The torches grew brighter.
Voices echoed through the Black Mist Mountains.
“They’re over there!” “Search every cave!” “Don’t let him escape!” Lin Tian tightened his grip on his sword.
His breathing became heavier.
He looked at the young woman standing before him.
She looked calm.
Almost too calm.
The old man’s voice echoed in his mind.
“Be careful.” “Trust is earned.” Lin Tian nodded slightly.
He looked at the girl.
“You said they’ll kill me.” She nodded.
“They will.” “Who are they?” “The Blood Shadow Hall.” “I’ve been tracking them for three days.” Lin Tian frowned.
“Why are they chasing me?” The young woman looked directly into his eyes.
“They’re not chasing you.” “They’re chasing the treasure that awakened.” Lin Tian’s heart skipped a beat.
She knew about the strange event.
Did she know about the Heavenly Origin Pendant?
Before he could ask— The old man’s voice interrupted.
“Do not tell her anything about me.” “Not yet.” Lin Tian answered silently.
“I understand.” The girl glanced toward the forest.
“We don’t have much time.” “If you want answers…” “Come with me.” “If not…” She looked at the approaching lights.
“You’ll find out what the Blood Shadow Hall does to its prisoners.” Lin Tian remained silent.
He had been betrayed by the Lin Clan only hours ago.
Trusting another stranger felt impossible.
The girl seemed to understand.
“You don’t trust me.” “No.” “Good.” A faint smile appeared on her face.
“In this world…” “You shouldn’t.” Lin Tian was surprised by her answer.
Most people would have tried to convince him.
Instead…
She agreed.
Suddenly— A loud voice echoed from the trees.
“I found the cave!” Several black-robed figures rushed toward them.
The leader pointed his sword.
“There he is!” Lin Tian immediately stepped forward.
The girl calmly placed a hand on the hilt of her silver sword.
She sighed.
“I wanted to avoid fighting.” “But I suppose we don’t have a choice.” The leader laughed.
“A little girl thinks she can stop us?” “You’ve got courage.” The girl slowly drew her sword.
A cold blue light surrounded the blade.
The temperature around them dropped instantly.
Even the grass beneath their feet became covered in frost.
Lin Tian’s eyes widened.
“So strong…” The old man spoke quietly.
“Interesting…” “She is already in the Spirit Gathering Realm.” “Far stronger than you.” The Blood Shadow Hall members finally realized something was wrong.
The leader’s smile disappeared.
“Who are you?” The girl answered with a calm voice.
“Someone you cannot defeat.” The leader shouted, “Attack!” Four assassins charged forward together.
Their swords flashed under the moonlight.
Lin Tian instinctively reached for his own weapon.
But before he could move— The girl vanished.
She became a blue blur.
A cold wind swept across the battlefield.
Slash!
Slash!
Slash!
Everything happened too quickly for Lin Tian to follow.
The assassins froze where they stood.
For one second…
Nothing happened.
Then…
Their swords shattered into countless pieces.
The men stumbled backward in shock.
Thin lines of blood appeared across their robes.
The leader’s face turned pale.
“What…
what sword technique is this?” The girl calmly pointed her blade toward him.
“I’ll ask only once.” “Leave.” The forest fell silent.
Even the wind seemed to stop.
Lin Tian stared at the young woman.
He had never seen anyone so young possess such terrifying strength.
For the first time…
He realized just how vast the cultivation world truly was.
but not everyone is a friend either.
Trust must be earned.