Luo Bingning’s figure shot forward like lightning as she lunged toward Blood Slaughter Ancestor.

She lightly raised her jade hand and a mass of pure ice-blue light gathered in her palm.

The surrounding air instantly plunged below freezing as countless ice flowers bloomed throughout the void.

Blood Slaughter Ancestor let out a savage grin and formed seals with both hands.

“Blood Fiend Ten Thousand Shadows!”

Behind him, overwhelming blood-colored mist surged forth, transforming into several thousand blood-shadow clones.

Each blood shadow radiated dense killing intent as they attacked Luo Bingning from all directions.

Lin Xi stood in the distance, outwardly covering her mouth in nervousness while rapidly analyzing the battle situation in her mind.

[Detected abnormal energy fluctuations within Blood Slaughter Ancestor’s body]

[Preliminary judgment: suspected Demon Venerable soul fragment augmentation]

[Threat level raised to: extremely dangerous]

The system’s warning made Lin Xi’s heart tighten.

‘A Demon Venerable soul fragment?’

This was far more serious than anticipated.

Even so, she maintained the appearance of a delicate, frightened girl and even deliberately retreated a few steps in fear.

Facing the overwhelming blood-shadow assault, Luo Bingning’s expression remained cold as frost.

A massive Ice Phoenix projection suddenly manifested behind her.

The Ice Phoenix spread its wings and released a clear, piercing cry.

The sound pierced the clouds, carrying the pure suppressive might of the Ice Phoenix bloodline.

The blood shadows froze into ice sculptures the moment they came into contact with the cry’s shockwaves.

Rumble—

Several thousand ice sculptures shattered simultaneously, scattering ice fragments across the sky.

Blood Slaughter Ancestor’s face changed drastically.

“That’s impossible! How has your cultivation already reached Soul Transformation?!”

Panic was evident in his voice.

Luo Bingning did not answer and vanished again.

This time, she appeared directly before Blood Slaughter Ancestor and lightly pressed her jade palm against his chest.

“Nine Heavens Ice Seal!”

Terrifying cold erupted from her palm, instantly sealing Blood Slaughter Ancestor inside a massive block of ice crystal.

Trapped within the ice, Blood Slaughter Ancestor struggled frantically as the blood-fiend power inside his body repeatedly battered the ice layer.

“Blood Dao Forbidden Art · Demonic Blood Combustion!”

His body suddenly ignited in blood-red flames and cracks began spreading across the ice crystal.

Seeing this, Lin Xi inwardly sensed trouble.

[Detected Blood Slaughter Ancestor burning his life force]

[Estimated combat power increase: 300%]

[Recommendation: immediately provide support to Luo Bingning]

The system’s alert prompted Lin Xi to act at once.

She opened the system shop and rapidly filtered usable items.

[System Shop]

[Current points: 8350]

[Recommended items:]

[Law Amplification Talisman (Heaven-tier, mid-grade): 2000 points]

[Demon-Breaking Purification Talisman: 1500 points]

[Instant Movement Talisman: 800 points]

Without hesitation, Lin Xi directly exchanged for the Law Amplification Talisman.

[Exchange successful]

[Law Amplification Talisman x1: 2000 points]

[Current points: 6350]

Taking advantage of the momentary clash between Luo Bingning and Blood Slaughter Ancestor, Lin Xi silently sent the talisman into Luo Bingning’s body.

As Luo Bingning prepared to unleash her next attack, she suddenly felt the power of her Cold Law surge explosively.

The sensation was strange, as though a mysterious force were secretly aiding her.

She instinctively glanced toward Lin Xi’s direction and the chill in her eyes softened slightly.

Xi’er really was supporting her in silence.

Blood Slaughter Ancestor finally broke free from the ice, his entire body engulfed in terrifying blood-red flames.

His aura was several times stronger than before, but his face had turned deathly pale.

“Luo Bingning! Today, either you die or I do!”

He raised both hands as countless blood-red runes gathered in the air.

“Blood Dao Ultimate Profound Art · Blood Sea Overwhelming Heavens!”

The entire sky was dyed crimson as a vast blood sea surged out from the void.

From within the blood sea came the wails of countless vicious spirits, sending chills down the spine.

Facing this horrifying attack, Luo Bingning showed not the slightest fear.

She slowly raised both hands as the Ice Phoenix bloodline within her fully awakened.

“Ice Phoenix True Form · Ten Thousand Li Ice Sealing!”

An unprecedented frost sword qi slashed out from her hands.

This sword qi stretched a thousand zhang in length, its entire form a pure ice-blue.

Wherever it passed, even the void itself froze solid.

The blood sea collided with the sword qi, unleashing an earth-shaking roar.

The entire Blood Shadow Sect mountain range trembled violently as countless massive rocks rolled down from the peaks.

Lin Xi tightly clutched a nearby tree, struggling to keep her balance.

She inwardly marveled at Luo Bingning’s strength.

With the Law Amplification Talisman’s boost, the Empress’s combat power had truly risen to another level.

The blood sea and sword qi fought with equal strength briefly before the sword qi gained the upper hand.

Ice-blue radiance tore through the blood sea and surged straight toward Blood Slaughter Ancestor.

Despair flashed through his eyes.

He tried to evade, but the sword qi was far too fast.

Puchi—

The sword qi pierced through his chest and blood sprayed instantly.

Blood Slaughter Ancestor released a shrill scream as the tremendous impact flung him hundreds of zhang away.

He crashed heavily into the mountain wall, his body embedded deep within the rock.

Luo Bingning flashed forward and appeared before him in an instant.

An ice-crystal longsword formed and pressed against his throat, its tip radiating chilling killing intent.

“Blood Slaughter Ancestor, do you have any last words?”

