Rise of the White Dragon-Chapter 452: Between Desperation and Uncertainty

"Step aside or perish!"

A resounding shout cuts through the air.

In the sky, a figure of a black falcon tears through the heavens at high speed. The black falcon is colossal, boasting a wingspan that easily surpasses 500 meters.

"Kiiiiii!!"

The piercing cry of the imposing bird resonates, echoing through the landscape.

Nora and Luan remain in their places. Nora releases her aura, causing unease in the colossal black falcon.

"Curse it, they mean business, don't they?!" Someone mounted on the black falcon exclaims.

"Evade!" Even if evading meant losing some speed, they had no choice; otherwise, escape would become even more difficult in that tense moment.

In the end, the need to evade was theirs.

A robust gust of wind swept through the area just as a majestic bird of prey soared overhead. Luan, beside Nora, turned his gaze toward the falcon with a frigid expression.

Then those who pursued them passed by. Several cast a second glance, but they had more pressing concerns than observing a simple couple.

"In the end, nothing noteworthy occurred," Nora said, with a touch of disappointment in her voice.

Luan squeezed her hand as he looked into her eyes and agreed. It wasn't exactly as he had anticipated, which was reflected in a slight furrowing of his brows. For a moment, he feared getting involved in that situation, but upon realizing that nothing happened, a sense of disillusionment also struck him. However, soon his expression softened as he looked at Nora.

"And now, where do we go from here?" Nora asked, squeezing Luan's hand even tighter, intertwining her fingers with his.

Luan gazed at her tenderly. Without hesitation, he responded with a serene voice, "We'll continue southward. But first, let's see if the golem managed to accumulate anything of value over the years."

"I agree," Nora nodded.

As they began to move, minutes later, they sensed the approach of cultivators' auras in the air.

"We've encountered them again." Nora's initial surprise quickly faded. A charming smile, laden with ulterior motives, danced on her lips.

"Yes, and... it seems they're willing to confront us. How amusing," Luan replied, a cold laugh escaping him.

Meanwhile, the group of fleeing thieves, atop the back of a large falcon, spotted the couple once again. Returning to the same location, knowing the risks, could only mean one thing... they were determined to hinder the couple's progress, right?

With this conclusion in mind, the leader of the thieves, Corvus, shouted, "Attack! Attack! Let's force them to retreat so we can continue our escape!"

Corvus's cry was promptly accepted by all. In the next instant, they unleashed their powers, launching a coordinated attack against the couple.

Watching the attacks relentlessly heading their way, Luan displayed a cold, ironic smile as he clasped his hands together.

[Forest of Despair]

The moment Luan's hands met, his technique was activated. Suddenly, hundreds of thousands of trees erupted from the ground at an impressive speed, some as thick as a bus. The branches extended wildly, forming a completely isolated environment.

When the attacks collided with the trees, instead of inflicting damage, they seemed to feed them, accelerating their growth even further.

"What the hell is this?!" exclaimed Argus, incredulous.

"I... I don't..." Corvus was speechless.

What unfolded before their eyes was so extraordinary that it seemed surreal. Causing harm to the barrier formed by the trees was one thing, but the fact that even fire techniques were being absorbed by the trees and feeding them to grow even more? How could they accept such a bewildering turn of events?

After regaining control of their senses, Corvus shouted, "Evade! Evade now!"

It was nearly impossible to proceed straight ahead. The best option was to veer off, even if it meant losing speed and allowing their pursuers to get even closer.

But could it be so simple to escape after attacking Luan and Nora?

The moment they attempted to veer off, Nora demonstrated calculated cunning and appeared before the group of thieves.

The instant Nora positioned herself in front of them, a charming smile outlined her lips as her melodious and cold voice resonated, "Not so fast~"

[Crimson Prison]

As her words echoed, a crimson hue enveloped everything around.

"What the hell?!" Lyra exclaimed, astounded.

"Curse it, did she cast a domain?!"

"She... She's the Red Empress!" Eko was completely shocked.

"Ahh, so... the other one is the White Emperor?" Argus stuttered in terror as he looked at Luan.

...The leader of the thieves, Corvus, lost all color from his face.

Why did they have to have such bad luck and provoke these two entities at such a crucial moment?

Reflecting now, if it was indeed them, it was possible they had the misfortune of crossing paths with the two twice... Thinking about it made Corvus deeply regret their previous choice to attack first.

"Trying to escape after attacking us? I hope you're prepared~" Nora's tone was laden with sarcasm. Though her words might seem auspicious, the true meaning they conveyed was entirely different.

Faced with Nora's domain, they understood that fleeing was no longer a viable option without breaking the prison that enveloped them.

Nora's dominating presence as the Red Empress loomed over them like an oppressive cloak, enveloping them in her crimson domain. Under their apprehensive gazes, every movement felt restricted, every thought stifled by the certainty that escape had become an insurmountable task.

Corvus, the leader of the thieves, felt the weight of his reckless decision bearing down on his shoulders. Regret consumed him as he acknowledged the gravity of facing not one, but two entities of such power. If only they had realized who they were before provoking them, perhaps they could have avoided this trap.

Nora, with her enigmatic smile, seemed to foresee every thought of theirs. Her control over the situation was undeniable, and the thieves knew there was no escape while under her sway. The sarcasm in her words echoed like a dire warning, a promise of consequences for those who dared to defy her.

The Crimson Prison encased them, turning hope into despair, and the only way forward was to face the consequences of their rash actions.

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