Chapter 278: Another Way

U-Ulterior motives? No, I don’t! I just want us to survive, can’t you understand? Just kill him, and we’ll be able to survive, can’t you understand this basic thing?!

Hearing him immediately take a defensive stance only confirmed Gao Zhen’s suspicion, and she started chuckling as she shook her head in ridicule.

Noticing this, the soul only became more frustrated. Feeling that his plan was about to fail, he immediately tried to divert her attention.

Even more so, why do you have to go so far for that man? From what I’ve observed, the two of you aren’t even lovers, so why? Why can’t you just kill him?

Although the soul asked this question to divert her attention, the confusion and frustration he carried could easily be heard in his tone.

To this question, Gao Zhen grew silent for a couple of seconds as her gaze once again rested on Yi Chen’s figure.

Just when the soul was about to grow impatient, words finally left her mouth.

"H-Have you ever trusted someone?... In my life...I was never able to. Not even my father."

Gao Zhen muttered with a mocking smile and continued.

"All the people whom I’ve met... who tried to get close to me...they all had ulterior motives...they all wanted to get something out of me.

I don’t get the same feeling with him...at least not anymore-"

COUGH!

Throwing a mouthful of blood to the side, she chuckled while wiping her lips.

"Y-Yes...we indeed almost killed each other once...but it also became the very reason that made me put down the guard against him, allowing me to open up to him...share my goals...my stories...my beliefs.

Something which I’ve never shared with anyone."

A gentle light glimmered in her eyes as she continued with a warm smile.

"Do you know what I thought at that time? I thought...is this how it feels to have a friend?"

A light chuckle escaped her lips the next instant, "Unknowingly...he became the very first friend I ever had in my life."

Pausing for a moment, she let out a breath while glancing at Yi Chen’s figure and said, a determined glint rising in her eyes.

"T-Therefore...even if it costs me my life, I still won’t do what you want me to do."

Hearing those words, the soul turned silent for several seconds.

Thinking that he had finally given up, Gao Zhen let out a breath and busied herself with enduring the pain that was increasing with each passing moment.

However, not even a minute had passed when the soul’s voice resonated again in her head.

Your noble sacrifice...it won’t matter in the end. Despite what you’re doing for him...he’ll still end up dead.

"W-What do you mean?" Gao Zhen asked with a frown.

Once my soul perishes, the tomb’s core would destroy itself. Naturally, the entire tomb will perish soon after, and everything trapped inside will have a similar ending.

"This..."

Gao Zhen’s eyes couldn’t help but widen at those words.

The moment the soul noticed this hesitancy, it livened up and, wanting to hit the nail on the head, hurriedly followed.

That’s why you should just kill him. Your sacrifice would be meaningless otherwise, as he’ll end up dead anyway. Wouldn’t it be better if at least one of the sides benefited?

Hearing those words, Gao Zhen grew silent for a moment as if considering the soul’s words.

The next second, she suddenly asked, "Then...how will we leave the tomb later?... I also need to acquire the tomb’s core before we leave, so won’t the tomb collapse at that time as well?"

Hearing this question, the soul immediately answered with a livened tone. From the way she asked her question, it was evident she was considering his words.

No, as long as I’m alive, the core won’t collapse on its own unless fully deprived of its powers. You just need to walk back the same way you’ve come here.

The moment my sarcophagus was opened, a transportation gate opened up at that spot.

"I see..." Gao Zhen nodded in understanding and forced herself to stand up. The next instant, she took a couple of steps forward and arrived right next to Yi Chen’s figure.

Seeing her actions, the soul was stirred up and exclaimed elatedly.

Yes! Now, hurry up and finish him up. Once that’s done, we’ll finally be able to leave this place!

However, to the soul’s disbelief, Gao Zhen didn’t take out a weapon to gouge out Yi Chen’s heart as anticipated.

Instead, she bent down to grab both of Yi Chen’s arms and started dragging him towards the room’s entrance.

You crazy bitch! What the hell are you even doing?!

The soul roared in fury at her actions.

"I-I’m making sure he survives." Gao Zhen answered with gritted teeth while the pain coursing through her body kept increasing with time.

Cough! Cough!

She coughed out another mouthful of blood, but instead of acting as a deterrent, it only further fuelled her desire to save Yi Chen.

Are you dumb? Look at your condition! You only have about eight minutes before your entire body turns limp! There’s no way you’ll be able to reach the gate on time!

"S-Still...I must try..." Gao Zhen forced the following words out of her mouth before gritting her teeth. Tightly holding onto Yi Chen’s arms, she kept pulling him forward with all her might.

TRY? What’s there to even try?!

It exclaimed, but seeing no response from Gao Zhen, frustration and helplessness reached their peak.

Of all the people that could have entered my tomb, why did it have to be these crazy bastards! One refused to learn a treasured Absorption art earlier, while the other is bent on killing herself! Just Why?!

The soul cursed its fate, seeing Gao Zhen, who was still stubbornly dragging Yi Chen’s body, having barely covered a little more than a meter in the last minute.

With just six or so minutes left, the soul panicked and did its best to draw Gao Zhen’s attention the next moment.

STOP!

It exclaimed, but Gao Zhen kept dragging Yi Chen’s body, not bothering to listen to him. She felt that if she stopped now, then she wouldn’t be able to keep pulling Yi Chen anymore.

Stop! I said stop, you stupid bitch! There’s another way! You hear me? I lied! I lied to you earlier! There’s a way for you to save HIM as well!

Gao Zhen’s steps finally came to a halt at those words. She wiped the blood off her lips the next second, and asked, "W-What way?"

You-

Seeing her finally respond the moment he mentioned Yi Chen, the soul inwardly seethed, but, controlling his emotions, he finally explained.