Confronted by Fang Yuan's killing intent, so dense it had become almost tangible, Bai Ningbing simply broke into a smile. She met his gaze head-on and shot back a question of her own: "Why should I run?"
After a brief pause, she continued: "Those Qi family Gu Immortals fled because they don't understand you. But you and I—both of us are from Qing Mao Mountain. Based on what I know about you, could they really have escaped? Heh. Since there's no point running, why bother? I have no intention of fleeing. On the contrary—I want to join the Shadow Sect."
Fang Yuan frowned. "I considered that possibility too. Unfortunately, your White Aspect Killing Move is simply too exquisite—it can break almost any alliance."
The brilliance of White Aspect lay in its ability to transform a Gu Immortal into a supremely special existence. Even the tiniest fragment could regenerate back into a complete body.
An alliance was fundamentally bound by Dao Marks of the Information Path. By using White Aspect to self-destruct, Bai Ningbing could shed the corresponding Information Path Marks, thereby breaking free of any covenant.
As a result, White Aspect could also be used for healing—expelling residual foreign Dao Marks from one's body.
"Exactly so." At Fang Yuan's undisguised wariness, Bai Ningbing laughed aloud, entirely unconcerned for her own safety. "But isn't that precisely what makes it more exciting?"
Fang Yuan snorted coldly, displeasure clear in his voice. "Don't compare yourself to me, Bai Ningbing."
Bai Ningbing nodded and let her laughter subside. A sharp light flickered in her dragon pupils. "You're right. I've always been pursuing a thrilling life. That's exactly why I envy you, Fang Yuan. The life you lead—it's simply too stimulating, too magnificent! Every scheme you devise, every success you achieve, even every failure—it's all endlessly exhilarating. Especially the most recent one—ambushed by Heavenly Court, fleeing like a beaten dog! Hahaha, nothing could be more thrilling than that!"
"The others in the Shadow Sect can't understand how I feel. Some of them are obsessed with saving the Demon Venerable Ghost, some are consumed by fear and panic, some are crushed under pressure and drowning in depression. But as for me? I feel excitement and joy. The more turbulent the storm, the more intense the wind and rain—naturally, the more exhilarating it becomes. Isn't that right?"
"Others might not understand me, but I know you do. Isn't that so?"
Bai Ningbing stared into Fang Yuan's eyes, her gaze blazing with light.
Fang Yuan remained silent in contemplation.
Back on Qing Mao Mountain, he had already determined that Bai Ningbing was a True Demon. His judgment had not been wrong—Bai Ningbing was exactly that kind of person. To pursue a thrilling life, she could sacrifice anything—even her own life. The values of ordinary people, the tangled webs of love and enmity—none of that had anything to do with her.
She was fundamentally different from the masses. She was at odds with the world. She walked only along her own path, heedless of the feelings stirring within, dismissing the life and death of all things.
In plain terms, Bai Ningbing and Fang Yuan were very much alike. They were the same kind of people—they simply pursued different things.
Fang Yuan chased immortality and would sacrifice anything for it, including himself. Even if he ultimately failed, dying somewhere along the way, he would still feel gratified—because such a goal, such a way of living, made him feel that his existence was brimming with vitality and purpose.
Bai Ningbing said that Fang Yuan understood her, and that was absolutely correct—just as she could see through him.
As the saying goes, heroes recognize each other. Among demons, there was certainly that same sense of kinship.
The killing intent in Fang Yuan's eyes gradually faded.
That killing intent had been deliberately projected—honestly speaking, he harbored very little genuine desire to kill.
Why would he kill Bai Ningbing?
His current strength far surpassed hers, and she posed very little threat to him anymore.
Sometimes, when he looked at Bai Ningbing, Fang Yuan felt as though he were looking at his own shadow. True Demons like them were exceedingly rare. To encounter one was actually a kind of fortune—a chance to witness a reflection of oneself.
Because they resembled each other more than anyone else, sharing something fundamental at the very core—an acknowledgment, of sorts.