Her voice was terrifyingly calm, yet the killing intent within it was unmistakable.

Blood Slaughter Ancestor coughed up blood, his eyes filled with unwillingness.

“Luo Bingning… do you think killing me means it’s over?”

He suddenly sneered.

“My master behind the scenes will soon know what happened here. When that time comes, not only you, but even that little girl will die without a burial place!”

Hearing this, Luo Bingning’s killing intent erupted instantly.

The ice sword in her hand released even more bone-chilling cold.

“You dare threaten Xi’er? You’re courting death!”

A flash of sword light streaked past and Blood Slaughter Ancestor’s head flew high into the air.

Blood gushed out like a fountain, splattering the ground with large crimson blossoms.

Luo Bingning withdrew her sword, the killing intent in her eyes still unextinguished.

She turned around and looked at Lin Xi gently.

Blood Slaughter Ancestor’s threat had ignited an intense desire to protect her.

No matter who dared harm Xi’er, she would make them pay a devastating price.

Lin Xi walked to Luo Bingning’s side, her eyes filled with admiration.

“Bingning-jie is amazing!”

Her voice was soft and sweet, completely unlike the unseen supporter she had been moments ago.

Luo Bingning looked into Lin Xi’s clear eyes and felt warmth surge in her heart.

During the battle, she had clearly sensed a mysterious force aiding her.

Though she did not know its source, her intuition told her it was connected to Xi’er.

“Xi’er, did you notice anything unusual just now?”

Luo Bingning asked tentatively.

Lin Xi blinked, her face showing confusion.

“Unusual? What unusual thing?”

She tilted her head, looking innocent and pure.

“I was scared out of my mind earlier. How could I pay attention to anything else?”

Seeing her like this, Luo Bingning’s doubts eased slightly.

Perhaps she was overthinking it.

Xi’er was just a Foundation Establishment–stage girl. How could she possibly assist in such a battle?

“It’s nothing, I was just asking.”

Luo Bingning gently stroked Lin Xi’s hair.

Lin Xi secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Luo Bingning did not press further, or she truly would not have known how to explain.

[Detected increase in Luo Bingning’s trust toward the host.]

[Current trust: 100/100]

[Recommendation: maintain current disguise.]

The system’s notice further confirmed that her strategy was correct.

When one’s strength was insufficient, concealing one’s identity truly was the wisest choice.

Seeing Blood Slaughter Ancestor slain, the remaining Blood Shadow Sect disciples scattered and fled in terror.

This evil sect that had lasted for several hundred years was thus completely annihilated.

Luo Bingning surveyed the ruins of the Blood Shadow Sect without a trace of pity.

Those who cultivated blood-path evil arts deserved no mercy.

“Bingning-jie, what should we do next?”

Lin Xi asked innocently.

Luo Bingning pondered for a moment.

“Blood Slaughter Ancestor mentioned a master behind him. It seems this matter isn’t fully over.”

A hint of concern flickered in her eyes.

“Xi’er, do you think we should strike first, or wait for them to come to us?”

Lin Xi rapidly analyzed the situation in her mind.

According to the system’s intelligence, demonic-path forces truly were backing the Blood Shadow Sect.

Now that Blood Slaughter Ancestor was dead, those forces would certainly send stronger figures to investigate.

Rather than passively waiting, taking the initiative would be better.

But on the surface, she still played the part of a fragile girl.

“Bingning-jie, I think we should be a bit more cautious.”

Her voice carried obvious worry.

“Since they dared support the Blood Shadow Sect for so long, their strength must be formidable. How about we find a safe place first and wait until your condition fully stabilizes?”

Seeing Lin Xi’s concern, Luo Bingning felt deeply moved.

Xi’er always thought of her first.

“Xi’er is right. We really should prepare thoroughly.”

She reached out and held Lin Xi’s hand, her eyes full of tenderness.

“Then we’ll leave this place for now and find somewhere quiet to cultivate for a while.”

Lin Xi nodded, already planning the next steps in her mind.

The system had detected a Demon Venerable soul fragment within Blood Slaughter Ancestor, meaning the enemy ahead was far stronger than expected.

She would need more points to purchase items and Luo Bingning would need to further improve her strength.

[Detected new nurturing task]

[Task: Assist Luo Bingning in comprehending Ice Phoenix inheritance]

[Reward: 15000 points, Ice Phoenix Bloodline Evolution Stone]

[Recommendation: complete as soon as possible to prepare for upcoming challenges.]

Seeing the task prompt, Lin Xi felt a surge of joy.

15000 points would be more than enough to buy powerful items.

And the Ice Phoenix Bloodline Evolution Stone was an absolute top-tier treasure for Luo Bingning.

“Bingning-jie, how about we look for a place with an ice-type spiritual vein?”

Lin Xi suggested casually.

“I heard ice-type spiritual veins are very helpful for cultivating the Ice Phoenix bloodline.”

A flash of delight crossed Luo Bingning’s eyes.

“That’s an excellent idea.”

She thought carefully for a moment.

“I remember there’s a Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Grotto in the Northern Wastes. The cold spiritual qi there is extremely dense. That place is indeed perfect for my current cultivation.”

Lin Xi felt secretly pleased.

As expected, with just a little guidance, Luo Bingning would move in the direction most beneficial to her.

This was the essence of system nurturing.

Not forced change, but subtle guidance.

The two gathered the spoils and prepared to leave the ruins of the Blood Shadow Sect.

Lin Xi looked back once more at the mountain that had become rubble, a sense of accomplishment rising in her heart.

The first hostile force had been eliminated.

Next came cultivating Luo Bingning’s strength and facing even greater challenges.

And she herself would continue growing stronger along the way.