The Beloved Master's Mad Dog Disciple - Chapter 37

The courtyard was filled with the clamor of hurried footsteps and chaotic voices.

Bo Xuenong, Liu Huairou, and Gui Nian’an were all surprised by the sudden influx of people. Shen Yanting, however, remained largely unchanged. She took Bo Xuenong’s hand and led her outside, casually instructing Gui Nian’an, “You should be capable of taking care of your mother, right?”

This was a clear signal for Gui Nian’an and Liu Huairou to stay in the room. Fearing they would be seen as burdens, Gui Nian’an quickly took two steps forward. “Senior Shen… I can help!”

Shen Yanting glanced at them dismissively. “Unnecessary.”

Bo Xuenong glanced at Gui Nian’an, silently urging her to stay put, before following Shen Yanting into the courtyard.

She completely trusted Shen Yanting’s judgment, regardless of right or wrong, focusing solely on the person.

As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, they were confronted by a sea of dark figures. Before she could even discern who was present, several powerful waves of spiritual pressure crashed down on her. It felt as if a mountain of stone had been placed on her back, forcing her to bend involuntarily. Even her knees buckled toward the ground.

Bo Xuenong bit her lip, bracing herself against the oppressive force. Suddenly, a wisp of pale golden spiritual mist erupted from Shen Yanting’s body.

The golden mist intertwined with a powerful surge of energy, instantly repelling the oppressive force closing in on Bo Xuenong and shattering the invisible “boulder” that had been crushing her.

Shen Yanting pressed her palm against Bo Xuenong’s back, gently pushing her hunched spine upright.

Bo Xuenong felt the weight on her back vanish completely, the oppressive force gone.

Only then could she lift her gaze to assess the situation in the courtyard.

The courtyard had filled with people, numbering nearly a hundred. All wore identical long robes embroidered with the Heavenly Cuisine Sect’s emblem, marking them as Inner Sect Disciples.

At the forefront stood two figures dressed in crimson robes, resembling bridegrooms.

These two exuded the most formidable auras, their spiritual power unfathomable. Yet their behavior was peculiar: they stood close together, bodies subtly recoiling as they eyed Shen Yanting with wary expressions.

After exchanging a glance, the slightly older cultivator spoke, “Miss Shen, why didn’t you inform us of your sudden visit to the Heavenly Cuisine Sect? We would have gladly welcomed you!”

As soon as he spoke, a chorus of murmurs rose from the disciples behind him. “Elder Hua, this Demoness clearly came to cause trouble! She might even be working with the Beast Taming Sect. Why are you being so polite to her?”

This was Elder Hua, the one assigned to Liu Huairou.

Hua Fangqi wiped the cold sweat from his brow and glared fiercely at the disciples behind him. “Silence!”

The younger Elder beside him spoke up. “Elder Hua, I can’t defeat her alone. But if we combine our strength, along with these hundreds of elite disciples, how could we possibly lose?”

Shen Yanting stared at the Elder and suddenly said, “So, when you begged for mercy earlier, you were just stalling for reinforcements.”

Jin Yuanliang’s face stiffened. “I… I never begged for mercy! Don’t spread such lies! Do you still think you’re the Cloudmist Sect Leader’s First Disciple? You’re nothing but an abandoned disciple now. Mo Tingshu won’t protect you anymore. You have no one behind you. Have you truly considered the consequences of offending the Heavenly Cuisine Sect?”

“Who says my Master has no one behind her?” Bo Xuenong stepped forward, meeting the gazes of Jin Yuanliang and his group. “My Master has me!”

Jin Yuanliang sneered at Bo Xuenong. “A mere early-stage Nascent Soul dares to challenge us?”

He lightly struck out toward Bo Xuenong, his palm shadow carrying an overwhelming spiritual pressure that surged toward her.

Even with Bo Xuenong’s cultivation, enduring this strike would leave her severely injured, if not dead, and coughing up bl00d.

Shen Yanting didn’t even flinch. With a slight lift of her fingertip, the Golden Mist swirling around her instantly met the palm shadow. It not only dispersed the phantom strike but also channeled a surge of energy toward Jin Yuanliang, forcing him to stumble back two steps. The residual force of the dispersing energy sent the disciples closest to Jin Yuanliang reeling several steps backward.

Hua Fangqi raised his sleeve to block the approaching energy.

Though he wasn’t forced back by the residual force, the look in his eyes toward Shen Yanting had changed.

