Yue Lin bowed deeply to Song Wanníng, both in gratitude for saving his life and as a sign of submission and admiration. He never expected Song Wanníng to be so powerful and felt ashamed of his earlier arrogance.
The others followed suit, bowing as well.
"Thank you, Senior Sister Song, for saving our lives!"
In the cultivation world, strength commands respect. They were all completely convinced by Song Wanníng, even a little excited.
"No need for formalities, stand up."
Song Wanníng did not mind the sudden change in how they addressed her. This was exactly the situation she wanted.
When you have strength, there's no need to hide it. It's best if everyone knows!
"We are all fellow disciples. Anyone would step up to help. Don't worry about it."
She sheathed her sword and picked up the jade pendant that had fallen to the ground, a trace of thought flashing through her eyes.
This pendant was the defensive treasure that had protected Song Lantian earlier. It was actually quite a good defense tool, but unfortunately, it was a sealing protection. Her own immortal hairpin could bypass all seals...
So, Song Lantian's death was not undeserved.
Yue Lin and the others straightened up, their gazes toward Song Wanníng completely changed. From now on, they would follow her lead without hesitation. They dared not entertain any rebellious thoughts.
"Collect all the storage rings and dispose of the corpse."
Song Wanníng assigned tasks with practiced ease, her aura commanding respect without anger. Anyone could tell she once held a high position.
The others obeyed without question and quickly handled the bodies.
"Fortunately, the secret realm cuts off all outside communication. Otherwise, the powerful cultivators linked to her Yuányīng would be impossible to block!"
The Guhan Sect disciples felt relieved.
Though dangerous, the secret realm was a great place for revenge. No wonder so many disciples died each time...
Yue Lin said nothing but handed the collected storage rings to Song Wanníng, along with a stone that shimmered with a gray light.
"Senior Sister Song, if it weren't for your help, we would have died long ago. These things belong to you—we have no objections."
The other disciples quickly agreed, "Yes, we all agree!"
"A Bu Tian Stone?"
Song Wanníng raised an eyebrow in surprise, instantly understanding why they had fought so fiercely.
The Bu Tian Stone was an extremely rare and precious material for forging magical treasures. Legend said treasures forged with it could grow a spirit, multiplying their power.
Her own sword was forged by herself after reaching Golden Core, with some additives, but it no longer matched her current strength. She had planned to find time to reforged it properly, but now it had been handed to her directly.
"Alright, I'll keep the Bu Tian Stone. As for these storage rings, you can divide them."
She selected a few storage rings and handed them back. They had contributed, so there was no need for her to keep everything.
"Thank you, Senior Sister Song!"
They were genuinely happy, each choosing a storage ring and transferring the contents into their own. Some items possibly bore soul marks, so they didn't dare take them. If detected by powerful cultivators later, it would bring endless trouble.
The storage rings themselves had to be discarded here.
But Song Wanníng had no such worries. She put several storage rings and the Bu Tian Stone directly into her internal world.
Seeing this, their respect for her deepened even further. Song Wanníng was mysterious and strong—far beyond their reach. Her future was limitless, and they all wanted to build a good relationship with her.
After the simple distribution, Song Wanníng had no intention to stay longer. But seeing their eager gazes, something stirred in her heart. There are advantages to having a group. With their cooperation, maybe even greater gains could be made.
She smiled and asked, "Anyone interested in teaming up with me?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes!"
...
Half a month later, Song Wanníng's clone and the others cooperated closely, exploring many places and gaining valuable treasures.
They were completely won over by Song Wanníng's charm, their eyes full of admiration whenever they looked at her.
Even Yue Lin was no exception.
He had never admired anyone so much before. Song Wanníng was the first. He secretly vowed to follow her forever, becoming her loyal follower. As long as Song Wanníng didn't mind, he would fight wherever she pointed!
Meanwhile, Jiang Cen had also obtained some good items but remained unsatisfied. Missing out on the opportunity was one thing, but Zhang Shuning had to be killed!
As long as the female lead lived, this vicious supporting female would never have a chance to turn her fate around.
Jiang Cen sought out Zhang Shuning's location and finally discovered it today. A cold glint flickered in Jiang Cen's eyes as she silently followed.
All of this was seen by Song Wanníng.
She smiled slightly and took out a Shadow Stone, recording the scenes in the Three Lives Mirror.
The first step in dealing with Jiang Cen would not be just stealing her opportunity. She planned to use this chance to drag the forces behind Jiang Cen into the open.
No matter how profound their cultivation, they couldn't withstand being exposed by word of mouth forever.
Sooner or later, they would suffer defeat.
...
"Zhang Shuning, do you really think you can escape?"
Jiang Cen blocked Zhang Shuning's retreat, a cold light flashing in her eyes.
Today, she intended to kill Zhang Shuning without leaving a trace.
"Jiang Cen, why is it you?"
Zhang Shuning was startled. She had been extremely careful but hadn't expected to be followed.
And the follower was Jiang Cen.
A chill ran through her heart as she sensed Jiang Cen's malice.
"Zhang Shuning, surprised to see me?"
Jiang Cen spoke as she appraised the flame pool behind Zhang Shuning. If she pushed Zhang Shuning into it, death was certain.
"I came here to send you on your last journey. As long as you live, Liu Xingzhi will never see me as anything but an enemy."
At the thought of that cold man, who treated Zhang Shuning differently, Jiang Cen felt deeply uncomfortable.
Zhang Shuning's face darkened. She gripped her weapon tightly.
"You are my my master's junior sister, and my Martial Uncle!"
If not for this identity, the two of them would have long since turned completely against Jiang Cen.
To Jiang Cen, this sounded like a joke.
A glint of sharpness flickered in her eyes as she slowly approached Zhang Shuning.
"Now that it's just the two of us, even if you die, no one will suspect me. Today, only one of us will leave alive."
Without another word, she launched her attack at Zhang Shuning.
Zhang Shuning knew this battle was unavoidable. A murderous intent flashed in her eyes as she fought back fiercely.
Even if her ancestor came to punish her afterward, she would not hesitate!
She had long been fed up with Jiang Cen!
===
Mo Yuan, you have a rival (¬‿¬ )