Mu Xue's figure, like her arrival, silently merged into the forest's light and shadow, disappearing without a trace. The extreme cold that had frozen everything in the arena also rapidly receded, leaving only the battlefield's devastation and not-yet-melted frost as evidence that the breathtaking scene just witnessed wasn't a hallucination.
The air still retained the acrid smell of flame-scorched wood, the dampness of water vapor, and the chill of ice crystals. These distinctly different scents mingled, much like the complex moods of those present.
Li Mo and Wang Zhong let out long sighs of relief. Their long-taut nerves suddenly relaxed, nearly causing them to collapse. They exchanged glances, seeing in each other's eyes the joy of surviving a near-death experience and profound reverence for Mu Xue's overwhelming strength. Had she not appeared in time to forcibly stop this deadly duel, the consequences would have been unthinkable. The way they looked at Xiaoqi was filled with indescribable admiration and a trace of lingering fear—this Daoist Tang not only had formidable strength and exceptional courage, but could even cause an Immortal like Mu Xue to personally intervene and mediate!
Xiaoqi stood alone, his gaze withdrawing from where Mu Xue vanished. His eyes were deep and contemplative. He slowly tucked his wok back into his belt, the surging spiritual energy in his body gradually calming. Just then, he had indeed prepared for a bloody battle, even willing to reveal more trump cards if necessary. Mu Xue's intervention had seemingly resolved his crisis, but it had also disrupted his rhythm.
He felt gratitude toward Mu Xue. Regardless of her purpose—whether she genuinely wished to prevent senseless bloodshed, or as she said, believed his strength shouldn't fall here, or had other considerations—the result was that she had helped him. This favor, he would remember.
However, beyond gratitude, his vigilance grew stronger. Mu Xue's appearance was too coincidental, and the strength she displayed was too profound and unfathomable. That ice ring she casually deployed had simultaneously suppressed Yan Feng's raging sea of fire and Shui Wu Hen's Yin Cold Water Arrows, handling it with ease. Her comprehension of ice-element laws and control of spiritual energy far exceeded that of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators. The Crimson Star Sacred Land... truly lived up to its reputation. Associating with such a figure brought uncertain fortunes and misfortunes.
He looked down at his own hands, recalling every detail of the just-concluded battle. Feigning weakness to lure the enemy, striking elsewhere to break the situation, and more refined control of the Guardian Sword Heart... the sharpening of combat between life and death gave him new understanding of how to use his own power. However, being so easily seen through and having the battle interrupted by Mu Xue also made him realize that perhaps invisible gaps still existed between himself and those truly top-tier sect core heirs.
"Dao... Daoist Tang, what should we do next..." Li Mo carefully spoke, breaking Xiaoqi's contemplation. He and Wang Zhong now followed Xiaoqi completely, not daring the slightest disobedience.
Xiaoqi raised his head, his expression already restored to calm, as if the life-and-death battle had never occurred. "Clean up. We're leaving here." His voice was placid, yet carried undeniable resolve.
The battle's commotion had been too great; it would certainly attract other cultivators to come and spy. Whether those wanting to profit from the situation or those harboring hostile intent like Yan Feng, staying here now was absolutely unwise.
Li Mo and Wang Zhong quickly agreed, their hands and feet nimbleness as they began tidying the battle remnants. Mainly, they collected the slightly damaged large shield left behind by Shi Yue and some scattered items—these were spoils of war. Though Xiaoqi (disdained) them, for Li Mo and Wang Zhong they were substantial wealth. As for Shi Yue himself, he had been taken away by Yan Feng. Whether he lived or died was none of their concern.
Soon, the three quickly left this battered battlefield, stealthily heading toward the deeper, more spiritually rich areas of the realm.
Throughout the journey, all three remained silent, vigilance at its highest. Xiaoqi's divine sense acted like the most precise radar, constantly scanning the surrounding environment. Indeed, shortly after they left, several hidden auras appeared near that battlefield, lingering and searching, but ultimately finding nothing and departing reluctantly.
"Daoist Tang, that Yan Feng... probably won't let this go." Wang Zhong couldn't help (in a low voice) say, worry on his face. The venomous glare in Yan Feng's eyes as he left, Wang Zhong had seen clearly.
Xiaoqi nodded, his gaze passing through the deep forest gaps toward the unknown ahead. "I know." His tone remained calm. "Within the realm, he has reservations, especially after Mu Xue made her stance clear. But with his temperament, he will definitely cause trouble at the tournament."
He didn't fear Yan Feng's revenge, but neither would he underestimate it. The identity of the Scorching Sun Sect's young lord meant Yan Feng must have some bottom-of-the-barrel techniques and powerful artifacts. In today's battle, if not for his element of surprise, first disabling one enemy, and Mu Xue's intervention, the outcome would have been uncertain.
"What should we..." Li Mo hesitated, words trailing off.
"The priority is to quickly enhance our strength and find our other companions to regroup." Xiaoqi analyzed coolly. "A single tree cannot make a forest. In this realm, having a reliable team is crucial." He thought of Zhao Tiezhu, of Third Sister Liu Yun. If they could reunite quickly, their ability to handle risks would greatly increase.
At the same time, he needed time to digest today's battle gains, further temper his Guardian Sword Heart, and think about how to counter Yan Feng's possible various techniques. Mu Xue's warning was definitely not empty words.
A temporary truce wasn't an ending, but rather a brief moment of calm before the storm. Whether for passing the trial or facing upcoming challenges, he must, within limited time, make himself stronger.
The three spoke no more, their forms swiftly crossing through the forest like three ghosts. The realm's light filtered through dense branches, casting shifting shadows, as if foreshadowing the unknowns and waves ahead. The truce was merely an expedient measure; the real contest might, at any moment, arrive in another form. Xiaoqi clearly understood in his heart that after today's battle, the name "Tang Xiaoqi" had probably caused quite a stir among the thousand participants in this "Small Cave Heaven" realm. The road ahead was destined not to be peaceful.