What had been mere caution now carried a hint of dread.

“I never imagined that Miss Shen’s strength would not only remain undiminished after leaving the Cloudmist Sect but would actually grow significantly. I wonder how Miss Shen cultivates? Could you perhaps offer us some guidance?”

Hua Fangqi’s words dripped with flattery, but Shen Yanting remained unmoved. “A crooked mind, empty of true cultivation,” she replied, her voice icy as newly melted glacial water.

Sweat beaded more heavily on Hua Fangqi’s forehead, but he forced himself to remain calm. “Miss Shen, the person you seek is not here at the Heavenly Cuisine Sect.”

Shen Yanting shook her head. “I’m not looking for anyone.”

Hua Fangqi’s probing gaze shifted to Jin Yuanliang. Before Jin Yuanliang could explain, Shen Yanting said calmly, “Senior Hua, I came from Lanshou Village, and I arrived in your sect’s bridal sedan.”

“What!” Hua Fangqi glared fiercely at Jin Yuanliang. “Why didn’t you tell me this clearly?!”

Hua Fangqi and Jin Yuanliang were both Elders of the Heavenly Cuisine Sect, but Hua Fangqi’s cultivation and seniority far surpassed Jin Yuanliang’s. By sect hierarchy, Jin Yuanliang should even address him as “Martial Uncle.”

Hua Fangqi had been summoned by the Sect Leader earlier and hadn’t been present to meet Shen Yanting and Liu Huairou in their chambers. He had only learned of Shen Yanting’s arrival from Jin Yuanliang and rushed here, fearing she might uncover the sect’s secrets. It was only now that he noticed the bridal gown Shen Yanting wore—a unique garment identical to those prepared for the Spirit Supplements from Lanshou Village, save for a single tear.

This meant Shen Yanting already knew the Heavenly Cuisine Sect’s secrets.

Hua Fangqi’s expression darkened. Abandoning his earlier flattery, he lowered his voice deliberately. “Miss Shen, wise people know when to play deaf and mute.”

He was trying to threaten her.

Bo Xuenong stepped forward slightly. “Master, may I kill him?”

Hua Fangqi sneered. “You?”

Hua Fangqi wanted to mock Bo Xuenong’s audacity, but Shen Yanting slowly nodded. “Would later be alright?”

Shen Yanting’s earnest expression made it seem as if Bo Xuenong, a mere early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, could actually kill Hua Fangqi, one of the Heavenly Cuisine Sect’s founding elders. Hua Fangqi grew increasingly agitated. “Miss Shen, I am your senior! I am eighteen hundred years older than your master!”

Shen Yanting didn’t even glance at Hua Fangqi, remaining focused on her discussion with Bo Xuenong.

Hua Fangqi’s face twisted with rage, and Jin Yuanliang beside him was equally furious. “Martial Uncle, let’s attack! No matter how powerful Shen Yanting is, without the Cloudmist Sect’s resources, her cultivation speed can’t possibly match her former pace. Five hundred years ago, she was only at the peak of the Out-of-Body Stage, and now she’s barely at the early Spirit Transformation Realm. I’m at the peak of the Out-of-Body Stage, and you’re at the peak of the Spirit Transformation Realm—how could we possibly fear her? Besides, we have so many outstanding disciples with top-tier Innate Talent behind us, while she only has a single junior Nascent Soul cultivator!”

Jin Yuanliang is only at the peak of the Out-of-Body Stage?

To be honest, Jin Yuanliang’s cultivation was lower than Bo Xuenong had imagined. She had sensed an aura from him that was no weaker than Hua Fangqi’s, but this was understandable. She was only at the initial stage of the Nascent Soul realm. After breaking through to this realm, each subsequent breakthrough became exponentially more difficult, requiring a hundredfold increase in spiritual power. The gap in cultivation between stages would only widen further.

The difference between the initial and intermediate stages was like heaven and earth, let alone the gulf between the initial Nascent Soul stage and the peak of the Out-of-Body Stage.

The difference in their cultivation levels was simply too vast.

This was why Bo Xuenong couldn’t determine who was stronger between Hua Fangqi and Jin Yuanliang based on their auras alone.

Against these great sect elders, she felt utterly outmatched.

