The air smelled like reluctant cooperation, unspoken threats, and the ozone crackle of three god-tier women restraining the urge to murder each other.
Luo Feng stood in the eye of a very delicate storm:
The Death Queen was sharpening her nails on a piece of frozen time
Li Qing had iced over half the escape route (purely on principle)
The Nine-Tails Goddess kept "accidentally" setting fire to the other half
[System Alert: Fragile Coalition Detected]
[Recommended Strategy:
Do Not Make Eye Contact
Do Not Breathe Too Loudly
Absolutely Do Not Mention Chapter 57's Memory Theft]
The plush demons had already formed a protective huddle inside Luo Feng's collar.
TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT
The Death Queen broke the silence with a sigh like poisoned honey:
"Darling, if we work together, I expect appropriate compensation." Her dagger pointed at Li Qing. "Starting with her frozen heart on a silver platter."
Li Qing's frost veins pulsed. "Try it, poisoner."
The Nine-Tails Goddess yawned. "Can we skip to the part where we escape? I'm bored."
After:
Seven near-fatal glances
Three aborted assassination attempts
One very tense rock-paper-scissors tournament
They reached an agreement:
No Friendly Fire (Until Escape is Complete)
Shared Credit (But Luo Feng Owes Each a Favor)
Temporary Ceasefire (Subject to Change Without Notice)
[Alliance Formed: The Unholy Trinity]
[Duration: Approximately 15 Minutes]
THE GREAT ESCAPE
Phase One: Distraction
The Nine-Tails Goddess transformed into a perfect replica of the Void Emperor's favorite concubine
"Darling guards~" she purred, "Why chase them when you could...chase me?"
Sixteen Void Sentinels immediately abandoned their posts
Phase Two: Breach
Li Qing flash-froze the dimensional locks
The Death Queen dissolved the hinges with a kiss (acid-laced)
Luo Feng kicked the door—and stubbed his toe
Phase Three: Retreat
The trio (plus one limping protagonist) sprinted through the collapsing corridor
Behind them, the banquet hall folded itself into oblivion
THE EMPEROR'S LAUGHTER
Just as they reached the exit rift—
—the sky ripped open.
The Void Emperor's voice boomed across unraveling reality:
"Excellent work. You're right on schedule."
Then the rift snapped shut behind them—
—leaving only:
The Death Queen's suspicious glare
Li Qing's deepening frost
The Fox Spirit's suddenly thoughtful expression
And clutched in Luo Feng's hand:
A single silver thread that hadn't been there before.
[System Notification: TEMPORARY ALLIANCE DISSOLVED]
[New Mission: "FIGURE OUT THE EMPEROR'S GAME"]
[Warning: You're Exactly Where He Wants You]
The plush demons started drafting their wills.
END OF CHAPTER 58