406: At worst, I'll just die.

Kong Ling's sudden arrival was like a bombshell, instantly alarming the five esteemed Saint Kings of the Yuan Ling Universe.

Yuan Yi had just personally welcomed Kong Ling into the sturdy fortress, and before he could even catch his breath, Qing Hui and the other three Saint Kings arrived in a flurry.

Kong Ling's gaze swept over the four Saint Kings who had rushed over. His lips curled into a mirthless smile, and he spoke with a hint of sarcasm, "You all are quite united, aren't you?"

By this time, Yuan Yi had already received the joyous news that True Person Yuan Ling had been successfully rescued. Although he was overjoyed, he hadn't had the chance to explain the details of this turn of events to Qing Hui and the others before Kong Ling impatiently arrived at the fortress.

In front of a powerful Seven-System Saint King, sending a voice transmission in public was clearly unwise; it could not only provoke the other party's resentment but also risk exposure.

Therefore, Yuan Yi was in no hurry to inform Qing Hui and the others about the details of True Person Yuan Ling's rescue via voice transmission.

Moreover, there was an even more important reason: when True Person Yuan Ling was away from the fortress, he was only a six-system Saint King. At this moment, Yuan Yi only wanted to deal with this great Buddha Kong Ling as quickly as possible and then head to the Void Realm to find his long-lost elder brother.

As for Kong Ling and that mysterious General Wu, Yuan Yi had already made up his mind to let his elder brother handle them once he returned.

Despite his inner calculations, Yuan Yi's attitude remained very respectful. Facing Kong Ling, he asked in a calm tone, "President Kong, what brings you here so suddenly? Xun Xiuyuan hasn't returned yet."

Kong Ling's target this time was clearly Xun Xiuyuan, and Yuan Yi had already informed Jiu You of the situation.

Yuan Yi firmly believed that Jiu You and his extraordinary elder brother would properly arrange things for Xun Xiuyuan, ensuring he only returned to the fortress when it was safe.

As long as Xun Xiuyuan didn't return, then no matter how anxious Kong Ling was, he would be helpless and would eventually have to leave the fortress.

However, this time Kong Ling's behavior was completely different, and his attitude had undergone a significant shift.

"According to the intelligence I have, someone infiltrated a secret stronghold of the Yuan Ling Universe just now. Tell me, who exactly is this person?"

Hearing this, Yuan Yi couldn't help but be stunned. He never expected that Jiu You's infiltration had already been detected by the two before him.

The power and insight of a Seven-System Saint King were indeed unfathomable, far beyond ordinary imagination.

Not long ago, Jiu You had confidently assured him that even a Seven-System Saint King would find it difficult to detect his infiltration.

However, who could have predicted that as soon as Jiu You left, Kong Ling would follow right behind him? Furthermore, his tone and demeanor both conveyed a sense of absolute certainty.

Yuan Yi's heart tightened, but he feigned composure. His eyes darted slightly as he shook his head in denial.

"I can say for certain that absolutely no one has entered the Western Fortress."

Facing Yuan Yi's flat denial, Kong Ling sneered, his tone carrying a hint of disappointment and chill.

"I originally thought that as the best among the Six-Element Saint Kings, you were worth cherishing. I didn't expect you to be so stubborn. In that case, there's no need for me to be polite to you anymore."

As soon as Kong Ling finished speaking, General Wu's World Power descended rapidly, enveloping the entire Western Fortress. The powerful force caused the very air to solidify.

Mortal World keenly sensed the descent of this World Power and immediately tried to flee the scene via teleportation.

However, General Wu's space-locking techniques were extremely sophisticated. Even a Six-Element Saint King like Mortal World found it difficult to break through and was unable to tear through space to escape.

General Wu's gaze was like a torch as he glanced at Mortal World, clearly sensing her movements through his World Power.

Seeing this, a contemptuous smile curled on Kong Ling's lips, and he said, "Natives like you cannot truly understand just how powerful a Seven-System Saint King is."

At this moment, the faces of Qing Hui, Hong Yu, and the small-statured Huan You were all exceptionally grim. Clearly, they had all tried to break free from General Wu's space-lock, but all had failed, unable to escape the powerful restraint.

Kong Ling continued, composed and at ease.

"I will give you one last chance. The five of you must solemnly swear allegiance to me. If you are willing to do so, I will personally lead you back to the vast and mysterious Cosmic Chamber of Commerce Alliance."

"As for Xun Xiuyuan, you must notify him through a special voice transmission and have him return to the team immediately."

"If you can do this, I will not only let bygones be bygones..."

...but I will also generously grant you rich rewards. Even the precious cosmic core might very well become yours."

No sooner had Kong Ling finished speaking than Mortal World, unable to restrain herself, spoke up to retort before the four silent men could even react.

"You want us to swear allegiance to you? Are you even worthy of our loyalty? Humph, at most it's just death; we will never yield to you."

Ever since Jiu You's mysterious disappearance, Mortal World's temper had become exceptionally violent and unpredictable.

At this moment, facing Kong Ling's blatant threats and inducements, she stood up without hesitation to express her opposition, becoming the first to publicly defy him.

Huan You looked at Qing Hui and the other three with a complex gaze, then sighed heavily, his tone revealing endless helplessness and bitterness.

"I have already betrayed the Phantom Poison Universe once, and the pain and guilt of that time are still vivid in my mind. If I were to betray the Yuan Ling Universe again, I feel I would truly have no face to show the world. Grand Elder Hong Chen is right; since we've come to this point, at most it's just death. Why should we continue to live in dishonor?"

Back then, Huan You had no choice but to seek refuge in the Yuan Ling Universe, only to be ruthlessly labeled a traitor by the Phantom Poison King.

At that moment, his heart felt as if it were being cruelly torn apart by a sharp blade. That heart-wrenching pain was etched into his soul, and he never wanted to experience it again.

Although the Phantom Poison King's venomous words were clearly meant to provoke him, it was an indisputable fact that Huan You had defected to the Yuan Ling Universe.

At this moment, he had unexpectedly made such a resolute stance in front of Qing Hui and the others, which was greatly beyond their expectations.

They had originally thought Huan You would continue to be hesitant and wavering, but they didn't expect him to stand so decisively on Mortal World's side.

Among the five Saint Kings, two had already bravely stated that in the face of the current predicament, they were prepared for the worst—at most, death.

Kong Ling's face was now ashen, his expression solemn. He stared at Qing Hui, Yuan Yi, and Mortal World with eyes like torches, asking in a cold tone:

"What about the three of you? Do you also hold the attitude that, at most, it's just death?"