Bo Xuenong secretly vowed to cultivate a hundred times harder in the future. She cautiously observed the two men, wary of a sudden attack. Surprisingly, despite Hua Fangqi’s visible fury, his resolve to strike remained wavering. “You must understand,” he said, “she’s a sword cultivator, you’re a Spirit Cultivator, and I’m a Formation Cultivator. If we fight, we’ll be at a disadvantage.”

Formation Cultivator.

Could Hua Fangqi be the cultivator who had set up the formation in Lanshou Village?

Shen Yanting clearly had the same thought, her gaze drifting toward Hua Fangqi.

Hua Fangqi and Jin Yuanliang were still arguing about whether they should attack Shen Yanting. Jin Yuanliang disagreed with Hua Fangqi, saying, “So what if she’s a sword cultivator? She even left her sword at the Cloudmist Sect! How powerful can a sword cultivator be without her Lifebound Sword?”

Bo Xuenong’s thoughts froze.

She vaguely recalled that she had never actually seen Shen Yanting use her Lifebound Sword.

Could that Divine Artifact be Shen Yanting’s Lifebound Sword?

A bold idea flashed through her mind, but she quickly dismissed it.

Sword cultivators were considered the most formidable among the eight Orthodox Paths of Cultivation because they grew alongside their swords. Through rigorous refinement, their bodies eventually became as sharp and keen as blades. By imbuing their Lifebound Swords with their Spiritual Qi and tempering them to forge a Sword Soul, they could ascend to godhood.

Divine Artifacts already possessed souls, making them unsuitable as Lifebound Swords.

Despite being called a sword cultivator, Shen Yanting primarily used techniques, Talisman Arts, and even formations.

The novel had never mentioned Shen Yanting’s sword.

Bo Xuenong stared intently at Shen Yanting, but the latter showed no intention of revealing anything.

She wasn’t particularly curious by nature.

But when it came to matters concerning Shen Yanting, she yearned to know.

Remembering Feng Jin’s words about the System being able to exchange for anything in this world, Bo Xuenong swiftly pulled up the System Panel and spent ten Points to obtain information about Shen Yanting’s Lifebound Sword.

Mo Tingshu was an exceptional Master, and Shen Yanting, her first disciple, naturally received her utmost affection.

She was willing to give Shen Yanting any treasure she possessed.

As a Dual Cultivator of Alchemy and Artifacts, Shen Yanting was originally meant to inherit her mantle.

When Shen Yanting chose the path of the sword, guided by fate, Mo Tingshu didn’t criticize her like the other Elders of the sect. Instead, she instinctively wanted to give her the sect’s only unclaimed Divine Artifact, the Silver Frost Sword. Unfortunately, Divine Artifacts cannot serve as Lifebound Swords; they can only be claimed by a master.

This challenge was no match for Mo Tingshu, an Artifact Cultivator herself. She forged a Spirit Sword modeled after the Silver Frost Sword, infused it with the Silver Frost Sword’s aura, and created a near-perfect replica: the Fishchill Sword. Because it carried the Silver Frost Sword’s aura, the Fishchill Sword could be used alongside the Silver Frost Sword, and even earned the Silver Frost Sword’s recognition for Shen Yanting due to their shared aura.

Though unclaimed, the Silver Frost Sword had always been used by Shen Yanting.

However, the Silver Frost Sword was the Cloudmist Sect’s Divine Artifact, passed down for tens of thousands of years. Even if it had been claimed, it would have to remain with the sect upon departure.

Shen Yanting couldn’t take the Silver Frost Sword, but she could take her Lifebound Sword, the Fish Frost Sword.

Yet after being together for so long, the two swords had become like twins.

As soon as the Fish Frost Sword departed, the Silver Frost Sword followed.

To spare Mo Tingshu any difficulty, Shen Yanting had voluntarily sealed her Lifebound Sword within the Cloudmist Sect.

She truly carried no sword.

Sword cultivators cannot stray too far from their Lifebound Swords; many have lost their lives when their Lifebound Swords were damaged.

However, during the Nascent Soul Stage, cultivators temper their Sword Bone, while in the Out-of-Body Stage, they refine their Sword Body.

Upon reaching the peak of the Out-of-Body Stage, a sword cultivator can be said to have become a sword themselves, their body and bones serving as a second Lifebound Sword. Separating from their Lifebound Sword at this point no longer affects their cultivation or life force.

Therefore, Jin Yuanliang was mistaken.

When Shen Yanting left the Cloudmist Sect, she wasn’t at the peak of the Out-of-Body Stage; she had already reached the Spirit Transformation Realm.

