Chapter 948: Conclude in March
The sword formation was ferocious, but with the flood dragon’s aid, Princess Himiya Akiko had already dispelled most of its power. She could handle the lingering remnants alone.
However, Princess Himiya Akiko never expected that the flood dragon would be slain. Left alone, she was like a lone tree against a storm. The battle’s outcome was sealed.
The flood dragon was weaker than Tamamo-no-Mae to begin with, and after fighting for so long, its strength was heavily depleted. When caught off guard by a quasi-First-Tribulation Immortal wielding a true immortal weapon, death was inevitable.
Princess Himiya Akiko was not like Katsura Yoshiyuki. She had no desire to become a martyr for Fenglin. Her life was far too precious for that. More importantly, the Tenmon Sect and the royal family would only have a sliver of hope if she lived.
Her survival—together with the royal family’s Great Tengu—was the sole chance for a second round of negotiations.
Of course, such negotiations could never offer terms as favorable as the first one. The loss of all armies, lands, and power was certain. But at the very least, some dignity could be preserved, sparing the Fenglin royal line from total extermination.
Under normal circumstances, it would be nearly impossible for Princess Himiya Akiko to escape from both the Imperial Preceptor and Zhang Qihan. But there was one exception—a divine artifact.
Princess Himiya Akiko wasted no time. She resolutely drew upon the divine power of the Yasakani Magatama, splitting open a vast yin-yang rift.
It was the same technique once used in the attempt to assassinate Toyotomi Hidemochi. Back then, it required the combined ritual of the Shinkan-dan from the Asahi-jingu. But now, Princess Himiya Akiko could wield it alone.
As soon as the rift opened, Princess Himiya Akiko plunged into it without hesitation.
The Imperial Preceptor and Zhang Qihan made no move to pursue. Fenglin was already within the Daoist control. As long as Princess Himiya Akiko remained in Fenglin, she was a caged bird, incapable of stirring up any great storm.
The Imperial Preceptor merely waved his hand, claiming the Dragon Pearl from the slain flood dragon.