He sighed helplessly, holding the pill bottle in his hand. Jiang Wentian was his master, so Song Wanníng worrying like this was perfectly normal. He couldn't expect her to trust him unconditionally. Still, deep down, he felt a twinge of disappointment. He'd thought their bond was different from others.
Liu Xingzhi pressed his lips together, noticing Song Wanníng's curious gaze, and felt slightly awkward. "Sorry, I wasn't in the best mood just now," he said to her.
Song Wanníng looked even more surprised, then smiled. "It's okay. I just don't often see you show other emotions, so I was curious. I wasn't entirely right with what I said either."
She knew her words had been blunt, maybe even a little hurtful. But she didn't want to pretend.
After they both apologized, the tension in the cave finally eased. They exchanged a glance and laughed together.
It was the first time Song Wanníng had seen Liu Xingzhi smile, and her mood lifted considerably. Her gaze drifted toward the void, anticipating the person hiding behind it to reveal themselves.
…
Meanwhile, Liu Lanyi and Leng Qingzhu were still leading their groups anxiously toward the prearranged positions. By the time they arrived, both locations were already staffed.
The disciples didn't know the sect's true intentions. They just knew they had to check if monsters appeared. They waited, and finally, one spot saw a swarm of monsters. The stationed team realized something was wrong and immediately retreated, sending a message to Luo Hantian.
Receiving the report, Luo Hantian's expression darkened. He'd been hoping the suspicion wouldn't fall on anyone from his side, but now…
The truth was clear: there really was a mole inside the sect.
He closed his eyes briefly, then reopened them, eyes blazing with sharp determination.
Luo Hantian sent a message immediately to Liu Lanyi and Leng Qingzhu. Both of them changed their expressions, quickly readjusting, and informed their groups that Song Wanníng had switched locations.
"Elder Liu Xingzhi has found the spiritual medicine and has taken Wanníng away safely. We don't need to worry!"
Leng Qingzhu feigned relief and smiled.
Knowing Song Wanníng was safe, everyone relaxed and happily started heading back.
On Liu Lanyi's side, it was the same. No one suspected anything, since with Liu Xingzhi there, it made sense for Song Wanníng to have recovered.
So both groups turned back, including Jiang Wentian, who was in Liu Lanyi's team.
Several hours later, the teams returned to Guhan Sect. Leng Qingzhu and Liu Lanyi didn't immediately see the sect master, instead privately exchanging messages.
"What? It wasn't Jiang Wentian?"
Liu Lanyi was shocked. She couldn't understand it. Jiang Wentian had a grudge against Song Wanníng, so he shouldn't care this much.
Leng Qingzhu's heart sank. A bad feeling surged through her.
"Sect Master, you mean the information wasn't leaked by Junior Sister?"
After a long pause, Luo Hantian finally replied, "Hmm…"
The three fell into a stunned silence.
For Liu Lanyi and Leng Qingzhu, it felt like a bolt from the blue, leaving them reeling.
The people at Leng Qingzhu's location were all her closest companions—her master, senior sisters, and senior brothers…
If the mole really was among them…
Leng Qingzhu couldn't even bear to think, her fists clenched until they were crimson. Unlike Liu Lanyi, she'd spent years with the sect members, and their bonds were deep. And now she was told there was a traitor among them, one scheming to kill Wanníng?
Her legs wobbled as if she might collapse.
Liu Lanyi pursed her lips, silently hoping it was all a coincidence. Faces of the sect members flashed in her mind, and she could barely imagine a mole existing among them.
After a long moment, Luo Hantian spoke again, "Should we tell Wanníng now?"
The situation had become even more difficult.
"Yes, we have to tell her!"
Leng Qingzhu's voice was firm. No matter what, they couldn't let Wanníng's life be in danger.
"All right, but the investigation that follows…" Luo Hantian hesitated, choosing to consider their feelings.
Leng Qingzhu's voice was resolute. "Sect Master, don't worry. We'll cooperate fully and uncover the culprit as soon as possible!"
"Yes, we'll give it everything we've got!"
Liu Lanyi's attitude remained firm, her eyes sharp and determined. No matter who it was, they had to catch them and prevent them from harming the entire Cultivation World.
"All right, keep me updated!"
Luo Hantian felt relieved. After ending the message, he immediately informed Song Wanníng.
Hearing the news, Song Wanníng froze. A flicker of shock passed through her eyes.
Liu Xingzhi's expression also stiffened. Now that his master's name was cleared, he couldn't feel any joy. He looked at Song Wanníng and saw her fall silent, which made his heart sink too.
"You—"
He tried to comfort her but didn't know where to start, opening his mouth and closing it again.
"How could this happen…"
Song Wanníng processed the news, her mood plummeting. It reminded her of the betrayal by Bai Yang and the others. The closest members of her sect, betraying her again, sent shivers through her heart. The light in her eyes dimmed, her expression deep and unreadable.
Even her aura had changed.
Liu Xingzhi watched her carefully, worried, and stayed silently by her side.
After a long moment, Song Wanníng let out a soft sigh and sent a message to Luo Hantian. Now that they had a lead, they'd go all out. Only by drawing the traitor out could the monsters' trail be completely uncovered.
After coordinating, Song Wanníng stood, looking at Liu Xingzhi and gave a bitter smile. "Let's go. Anyone daring to betray the sect must pay the price. We need to lure the snake out of its hole."
They couldn't sit and wait anymore. They had to strike to take control.
"Mm." Liu Xingzhi nodded and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Don't be too upset."
"Upset?" Song Wanníng raised an eyebrow. "This little setback isn't enough to upset me."
She'd endured far worse. It was only disappointment. She waved her hand and left the cave with Liu Xingzhi.
The monsters around had been cleared, so leaving the cave was unimpeded.
They now had to find a safe location and draw out the person behind this!
===
Wait, don't tell me Liu Xingzhi also fall in love with Wanníng, just like Baili Shuang?
LOL. Girl, you really magnet for man and woman, huh~