Jiang Chen did not waste time trading barbs with the Cuihua Pavilion Master. Instead, he focused all his attention on probing the mysteries of the formation.
The Cuihua Pavilion Master saw that Jiang Chen remained calm in the face of danger and let out a contemptuous snort. A cold smile crept across his face as he fixed his gaze on Jiang Chen and Wei Xing'er. "This Pavilion Master will go deal with those fools first. As for you two lovebirds — I suggest you savor every last moment of the Blood-Light Encirclement Formation's embrace!"
With a sinister laugh, the Cuihua Pavilion Master transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the void.
Seeing the Cuihua Pavilion Master depart, Wei Xing'er felt no relief whatsoever. Her anxious eyes turned to Jiang Chen, filled with guilt. "In the end, I've dragged you into this after all."
Jiang Chen offered no definitive response, his expression calm and unreadable. He did not reply, instead studying the formation with careful attention.
Though the Blood-Light Encirclement Formation was formidable, judging by its current state, it was clear that the formation's full power had yet to be unleashed. Jiang Chen could tell that while the Cuihua Pavilion Master was able to activate the formation, it still lacked a crucial catalyst to drive it to its complete potential.
Based on his assessment, if he pushed his Divine Demon Golden Body to its absolute limit, he should be able to endure the blood-light's corrosive assault.
"Miss Wei, this Blood-Light Encirclement Formation requires a blood sacrifice to reach its maximum power. That surnamed Cui hasn't performed the blood sacrifice yet, so the formation is still within the range of what can be broken. At my speed, getting you out of this formation shouldn't be a problem. That said, there is a certain amount of risk involved."
Wei Xing'er's pale face brightened at his words. "I'm not afraid of the risk. Just get me out of here. Even if the blood-light ends up corroding me in the end, I won't hold it against you."
Even if she died in Jiang Chen's arms, Wei Xing'er would die at peace.
So, when she heard Jiang Chen say this, she didn't hesitate for even a moment.
Jiang Chen nodded and began channeling his Divine Demon Golden Body. In an instant, a towering golden radiance ten zhang high erupted around his entire body.
"Ready?"
Jiang Chen swept Wei Xing'er into his arms. His figure shot forward like lightning, transforming into a streak of flowing light. The Sky Kun Flowing Light Escape, with its perfect streamlined trajectory, pierced straight toward the outer edge of the Blood-Light Encirclement Formation.
The speed was comparable to an arrow loosed from the bow, the Kunpeng's streamlined form nearly flawless.
This Blood-Light Encirclement Formation was no pushover either. Even at less than a tenth of its full power, its corrosive force was still terrifyingly potent.
As Jiang Chen's escaping light broke through the blood-light, countless streams of blood-colored radiance surged in from every direction, sweeping relentlessly toward him.
The blood-light crashed against the Divine Demon Golden Radiance, producing a ghastly hissing sound of corrosion.
Even the Divine Demon Golden Radiance — a protective aura of such caliber — was being steadily devoured by this horrifying corrosive force under the onslaught of the blood-light.
Thankfully, Jiang Chen needed only a single breath's worth of time.
Just as the blood-light was about to completely devour the defenses of the Divine Demon Golden Radiance, Jiang Chen's escaping light shattered through the barrier of the blood-light trapping formation.
"What a close call," Jiang Chen muttered under his breath.
Clutching Wei Xing'er, he dashed outward again and again. Though they had already broken free of the blood-light trapping formation's area of control, Jiang Chen still didn't dare linger.
Clearly, this bizarre formation had left even him unwilling to let his guard down for a single moment.
In one explosive burst he shot out of the underground labyrinth, only then setting Wei Xing'er down. Her almond-shaped eyes brimmed with the elation of someone who had survived against all odds.
At the same time, the way she gazed at Jiang Chen was filled with a complex mixture of emotions.
It was a look that combined adoration with admiration, tinged with a thread of wistfulness and sorrow.
Clearly, Jiang Chen had descended like a god among mortals, saving her from the threshold of death. Such a heroic rescue was, without question, the surest way to conquer a woman's heart.
Yet Wei Xing'er understood better than anyone that this enigmatic genius of a man was, in the end, not someone who walked the same path as her.
Wei Xing'er had seen Huang'er once before. Even someone as vain as Wei Xing'er had to admit that only a fairy-like woman such as she was worthy of such a genius.
And she, Wei Xing'er, was not worthy. She even felt that Ling Bi'er was not worthy either.
"Miss Wei, it is not safe to stay here. I will take you away first."
Jiang Chen didn't pause, carrying Wei Xing'er with him as he pushed his Heavenly Kun Flashing Light Escape to its absolute limit, utilizing his speed advantage to the fullest.
Feeling Jiang Chen's incredible speed and the potent, masculine aura radiating from him, Wei Xing'er found her emotions surging uncontrollably. Her heart pounded fiercely in her chest.
Though Wei Xing'er was often called a temptress and a femme fatale, she was still, after all, an untouched maiden. In this situation, the heart that had long grown cold stirred once more.
If Jiang Chen were to want anything from her right then, she would not refuse. She would even let him take whatever he wished, accommodating him, satisfying him.
However, not a single such thought existed in Jiang Chen's mind.
Before long, they arrived at the formation array area. At this moment, the area was completely unguarded.
Perhaps entering from the outside was still extremely difficult. But getting out from within was effortless.
Jiang Chen directly summoned the Gold-Munching Mouse King: "Old Gold, have your descendants lead the way. Take Miss Wei out of here. Have them escort her back to the Taiyuan Pavilion first."
Wei Xing'er was stunned. "You're not leaving?"