The Will to Survive

The sun hung high in the sky, casting golden rays over the dense forest as the Void Immortal Sect group moved further into the wilderness. After eliminating Xiao Ten, they did not return immediately to the sect. Instead, they continued their purge of bandits, cleansing the region of threats.

For four days, Ling Hua traveled with them, keeping a close eye on Yue Lingxi while maintaining a respectful distance. She had changed into a fresh outfit from her storage ring, yet her unease toward Yue Lingxi remained. The woman was unfathomable—cold, ruthless, and utterly indifferent to human life. It was terrifying.

During those days, they eliminated two more small bandit groups, but neither was as strong as Xiao Ten's. Their spoils were minimal—only a handful of low-grade spirit stones and some inferior weapons.

Then came the fifth day.

As they traveled through a rocky valley, an oppressive aura loomed ahead.

Ling Hua's breath hitched when she recognized a familiar figure—the lone survivor of Xiao Ten's group. He had returned. But this time, he was not alone.

Standing behind him was an army of 125 bandits.

These weren't ordinary brigands. Three powerful bandit groups had joined forces, led by three Mid Foundation Establishment experts.

Yan Ruyue – The Crimson Enchantress (Mid Foundation Establishment, Fire Cultivator)

 - A stunning yet deadly woman in crimson-black robes, golden flame runes glowing along her arms and thighs.

 - Eyes flickering with fire, filled with cruelty and amusement.

 - Known for seduction techniques and incinerating victims alive.

Tie Shan – The Iron Tyrant (Mid Foundation Establishment, Body Cultivator)

 - A towering man clad in heavy battle armor, his skin like iron.

 - Carries a massive spiked gauntlet, capable of shattering boulders with his fists.

 - A brute whose body-refining techniques made him nearly invincible.

Jiang Feng – The Phantom Sword (Mid Foundation Establishment, Sword Cultivator)

 - A slender man in dark robes, carrying an elegant yet deadly black longsword.

 - A master of speed and precision, favoring swift, lethal strikes.

 - Cold and calculating, known for killing in a single slash.

Elite Subordinates (Low Foundation Establishment)

Each leader had brought their strongest subordinates:

Yan Ruyue's Subordinates (Fire Cultivators)

 - Mu Qing – Spell cultivator specializing in illusory fire arts.

 - Shen Yue – Assassin cultivator with fire-based assassination techniques.

 - Zhao Ren – Sword cultivator, known for swift, burning slashes.

Tie Shan's Subordinates (Body Refiners & Heavy Fighters)

 - Han Wei – A brutal swordsman, relying on overwhelming strength.

 - Duan Li – A warrior with reinforced muscles, able to tank direct attacks.

Jiang Feng's Subordinates (Assassins & Swordmasters)

 - Wei Tong – A silent killer, a master of shadow ambushes.

 - Lu Chen – A dual-sword wielder, blending speed and technique flawlessly.

The rest of the 125 bandits were split:

40 under Yan Ruyue

35 under Tie Shan

40 under Jiang Feng

They had every advantage—numbers, terrain, and strategy.

Yet, against Yue Lingxi, none of it mattered.

The Void Immortal Sect had only 21 people.

Huang Zhenhai (Mid Foundation Establishment, Sword Cultivator) led the group.

Song Bai & Wei Qingfeng (Low Foundation Establishment, Sword Cultivators) stood at his side.

They had Ling Hua, Lin Shaoyang, five Qi Gathering disciples, and ten Body Refinement disciples.

The gap in power was clear.

Their only hope—Yue Lingxi.

The three bandit leaders stepped forward, exuding arrogance.

Tie Shan cracked his knuckles, his voice deep and rumbling. "So, you're the ones slaughtering our kin?"

Jiang Feng smirked, eyes narrowing on Yue Lingxi. "I heard there's a monster among you. I wonder... is it her?"

Yan Ruyue chuckled, twirling a lock of crimson hair. "She does seem interesting. But let's be honest, little girl, do you really think you can survive against all of us?"

Yue Lingxi met their gazes—unmoved, indifferent.

"Submit or die."

Her voice was calm. Yet, it sent a chill down their spines.

The bandits erupted into laughter.

"You're insane!" Jiang Feng sneered. "We have numbers. You have nothing."

Yue Lingxi sighed.

"Then let me show you... what nothing looks like."

She released a sliver of her Qi.

BOOM!

A crushing aura exploded outward.

Laughter died.

Terror spread like wildfire.

From the weakest bandit to the strongest leaders, a suffocating pressure crushed their bodies.

Even Void Immortal Sect disciples trembled.

For the first time, the bandit leaders realized—they had made a terrible mistake.

Their elite subordinates staggered. Mu Qing, Shen Yue, and Zhao Ren clutched their chests, struggling to breathe. Han Wei and Duan Li fell to their knees, veins bulging. Wei Tong and Lu Chen looked pale, their instincts screaming danger.

They wanted to flee. Their bodies refused to move.

"Submit or die," Yue repeated.

Tie Shan gritted his teeth. His pride resisted—but his survival instinct was stronger. He dropped to one knee. "We... submit."

Yan Ruyue's golden eyes gleamed with intrigue. She slowly lowered her head. "You are fascinating. Very well, I submit too."

Jiang Feng's hands trembled. He clutched his sword—yet, he knew he had no choice. In the end, he knelt. "We submit."

Yue Lingxi withdrew her aura. The overwhelming pressure vanished.

"Good." Her voice was calm, as if this outcome was inevitable. "From now on, you serve me. When you meet my Master, you will offer him all the spirit stones you have. Understood?"

A collective "Yes, my Lady!" rang out.

Yan Ruyue's lips curled. "Who… is her master?"

Even the other two leaders shared the same thought.

If this monstrous woman had a Master… just how terrifying was he?

As the bandits swore loyalty, one figure burned with hatred—the survivor of Xiao Ten's group.

His plan had failed.

He turned to flee—only to find Ling Hua blocking his path.

His face twisted in terror.

"W-Wait! Spare me! I surrende—"

SCHLK!

His head flew.

Ling Hua sheathed her sword—expression unreadable.

With 125 new subordinates, Yue Lingxi led the Void Immortal Sect back home.

But in the hearts of the bandit leaders, one terrifying question remained:

Who is her Master?