The echoes of the battle finally receded.
Even the Nascent Soul auras outside the Jade Pure Sect gradually faded, and the turbulent Spiritual Energy began to settle.
It was clear that the Jade Pure Sect had successfully fended off the invaders.
Though Chen Xuan did not know whether this victory was due to Qian Lingxue’s might or sheer numbers, it ultimately did not matter.
After dealing with the remaining invaders in the arena, Chen Xuan carried the unconscious Huo Ling’er and a heavily injured Tang Yuechen back to the only place that remained intact—the hall of the Peak Masters.
He settled Huo Ling’er into a seat, confirming that her state was rely the result of overexerting her Holy Body.
Then, he turned his attention to Tang Yuechen.
His earlier suspicion had proven true. Her sudden burst of power did co at a price, and a severe one at that.
Chen Xuan saw that Tang Yuechen’s face had turned as pale as paper, while her fra trembled as if she could barely endure the pain coursing through her.
He stepped forward, intending to help, but Tang Yuechen weakly brushed his hand away.
Her blue eyes, shimring with unshed tears, locked onto his with a look of profound sorrow.
"Senior Brother Chen, do not trouble yourself," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I know my condition better than anyone. In this state, I fear I will not live to see tomorrow’s sun."
Tears stread down her face, dripping onto the cold floor.
With her torn blue dress and a fluctuating aura that threatened to extinguish at any mont, she looked utterly broken, like a delicate flower that had been stepped on.
"Senior Brother Chen," she murmured, reaching out to clutch his robe and pulling him closer until he could sll her sweet fragrance.
"May I ask one thing from you?"
Without waiting for a reply, she pressed on.
"I have always harbored a simple dream. I wanted to marry a man, have children, and live a peaceful life in the countryside as an ordinary mortal."
"Becoming a cultivator? It was rely a twist of fate, never my true wish."
Her gaze turned distant, as if lost in the nostalgia for a life she never had.
"I know that such a life is far beyond my reach now. But in my final monts, I only ask that you..."
An odd phenonon occurred; Tang Yuechen’s deathly pale face suddenly flushed a deep, rosy pink.
She lowered her head and averted her gaze, her voice fading into a whisper towards the end.
She didn’t finish her sentence, but the implication was clear.
She didn’t wait for a reply; her hands moved.
One slipped into her bosom and fidgeted with her chest, while the other reached toward Chen Xuan’s leg.
Such a sight was enough to make any man’s blood boil.
Yet, just as her fingers grazed his robe and before Chen Xuan could react, her eyes snapped open, not with passion, but with chilling killing intent.
"Who?!" she roared, her aura erupting like a volcano.
She shot to her feet and spun around, her gaze locking onto a corner of the room.
Every trace of her earlier weakness vanished instantly.
She appeared as powerful and imposing as when she had faced the demonic elder, if not more.
But when she saw the identity of the newcor, she froze.
She stowed away the giant hamr that was about to strike, while a flicker of genuine annoyance crossed her face.
"Sect Leader Qian, don’t you know how to knock?" she snapped.
"And what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be dealing with the aftermath outside?"
Tang Yuechen imdiately realized that her plan had failed!
Ignoring Qian Lingxue’s teasing gaze, she calmly smoothed her tattered robes and adjusted her hair.
The "dying" frailty vanished as if it had never existed, replaced by the sharp, composed aura of a Peak Master.
She didn’t even have the grace to look slightly embarrassed as she casually moved to the side.
Qian Lingxue appeared accustod to her antics and didn’t bother to reply.
She took a seat, crossed her legs gracefully, and glanced at Chen Xuan.
Perhaps because he was the only one who had not been present for the main battle, she took the initiative to explain.
"The demonic cultivators have already been dealt with. Fortunately, there were no casualties," she said, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest.
"However, the invasion this ti was no accident. The attack on Jade Pure Sect was rely a diversion. Every major righteous force across the Tianxuan Domain was hit simultaneously."
The gentle smile she usually wore disappeared, replaced by a stern, indifferent look.
"The Alchemy Pavilion has sent word. It seems they were the true target of the demonic cult. While the other righteous forces were occupied and unable to provide help, the Alchemy Pavilion was nearly destroyed."
Chen Xuan, influenced by her solemn tone, suppressed his urge to attack Tang Yuechen for teasing him.
He wasn’t surprised to learn that the chaos was part of a larger sche.
Only when he heard of the Alchemy Pavilion’s near destruction did he raise his eyebrows, though his expression soon relaxed.
Qian Lingxue noticed this subtle change, a hint of surprise flashing across her eyes.
"You don’t seem worried at all?" she asked curiously.
"Although the Alchemy Pavilion is not renowned for its power, it’s still a vital force. Even the Jade Pure Sect is bound to suffer without its steady supply of pills."
"Especially given the demonic cult’s recent moves, the situation is grave."
Chen Xuan gave a wry smile and shook his head in response.
"Sect Leader, don’t tease . While the demonic cult may be ambitious, the righteous forces are not weak. Even if the situation worsens, I won’t be the one who has to worry," he said, casting a aningful glance at Qian Lingxue.
"I’ve only just reached the Late Stage of Core Formation. This ti, I was lucky to have kept a low profile. Now that my true strength has been revealed..."
The first part of his speech, which implicitly suggested "this is your job, don’t push it on ", left Qian Lingxue speechless.
But she quickly moved past it when she heard the second part.
A trace of emotion flickered in her eyes, and she sighed softly.
"You truly deserve to be the sole disciple of Immortal Mu. People had doubts about you in the past, but it seems your talent is beyond everyone’s expectations," she said with a gentle smile before changing the subject.
"Immortal Mu brought you to the sect nearly a century ago..."
"Junior Brother Chen, I’ve always been curious: what kind of Physique do you possess that caught her eye?"
"Is it an Ultimate-Grade Spirit Body? Or perhaps..."
"The legendary Holy Body?" she questioned, her gaze briefly landing on the unconscious Huo Ling’er.
Unfortunately for her, she was destined not to receive an answer.
Chen Xuan rely smiled mysteriously, choosing to remain silent.
Qian Lingxue was curious, but not surprised by his reaction.
She had asked this question many tis before, both to Immortal Mu and to Chen Xuan.
Unfortunately, the answer had always been the sa: an infuriating smile that only served to deepen her curiosity.
Knowing this ti would be no different, Qian Lingxue let it go.
Her gentle smile returned as she shook her head, and the heavy atmosphere gradually lifted.
"Unfortunately, the competition cannot proceed to a natural conclusion."
"However, your disciple has already amazed everyone by awakening a Vision. I believe no one will object to having her take first place."
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