Even Tingxue looked at Zu An with a frown. Why does this feel weirdly familiar?
Firework also suspected that Zu An had used some weird skill on her.
Faced with their suspicions, Zu An was forced to respond, “Have you never felt warmth in your life?”
Firework’s expression darkened. “Rubbish! That has nothing to do with that!”
Zu An looked at Firework with eyes of pity. “I have an ability called ‘Love Is More Solid Than Gold’ that induces such effects, but I never used it against you. Your reaction likely stems from a lack of love in your life. That’s why you catch feelings quickly whenever someone treats you well.”
Tingxue’s expression flickered upon hearing the words, ‘Love Is More Solid Than Gold’, but walking down Nebula’s path had made her forget many things. Her miscellaneous thoughts scattered as ripples, and her mind reverted to its previous impassiveness.
Firework, on the other hand, reacted explosively, “I lack love? What a joke! Countless men queue up just to lick my feet. Powerhouses vie to send me precious treasures. Do you know how many people would die on my behalf? Yet you say I lack love?”
Her vehement response evoked a sigh from Zu An. “You know that isn’t love.”
Firework fell silent. She knew that as well. Some were afraid of her and wanted to get into her good books. Others coveted her beauty. Regardless, they had their motives for approaching her.
Nothing compared to the moment Zu An protected her from the Eight Barren Netherworld Suppression Formation. He'd held her so tightly in his arms that she hadn’t suffered the slightest damage other than the first whip. His desperation to protect her had been pure, untainted by any desires. That was why she was moved.
But there was no way she would admit to that. She proudly replied, “You arrogant brat! Just because I favor you doesn’t mean you can run your mouth as you please. I’m merely showing you magnanimity in view of the time we have spent together. How dare you lecture me? You must be tired of living!”
Firework’s aura flared, unleashing pressure comparable to that of a universal deity.
Tingxue frowned. She gripped her sword tightly, ready to launch a counterattack.
Breathing suddenly became difficult for Zu An. He barely held on by simultaneously using One Drop of Heaven’s Essence to tap into the earth vein’s energy and using the Heaven-Devouring Sutra to absorb more energy.
Just then, a spiderweb appeared in the sky.
A cold gleam flashed. Tingxue brandished her sword and sliced the web in two.
But it appeared to have a life of its own. It transformed into countless serpents that lunged at Tingxue and Zu An.
Tingxue brandished her sword without rest, tearing down wave after wave of attacks. However, during a momentary lapse in attention, a web coiled around her wrist and stalled her movements.
That opening was more than enough. In just an instant, she was thoroughly wrapped up, to the point where she could no longer move.
Zu An wasn’t faring any better. He unleashed the White Lotus Flame and the Phoenix Fire, thinking it could curb the spiderweb. However, it was completely unaffected by flames. That left him with no choice but to dodge the threads, but he was still caught in the end.
Firework smirked. “Let’s see where you can run now.”
Tingxue stared at Firework nonchalantly, her bright eyes slowly becoming murky like the nebula. She was charging up for a powerful move.
Firework frowned. “What a troublesome foe a Nebula envoy is...”
She was about to make her next move when Zu An suddenly spoke up. “You just want the key to release the seal, right? I’ll hand the key to you if you promise to free Tingxue, Isabella, Alfred, and the others.”
Firework burst into laughter. “I didn’t expect you to be a sentimental person. By being this soft-hearted, you’ll only bring harm upon yourself and your loved ones.”
Zu An pointed out, “Those people gathered here to save you. You shouldn’t repay goodwill with enmity.”
“They joined the expedition under the pretext of saving me, but all of them harbored ulterior motives. Only a fool like you would believe their words.” Firework harrumphed as her face turned cold. “I am the type of person to repay goodwill with enmity, anyway. You’re now all my prisoners. What right do you have to negotiate with me?”
“I am indeed no match for you, but I can bring you down with me. I hope you don’t force my hand,” Zu An calmly replied.
Firework frowned. “Oh? Are you trying to intimidate me again?”
Zu An shook his head. “It’s my last resort. I’ll have to pay a hefty price to invoke it. I’ll lose my life, and my soul might be condemned for all eternity. You've shown me mercy several times now. I don’t want to go to that extent, but if you continue cornering me, I’ll have no choice.”
He wasn’t even sure if Keyboard Come would work on Firework. She was so powerful that he risked being destroyed before the skill could even take effect. But he had no other option. He could only take a gamble.
“Are you threatening me?” Firework’s expression darkened. The surrounding air turned cold.
“It’s not a threat, but advice from an old friend. I''ve already thought things through. It doesn’t matter to me whether you escape from your seal or not; I have no interest in maintaining order in the Myriad Worlds.”
Zu An had gotten a rough grasp of Firework’s temperament. She was more of a carrot person than a stick person. It wouldn’t be wise to agitate her. That said, those were his earnest thoughts.
Even if Firework was a heinous villain, the Myriad Worlds were large enough for her to wreak havoc upon. Besides, the responsibility of dealing with such a powerful entity was supposed to fall on the universal deities and not a small fry like him.
Firework smiled. “That’s more like it. At least you aren’t an inflexible fool. I’d expect no less from a man I regard highly. Hand over the key, and I’ll release them.”
Zu An opened his palm and revealed the key.
Firework was surprised. “Aren’t you worried about me reneging on my promise?”
Zu An smiled. “I might not have spent much time with you, but I believe you aren’t that kind of person.”
Of course, he wouldn’t hesitate to bring Firework down with him if she reneged, but it was unnecessary to voice such jarring words.
Firework was pleased. “You’re getting more and more likable. All right, I’ll give you my word.”
The key appeared in her hand, and the cocoon around Tingxue and Zu An unraveled. She pulled a cocoon out from the fabric of space—it was Isabella, with only her face showing.
Upon seeing Zu An, her lips quivered and her eyes reddened. “Big brother Zu, be careful! Firework is...”
“Stop acting coy. He knows everything.” Firework harrumphed. This lass irks me.
Zu An consoled her. “Don’t worry, Isabella. It’s all right now.”
Firework flung her sleeves. “Come with me!”
She tore the fabric of space and headed to where the seal was.