The Martial Ancestor stood still, watching in silence as Baotian's body began to change.
His form twisted, light bending around him — and in the next moment, the frail old man was gone.
What stood there now was an ethereal being, its outline shimmering faintly.
The Martial Ancestor's gaze sharpened.
"You…" he said slowly.
"Where is Baotian?"
A soft voice answered — distant, impossible to pin down.
"Oh, come on. You know me better than that," the figure said with a faint smile that seemed to belong to both genders at once.
"He's safe and sound. But tell me, weren't you a little too hasty?"
The Martial Ancestor exhaled deeply, a tired sigh escaping him.
Even he hadn't sensed this impostor's presence — which meant this being's concealment had now reached a terrifying level.
He looked up, his expression hardening.
Then he snorted.
"Like hell I'll tell you anything."
A faint chuckle echoed.
