Shortly after leaving, Song Wanníng found an excuse to part ways with Zhang Shuning. She still needed to reunite with her clone and could not bring Zhang Shuning along.
Zhang Shuning did not ask questions and left on her own. Her mind was full of thoughts about how to report this to her master and how the master would react once informed.
To be honest, she felt uncertain. Jiang Cen was the master ancestor's own daughter, cherished since childhood and never having suffered any loss.
The master held the ancestor in high respect, and since Zhang Shuning was still alive, would the master choose to let things slide?
Zhang Shuning fell silent, her beautiful, clear eyes clouded with complexity. A bitter smile curled at the corner of her lips.
The master had to endure being bullied, so maybe she should stop being so childish.
…
The secret realm's countdown had begun. Song Wanníng met up with her clone and headed toward the exit cave of the secret realm.
They had to leave as soon as the secret realm opened. After all, she was still waiting to intercept that idiot Xiao Heyun!
Outside the secret realm, five big shots waited for their disciples to emerge. Everyone's expressions were heavy because many disciples usually died in the secret realm, and this time they worried the losses might be too severe.
At the same time, the number of survivors was an invisible competition. Everyone hoped their sect would come out on top.
"Liu Daoyou, I suppose your Guhan Sect sent the most disciples out this time? After all, your Guhan Sect took first place at the last grand competition. Heh heh heh,"
Elder Wu Zongyuan of Canglan Sect smiled coldly at Liu Xingzhi, his tone dripping with sarcasm, catching the attention of the other three elders.
At the last young generation competition, Guhan Sect's Yue Lin defeated Canglan Sect's Song Lantian and took first place.
Canglan Sect almost defended the championship and was naturally unhappy about it.
Liu Xingzhi only glanced at Wu Zongyuan indifferently and said, "We'll see when they come out."
He had no interest in arguing and knew Wu Zongyuan held a grudge against him. After all, Liu Xingzhi was young but always ranked above Wu Zongyuan, even suppressing him once inside a secret realm.
Wu Zongyuan was a spiteful man and had made a fuss over the years.
"Heh…"
Wu Zongyuan was amused and angry at Liu Xingzhi's arrogant attitude, his sharp eyes piercing Liu Xingzhi with a dark gleam.
Before entering the secret realm, he had already instructed Song Lantian to target Guhan Sect disciples and even ordered her to wipe them out if possible.
Guhan Sect's losses this time must be severe…
Wu Zongyuan smirked. "Arrogant, huh? Let's see if you can keep that attitude when the disciples come out!"
His eyes gleamed with anticipation, eager to watch the disciples return.
Finally, the secret realm's time ended.
The first to be ejected were the gathered disciples waiting at the entrance.
There were disciples from several sects. After brief glances, everyone headed back to their own sect's group.
Song Wanníng strode through the crowd toward Liu Xingzhi.
"Elder Liu, someone from Qingyun Sect in the Eastern Domain infiltrated the secret realm. I've seen that person before!"
She did not lower her voice and said it directly to Liu Xingzhi. Her words immediately sparked agreement among other sect disciples.
"Yes, Elder, some Eastern Domain kid sneaked in and even got a divine beast!"
"That kid caused several beast tides and injured many disciples. We can't let him escape!"
A group of disciples began complaining to their elders. When they heard about the divine beast, several elders' faces changed.
A divine beast?
That was an irresistible temptation for all of them.
Not to mention that someone from the Eastern Domain had entered their secret realm—that was a slap in their faces!
"Bastard! Someone from the Eastern Domain dares to sneak into the Southern Domain's secret realm? They're asking for death!"
Wu Zongyuan was furious and also tempted by the divine beast.
"If he comes out later, I'll make sure he understands what it means to wish he were dead!"
The others also wore grim expressions. No one had noticed the Eastern Domain infiltrator. If word got out, they would be laughed at.
"Point him out to me when he comes out."
Liu Xingzhi gave no harsh words, only a calm order to Song Wanníng.
"All right!"
Song Wanníng nodded and stood lazily by Liu Xingzhi, quietly waiting for the disciples' return.
One by one, disciples emerged. Many were injured, some missing limbs, but thankfully alive. A few pills would help them recover.
Several cultivators, like Song Wanníng, had encountered opportunities and advanced in cultivation. They flew out refreshed and renewed.
Wu Zongyuan's face grew more serious as time passed.
Because Canglan Sect had the fewest disciples emerge, and Song Lantian was nowhere to be seen. He furrowed his brow, thinking Gu Han Sect should not know of their plans. Song Lantian should be safe, right?
But soon, his expression darkened as he saw Guhan Sect's Yue Lin appear.
Yue Lin was Song Lantian's most hated person and her top target. Now he came out unscathed, but Song Lantian was still missing…
A bad feeling crept over Wu Zongyuan.
"Sister Song!"
As soon as Yue Lin saw Song Wanníng, he rushed to her side.
His attitude changed so fast it shocked the Guhan Sect disciples.
Yue Lin was the top of the Tianmu Ranking among Void Refinement cultivators. He was respected and ignored Song Wanníng before entering the secret realm.
But now, so soon, he was friendly and called her Sister.
Many disciples found this surreal, eyes shifting between the two constantly.
Song Wanníng nodded, giving him a meaningful look.
Yue Lin was not on good terms with Jiang Cen's faction. That was why she had given the Shadow Stone to Yue Lin, hoping he would not disappoint her.
More disciples came out, including several she had saved before.
"Sister Song!"
They greeted her obediently, leaving Guhan Sect disciples confused.
But no one was foolish enough to underestimate Song Wanníng again.
Especially since she had advanced two levels in less than a year after flying up. What kind of speed was that?
Even Elder Liu had never been that fast.
Liu Xingzhi looked at Song Wanníng again.
He knew well the strength of this person he had personally taken back.
Someone who survived a fight with the Medicine King Sect elder right after ascending could not be simple.
Still, where were his own disciples?
And Jiang Cen?
Although he disliked Jiang Cen, he was ordered by the master to look after her.
Thinking this, a chill deepened around Liu Xingzhi.
Song Wanníng glanced at him with a teasing smile.
She also wanted to know how this Elder Liu would choose between the master and his disciples.