Ling Xiaoyue's matters had to be put aside for now; Fang Zhou began to ponder over the Sword Box.

Judging from Zhao Feiyan's Memory Fragments, she should have been at the Void Core Stage of the Golden Core Realm when she unlocked the Sword Box.

If the Spell requires realm conditions to be met, then Fang Zhou must also reach the Void Core Stage.

This might take a considerable amount of time, and it can't be rushed.

"I have some bad news and good news to tell you."

Fang Zhou called Ayia and Ming Aoshuang over and said to them, "Which one do you want to hear first?"

Neither Ming Aoshuang nor Ayia spoke, so Fang Zhou continued, "Let's start with the bad news: we might be trapped here for a long time, maybe three to five months, maybe three to five years, or even thirty to fifty years could be possible."

Although Ming Aoshuang had anticipated what Fang Zhou would say, upon hearing this bad news directly from his mouth, her expression turned extremely unpleasant.

She asked grimly, "Why would it be so long?!"

"That's just how it is."

Fang Zhou said calmly, "This is already a conservative estimate. We might be trapped here for a lifetime; I'd suggest you prepare yourself emotionally."

Fang Zhou didn't actually believe all three of them would be trapped for a lifetime; he was merely trying to scare Ming Aoshuang.

Ming Aoshuang hadn't expected Fang Zhou to mess with her about such a thing, and indeed, she was scared pale, looking utterly defeated.

Ayia, however, remained very calm, as if no matter what happened, she couldn't be fazed.

"What's the good news?" she asked softly.

"The good news is that the time outside is essentially paused. No matter how long we're trapped, once we're out, we'll return to the original time—no need to worry about changes outside."

Ming Aoshuang couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. What kind of good news is this?

Her lifespan was already limited; at any time, she might be killed by Beiming Heavenly Phoenix. Does she have to spend her life's final segment in this miserable place?

Now, Ming Aoshuang couldn't help feeling a bit of regret, wishing she hadn't troubled Fang Zhou initially, which led to this situation.

Fang Zhou wasn't interested in caring about Ming Aoshuang's emotions; after announcing the two messages, he declared, "Next, you all must help as well. The three of us need to collaborate sincerely and brainstorm ways to escape."

Ayia and Ming Aoshuang had no objections; it was the only choice.

Fang Zhou shared the three possible ways he'd come up with during this time.

One was exploring methods to use the Heavenly Repair Stone, another was learning the art of Qimen Dunjia, and the last was asking Beiming Heavenly Phoenix.

The Qimen Dunjia art also has the ability to manipulate time and change locations; if learned, it should be able to lead the three away from this place.

Beiming Heavenly Phoenix had mentioned that if the Heavenly Repair Stone was handed over, it could take people away; perhaps it knows how to use the stone.

Unlocking the Sword Box requires Fang Zhou to raise his realm to Void Core, so he decided to slowly push himself up there using Wise Time.

The other two methods could have Ayia and Ming Aoshuang assist.

Fang Zhou decided to first try the last one, which was most likely to succeed. If they could appeal to and reason with Beiming Heavenly Phoenix, it might reveal the way to leave.

Ming Aoshuang looked troubled, "But I don't know how to summon it?"

Previously, Beiming Heavenly Phoenix forcibly controlled Ming Aoshuang's body; she barely had time to avoid it, let alone think of summoning it intentionally.

"Don't worry, just leave it to me, I've got a way."

Fang Zhou showed Ming Aoshuang a kindly smile.

Ming Aoshuang glanced at his smile and, for some reason, shivered, "Don't mess with me!"

Fang Zhou laughed and patted her shoulder, "What nonsense are you talking about, we're partners in hardship now, we can't possibly mess around."

…

"Ah, ah, ah, you shameless liar! Where's the promise of solidarity during hard times?"

Ming Aoshuang screamed sharply, hanging upside down in mid-air, from where Fang Zhou had suspended her.

Holding a whip made of condensed True Qi, Fang Zhou repeatedly lashed Ming Aoshuang; each strike made her cry out in pain.

Listening to Ming Aoshuang's screams, Fang Zhou said righteously, "Solidarity in hardship means each of us must make certain sacrifices to escape. The pain you endure now is for future freedom; how could you call it unreliable? For us to leave this place, you must bear some injustice and sacrifice for freedom."

Fang Zhou, saying this, lashed Ming Aoshuang a couple more times, making her wail loudly.

"What nonsense! Why don't you take a turn being whipped, you rotten man? I won't let you go! Ah!"

"If I could substitute for you, I would without hesitation; the pain on your body is felt in my heart."

Fang Zhou shrugged, "But since that bird is in you, I can only hit you; grit your teeth and bear it, we won't forget your sacrifice."

"Sacrifice my foot! Put me down now!"

Ming Aoshuang writhed constantly like a struggling caterpillar.

She hated herself for believing Fang Zhou's sweet words, resulting in her being strung up and beaten.

This humiliation had already been noted in her little notebook, and she'd definitely repay it ten-fold once she got out!

Ayia, watching with a full head of black lines, said, "You're purposely taking revenge, aren't you?"

She already knew that Fang Zhou and Ming Aoshuang had grudges between them, forced to temporarily pause due to an accident.

Fang Zhou quickly explained, "Of course not, you don't know, but this woman must lose her emotional control for that bird to appear. Since she can't call it herself, I'm helping her."

Actually, Fang Zhou had a small intention, wanting to give Ming Aoshuang a lifelong unforgettable lesson through this so he could accomplish his mission and draw useful rewards.

All was for the three to leave here; petty revenge wasn't something Fang Zhou, an honest person, would do lightly.

Ayia couldn't refute, so she watched as Ming Aoshuang continued to suffer.

Fang Zhou continued to whip Ming Aoshuang, choosing places like thighs and buttocks that, while painful when hit, wouldn't leave injuries.

"Ah! Go easier on me!"

Ming Aoshuang began to beg for mercy, yet Fang Zhou grew even more excited.

Not long ago, this woman was arrogant and aggressive, but now she could only timidly endure a spanking—truly thrilling.

However, what was disheartening was that despite being suspended and whipped, Ming Aoshuang's emotions were surprisingly stable.

Previously, she would lose control just being provoked with sly words from Fang Zhou, but now, even this beating didn't make her break down; he couldn't fathom what was going through her head.

After whipping for a while longer, Ming Aoshuang's emotions remained stable, not showing any signs of losing control.

Fang Zhou rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment; seemed he had to use his trump card.

He waved Ayia over and whispered something in her ear.

Ayia shook her head, seemingly disagreeing, but Fang Zhou whispered for some time more, finally earning a hesitant nod from Ayia.

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