A trace of disdain flashed through Hao Yan's phoenix eyes as she said,
"Huaxian Gate really thinks everyone is a fool. They knew the evil cultivators were going to cause trouble, yet at this critical moment, they deliberately brought out the problematic Shanhe Scroll. They clearly wanted to pin the blame on the evil cultivators.
Huaxian Gate originally only meant to use Hua Bai as a scapegoat. Who knew the evil cultivators would seize the opportunity, using Hua Bai's hand to make their plan almost flawless? If it weren't for those juniors' sacrifices, and Ran Xi giving up her protective immortal artifact, I'd like to see how Huaxian Gate would clean up this mess!"
Beside her, Hao Qing took a sip of spirit tea and said in a low voice, "Senior Sister, Yu Ling, have you considered why Huaxian Gate chose Hua Bai as their excuse?"
Yu Ling's eyes turned cold. "Perhaps Huaxian Gate had their sights on Ran Xi from the very start, aiming to kill two birds with one stone."
Hao Qing glanced at Yu Ling and nodded slightly. "I think the same. Ran Xi is simply too outstanding. Since Hua Bai's junior died indirectly by her hand, it gave him a reasonable excuse to attack her.
By using the Shanhe Scroll to trap Ran Xi and her companions, leaving them to their fate, Hua Bai could exact his revenge.
Huaxian Gate might have also wanted to use these Nascent Soul cultivators to test whether the seals on the evil cultivators within the Shanhe Scroll were still intact. If any evil spirits did escape, as long as the Shanhe Scroll remained under their control, they could claim it was all for exterminating evil spirits and trap everyone inside.
During this process, injuries or deaths among cultivators would seem perfectly natural.
With Hua Bai as their shield afterward, those who don't know the truth would think their entrapment was Ran Xi's fault, and in the end, they might even resent Ran Xi and Haoran Sect."
Hao Yan spat lightly and sneered, "Huaxian Gate really thinks everyone is blind. This is nothing but victim-blaming!"
Yu Ling's already stern expression grew colder. "Senior Brother Hao Qing's guess may very well be Huaxian Gate's original plan. After all, this is the Central Region, and Huaxian Gate prides itself as the number one sect. There are plenty of sycophants who would be eager to see Ran Xi suppressed.
But no matter how carefully they plotted, they failed to anticipate the evil cultivators' malicious schemes. They also underestimated Ran Xi's foresight and decisiveness. In the end, their own blade turned against them."
Hao Yan let out a mocking laugh. "Even the heavens don't favor Huaxian Gate. They claim to be the top sect, the example of the Weiyu Realm, yet they lack the vision. They're quick to crush promising juniors but excel at nothing else.
Tell me, do you think Huaxian Gate also knows of the prophecy left by Haoran Sect's founding ancestor? Is that why they are so intent on suppressing Ran Xi?"
Yu Ling traced the rim of her teacup thoughtfully. "Perhaps. But Ran Xi barely survived this time. Ten years of slaughter inside the Shanhe Scroll has left its mark on her. Once we return, I intend to have her enter seclusion for a long retreat to recover and stabilize."
Hao Yan nodded in agreement. "She's your disciple, so you decide. The girl is still too young, too open with her emotions. Even if she wants revenge for our fallen comrades, she shouldn't make it so obvious."
Hao Qing's voice turned cold. "Huaxian Gate might protect Hua Bai for now, but I don't believe they can shield him forever. One day, he will repay every debt he owes.
Right now, the other sects are quiet because the evil cultivators remain a looming threat. Huaxian Gate also pacified everyone temporarily with spirit stones. But once the common enemy is gone, just wait and see."
Hao Yan tilted her head slightly, her phoenix eyes narrowing. "Do you think Huaxian Gate has lost contact with their seniors who ascended to the Spirit Realm?"
Yu Ling and Hao Qing exchanged a glance and both shook their heads. Haoran Sect losing contact with their ascended ancestors did not necessarily mean Huaxian Gate faced the same. Still, prolonged silence was never a good sign.
Yu Ling sipped his spirit tea, his voice calm but heavy. "Senior Sister, Senior Brother, I feel our time in the Weiyu Realm is running short."
Hao Yan and Hao Qing nodded in unison. They had felt the same, especially after the Shanhe Scroll incident.
"When we return, we should focus on grooming successors."
"I think raising our cultivation is more crucial. We wouldn't want to ascend only to be cannon fodder."
Their conversation gradually drifted away from Huaxian Gate's schemes.
Outside the peak hall, Yunxi checked in on Lin Keyang and Zhang Lingrui. Both were meditating to stabilize their cultivation.
Though they had survived their Divine Transformation tribulation, their advancement had been forced, unlike Yunxi's smooth breakthrough. They needed time to stabilize.
They invited Yunxi into their temporary cave abode, and soon, they were chatting. Both Lin Keyang and Zhang Lingrui had faced death countless times in the Shanhe Scroll. If not for Ran Xi's protection, they would have fallen long ago. Gratitude filled their hearts.
Lin Keyang's voice carried lingering guilt. "Ran Xi, of the eight Nascent Soul cultivators Haoran Sect sent to the tournament, only four of us made it out alive. It still sits heavy on my heart."
Zhang Lingrui, however, was calmer. "Keyang, dwelling on it won't change anything. This was all part of the evil cultivators' plan. We survived because of luck, Ran Xi's help, and our own skills. We carved a path out with our strength."
Yunxi nodded. "Exactly. I only provided potions for your breakthroughs. Your advancement came from your own hard work, and it was your own hands that struck down those evil spirits. I didn't stand in front of you shielding every blow, so don't give me all the credit."
She sighed softly. "These ten years have changed us all. My master has already advised me to take time to recover my spirit once we return.
I also wanted to remind you: don't rush into seclusion for stabilization. Adjust your state of mind first."
Zhang Lingrui chuckled and nodded.
"That's exactly what I told Keyang. He's just impatient to consolidate his cultivation."
Yunxi smiled. "Slow and steady wins the race. That applies to cultivation too."
Once she was sure they were fine, Yunxi returned to her own cave.
This time, waiting at her cave were Sheng Yuhong and Zhao Jinmu.
Yunxi was slightly surprised to see the two visiting together. She swept her sleeve, releasing the cave's restriction, and invited them in.
Seeing Yunxi in her crimson robe embroidered with dark gold patterns, her aura even more commanding than before, Sheng Yuhong felt a strange sense of distance. Though only half a month had passed since they last met, he now felt an unbridgeable gulf between them.
Yunxi's voice was calm but direct. "Junior Brother Sheng, what brings you here?"
Sheng Yuhong composed himself before replying. "I heard Ran Xi Zūnzhě successfully reached Divine Transformation. I came to offer my congratulations."
Beside him, Zhao Jinmu cupped his hands silently in agreement.
Yunxi's lips curved faintly. "There's no need for formalities. I know you were worried, but I am well.
The tournament ended abruptly. In a few days, we'll be heading back to the Western Region. You should prepare yourselves."
"Yes."
They both answered respectfully. Yunxi said nothing more.
Sheng Yuhong had only wanted to ensure she was safe. Satisfied, he tactfully took his leave.