Song Wanníng stayed completely still, her expression clear and skeptical. It was almost like the word "distrust" was written across her face.
Tian Li didn't seem to mind, continuing his attack on the death energy. Soon, he got injured. The death energy seeped through the wound, turning his skin dark in an instant.
His entire body grew blackened, even his face taking on a shadowy hue, as if the death energy had completely enveloped him. But he didn't give up, still fighting fiercely.
After half a quarter of an hour, a thunderous roar sounded, and the death energy scattered, slowly vanishing before their eyes.
The formation shattered at the same moment.
Tian Li spat out a mouthful of blood, the remaining death energy dissipating rapidly. He pressed his wound and retreated quickly to stand beside Song Wanníng.
She watched him with innocent eyes.
A glint of something unreadable flashed in Tian Li's gaze. Then he gave a faint, grim smile. He pulled out a pill and popped it into his mouth. Slowly, his wounds began to heal, and his complexion improved.
"I knew you'd still be suspicious," Tian Li said, a bitter smile forming on his face as he shook his head.
"But we are truly allies. I believe that one day, you'll trust me."
Without waiting for a reply, he moved back toward the center of the formation and, after a few manipulations, dug a hole.
It led underground, the smell of brine and blood hitting the nose.
"Let's see what's down there," he said, jumping in without looking back. He made no effort to push or urge Song Wanníng.
"Big sister, don't go. He's probably set a trap down there," Long Ling said, gripping Song Wanníng's collar nervously.
Who knew what awaited in that hole?
Song Wanníng paused for a moment, then decided to check. Despite knowing the danger, she had to. She needed to find out if Tian Li was really an invader whose consciousness had awakened. She scanned the area with her divine sense, found nothing threatening, and jumped down.
Below was a tunnel.
Tian Li led the way, holding a luminous pearl. Seeing her follow, he gave a small, almost relieved smile.
Song Wanníng raised an eyebrow and asked, following him closely, "Have you been here before?"
He shook his head. "First time. I just know a bit about divination, so I figured out this spot."
His voice echoed in the tunnel, slightly dreamy.
Song Wanníng stayed silent, following behind.
Soon, they stopped again. A ferocious beast appeared ahead. Its aura was long and oppressive, its slightly opened eyes showing only whites. It lifted its head, staring at them, its presence growing more intense.
Tian Li shielded Song Wanníng, calmly saying, "I'll handle this."
Then he charged the beast.
Song Wanníng stayed back, studying his moves. Was he trying to make her intervene? Or… something else?
With that doubt, she watched as Tian Li tangled with the beast, the cave shaking from their clash.
Rocks around them started crumbling.
Boom!
Roar!
The beast's attacks grew fiercer, leaving Tian Li wounded all over. He didn't make a sound, striking back relentlessly.
Perhaps he knew Song Wanníng wouldn't help, because even as his Immortal power drained, he didn't call out to her once.
This left the little companions confused.
…
Bang!
The beast fell. Tian Li collapsed to his knees with a thud. He was covered in blood, his face pale from exhaustion.
Song Wanníng stepped forward, confirming the beast was dead, her expression complex as she looked at him.
Tian Li smiled faintly at her. "Can't die, don't worry."
"Who's worried about you?"
Song Wanníng retreated a few steps with a cold expression, saying nothing.
The smile on Tian Li's face deepened as he struggled upright, stuffing a few pills into his mouth. This time his injuries were severe, not healing quickly. After disposing of the beast's body, he limped to Song Wanníng and sat down heavily.
"Wait for me to recover, then we move on," he said.
"Since I brought you here, I'll make sure you're safe. You can trust me on that."
He closed his eyes, focusing on healing.
Song Wanníng studied him carefully, then sat beside him, serving as his protector. Everything seemed calm, until his injuries healed enough for them to continue.
The journey ahead was full of twists. They faced multiple dangers. Tian Li always led from the front, keeping Song Wanníng safe, just as he promised.
Gradually, her attitude softened slightly. She still had doubts, but worry flickered in her eyes when she looked at him.
Soon, Tian Li was injured again, this time more severely, barely able to stay upright.
Song Wanníng frowned and helped him up. Seeing his tightly shut eyes, a flash of struggle crossed her face as she fed him a few pills.
Time passed slowly. Tian Li finally awoke, smiling brightly at her.
"Thanks!"
Song Wanníng stayed stiff-faced, pretending not to care. But Tian Li laughed more freely, and after recovery, they set off again.
Not long after, another massive beast appeared.
Song Wanníng twitched at the corner of her mouth. Were these dangers happening too often? She was already tired.
"This beast has reached Tianxian level…" Tian Li said seriously, his eyes cautious.
Turning to her, he said, "If I fall here today, the task of clearing the invaders will be yours."
Then he charged the beast.
Song Wanníng's expression showed concern, but she stood by, unable to intervene like before. Under the violent clash, Tian Li was soon severely wounded, spitting blood nonstop, his energy waning rapidly.
A trace of worry flickered across Song Wanníng's eyes. "I'll help you!" she said, drawing her long sword.
Tian Li raised a hand. "No need."
"I can!"
"You don't interfere!"
"One death is enough."
He dragged his battered body, charging at the beast again.
The bravery in his stance made Song Wanníng's eyes flicker. "The act looks pretty convincing…"