “Cloudwalker’s Grace, roll!”
Her white sleeves danced, instantly extending as if alive, forming a layered Whirlwind Sleeves in the air.
In an instant, the light sword struck the Whirlwind Sleeves with overwhelming force.
To Leo’s surprise, the seemingly soft Whirlwind Sleeves suddenly emitted a dazzling white light, layer upon layer, actually withstanding the light sword’s strike.
Leo formed another seal with his hands, sending another light sword slashing down.
Just like before, the Whirlwind Sleeves absorbed all the force like a resilient sponge.
Leo was slightly astonished. If that’s the case, then it’s time to summon the Divine Dragon Sword.
Under the Divine Dragon Sword’s strike, the dazzling white light finally couldn’t hold up, slicing through like a knife through butter.
With a loud bang, the cave filled with turbulent waves. The Whirlwind Sleeves disintegrated into countless beautiful sleeve fragments scattered in the wind.
In the center of the pond, Charlotte’s solitary and stubborn figure was no longer visible.
Was she killed?
Maximilian and the others exchanged glances.
For some reason, despite their victory, none of them felt any joy.
Leo stood by the pond, his figure as imposing as a mountain.
Suddenly, Leo leaped into the deep pond.
Maximilian and the others were momentarily stunned but then understood something.
After a while, the murky pond water parted as Leo emerged holding a woman in white.
The woman in white was none other than Charlotte.
At this moment, Charlotte’s face was pale, her body drenched, and she had fainted.
“Is she alive?” Maximilian asked.
Leo nodded. “What should we do?”
He had softened and saved Charlotte but didn’t know how to handle her.
Maximilian was silent for a moment before saying, “Leave someone to take care of her. She isn’t inherently bad. With some guidance, she might be useful to WONDER.”
This relieved Knox and Vivian immediately.
Truth be told, they couldn’t bear to see someone as extraordinary as Charlotte die so tragically.
After all, Charlotte wasn’t an evil person.
Even during their intense battles, she had only defended herself without attacking. This showed her inner struggle and inherent goodness.
In essence, she was just a pitiful person bound by gratitude.
Maximilian made his decision and felt somewhat relieved. “Vivian, you stay.”
Vivian was pleased and nodded eagerly. “Alright, leave it to me.”
She stepped forward to take Charlotte from Leo’s arms and began treating her injuries.
“Let’s go. Time is of the essence,” Maximilian urged.
Leo and Knox nodded. They glanced at Charlotte one last time before following Maximilian around the pond and deeper into the unknown cave.
The cave grew deeper.
Suddenly, a strange fragrance wafted through the air, refreshing their senses.
After rounding a bend, they finally saw what they had hoped for.
It was a spacious cave with tables and chairs, flowers and plants. In several corners were incense burners emitting curling smoke.
In the center of the cave was a small platform with an ancient redwood chair on which sat a person.
The person had white hair draping over his shoulders and wore a cold expression with an air of arrogance. He was dressed in a plum blossom robe.
Seeing this person, Maximilian’s face turned serious as if facing a formidable enemy. He spoke coldly, “Zeke Morgan, it’s been a long time. Remember the last time we met at Mount Black?”
On the platform, Zeke slowly opened his eyes, revealing sharp and piercing pupils. He glanced indifferently at those before him.
“It’s you!” Zeke said coldly as he looked at Maximilian. “Can you tell me about my right-hand man and the saintess? Are they alive or dead?”
“Eradicating evil leaves no room for doubt,” Maximilian replied coldly. “Don’t worry; you’re next. Your countless crimes have earned you a place in hell.”
“Hahaha…” Zeke suddenly laughed. “Well said! But I’m afraid it won’t be me going to hell.”
Knox sneered. “Zeke, aren’t you afraid of biting your tongue? Do you think you can handle us alone?”
“Alone? Not necessarily,” Zeke snorted and clapped his hands. Two young men suddenly appeared from behind a rock.
These two looked identical as if they were twins. Their faces were arrogant and their eyes sharp like eagles’, clearly not good people.
“Meet my personal guards,” Zeke said leisurely. “They are known as The Bloodhawk Brothers.”
Maximilian sneered. “Three against three? Perfect. Let’s fight!”
“Not so fast,” Zeke said as he leaped off the platform and walked towards a side cave.
The Bloodhawk Brothers followed closely behind him, guarding him closely.
Maximilian and his companions exchanged glances, signaling caution before following them.
After about a hundred steps, they emerged into an open mountain valley.
Leo surveyed the surroundings. The terrain was flat with lush trees and silence-a perfect place for battle.
Maximilian nodded in satisfaction. “This place is good. Dying here is your fortune.”
Zeke remained unperturbed. “Oh? So confident? I recall that years ago at Mount Black, I came and went freely.”
Maximilian sneered. “Freely? Hardly. I remember your Moonstone Sect lost two great elders, and you fled with serious injuries.”