Chapter 37: Something's Wrong, I Can Feel It!

Silence.

Darkness.

Every observer of this scene was left utterly bewildered.

'What just happened?!'

'An instant counterattack? A Cave Heaven Realm cultivator defeating a Mystic Finger Realm expert in one strike?'

Most had assumed this group of "ambitious vultures" wouldn't achieve much, especially after being struck by lightning. Yet, they'd still expected the Moon Embracing Sect to suffer heavy losses—at the very least, to be forced into a desperate struggle. After all, their opponent was a Mystic Finger Realm cultivator, blessed by the power of natural law.

But the reality before them was shocking.

'How could a Mystic Finger Realm expert be instantly killed by a Cave Heaven Realm opponent? And while taking the initiative to attack?!' Liu Xun's jaw dropped. 'This Mystic Finger Realm cultivator was so weak?!'

He couldn't comprehend it. Even injured by lightning, a Mystic Finger Realm cultivator shouldn't have fallen so easily. It was like holding a royal flush in a card game and still losing to a peasant's hand.

'How?!'

…..

On the battlefield, the Mystic Finger Realm cultivator's body lay in pieces.

Wu Xingyun stood with her sword; her robes unstained by blood—but the blade itself dripped crimson.

'That sword… there's something unnatural about it. It must be a secret technique.'

'She paid a heavy price. Injuring herself first to kill her enemy, spitting blood—she's likely drained now.'

Some among the observers recognized the signs. The Eight-Character Blood-Slaying Sword Art—a forbidden technique that consumed the user's life essence in exchange for overwhelming power. If all five elders of the Moon Embracing Sect knew this technique…

A chill ran down many spines.

The spectators could be divided into two groups:

Major factions: They sought Xiao Ling'er and Fan Jianqiang, valuing their alchemical talents. These groups weren't in a hurry; they could afford to wait and watch.

Rogues and minor sects: They had no illusions of recruiting geniuses. Their targets were the fifth-grade Mystic Finger Pill and the alchemy furnace—maybe even looting the Moon Embracing Sect's vaults.

But now, the latter group hesitated. The Moon Embracing Sect wasn't the soft target they'd assumed. If one elder could kill a Mystic Finger Realm cultivator instantly, what about the other four? Combined with the sect's protective formations and hidden legacies…

'Could I really succeed alone?' Most doubted it.

Yet none left immediately. There was still a chance to profit from the chaos.

…..

'So it was this secret technique.' Liang Danxia's voice echoed in Xiao Ling'er's mind, tinged with surprise. 'She's too extreme.'

"Which technique?" Xiao Ling'er asked urgently.

'The Eight-Character Blood-Slaying Sword Art. It consumes the user's life essence to unleash devastating strikes. The more she uses it, the more it erodes her foundation. It's likely why she's remained stuck at the Cave Heaven Realm for so long. Overuse could even kill her.'

Xiao Ling'er's heart clenched. "Second Elder…"

"Teacher, is there any elixir that can help her recover?"

…..

Meanwhile, Fan Jianqiang cheered loudly. "The Second Elder's power is invincible!"

But the other elders didn't share his enthusiasm. Lin Fan's expression remained calm, though his fists had clenched behind his back.

'Strength. Time. We're still too weak.' He whispered to himself, 'Just a little more time…'

…..

Wu Xingyun didn't retreat. Sword in hand, she challenged the shadows. "Is there no one else who dares to face me? Or are you all too afraid of a mere Cave Heaven Realm woman?"

Strike while the iron is hot. She wanted to press her advantage.

The crowd stirred again. 'Does she still have fight left in her?'

Her taunts worked. A figure materialized before her, his aura oppressive. "Step back."

"I've no wish to bully the weak. Hand over Xiao Ling'er, and we can part amicably." He raised a palm. "Otherwise…"

The threat hung in the air—then he struck.

Boom!

A crushing force descended like a mountain. Wu Xingyun's knees buckled under the pressure.

Third-level Mystic Finger Realm.

Gritting her teeth, she forced out words: "The Moon Embracing Sect… will not fall."

"Your secret technique is impressive, but I'm no pushover. You have one choice."

His words were meant for the entire sect.

Su Xinghai gave Lin Fan a slight nod, then vanished from the Moon Palace.

…..

A hand landed on Wu Xingyun's shoulder, dispelling the crushing weight. Su Xinghai stepped forward, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her. His white beard bristled as he raised a bloodstained sword.

"If you think you can destroy the Moon Embracing Sect, you're sorely mistaken."

The intruder's eyes narrowed. Su Xinghai had just broken through to the Mystic Finger Realm—he'd seen it clearly. Yet, that sword… it radiated pressure.

"You took the Mystic Finger Pill," the man accused coldly.

He'd come for Xiao Ling'er, but an extra fifth-grade pill wouldn't hurt.

"Correct." Su Xinghai's voice boomed, ensuring all heard. "Xiao Ling'er gifted it to me."

The rogue cultivators who'd hoped to seize the pill groaned inwardly. 'She gave it away?! Our trip was for nothing!'

"Fight or leave?" Su Xinghai challenged.

The intruder sneered. "You think your secret technique frightens me?"

He drew his spiritual weapon and attacked.

Su Xinghai spat blood—then struck.

Boom!

Laws clashed. Thunder rolled.

But at the critical moment, the third-level Mystic Finger expert… hesitated.

A fatal mistake.

In that split second, Su Xinghai's blade found his heart.

The man's belongings tumbled into Su Xinghai's grasp.

Wrong.

Even Liu Xun saw it. 'That was the elder from Cloudmist Valley. Why did he freeze? It was like… he just stood there and let himself be killed.'