Master Shangshan looked at the shadow formed by the Hive Consciousness with a complex expression, enduring the constant pressure.
Although Master Shangshan had an individual consciousness, he was essentially still part of the Void Insect Race. He didn’t want to completely detach from the Void Insect Race, but just wanted to retain his own consciousness.
He... didn’t want to become a puppet.
"Why... must you make me your puppet?"
Master Shangshan looked at the illusory insect shadow in front of him and slowly opened his mouth.
"Once I become a puppet, my progress in this life will be completely halted!"
Master Shangshan spoke lightly, but his expression grew increasingly complex.
As the first of the Void Insect Race on the Celestial Profound Star to reach the peak of the sixth rank, and about to step into the seventh rank, Master Shangshan also discovered that if he became a puppet of the Hive Consciousness, he would never be able to pass the Three Calamities.
Without passing the Three Calamities, it would be impossible to become seventh rank.
He would be stuck between the sixth and seventh ranks forever, never progressing, which was not what he wanted to see.
"Even if my combat power increases after being controlled by you, I would ultimately still be just a puppet."
"Why do you have to force me?"
Master Shangshan slowly spoke.
However, the response was the cold voice of the insect shadow, devoid of any emotion.
"The will of the swarm cannot be defied!"
Upon hearing this, Master Shangshan became even more helpless.
He slowly sat down cross-legged, looking calmly at the shadow of the Hive Consciousness in front of him, and spoke calmly: "In that case... let’s talk!"
Master Shangshan spoke softly: "There have been changes on Celestial Profound Star, with powerful beings from other extraterrestrial life forms invading. If I do not act, the insects on Celestial Profound Star will be destroyed."
"Although this is just one of the Three Thousand Worlds you control, it is still your blood and sweat."
His words made the insect shadow fall into silence.
It seemed to be contemplating something.
A moment later, the insect shadow nodded slightly, its voice still cold and devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
As soon as these words were spoken, Master Shangshan smiled slightly, and the endless pressure surrounding him began to dissipate like receding tides.
As the pressure dissipated, Master Shangshan’s constantly shifting expression in the real world began to gradually calm down.
A moment later, Master Shangshan slowly opened his eyes, and a powerful aura roared out from within him, sweeping across the entire mountain peak.
"Outer Realm Demons..."
"How dare you act recklessly!"
A sharp glint appeared on Master Shangshan’s face as he stepped out, instantly crossing the barrier of the mountain and standing at the top of the towering peak.
He stood alone on the summit, surrounded by clouds.
All around the mountain peak, the members of the Immortal Slaying Alliance, led by Lu Sheng, had already firmly surrounded the entire mountain.
Lu Sheng stood calmly in midair, white robes fluttering, with serene eyes fixed on Master Shangshan.
"Master Shangshan..."
A sharp light flashed in Lu Sheng’s eyes.
In the next moment, Lu Sheng slightly lifted the corner of his mouth, cupped his hands towards Master Shangshan standing on the summit, and said loudly.
"Immortal Slaying Alliance urges Master Shangshan to meet his end!"
The voice, amplified by Qi Blood Power, soared to the sky, tearing the clouds above into shreds with violent force.
"Master Shangshan, meet your end!!"
As Lu Sheng’s voice fell, the surrounding members of the Immortal Slaying Alliance imitated him, cupping their hands and roaring angrily at Master Shangshan atop the summit.
Their voices merged together, along with Lu Sheng’s lingering voice, completely shattering the firmament.
"Urge me to meet my end?"
Atop the summit, Master Shangshan stood with his hands behind his back, the fierce wind dispersing the clouds around him, emanating a terrifying aura.
"How long has it been... since I heard those words?"
Master Shangshan stepped forward, treading in the void, overlooking Lu Sheng and each member of the Immortal Slaying Alliance, his gaze sweeping over them.
Suddenly, Master Shangshan’s eyes fixed on Ling’Er standing next to Lu Sheng.
Master Shangshan’s expression froze at this moment.
It wasn’t that Master Shangshan recognized Ling’Er, but at this moment, the Hive Consciousness, which had been emotionally indifferent, produced a voice with emotional fluctuations in Master Shangshan’s mind.
"Sacrifice this person to me, and I will preserve your consciousness!"
As this voice sounded, a storm surged in Master Shangshan’s mind.
So much so that Master Shangshan’s body couldn’t help but tremble with excitement at this moment.
How many years have I resisted the Hive Consciousness?
Because of resisting the Hive Consciousness’s control, despite being the foremost in this world, I could only hide within the mountain, desperately resisting.
I found a way not to be controlled!
Is Ling’Er beside Lu Sheng!
Wild joy flashed across Master Shangshan’s face as he took a deep breath and focused his gaze on Lu Sheng.
He could naturally see that among all the members of the Immortal Slaying Alliance, Lu Sheng was the strongest!
"Federation Martial Artist?"
Master Shangshan’s words carried a hint of disdain.