Within just a few days, news spread like wildfire across the Xuanzhen Continent that the Xuqing Sect had lost six Golden Core Perfection elders and one core disciple in quick succession.
For a major sect like Xuqing, most Golden Core elders and direct disciples had life lamps kept within the sect. Their deaths couldn't possibly be concealed for more than a few days.
Considering last night's events, who wouldn't understand the implications now?
Especially within Xuqing Sect, Elder Yun Yi's magical artifact was hardly a secret. Yet unexpectedly—or perhaps predictably—aside from disciples from various peaks, the sect's upper echelons made no response whatsoever, nor showed any intention to investigate.
Even City Lord Sikong, despite piecing together clues that revealed his son's whereabouts and likely fate, could only silently swallow his frustration. He immediately ordered his trusted subordinates to suppress all news regarding the young master.
Not even in his dreams would he dare utter a single disrespectful word against Grandmaster An Ning.
After successfully refining a top-grade Nascent Soul Pill, as the truly irreplaceable alchemy master of Xuanzhen, it's no exaggeration to say countless cultivators across the cultivation world sought to curry favor with her.
Those wishing to solve her troubles while gaining favor were too numerous to count. This was precisely why An Ning could easily enlist two Nascent Soul Venerables that day.
Under such circumstances, not even the insignificant Sikong City—let alone Xuqing Sect—dared show the slightest dissatisfaction.
Outside the city lord's mansion, visiting cards from admirers nearly flooded the premises daily. Countless people eagerly presented spiritual herbs, hoping just for a glance from the grandmaster.
And as for the grandmaster herself...
At dawn on the training grounds, An Ning was once again sent tumbling by relentless sword qi. But this time, despite having her shoulder pierced by searingly cold sword energy, she swiftly raised her hand—her ice-blue spiritual energy managing to slice off half of...
Her opponent's sleeve...
No matter—a scratch was still an injury!
At least it showed progress. Supporting her bloody shoulder, she struggled to rise from beneath the repeatedly transplanted pear tree, comforting herself with this thought.
Blood still slowly seeped from the wound on her forearm, yet Xiao Tan's expression remained unchanged as he casually took an outer robe from his qiankun bag and draped it over her. "Even when outmatched, pure defense only hastens defeat..."
"At critical moments, a desperate strike isn't necessarily recklessness."
Recognizing his implication, An Ning couldn't help raising an eyebrow in surprise, staring unblinkingly at him while ignoring her untreated wound:
"Aren't you worried I might actually get killed?"
Not that she was narcissistic, but she knew no pill currently existed that could fully cure him.
The crisp autumn breeze carried a hint of pear blossom fragrance:
Their gazes locked, both unconsciously pausing. After what felt like ages, An Ning finally heard him speak slowly:
"Then I'll protect you during your tribulation..."
After a brief pause, meeting his steady gaze, An Ning involuntarily chuckled and nodded: "Deal!"
That same day, after returning to her room and tending her wounds, a maid urgently reported a white-robed Venerable requesting an audience:
In this era, only Nascent Soul cultivators could be called Venerables. Hearing the visitor was female, An Ning instantly guessed her identity.
Unexpectedly, the Venerable was accompanied by a familiar yet slightly unfamiliar face. After a moment's surprise, An Ning quickly stepped forward:
"Venerable, it's been a while!"
And to the other—now clearly at early Golden Core stage—An Ning maintained her composure:
"Cousin Pandi... it's been years..."
Seemingly shocked to be recognized, Pandi's typically impassive face flickered with surprise. Seeing An Ning's casual greeting held no intention for deeper conversation, she nodded silently and retreated behind her master.
After gaining fame, An Ning's origins were no secret. Having reached her current status, Venerable Yun Yi was no fool and didn't dwell on the interaction.
In the cultivation world, shallow familial bonds were the norm.
Presenting prepared gifts, Venerable Yun Yi rose and bowed solemnly before everyone, her usually aloof face sincere as she declared firmly:
"Thanks to Grandmaster's righteous intervention that day—without which I'd have perished long before reaching Nascent Soul. Though my power is limited, should you ever need assistance, I'm honor-bound to help!"
Not even glancing at the clearly valuable spirit jade box, An Ning nodded lightly:
"You flatter me, Venerable. Cultivation was never easy—even the finest pills are merely aids. Your achievement stems from years of arduous cultivation..."
An Ning spoke without false modesty. She'd chosen this candidate not just because Yun Yi belonged to Xuqing Sect and was clearly innocent, but for one crucial reason:
In terms of dedication, few matched this Venerable who'd maintained her standing among Sword Peak's prodigies through relentless challenges and sword practice.
After years of failed attempts refining that pill, she wouldn't let it go to waste.
Besides... she needed this pioneer to test certain theories...
After pleasantries, An Ning feigned sudden concern:
"How odd—you seem unwell, Venerable. Might I examine your pulse?"
As expected, Yun Yi readily complied.
But the moment An Ning touched her wrist, her pupils constricted involuntarily: