The dense canopy of the Star Dou Forest cast eerie shadows as Tang Yiran and her group moved cautiously through the undergrowth. The atmosphere was tense, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves and distant roars of spirit beasts.
A group of Spirit Hall soldiers stood in their path, their eyes gleaming as they observed the four young women.
"These girls are stunning, especially the one in front," a soldier whispered, his gaze lingering on Tang Yiran.
"Why don't we just capture them…" another muttered, licking his lips.
"They seem to be soul masters. I wonder which noble family they belong to," a fat soldier speculated, drooling slightly.
A more reckless one scoffed, "Who cares? Even if they are, can they afford to offend Spirit Hall? If we take them—"
"Enough!" The guard captain's sharp voice cut through the chatter, making the soldiers flinch. "The elders and the Saint are still behind us. What do you think you're doing? We are from Spirit Hall, not common bandits."
"Yes, sir… We were just joking," the soldiers quickly retracted their words, trying to avoid trouble.
Tang Yiran, however, had already caught their lecherous stares. Anger flared in her eyes as six soul rings emerged around her, shining with a terrifying glow. The Clear Sky Hammer materialized in her grip, humming with raw power.
"I am a teacher from the Haotian Sect, escorting my disciples to hunt spirit beasts," she declared coldly. "Move aside."
"What… a Soul Emperor?"
"That's… the Clear Sky Hammer?"
"A Soul Emperor from the Haotian Sect, and so young!"
Shock rippled through the Spirit Hall soldiers. Many instinctively averted their gazes, realizing they had nearly provoked a powerhouse. The captain quickly stepped forward, bowing slightly in respect.
"Our apologies, Lord Soul Emperor. My men were out of line," he said hastily. "We were merely tracking a spirit beast. We are leaving the Star Dou Forest now and had no intention of disturbing you."
With that, he ordered his men to clear the way.
Tang Yiran watched them retreat but frowned slightly. Why would Spirit Hall send so many people just to hunt a spirit beast? She shook off the thought and signaled to her disciples.
"Let's move."
Lin Fan, Liu Erlong, and the others remained wary as they proceeded. Lin Fan kept a protective grip on Ye Keke's hand, subtly trying to shield her face.
He knew that Spirit Hall was searching for Ye Keke, and it would be disastrous if she was recognized. However, he reassured himself—he had eliminated all the guards who previously pursued him. Only Qian Xunji and two elders had returned with Bibi Dong. There shouldn't be anyone left who could identify him.
Meanwhile, at the rear of the Spirit Hall convoy, a luxurious carriage moved slowly through the forest. Instead of horses, a tamed spirit beast pulled the carriage. Inside, Bibi Dong sat regally, her presence commanding even in silence.
A sudden disturbance caught her attention.
"What's going on?" she asked, her voice calm yet authoritative.
"Nothing, Saint. We merely encountered a few disciples hunting spirit beasts. Their leader is a teacher from the Haotian Sect," a guard outside reported respectfully.
"The Haotian Sect?"
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed as she pulled open the carriage window. Her gaze swept across the forest until it locked onto a familiar figure walking ahead.
It's him…
For a brief moment, surprise flickered in her eyes, an unfamiliar warmth bubbling in her chest. She hadn't expected to see him again, and yet, a strange happiness welled up.
But then—her expression darkened.
Lin Fan was holding the hand of a girl in a flowing blue dress. On his other side, a fiery young woman clung to him, laughing softly as they whispered.
Ahead, another woman and a young female disciple walked beside them.
Bastard…
The warmth in Bibi Dong's heart was instantly replaced by a seething rage. The carriage trembled as her clenched fists tightened.
"Saint? What's wrong?" a guard asked cautiously.
Her voice was ice-cold.
"Stop the carriage. Stop everyone."
The entire convoy came to an abrupt halt. Guards rushed to follow her command.
"The convoy has stopped, Saint. What are your orders?"
Bibi Dong's gaze was locked onto Lin Fan and his group, her fury boiling over.
"Kill them all."
Her words were laced with murderous intent, sending shivers through the guards.
The captain hesitated. "Saint, are you… sure? Their leader is a Soul Emperor from the Haotian Sect."
Bibi Dong's patience snapped. With a wave of her hand, the carriage windows shattered into pieces.
"Since when does Spirit Hall fear a mere Haotian Sect?" she spat. "Or do you dare defy me?"
The explosion startled two elders riding at the back of the convoy. One of them immediately intervened.
"Lady Saint, what are you doing? Why attack members of the Haotian Sect without reason?"
Bibi Dong's eyes remained fixed on Lin Fan's back.
"Because my enemy is among them," she said coldly. "Does Spirit Hall need justification to crush its enemies?"
Her words stirred the guards' loyalty. One of them immediately relayed the command.
"All units, prepare for battle! Eliminate those five immediately!"
—
Unaware of the storm about to strike, Lin Fan walked ahead, lost in thought. Why is Spirit Hall here? Could Bibi Dong be nearby?
Just as he pondered the possibility, a sharp sense of danger jolted through him.
He snapped his head up—dozens of arrows were flying toward them!
At the same time, heavily armed Spirit Hall guards rushed at them, weapons drawn.
"Danger! Dodge!"
Tang Yiran reacted instantly. Six soul rings flared around her, and with a swing of her Clear Sky Hammer, she shattered the incoming arrows.
She turned to face the advancing troops, her voice filled with fury.
"Spirit Hall, are you courting death? Do you dare attack me and my disciples?!"
Coming Next: The Road to Slaughter City