Countless undead surged towards the Dragon Flame crystal like moths to a flame.
Like ice melting under a blazing sun, all the spirits were reduced to nothing, completely vanishing within the Dragon Flame.
Sauron stepped forward, closed the box, and stored the Dragon Flame relic away. He noticed that it was now scorching hot, as if it had begun to burn once more.
At that moment, Yan Yan, who had just opened his eyes, shot a lightning-like gaze at him and asked, Who are you?
His voice was cold and sharp, like the sound of metal snapping. His body gradually revived as he prepared to sit up.
I will have Tu An explain to you, Sauron said, turning and leaving immediately.
Outside, Tu An was pacing anxiously. Though desperate, he had deliberately restrained his perception, not daring to probe what was happening inside. When he saw Sauron emerge, he rushed forward, his eyes filled with both hope and fear.
Yan Yan has come back to life. Go in and see him, Sauron said.
Tu An froze as if struck by lightning. For a long moment, he could not move, the words sounding unreal.
Then he rushed past Sauron like a gust of wind and charged into the hall.
Moments later, an incredulous cry of joy rang out from inside, Big brother… you, you are really alive?
Sauron stepped forward, closed the doors of the hall, and sat outside quietly waiting.
His relationship with Yan Yan was too complicated. If he revealed his identity, Yan Yan might strike him down instantly. So he chose to step aside and let Tu An handle the explanation.
As he waited, Sauron wiped away all his disguise, restoring his original appearance. His strikingly handsome face, even more beautiful than a woman’s, was revealed once more. There was no longer any need to hide.
The conversation inside lasted a long time.
Sauron neither deliberately listened nor avoided listening.
Yan Yan was not as he had imagined. Throughout the conversation, his tone remained low and controlled.
Only three sentences carried strong emotion.
First, Nai’er truly is my daughter. I, Yan Yan, have a worthy successor.
Second, Yuan Jie being a Black Ice Bureau spy, I can accept. But for daring to harm my daughter, I will tear him to pieces.
Third, Sauron? It was him?
That last line rose sharply, filled with shock, disbelief, complexity, and anger.
After half an hour, Tu An finished recounting everything, Nai’er’s achievements, her assassination attempt, and how Sauron saved Yan Yan.
In the end, everything came down to their current desperate situation.
The Silver Wolf Legion had fewer than a thousand men left, with no food or water, surrounded by tens of thousands of enemy troops.
The Yellow Springs Ancient City was cursed, anyone who entered would die silently without cause.
The doors opened.
Yan Yan stepped out with Tu An.
He was tall, nearly two metres, radiating a sharp, oppressive aura like a drawn blade.
His gaze fell on Sauron’s face, complex and strange.
Yet he said nothing, no anger, no gratitude. He simply walked past him.
He went to see his daughter.
Inside the chamber, Yan Yan saw Nai’er lying weak and unconscious.
He did not cry, but his face twitched and his hands trembled violently.
No matter where you run, Yuan Jie, I will hunt you down and tear you apart.
In his heart, being a spy was forgivable. But harming Nai’er was not.
She was his only family, his entire hope.
Yet even in such pain, Yan Yan did not show affection outwardly. He simply stood there, trembling.
How long does she have? he asked.
Less than two days, Tu An replied.
Yan Yan fell silent before saying, If nothing unexpected happens, the Black Ice Bureau will send the antidote at the last moment.
Sauron thought the same.
They had deliberately not killed her instantly, which meant they had a purpose.
I have a way to save her, Sauron said, but the cost is severe.
He explained the price, her lifespan would be consumed.
Tu An looked at him with hope.
Yan Yan remained silent, staring at his daughter.
In his heart, he had already decided.
Wait.
If the antidote comes and the price is acceptable, use it.
If not, then use Sauron’s method.
Half an hour later, Nai’er slowly opened her eyes.
Seeing her father, she trembled.
Father… am I dead? Is that why I see you?
You are not dead. I have come back to life, Yan Yan said, tears finally falling.
Joy flooded her completely.
She did not question how he had returned. It did not matter.
As long as he was alive.
It was Sauron, Yan Yan said. He saved me.
Nai’er froze, then tears streamed endlessly.
So many emotions surged within her, shock, gratitude, love.
Where is he? she asked.
Outside.
Soon after, Sauron entered.
From the moment he stepped in, her gaze locked onto him.
That unforgettable face, now before her again.
She felt overwhelming joy and fulfilment.
She leaned into his arms, exhausted.
I regret it, she murmured softly.
Sauron… I am going to die, but I feel so happy.
You will not die, Sauron said gently.
Can you save me?
Yes.
What is the cost?
It is not my cost, it is yours.
Then I do not care.
But Sauron did.
If not for the final moment, he would not use that dark power.
Just then, outside the city—
Two figures appeared.
Turing Duo stood with a black-robed figure behind her.
Your young lady has only one day left, she said coldly. The poison is from the Black Ice Bureau. Only I can cure it.
She paused.
I have brought the antidote.
If you want to save her, agree to one condition.
Marry Yan Shuang to my brother Liu Chen, and hand over Sauron.
Silence fell over the entire city.