Bo Xuenong was stunned by Shen Yanting’s strength, but even more so by her sacrifice.

She would gladly die for Shen Yanting, for she had nothing else in the world.

Shen Yanting was the person she cherished most, the only one she truly cared about.

Bo Xuenong had always been without anything. Through Shen Yanting’s compassion, she had gained the right to live, a place to belong, a Master, a Sect Leader, a Junior Sister, and even a Martial Uncle…

The more she gained, the more Shen Yanting lost.

Shen Yanting had been losing everything.

When Shen Yanting met her, she was the Sect Leader’s First Disciple of the Cloudmist Sect, backed by the Cultivation World’s foremost sect. Her master was a rare Dual Cultivator of Alchemy and Artifacts, her Lifebound Sword was a replica of a Divine Artifact, and her personal sword was a true Divine Artifact. She commanded not only reverence but also fear. Even Hua Fangqi, a Spirit Transformation Realm peak Formation Cultivator, still harbored apprehension toward the young Shen Yanting’s power.

A person who had everything lost it all in an instant, simply out of pity for her, unwilling to let her die.

Her sect, master, Divine Artifacts, cultivation resources… The reverence and fear she once inspired had transformed into mocking laughter. Everyone now saw Shen Yanting as nothing more than an abandoned disciple of the Cloudmist Sect.

Those jeers were meant for Shen Yanting’s ears.

But it was Bo Xuenong who felt the pain.

Initially, she hadn’t fully grasped the situation. She had believed that giving everything to Shen Yanting and ensuring her return to the Cloudmist Sect would be the best possible outcome.

Now, her perspective had shifted. Even if she gave her life for Shen Yanting, it seemed she still couldn’t repay the debt of gratitude she owed.

A sword cultivator without a Lifebound Sword.

Bo Xuenong’s eyes stung slightly, and her breathing grew increasingly shallow.

Shen Yanting’s emotions and tone remained detached, yet her sacrifices were profound.

Bo Xuenong’s voice was hoarse as she whispered, “Master.”

Shen Yanting turned to look at her. “Nong’er.”

Bo Xuenong had so much she wanted to say, but not a single word would come out.

She suddenly remembered that whenever she called him “Master,” regardless of the time, place, or circumstances, Shen Yanting would always respond with “Nong’er.”

Many masters ignored their disciples’ requests, but Shen Yanting never let her call go unanswered.

Shen Yanting was the best master in the world.

What she could give him was so limited, unable to compensate for what he had lost for her sake.

She had caused Shen Yanting to lose so much. The fact that he wasn’t disgusted with her was already a miracle. Could he truly love her?

Bo Xuenong’s eyes dimmed slightly. Shen Yanting gently took her wrist, gazed deeply into her eyes, and then turned to Jin Yuanliang. “How did you know I don’t have my Lifebound Sword?”

Shen Yanting’s question made Bo Xuenong realize that since the book had never mentioned the loss of his Lifebound Sword, how could Jin Yuanliang know? And why was Hua Fangqi so unsurprised?

The only explanation was that the Cloudmist Sect had a spy from the Heavenly Cuisine Sect.

A traitor within the Cloudmist Sect—how could Shen Yanting not be concerned?

Jin Yuanliang didn’t answer Shen Yanting. He continued to urge Hua Fangqi, “Martial Uncle, we can’t hesitate any longer!”

Hua Fangqi steadied his resolve and suddenly accused Shen Yanting, “Shen Yanting, you used to bully and oppress others with the Silver Frost Sword and Fish Frost Sword. Now that you’ve lost them, you still dare to trespass on Heavenly Cuisine Sect territory, showing utter disrespect for our Sect Leader! Your arrogance ends here. Today, I will personally eliminate you, this traitorous disciple, on behalf of Sect Leader Mo!”

His demeanor had completely transformed. He made no mention of Lanshou Village, instead painting Shen Yanting as an enemy of the righteous path. His solemn expression conveyed an air of righteous indignation, as if he truly believed he was in the right.

Bo Xuenong’s hatred for Hua Fangqi intensified. Her gaze swept over him repeatedly as she meticulously plotted his demise.

Shen Yanting, having encountered countless such sanctimonious hypocrites in the past, showed no reaction to Hua Fangqi’s exposed hypocrisy. She didn’t make the first move, but calmly said, “Senior Hua, I have three questions for you.”

