“Are you sure there won’t be any problems?”
“I’m positive. As long as your luck isn’t abysmal, there’s no way you’ll get pulled into the Black Barrier twice in a row.”
Seeing Yan Qi’s earnest reassurance, Zhao Zimo—who trusted her completely—let out a sigh of relief and said,
“That’s good to hear.”
“Alright, Auntie, that’s all for now. We’ll meet again if there’s a chance.”
Not wanting to linger any longer in the real world, Yan Qi knew she still had a major problem waiting for her inside the Black Barrier. After tossing out those words, she activated her skill, True Sight of Discernment, and once again broke through the Black Barrier’s restrictions, returning from the real world to the eerie dimension.
Watching Yan Qi suddenly vanish before her eyes, Zhao Zimo understood that she had gone back into the Black Barrier. Following Yan Qi’s instructions, she obediently stayed put, waiting for her to return with the others.
With a brief darkness passing over her vision, Yan Qi soon found herself staring at the Black Barrier nearby, confirming her successful return.
Her gaze quickly shifted to Yan Yu and her doppelgänger, Jizi Ge, who were standing not far away, clearly having noticed her reappearance.
“So, any trouble while I was gone?”
Walking toward her sister and her clone, Yan Qi asked the question casually to avoid revealing her secrets.
“Daoyan, you’re finally back! Don’t worry, while you were away, none of the Abyssal Beasts spawned by the Flesh Bloom came after us.”
Playing her part in the charade, Jizi Ge—under Yan Qi’s control—replied with a bright smile.
Hearing this, Yan Yu, who remained oblivious to the fact that the two were essentially the same person, chimed in,
“Yeah, just like Little Ge said. We didn’t run into any trouble earlier.”
“Good to know.”
Already aware of the situation through Jizi Ge, Yan Qi feigned relief before continuing,
“By the way, Yan Yu, I’m guessing you don’t really understand how dangerous the Black Barrier is, right?”
Yan Yu answered frankly,
“Yeah, I don’t. I’ve only had my supernatural abilities for a little over a week, so I’m still pretty new to all this.”
“Right, you’re still a rookie when it comes to supernatural powers. That’s understandable.
Then let me explain what this Black Barrier really is.”
After a brief pause, Yan Qi began detailing the connections between the Flesh Bloom, the Black Barrier, and the Abyssal Rifts.
A few minutes later, having finally finished her explanation, she asked,
“So, does that help you understand why the Black Barrier is so dangerous?”
Yan Yu’s face lit up with realization as she replied,
“Yeah, I get it now. I had no idea something as terrifying as the Flesh Bloom even existed. Are we going to destroy it now?”
“Yes, we have to eliminate it as soon as possible. If it matures and opens an Abyssal Rift in Ninghang City, the consequences will be disastrous.”
“But… can we actually take it on?”
Uncertain about the Flesh Bloom’s true strength, Yan Yu couldn’t help but voice her concern.
Yan Qi thought for a moment before responding,
“Don’t worry. With your current power, even ten Flesh Blooms wouldn’t stand a chance against you.”
“Wait, I’ve gotten that strong already? I had no idea.”
Hearing this, Yan Yu—who was only now gaining a rough sense of her own capabilities—looked slightly surprised.
“Don’t worry. Even if I didn’t tell you now, you’d eventually figure it out after enough fights.”
“You’re right. Experience is the best way to gauge my own strength.”
“Alright, enough talk. Jizi Ge, since you don’t have much combat ability, stay between me and Yan Yu so we can protect you.”
“Then I’ll have to trouble you two.”
Under Yan Qi’s control, her doppelgänger, Jizi Ge, obediently followed instructions and positioned herself between Yan Qi and Yan Yu.
Satisfied with their preparations, Yan Qi turned to Yan Yu, who seemed a bit distracted.
“Yan Yu, let’s move.”
Snapping out of her daze, Yan Yu quickly responded,
“Got it. I’ll do my best to keep up.”
With that, Yan Yu dutifully followed Yan Qi’s lead, shielding the non-combatant Jizi Ge between them as they advanced toward the Flesh Bloom’s lair.
“Heads up—Abyssal Beasts incoming!”
Sensing multiple hostile presences closing in, Yan Qi immediately warned her companions. Gripping her spirit sword tightly, she prepared for battle.
Noticing the approaching threat as well, Yan Yu also drew her own weapon, the Bloodthirst Sword, adopting a defensive stance.
Moments later, over thirty Abyssal Beasts surged into view, charging recklessly toward the group.
Seeing the snarling creatures barreling toward them, Yan Qi was ready to cut them down in a single stroke—not wanting to waste time or energy.
But Yan Yu, picking up on Yan Qi’s subtle movements and expression, quickly intervened. Knowing Yan Qi’s immense strength but also recognizing the need to conserve energy, she called out,
“Daoyan, leave these Abyssal Beasts to me.”
“What? You want to handle them all? Are you serious?”
Caught off guard, Yan Qi turned to her sister in surprise.