Chapter 9: Escape from Verdant Cloud

The Void Dynasty's warship cast its shadow over the sect, its presence like a blade pressed against the throat of the Verdant Cloud disciples. The air crackled with tension, the earlier excitement of the tournament now replaced by the cold reality of war. Luo Feng stood at the center of it all, the taste of victory still fresh in his mouth—BBQ sauce and all—but the weight of the sect's fear pressed down on him.

Elder Zhao's voice trembled as he pointed at Luo Feng. "This is your doing! The Void Dynasty will burn us all if you stay!"

Disciples who had cheered for him moments ago now looked at him with accusation in their eyes. Even the Grand Elder, who had always been impartial, stepped forward with a grim expression. "Luo Feng… you must leave. Now."

Luo Feng clenched his fists. He had expected this. The sect had never truly accepted him, not even after he proved himself. But still, the dismissal stung.

"Fine," he said, voice flat. "But don't come crying to me when they turn on you next."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and ran—not toward the main gates, where the Void Dynasty's forces would be waiting, but toward the jagged cliffs of the forbidden back mountains. If he was going to escape, he'd need a path no one would dare follow.

The wind whipped past him as he sprinted, the ground uneven beneath his feet. Behind him, the distant shouts of the sect faded, replaced by the eerie silence of the wilderness.

Then—cold.

A familiar chill seeped into the air, and Luo Feng didn't need to turn around to know who was behind him.

"You're going the wrong way," Li Qing's voice cut through the quiet.

Luo Feng slowed, glancing over his shoulder. She stood a few paces back, her sword sheathed, her expression unreadable.

"Here to drag me back?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"If I wanted you dead, you would be."

He scoffed. "Then what? You just felt like a scenic jog?"

Her eyes narrowed. "The Void Dynasty isn't just hunting you. They're hunting anyone connected to you. That includes the sect."

"So you're helping me now?"

"I'm ensuring you don't get caught before you can lead them away."

Luo Feng barked out a laugh. "Wow. How noble of you."

She didn't rise to the bait. "There's a path through Blackfang Ravine. If you survive it, you'll reach neutral territory."

"And if I don't?"

"Then the problem solves itself."

Before he could retort, a rustling in the trees made them both tense. A familiar giggle echoed through the air, and then the Fox Spirit dropped down beside them, her tails flicking mischievously.

"Aww, is the Ice Queen playing tour guide now?" she cooed, grinning. "Don't worry, Feng~ I'll make sure you don't die too horribly."

Li Qing's glare could have frozen lava.

Luo Feng groaned. "Fantastic. Now I've got both of you on my tail."

The Fox Spirit winked. "What can I say? You're just that charming."

With no time to waste, Luo Feng turned and kept running, the Fox Spirit bounding after him while Li Qing lingered at the edge of his vision—always watching, always judging, but never striking.

The ravine loomed ahead, its cliffs sharp and unwelcoming. Beyond it lay freedom—or at least, a chance to survive.

And behind him, the hunt was only just beginning.

[End of Chapter]