Hua Fangqi sneered and abruptly signaled for everyone to attack simultaneously.

Everyone, including Jin Yuanliang, surged forward.

Bo Xuenong had been about to confront Jin Yuanliang.

Before she could even move, Shen Yanting suddenly tugged out a corner of the red cloth hidden beneath her wedding robes.

Grasping the red cloth, Shen Yanting controlled Bo Xuenong’s body with a gentle pull and toss, sending her crashing into the Heavenly Cuisine Sect’s Inner Sect Disciples while she herself faced Jin Yuanliang and Hua Fangqi.

Bo Xuenong understood that Shen Yanting believed she couldn’t withstand Jin Yuanliang.

Even though it was true, the realization stirred a pang of guilt within her.

She had wanted to be Shen Yanting’s blade, but this blade was far too dull.

Bo Xuenong’s gaze flickered between Hua Fangqi and Jin Yuanliang’s backs before she decisively drew the Suspended Ink Sword and charged toward the Heavenly Cuisine Sect’s Inner Sect Disciples. Her strikes were fierce and relentless, and as a sword cultivator with a slightly higher cultivation level, none could withstand her onslaught.

In contrast to Bo Xuenong’s aggressive assault, Shen Yanting’s movements were far more measured. She only countered their attacks after they were launched.

While entangled in combat, Shen Yanting posed her three questions: “Senior Hua, were you all involved in the Lanshou Village incident? Did you all know about forcing the children of Lanshou Village to become Demonic Cultivators? Who is the traitor within the Cloudmist Sect? Can you tell me?”

Naturally, none of her questions received an answer.

Shen Yanting didn’t need answers.

She already knew the truth the moment she asked.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she suddenly raised her arms, her sleeves swirling twice to create two small whirlwinds that blasted Hua Fangqi and Jin Yuanliang away.

She retreated several steps, back to the doorway.

Waving to Bo Xuenong, she called out, “Nong’er, come behind me.”

Bo Xuenong felt the red cloth around her neck suddenly tighten, pulling her backward uncontrollably. She flew back so quickly that Hua Fangqi didn’t have time to grab her.

Shen Yanting caught Bo Xuenong’s body, her palm pressing lightly against her back to instantly neutralize the force controlling her. She smoothly pulled the girl behind her, shielding her.

Her thumb rubbed against her Storage Ring as she coldly watched Hua Fangqi’s group approach. “It seems none of you are innocent.”

The casual remark landed like a crushing boulder. Jin Yuanliang’s breathing grew ragged, and he roared at Shen Yanting, “You’re not even from the Divine Pavilion! Stop acting so superior! You have no right to judge us!”

Shen Yanting fell silent. Just as she was about to retrieve something from her Storage Ring, her gaze suddenly caught Bo Xuenong’s reflection in the shadow before her.

Bo Xuenong gripped the Suspended Ink Sword tightly.

Shen Yanting’s gaze flickered slightly.

That sword.

Shen Yanting suddenly turned and asked, “Nong’er, would you lend your sword to Master for a while?”

Shen Yanting didn’t have a Lifebound Sword, but she still had other Spirit Swords in her Storage Ring.

She should have waited until the Heavenly Cuisine Sect’s affairs were settled before asking Bo Xuenong for her sword, but this was a perfect opportunity to test the blade.

Without hesitation, Bo Xuenong handed over the sword. “Of course.”

Before Shen Yanting could even touch the Suspended Ink Sword, the sword body began to tremble violently, as if terrified of her touch.

Bo Xuenong immediately recalled Gui Nian’an’s words about her Lifebound Sword devouring corpse qi. Now, thinking back, she realized that the Suspended Ink Sword’s sudden calmness whenever Shen Yanting was mentioned might not have been due to understanding her, but rather genuine fear of Shen Yanting.

This realization greatly displeased Bo Xuenong.

Frowning, she forcefully pressed the Suspended Ink Sword into Shen Yanting’s hand.

Shen Yanting accepted the sword and casually swung it twice with her right hand. With her left hand, she formed a single-handed seal, and a faint golden lotus-shaped mark floated into the Suspended Ink Sword. This mark would temporarily command Bo Xuenong’s Lifebound Sword to obey her.

The sword techniques she had cultivated with two exceptional blades were ill-suited for ordinary Spirit Swords.

Shen Yanting hadn’t wielded a sword in ages.

