This little girl is so despicable!

Wu Neng, though not lacking in strength, found himself facing four Nascent Soul cultivators from the Yunlan Sect. Clearly apprehensive, they had dispatched their Sect Master Lian Xing, the Jade Sword Daoist Yao Cang, the Yellow Dragon Daoist Mu Ziqi, and another unfamiliar yet equally formidable Nascent Soul cultivator.

Initially, Wu Neng had considered taking a stand if Lian Xing came alone, especially after uncovering the "truth" through a secret transmission. The Wu family had acted in good faith to protect Yunlan Sect's juniors, only to be betrayed. Their juniors had used a mystical treasure to harm Wu family members. However, with four Nascent Soul cultivators present, Wu Neng suppressed his fury and coldly addressed the Yunlan Sect Master, who was busy "pacifying a child."

"Lian Xing, if you don't give us an explanation today, the Wu family will spare no effort to ensure the Yunlan Sect suffers," Wu Neng declared icily.

Lian Xing, relieved to confirm Ji Wushuang was unharmed, finally exhaled. If even a single hair had been harmed, he feared the wrath of his master and their patriarch. Straightening, Lian Xing replied, his tone equally cold, "Wu Neng, that's precisely what Yunlan Sect demands of your Wu family. If you cannot provide an explanation, we will not let this matter rest."

"What?" Wu Neng froze, then laughed in rage. "An explanation? What explanation do you want? Your Yunlan Sect's two disciples—one a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, the other without any cultivation—recklessly wandered into a horde of spirit beasts. We saved them, and you repay us by extorting spirit stones and injuring our cultivators? Do you think the Wu family is so easily bullied?"

The previously silent female cultivator suddenly chuckled, tossing a talisman toward Wu Neng, who caught it midair. She smirked, "Open your dog eyes and see what this talisman is."

"Just a third-grade concealment talisman."

Her gaze turned mocking, as though looking at a fool. "Just? Do you even know this is a third-grade supreme talisman? A supreme talisman is one that approaches the quality of a fourth-grade treasure! The Yunlan Sect had long calculated the Spring Mist Beast Tide as a natural occurrence and chose not to intervene. The affected spirit beasts are only first- and second-grade. With the supreme talisman's protection, our disciples would remain undetected by the beasts. Yet your people barged in, causing chaos. Are you here to help or to sabotage? Truly, the world never lacks fools, but this year seems to have a surplus."

The female cultivator's face was strikingly beautiful, radiant as lotus blossoms and morning clouds. Her words, however, were as sharp as blades. Despite her gentle smile, she spared no one, not even a Nascent Soul cultivator. Her audacity stemmed from her identity as Chen Xuanji, the Grand Elder of Hongfu Peak, renowned as the "Heavenly Fate Daoist."

Chen Xuanji's unparalleled talent was evident from her title alone. At barely a millennium old, she was not only a peak Nascent Soul cultivator but also a seventh-grade talisman master. A cultivator who could craft seventh-grade talismans with Nascent Soul cultivation was a rare prodigy across the continent. Such talent made her dismissive of most, including her sect. She came and went as she pleased, once vanishing for a century. Her sudden return was prompted by a message from her patriarch, urging her to meet a newly arrived elder.

Upon her return, she discovered a talisman treasure at Hongfu Peak, imbued with Lian Xing's aura. Outraged, she hounded him relentlessly until he revealed Ji Wushuang's existence. Unlike others who might feel threatened by a greater talent, Chen Xuanji was thrilled. At last, someone could join her in advancing the art of talismans. Solitude at the summit had grown wearisome.

Learning that Ji Wushuang had been wronged, Chen Xuanji, who seldom involved herself in sect affairs, was ready to defend her newfound "little cotton-padded jacket." Spotting the Jade Sword Daoist and Yellow Dragon Daoist also present, her competitive instincts flared. In her mind, they were rivals vying for Ji Wushuang's favor.

Wu Neng, humiliated by Chen Xuanji's sharp tongue, turned to glare at the recently revived Nascent Soul cultivator. How could they have concealed the existence of a supreme third-grade talisman? Their negligence had caused such disgrace!

The Nascent Soul cultivator was equally aggrieved. Who could have guessed that the seemingly powerless Ji Wushuang was so cherished within the Yunlan Sect? He had assumed the talisman belonged to Ye Qian. Wu Neng, regaining his composure, retorted, "Even so, our intentions were good. That doesn't justify your sect's bullying!"

Chen Xuanji's smile grew sharper. "Perhaps your agitation stems from having too many concubines. If I may suggest, the distraction between your legs is hindering your cultivation. Why not remove it?"

Lian Xing and the others: "???"

Wu Neng's face turned green as Chen Xuanji continued, her tone light, "Don't be upset, Brother Wu. I only speak out of concern."

Wu Neng: "…"

This madwoman!

"It was your Yunlan Sect that acted first!"

"Or was it your malicious intent to harm our disciples?"

"Ridiculous! Look at my Wu family's disciples. How can you deny it?"

Though Ji Wushuang and her companion were technically at fault, Chen Xuanji refused to concede. Just as she was about to retort, Ji Wushuang interrupted, "Excuse me, I have evidence."

Wu Neng, his anger reignited, snapped, "And who do you think you are to speak here?"

The four Yunlan Sect leaders bristled. How dare he?!

Before they could react, Ji Wushuang stepped forward, unfazed by Wu Neng's aura. She casually produced a stone and tossed it to the ground. The stone, engraved with intricate runes, activated to project a recording—a Memory Stone.

The replay showed the Nascent Soul cultivator arrogantly declaring, "You ignorant child! If not for my young master's intervention, you'd have been torn apart by spirit beasts. Yet you dare demand payment?"

The scene then depicted Ye Qian, pale and trembling under the cultivator's oppressive aura, nearly collapsing.

The Wu family members exchanged looks of disbelief. This seemingly harmless girl had covertly used a Memory Stone? Was she truly only twelve or thirteen?

As the recording looped, Ji Wushuang remarked calmly, "Do you see? My senior sister and I, a Foundation Establishment cultivator and an ordinary mortal, are defenseless. Without the protective treasures bestowed by our elders, we wouldn't be here today."

Her unflinching composure under Wu Neng's glare left the Wu family speechless. Truly, this girl was anything but pitiful.