The two exchanged glances before staring at Specter Ancestor. However, he was only condensing primal energy and didn’t form the anima yet.

“How long?” Golden Flower asked.

Ghost-matron looked back and said: “An hour or so.”

In reality, she had no idea because this was unprecedented.

“I’m afraid not, too many moves within that period.” Witch King shook his head.

“Indeed.” Golden Flower agreed.

They have grown used to finishing off opponents within a few moves. Now, they found themselves on the other side.

“Just ask Specter Ancestor to stop for now.” Witch King said.

“Fellow Daoists, you two have agreed to be dao protectors.” Ghost-matron reminded the duo.

“Yes, we agreed to be dao protectors, not throw our lives away.” Golden Flower was more direct.

“Are you done whispering yet?” Li Qiye asked with a smile.

“How about we spar for a few moves, Fellow Daoist?” Witch King took a deep breath and asked.

“Want to buy some time? When I tell him to stop, I mean it. You won’t last a few moves.” Li Qiye said with a smile.

“Can he do it?” Listeners became emotional. No one in Sin could kill three apex emperors in a few moves, not even Immortal Suppressor.

Alas, some thought Li Qiye would be the one to successfully carry it out. The trio themselves were shaken as well.

They thought there was no going back after starting the fight. The number of moves wouldn’t matter then.

“He has made up his mind, we should end the dao session here.” Golden Flower told Ghost-matron.

“No, we must protect Specter Ancestor to the very end. Promises mean more than anything.” Ghost-matron said.

“I never promised to fight to the death.” Golden Flower shook her head.

“You wish to renege, Fellow Daoist?” Ghost-matron’s tone became more serious.

“An agreement with Specter Ancestor is not worth the risk. If you wish to die, do it alone. I do think it’s commendable that you are doing this. Goodbye now.” Golden Flower said and disappeared.

“And you, Fellow Daoist?” Ghost-matron asked Witch King who had deeper ties with Phantom compared to Golden Flower.

“I don’t think we can stop him.” Witch King said, not thinking he could slow Li Qiye down for a few moves, let alone win.

“We just need to buy enough time for Specter Ancestor to finish.” Ghost-matron said.

“We can’t make it that long.” Witch King responded.

“Then we keep going, burn our blood if we have to.” Ghost-matron said.

Witch King stared at her for a moment before shaking his head: “Fellow Daoist, we are friends and I want to help, perhaps block a move or two. However, blood sacrifice and dying are beyond our ties.”

“You are leaving?” Ghost-matron asked.

“I will not accompany your stubborn quest. We are destined to lose unless there is a perfect strategy with a chance of victory.” Witch King said.

“I do not regret losing as long as we try.” Ghost-matron said.

“There is always another day, it is time to give up.” Witch King said.

“If you wish to survive, go ahead and leave, Fellow Daoist.” Ghost-matron said.

Witch King’s expression soured as he said: “Fellow Daoist, I apologize for not going down this suicidal path with you. Take care.”

With that, he disappeared from the battlefield.

“Two are gone just like that?” A big shot couldn’t believe it.

“They’re not from Phantom, the relationship isn’t strong enough to risk their lives.” A desolate god said.

Spectators stared at the lone cultivator and felt bad.

“Still just outsiders.” Members of Phantom were vexed at this development.

“You will not let me pass despite knowing you will die?” Li Qiye asked.

“Yes, you must get through me before disturbing Specter Ancestor’s dao enlightenment.” She said.

“How many moves can you last? One or two? Your sacrifice will be meaningless since I will stop him either way.” Li Qiye said.

“As I have said, no regrets.” Her eyes narrowed for a second but she took a deep breath.

“Have it your way then.” Li Qiye smiled and walked toward the dao platform, crushing the barriers with each step.

“Seal!” Ghost-matron roared and a river consisting of dao laws surged toward Li Qiye.

Alas, this couldn’t deter his pace.