In a dimly lit cave…
“Damn it! Even though I managed to grab this thousand-year-old herb, I’m badly injured. Luckily, no one knows the truth—they all think I’m still at my peak. Thank heavens I’m always cautious.” Jiang Yu muttered to himself, his expression a mix of pain and paranoia. “But I still have to get that mirror for Master, or he’ll punish me. Those three… they’re my opponents. Should I wait for them to fight each other? No, they’re not idiots. Ugh, forget it. I need to heal first before deciding my next move.”
With a grimace, Jiang Yu sat cross-legged and began channeling energy to mend his injuries.
….
Meanwhile, in another part of the realm…
“Miss! A lot of fools actually fell for your plan!” A skinny man said, his eyes gleaming with fanaticism.
“Of course they did,” replied a woman, her eyes glinting with bloodlust as she licked her lips. “An injured genius is too tempting a target to resist.”
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The woman, surnamed Yun, was known outside as the “Kind Nun” of the Gentle Breeze Sect, celebrated for her relentless efforts to eradicate demons. But in truth, she was far more demonic than any creature she hunted.
“Torture that one thoroughly,” Yun said with a cruel smile. “Make him beg for death before you grant it. Now, where are those three?”
“Miss, they’re still collecting medicines for you,” the skinny man answered nervously. “Also… there’s a rumor spreading about a secret hidden within this realm. I’m not sure if it’s true.”
Yun’s gaze sharpened, her expression darkening. “Who could have leaked that? Those three? No, it wouldn’t benefit them. Which means… there’s a fifth party.”
Her lips curled into a wicked grin as murderous intent surged in her eyes. “Don’t let me find you, rat. When I do, I’ll personally take your head.” Her laughter echoed through the cave, wild and unrestrained.
The skinny man flinched but remained silent. He knew that asking questions would only lead to his death.
…
Elsewhere, Yanwei stood alone amidst the desolation, his eyes reflecting calm amusement.
“Fifteen days left before this realm closes,” he mused aloud. Suddenly, his expression shifted, surprise flashing across his face. “So, that Zhang fellow came first? Hm. I thought it would be Jiang Yu.”
A playful smile tugged at his lips. “Well, it doesn’t matter who arrived first.”
With a wave of his hand, six corpse puppets appeared before him. Among them were bodies he’d harvested from those spying on the four geniuses. Their lifeless forms stood motionless, awaiting his command.
“My dear little geniuses…” Yanwei chuckled, his voice dripping with malice. “The curtain is about to fall on your show.”
His laughter rang out, sharp and chilling, startling a flock of birds into flight. But as for the people who might have heard him? There were none. They were all dead.