Swish!
Xu Lexian reacted swiftly, positioning herself in front of the two girls the moment the hidden weapon shattered the window.
“Colorful Barrier!”
A burst of colorful light erupted from her, forming a barrier that stood firm, much thicker than the one she had used during her battle with Tang Xin.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The barrier blocked the hidden weapons one by one, producing a dull thud with each impact.
“Spirit Breaking Blade?”
The Saintess frowned as a flying knife pierced through the barrier, heading straight for her.
She sidestepped, the knife grazing her shoulder and embedding itself into the wall behind her.
“Fourfold Ensemble!”
Xu Lexian called out softly, her rolling true energy transforming into a guzheng. She plucked a few strings, sending shockwaves that knocked down the remaining hidden weapons.
But she did not relax just yet.
“There’s someone outside,” Xu Lexian said, shattering the inn’s roof with a punch, and urged the two girls, “Hurry and go!”
Tang Xin and Shui Qiu quickly understood the situation, stowing their belongings and leaping onto the roof, following the Saintess out of the cramped space.
Not far away, a group of suspicious figures, their faces obscured by black masks and moving with practiced ease, were watching them intently.
Xu Lexian snorted coldly and took out a jade tablet, crushing it on the spot.
“No one responded,” she said darkly, “It seems the other side had planned this in advance…”
“Someone wants to harm the Saintess?”
Tang Xin turned to ask.
“Yes,” Xu Lexian replied quietly, “I’ve always suspected that there might be a spy within our team. Before we set off, I deliberately left behind some people I wasn’t very familiar with…”
Although their destination was fixed, which market they would land in was entirely a last-minute decision.
Either the enemy had been secretly following them, or… there was a traitor in the team.
“Why don’t they dare to charge over?”
Shui Qiu nervously glanced at the enemies not far away, her dantian already beginning to circulate her energy.
“Perhaps they’re afraid of being caught in the crossfire,” Xu Lexian sneered, “They have quite the appetite, wanting to capture the Saintess alive?”
Despite the distance making it impossible to sense the enemy’s exact cultivation level, the aura they emitted clearly indicated they were more than just Foundation Building level.
A whole team of Golden Core cultivators would likely pose a tough fight, even for the Saintess.
Tang Xin used her spiritual vision technique to scan the surroundings.
“There are still quite a few enemies approaching, and our retreat route has been locked down.”
“Hmph, they really dare to make a move…”
Xu Lexian clenched her palm tightly.
Right now, there were two choices.
One was to stay put and protect her group, who were no ordinary hands. Even if they were trapped by spies, they would likely find a way to regroup, especially since she had crushed the jade pendant to signal that the situation was urgent.
The second option was to advance; since the retreat route was blocked, they would charge into Thunder Valley.
The first method required holding out until help arrived, while the second was filled with uncertainty.
“Tang Xin,” she pondered for a moment before turning to ask, “which strategy do you think we should adopt?”
“If you ask me,” Xuanling Sect’s senior sister stroked her chin, “the enemy is overconfident. Staying put doesn’t seem very reliable…”
“Alright,” the Saintess nodded. “Then let’s charge in!”
“Ah? I only expressed my personal opinion. You’re the strongest, so it’s best to go with your judgment…”
Tang Xin hurriedly replied.
“Actually, I also think we can’t wait any longer,” Xu Lexian said with a dry smile, pointing to her shoulder. “That flying knife had poison; I can feel my strength continuously fading.”
Even the highly resistant Saintess had been hit; this poison would likely be fatal to an ordinary person.
“Then let’s charge!” Tang Xin nodded. “Shui Qiu, stay behind me!”
“Understood, Senior Sister!”
Five Elements Spell, Fireball Technique!
Zushu Scripture, Azure Waves!
Holy Immortal Score, Sixfold Ensemble!
The three of them launched a surprise attack on the enemy, their dazzling techniques appearing incredibly brilliant against the night sky.
Boom!
The enemy seemed caught off guard by the fact that these individuals dared to take the initiative, and for a moment, they couldn’t organize an effective defense, allowing the Saintess’s powerful attack to blast open a gap.
“Go!”
Xu Lexian patted her two companions, signaling them to retreat first while she held the rear.
Tang Xin didn’t waste any time, leading Shui Qiu with the Seven Lotus Steps, darting back and forth across the rooftops of the market.
Whether it was the Saintess or the black-clad enemies, their strength exceeded what she could handle. In such a situation, running fast was the best way to respect her strong teammates.
Boom—
The shockwave from the explosion surged from behind, but Tang Xin held her junior sister tightly, not looking back.
“Saintess, so strong.”
Shui Qiu glanced back and exclaimed.
For the younger generation of cultivators to possess such combat power was nothing short of extraordinary. Xu Lexian’s strength was enough to hold a position as an elder in most sects, and she was even more powerful than those old-timers who had been cultivating for hundreds of years.
“Don’t worry,” Tang Xin said. “As long as you train seriously, you won’t be any worse than her.”
In the future, the Autumn Water Immortal will not be just a name without substance. Given enough time to develop, this individual will be able to trample a host of geniuses underfoot.
Tang Xin’s speed in escaping was impressive, and she quickly reached the outskirts of the market. Ahead lay the entrance to Thunder Valley, where the terrain was complex. With just these few people, it should be difficult for them to catch up.
At that moment…
Boom—
A loud crash echoed as the clash of true energy generated a gust of wind, forcing Tang Xin to turn around and raise her defenses. At the same time, she instinctively caught the Saintess, who was sent flying back.
“Damn it,” Xu Lexian wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. “I’m not in good shape… perhaps it’s the influence of that key.”
The pursuers in black had been severely injured by the Saintess, leaving only two with minor wounds, yet they were still closely following.
“If it were any other time, I could handle these few misfits with one hand… ugh…”
Before the Saintess could finish her sentence, she spat out a mouthful of blood.
Damn, if I had known, I wouldn’t have earned that thousand scheming points…
[Options being generated…]
[Option One: “Spare me, I have nothing to do with her,” hand over the Saintess in exchange for safety.]
[Success probability: 100%, Reward: Secret Technique “Demon Dragon Palm”]
[Option Two: “Leave the rest to me, you go first,” deal with the enemies.]
[Success probability: 100%, Reward: Secret Technique “Justice Three Fists”]
“Ha…”
Tang Xin exhaled.
This time, there was no third option…
“Leave the rest to me, you go first,” Tang Xin handed the Saintess over to Shui Qiu. “I’ll catch up shortly.”
“You…”
Xu Lexian furrowed her brows, wanting to say more.
“Trust your senior sister.”
Shui Qiu nodded at Tang Xin, not allowing her to refuse, and took the Saintess into Thunder Valley without looking back.
Once the two were out of sight, Tang Xin finally focused her attention on the two individuals in front of her. The injured Golden Core cultivator was still a Golden Core cultivator, and under normal circumstances, Tang Xin would definitely not be able to defeat them.
However…
“I’m sorry, but given the situation, I can’t leave you alive.”
Tang Xin loosened her collar and sneered.
“Ten Thousand Insects Devouring Heart Technique!”
