Chapter 1499 - 1496: Saving Muta

"That mirror is an Ancient Divine Artifact. Legend says that once activated, it can absorb the Three Emperors and Five Sovereigns into its reflection, tremendously powerful."

Pausing for a moment, the person continued, "That man in the black robe is the mage of this country. The Jade Mountain Kunlun Mirror is in his possession. Even if you want it, I can't help you."

"Then why did you attempt suicide?" Ye Qiu asked the man in puzzlement. "What made you so desperate that you would rather die than stay here?"

"You're a man too. If you were constantly hiding behind someone's back, becoming their puppet, how long would you persist? I've been here for over ten years, never stepped outside, and never spoken a word in front of others, because the mage said I was the king chosen by the mirror. But the mirror took back my voice, telling everyone I was a mute."

Upon hearing the man's words, Ye Qiu fell silent, thinking that he probably couldn't endure for long either. Yet, he didn't expect this man to withstand for over ten years—a wonder he considered suicide in despair.

Ye Qiu looked at the man, sighed, and said, "Perhaps death is a kind of release, but don't you want to escape?"

"Escape?" the man replied with a bitter smile, "How I'd love to break free. But no matter how many times I escape, I always get caught and dragged back to this place, worse than Hell."

"What can I do to help you?" Ye Qiu asked the man, feeling an unsolicited urge to assist him.

To Ye Qiu's surprise, the man shook his head in despair, saying, "No, you can't help me. No one can defeat that mage. He's the strongest of all, undefeated by anyone, anyone."

Ye Qiu watched the man, aware that he was accustomed to the formidable mage he spoke of, likely terrified of him to the bone.

"But if you're choosing death, why not fight for yourself one last time?" Ye Qiu said, his eyes coldly fixed on the man, "If it were me, I'd risk my life to perish alongside that mage."

Ye Qiu's words ignited a spark in the man's eyes. The ember rapidly grew into a blaze, leaving him staring at Ye Qiu in disbelief, asking, "You, are you truly willing to help me?"

Ye Qiu nodded, "Yes, I am willing to help you. Now that you can see me, it could be an opportunity. Besides, I want the Jade Fan Kunlun Mirror from the mage, even if our purposes differ, the outcome is the same—defeat the mage, you escape, and I obtain the Jade Mountain Kunlun Mirror."

The man promptly nodded, "Alright, I'll cooperate with you."

Ye Qiu smiled slightly, extended his hand, and pulled the man from the ground, saying, "Actually, I was in the main hall earlier, but none of you, including the mage, could see me. I even patted him on the shoulder, but my hand went right through."

Under the man's puzzled gaze, Ye Qiu continued, "It was when your blood splashed onto me that you became able to see me. Maybe it has something to do with you."

Upon hearing Ye Qiu's explanation, the man slowly nodded. "I see, so that's why you suddenly appeared in front of me."

"Now, the most important thing is to find out if the mage can see me, and whether I can engage with him."

The man nodded, "Alright, I'll take you to him."

As he spoke, the man picked up a dagger from the ground, saying, "If you can see him and harm him, today will be the day we join forces. If not, then I'll fight him today, preferring death to living as a puppet."

Seeing the man's resolve, Ye Qiu nodded, "Alright. I don't know your name yet. I'm Ye Qiu."

"My name is Muta."

Muta stood, looked at Ye Qiu, and said, "I'm glad to meet you. Let's hope this isn't our last encounter."

The two exchanged a smile and proceeded outside.

"The mage should be in his own quarters now; he's always there at this time."

While speaking, Muta led Ye Qiu to the mage's room door. As they approached, Muta hesitated, casting a glance at Ye Qiu. Seeing Ye Qiu's firm nod, he no longer hesitated and pushed the door open.

"It's you?" The mage seemed surprised that Muta had come, saying with puzzlement, "This isn't a place you should be."

Muta saw the apprehension in the mage's eyes, and at that moment, Ye Qiu suddenly patted Muta's shoulder from behind, filling Muta with strength.

"Get out!"

The mage, seeing Muta still at the doorway, immediately commanded harshly, "Who do you think you are? This isn't a place for you."

Muta replied coldly, "I can't be here? Why can't I be here? I'm the king here. As king, do I still need your permission to go anywhere?"

Upon hearing Muta's words, the mage's expression turned cold, his eyes dangerous as he said, "You need to understand your true status—how dare you claim to be a king!"

Muta sneered at the mage, "So what? If you can, kill me."

"Kill you?" The mage chuckled coldly, "A useless puppet like you, how could I possibly kill you? I'll make sure you find no peace in life or death, forever living in my shadow."

"I'll kill you!" Muta seemed enraged by the mage, suddenly raising his dagger and charging at him.

The mage watched Muta rushing at him and snorted, "Overestimating your capabilities."

The mage raised his hand, transforming it into a claw, forcefully pulling Muta towards him and gripping his neck tightly.

Under the mage's grasp, Muta couldn't muster any resistance, allowing the mage to tightly clutch his throat.

Standing outside, Ye Qiu was surprised at how weak Muta was, unable to put up any fight.

"Stop!"

Ye Qiu suddenly raised his sword and lunged at the mage's face, fearing in his heart that the mage might not perceive him.

Yet, as the mage locked Muta's throat, he unexpectedly saw a gleaming sword darting directly towards his face.