The unfamiliar weight of the blade felt awkward in her hand. She rotated the Suspended Ink Sword, then suddenly channeled her spiritual power to its peak, concentrating it in her palm and surging it into the sword. Instead of growing stronger, the Suspended Ink Sword’s Spiritual Qi rapidly diminished, its radiance fading to a dull glimmer.

Jin Yuanliang’s gaze grew even more contemptuous. “Shen Yanting, even your disciple’s Lifebound Sword refuses to obey you! Your death is certain today!”

Hua Fangqi reacted differently. Sensing something amiss, he unconsciously halted his advance.

“It has no choice,” Shen Yanting insisted, continuing to pour spiritual power into the sword until its light completely vanished. Only then did she slowly raise it.

Jin Yuanliang had just reached her when the tip of the Suspended Ink Sword gently touched his forehead.

The feeble touch made Jin Yuanliang burst into laughter. Before he could speak, a sudden warmth spread across his brow.

His vision blurred with bl00d. He looked up in disbelief, channeling all his spiritual power to his forehead in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding.

Shen Yanting’s gaze shifted slightly, her eyes flashing a pale gold as she parted her crimson lips. “Jing Feng, Si He.”

The moment her words fell, a fissure split open in the center of Jin Yuanliang’s forehead.

The tip of the Suspended Ink Sword pierced the wound, glowing brightly as it plunged deeper. Jin Yuanliang’s head suddenly exploded.

With a deafening boom, bl00d, flesh, and brain matter splattered everywhere.

A barrier of light erupted before Shen Yanting, shielding her from the gore. The Heavenly Cuisine Sect disciples weren’t so fortunate, especially the dozen or so closest to Jin Yuanliang. Each of them was splattered with warm, viscous fluids. Their eyes widened in horror as they froze in place, staring in disbelief at Jin Yuanliang’s headless corpse.

The Suspended Ink Sword’s blade suddenly erupted with golden light, matching the color of Shen Yanting’s eyes. The light spread at lightning speed. Wherever the golden light touched Jin Yuanliang’s bl00d, the bl00d instantly transformed into a perfect replica of the Suspended Ink Sword, piercing the stained area before vanishing without a trace.

In the blink of an eye, only Hua Fangqi remained standing unscathed among the Heavenly Cuisine Sect disciples in the courtyard.

The remaining disciples, pierced through various parts of their bodies, either died instantly or collapsed to the ground, wailing in agony.

Bo Xuenong stood behind Shen Yanting, witnessing the entire scene with crystal clarity.

Her eyelashes fluttered, her eyes wide with awe.

The thick, metallic scent of bl00d filled her nostrils. Bo Xuenong swallowed hard, instinctively glancing at Shen Yanting.

Noticing that Shen Yanting’s gaze remained fixed on Hua Fangqi, she secretly drew a dagger and moved toward the fallen disciples, swiftly and decisively ending their lives.

She hadn’t intended to kill anyone.

They were… all just points.

Bo Xuenong clutched the Jade Token Feng Jin had given her, watching the names on the Punish Evil and Promote Good leaderboard flicker incessantly. Each name shimmered with the dazzling golden light symbolizing peerless villains, spurring her to strike with even greater ruthlessness.

By the time Shen Yanting finally noticed her, Bo Xuenong had already earned over a thousand points.

Shen Yanting, who should have been focused on Hua Fangqi, called out to Bo Xuenong first upon seeing her stabbing the fallen disciples: “Nong’er, what are you doing?”

Bo Xuenong hastily concealed the bloodstained dagger in her robes. “Master, I was just checking if they… if they could still be saved.”

Shen Yanting’s lips trembled slightly. She had intended to stop Bo Xuenong, but the Suspended Ink Sword suddenly flew from her hand, soaring straight toward the corpses.

If she wasn’t mistaken, the sword was absorbing corpse qi.

It absorbed cautiously, taking only a little from each body, but with so many corpses present, the corpse qi on the sword’s blade grew increasingly dense.

She… had harmed Bo Xuenong.

She had naively believed the Nethergate Sect’s claim that the Suspended Ink Sword could suppress Bo Xuenong’s bloodline. Seeing the sword’s abundant spiritual qi, nearly on par with a Divine Sword, and trusting the Sect Leader’s impeccable character, she had given the sword to Bo Xuenong without a thorough examination.

