Song Wanníng's eyes darkened. To deal with the monsters quickly, she unleashed the Purple Sky Divine Thunder. A natural-born ability of the Golden Dragon Clan, the moment it was used, the monsters started to panic. Even the evolved ones shrieked in terror, scattering in every direction.
But the Purple Sky Divine Thunder's power was immense. When it struck, hundreds of meters of monsters were instantly engulfed. In the blink of an eye, they all turned to ash, drifting away in the air.
Song Wanníng's face paled for a moment, then flushed back to life as she continued using the technique to annihilate the horde.
This time, Liu Xingzhi didn't stop her. Instead, he cut down monsters while silently guarding her. If Song Wanníng ran out of spiritual power, he'd make sure she got out safely, no matter what, never letting anyone behind take satisfaction.
With that thought in mind, their coordination became smoother, and they eliminated the monsters even faster.
Boom—
Another crack of thunder hit, and Song Wanníng and Liu Xingzhi disappeared into the valley.
Meanwhile, far away at the Guhan Sect, Leng Qingzhu rushed out of her room, her expression anxious. Several senior disciples had followed, including Song Que, who frowned and blocked her path.
"Qingzhu, why are you in such a hurry?" Song Que's brow furrowed, sensing something wrong from her urgency.
"Master, it's Wanníng! Wanníng and the others are under attack by monsters, badly injured, and in critical danger. I have to save her!!"
"What? Wanníng's in trouble?"
"Let's go, we'll save her together!!"
The others panicked. The only Martial Nephew they had couldn't be harmed!
Song Que frowned deeply. "We go together. I want to see who's behind this, daring to target even my disciple's grand-disciple!!"
"Go!"
"Go!"
A group of them quickly followed Leng Qingzhu out of the sect.
Meanwhile, a similar scene was unfolding elsewhere, this time with Liu Lanyi. She went in a completely different direction, followed by people eager to rescue Song Wanníng.
Once both groups left, Luo Hantian appeared at the sect's entrance. Watching them go, his heart was heavy with mixed feelings. These were the pillars of the sect, yet he had to test them this way.
Since Song Wanníng's last suggestion, he'd been screening people. Today's monster attack had already ruled out a few.
Now, he could only secretly use Liu Lanyi and Leng Qingzhu to act as decoys, testing the reactions of others. If monsters appeared prematurely somewhere, it would mean a mole was among that group, letting him eliminate suspects.
"Sigh…"
Luo Hantian exhaled heavily. To avoid raising suspicion, he had to proceed carefully. He hoped it was the sect masters leaking information, not anyone within Guhan Sect itself. Just as he was about to turn back, a figure appeared behind him.
"Martial Uncle Jiang?"
It was Jiang Wentian, who had just been in seclusion. His sudden arrival made Luo Hantian's chest tighten, forcing a casual expression onto his face.
"I heard Song Wanníng's in trouble?" Jiang Wentian's expression was cold and oppressive.
"Yes. Wanníng's life is in grave danger. I've already sent people to rescue her!"
At this, Jiang Wentian's face changed, and he rushed toward the sect's outskirts, vanishing swiftly.
Luo Hantian's unease deepened. Jiang Wentian had a grudge against Song Wanníng…
Such enthusiasm had to be a trap.
He immediately sent a secret message to Liu Lanyi, warning her to watch Jiang Wentian closely. He also informed Song Wanníng of his suspicion.
Meanwhile, Song Wanníng and Liu Xingzhi were hiding in a cave. Several formation plates blocked the entrance to mask their spiritual aura from pursuing monsters.
She took a pill, closing her eyes to restore her drained spiritual power. During the fight with the monsters, she'd almost used up all her power. Only with Liu Xingzhi's help had she escaped. Thinking back, she shivered. The monsters had been endless…
Liu Xingzhi wiped blood from his blade, watching the entrance, emanating an icy aura.
Hearing the news, Song Wanníng opened her eyes.
When Luo Hantian hinted at something, she looked at Liu Xingzhi sharply.
"Master usually acts bluntly, but he's not that kind of person!"
Jiang Wentian was Liu Xingzhi's master, raising and teaching him like a father. Luo Hantian's tone clearly suggested Jiang Wentian was suspicious!
Sensing his mistake, Luo Hantian quickly clarified before ending the message.
Liu Xingzhi's face was grim. He didn't want to believe his master could be behind it, or be the mole.
Song Wanníng looked at him, reassuring, "Senior Brother Liu, don't worry. I trust Martial Uncle Jiang. He wouldn't do such a thing.
But please cooperate. This might be our chance to clear his name!" Her words carried subtle guidance. They couldn't risk Liu Xingzhi secretly alerting Jiang Wentian, which would affect the test.
Staying put was safest for everyone.
Liu Xingzhi caught her meaning and grew even colder.
"You really think I'm that kind of person?"
Despite their short time together, they'd faced so many crises. He thought Song Wanníng understood him, but now…
The chill around him intensified, and he turned to sit in a corner.
"Don't worry. I won't leave your sight, and I won't contact Master!!!"
He closed his eyes, refusing to look at her again.
Song Wanníng blinked, a little surprised, staring at Liu Xingzhi for a while. He usually seemed like a cold, duty-driven cultivator, but now, seeing him like this, he felt alive. As Xiao Jin would say, he finally felt like a real person. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she sat beside him, placing a pill bottle in front of him.
Liu Xingzhi's eyes snapped open, seeing her curious, measuring gaze, and his anger dissipated instantly.