A calculating glint flashed through Li Qingya's eyes as she rushed toward the commotion.
When Song Wanníng heard her cry, her expression turned cold. She'd known this woman was up to no good, and now it was clear she'd been right. Her gaze swept across the crowd, icy enough to chill bone. Her figure flickered, and in the next instant, she appeared a hundred meters away. The blood mist still rained down on everyone, yet not a single drop harmed her.
Everyone saw it. Shock and confusion filled their hearts, but that quickly shifted into something else—greedy realization. Almost instantly, they all began edging toward Song Wanníng, including the Hua Clan's Patriarch.
The Patriarch's eyes were filled with surprise as they was the first to reach her side. But instead of hiding behind her for protection, they actually stepped forward to shield her, blocking the blood mist while forcing the other cultivators back with a sweep of spiritual power.
After only a few exchanges, everyone realized what was happening—the Hua Clan's Patriarch was protecting her.
Just as Li Qingya got close, the Patriarch's sleeve flicked, sending a powerful gust slamming into her.
"Pfft—!"
She was thrown backward like a ragdoll. The blood mist poured down, burning through her robes and flesh until a gaping hole appeared in her side, bone-deep. The agony twisted her face.
Song Wanníng hadn't expected the Hua Clan's Patriarch to protect her of all people. After all, she was the safest one here. A hint of doubt crossed her mind, and she quietly stepped a little farther away.
But the blood mist came as quickly as it went. Just moments ago, it had been pure chaos, yet now the crimson haze dissipated as if it had never existed at all.
Several cultivators' techniques were still mid-cast, flying into empty air and wreaking havoc on the clearing.
The massive tree in the center remained unharmed, but the cultivators were a mess—torn robes, bleeding wounds, and scorched auras. Even the Hua Clan's Patriarch had several holes burned through the hem of their robe.
Only Song Wanníng stood spotless and unscathed, her clothes pristine amid the carnage.
As the danger faded, the atmosphere turned strange. Everyone's eyes fell on her, their gazes full of suspicion and calculation.
Li Qingya wiped the blood from her lips, realizing Song Wanníng's strength was far beyond what she'd expected. Her previous act had already exposed her hostility, so she didn't bother pretending anymore. She smiled, faint and meaningful.
Song Wanníng saw it and smiled back, cool and composed.
This woman had bad intentions and would surely strike again. But she was certain she'd never seen her before. Nor had she done anything to offend her. Then, like lightning, a thought hit her.
Her brows lifted slightly, the corners of her mouth curling with amusement.
Li Qingya.
She was likely Li Qingya.
So she was Song Jue's accomplice after all.
And now, coming for revenge? That made everything make sense.
But the way the Hua Clan's Patriarch kept looking at her felt… odd.
A little too warm.
"Alright, everyone. What you just faced was the blood fiend of this forbidden land. You've all seen how dangerous it is, but thankfully the crisis has passed. Let's return to treating Xiao Shiba!"
The Hua Clan's Patriarch quickly suppressed their excitement and led everyone back into the tree hollow.
Soon, the group changed into fresh clothes and gathered again, discussing how to save Xiao Shiba. Yet time passed, and no one dared step forward.
The Patriarch's face darkened with each minute. They shouldn't have pinned any hope on these outsiders. How could any of them surpass the Hua Clan in planting arts?
"Forget it. Since none of you have the confidence, you can all leave."
There were far more pressing matters at hand now.
The Patriarch's eyes lingered on Song Wanníng, faintly gleaming. They hadn't expected such an unexpected gain today.
"What about the reward?"
One of the beast cultivators protested. They were all injured—surely they wouldn't be sent off empty-handed?
"Hehe, Hua has prepared a small token of gratitude. Please, allow me to escort you all out."
They took out several pre-prepared treasures and led the group toward the exit.
The cultivators followed, dejected and frustrated. They'd all come for the Soul-Nurturing Flower, and now it was ending just like that?
No one dared to make trouble, though. After all, Xiao Shiba was clearly dying, and whoever touched it would only court disaster.
"Song Daoyou, could you stay a little longer? I have something important to ask of you!"
The Hua Clan's Patriarch's voice echoed directly in Song Wanníng's mind.
Her steps faltered.
As if afraid she'd refuse, the Patriarch quickly added, "Please don't worry, Song Daoyou. I won't harm you. I truly have something to ask!
If you agree to help, I'll give you the Soul-Nurturing Flower with both hands, and you can choose any other treasure you want!"
Their voice trembled slightly with urgency, as though genuinely afraid she'd say no.
Hearing the respectful tone, Song Wanníng's surprise deepened. She hesitated for a moment but decided to agree. If the request turned out unreasonable, she could simply leave. No one here could stop her anyway.
"Alright," she said coolly.
Relief and delight filled the Patriarch's face. They eagerly escorted the rest of the cultivators out of the Hua Clan's territory.
The moment the last person left, the protective array activated again, sealing off the entrance completely.
"..."
"Wait, that woman didn't come out!"
"Yeah, where's the last one?"
Everyone quickly realized Song Wanníng was missing, their expressions full of unease.
Li Qingya's brows furrowed, a trace of killing intent flashing in her eyes.
Had Song Wanníng just… gotten in with the Hua Clan's Patriarch?
Or was the Patriarch planning to kill her for her treasures?
A dozen possibilities crossed her mind, frustration darkening her gaze.
The Patriarch's interference had ruined her original plan. Now she'd have to leave a Monster behind to guard the exit, or she'd lose track of Song Wanníng entirely.
"What a damn hassle," she muttered inwardly, irritation burning through her chest.
Once she dealt with Song Wanníng, she had to train harder. Otherwise, she'd never keep up with Gong Ye. She'd only end up being cast aside.
She knew perfectly well—if she had no value left, Gong Ye's attention would never stay on her alone.
…
Back inside the Hua Clan's domain, Song Wanníng was led to the Patriarch's study.
A cup of tea sat before her as she sat quietly, her expression calm, making no move to drink it.
The Patriarch noticed and sighed softly.
"Forgive my rudeness, Song Daoyou, but my clan truly needs your help. May I ask for your name?"
Their tone was polite, almost deferential.
Song Wanníng already had a rough guess at their intentions. Their change in attitude had started the moment they saw the blood fiend couldn't harm her—it was clearly related.
"I'm Song Wanníng."
She saw no reason to hide her identity.
"Song Wanníng? So you're Song Daoyou!"
The Hua Clan's Patriarch had never heard of her before, having little contact with the outside world, but their expression softened with relief.