How could a sword that absorbed corpse qi suppress the bloodline of a feral beast? At best, it would only further incite Bo Xuenong’s bloodlust.

She had been deceived.

Replacing one’s Lifebound Sword could result in severe injury, even death, and would completely cripple one’s cultivation foundation.

Shen Yanting gazed at Bo Xuenong, her heart heavy with guilt.

Bo Xuenong had placed such trust and reliance in her, yet she had betrayed that trust.

The reprimand that had risen to her lips softened into a gentle correction: “Nong’er, they were all evil people. There’s no need to save them.”

Bo Xuenong nodded obediently. “I’ll listen to Master.”

Though she nodded, her hands moved swiftly, delivering several more strikes.

Bo Xuenong didn’t want to disobey Shen Yanting, but these Points were her chance to quickly grow stronger and sharper. Today’s battle had revealed her own weakness.

Points.

All I need are Points.

Before Shen Yanting could speak again, a low, raspy voice suddenly echoed.

Liar.

The abrupt voice startled Bo Xuenong, who whipped her head toward Hua Fangqi, the only member of the Heavenly Cuisine Sect still alive and unharmed.

Hua Fangqi’s lips didn’t move, yet the voice sounded again.

Damn it! I knew Shen Yanting wouldn’t be so easy to deal with. If I’d known she came to the Heavenly Cuisine Sect because of Lanshou Village, I would have fled sooner. I didn’t create the formation in Lanshou Village, but the original owner of this body participated in its construction… Jin Yuanliang was a fool. Now… this body is a Formation Cultivator, while I’m a Joyous Union Cultivator. Without absolute realm suppression, I’m no match for her in a one-on-one fight. It seems my only option is to trap her in the formation too… I had planned to wait until the Body Integration Stage to capture her for Dual Cultivation—to win her body first, then her heart. What a waste… Still, Yu Cenwan isn’t bad either.

Hua Fangqi was also a soul from another world.

Just as I suspected.

Things were even worse than Bo Xuenong had anticipated. Some of them had indeed replaced the dying Sect Elders long ago, remaining dormant until now.

They were far more cunning than Guan Caimei.

Feng Jin’s half-price Mind-Reading Technique seemed to work intermittently. Bo Xuenong refused to believe Hua Fangqi had only just begun speaking in his mind.

Bo Xuenong abruptly stood up, pointed at Hua Fangqi, and transmitted a message to Shen Yanting: “Master, he’s trying to activate a formation to trap us.”

Shen Yanting forcefully retrieved the Suspended Ink Sword. Before she could strike, Hua Fangqi suddenly declared, “Shen Yanting, I never wanted to be your enemy. But you’ve slaughtered countless disciples of the Heavenly Cuisine Sect, making you even more detestable than the Young Sect Master of the Beast Taming Sect. I have no choice but to send you to join her in death.”

The Young Sect Master of the Beast Taming Sect.

Shen Yanting handed the Suspended Ink Sword back to Bo Xuenong. Bo Xuenong asked uncertainly, “Master, shouldn’t we stop him from activating the formation?”

Shen Yanting quietly watched the rapidly widening cracks in the ground. “Nong’er, let’s enter the formation and see what’s inside.”

Gui Nian’an and Liu Huairou had been secretly observing for a long time, awestruck by Shen Yanting’s power and even more shocked by her decision.

Gui Nian’an felt a pang of panic. Knowing it was futile to dissuade Shen Yanting, she could only warn Bo Xuenong, “Once you enter the formation, breaking it will become much harder.”

Bo Xuenong gripped the Suspended Ink Sword tightly, her admiration and infatuation for Shen Yanting shining through. “If Master dares to enter the formation, she’ll naturally find a way out!”

Her faith in Shen Yanting was absolute. Realizing that staying outside the formation would be even more dangerous for Gui Nian’an and Liu Huairou, she pulled them into the fray.

As the gap widened, Shen Yanting grabbed the red cloth around Bo Xuenong’s neck with one hand and pulled the helpless Liu Huairou down with the other.

As they sank deeper, Bo Xuenong and the others heard a furious voice: “Damn the Heavenly Cuisine Sect! If you’re so tough, fight fair! You can call for reinforcements, but when I summon a couple of demons, it’s suddenly a problem?! Can’t win without resorting to formations? How shameless! Just wait till I get my hands on you—I’ll make sure your entire sect won’t even deserve to keep a single chicken!”