“


    “


    But why? They might be on the back foot right now, but the difference between the two sides isn’t that great,” Zhou Qin probed further. “If we were to join in, it is very likely that we will be able to turn the tides.”


    You underestimate them too much. Things are not as simple as they might seem,” Chen Pingxi let out a helpless sigh. “Please trust me this time.”


    I understand, Senior Martial Sister Chen,” Zhou Qin nodded.


    Just like that, the duo continued to watch the battle unfold in a direction that was clearly to San Wanfan’s disadvantage.


    “


    “


    Damn it! What’s she waiting for? Are you sure she is not unconscious?” Deacon Que asked.


    “


    “


    That is, if she ever gets back...


    Just monitoring Nuo Qianling’s jade tablet was really causing his blood pressure to rise.


    Despite being precariously close to losing consciousness, her energy expenditure and movement speed had not decreased much since the very start.


    He had thought that the other members of the Wei Group were pushing their limits a little too far, but it would appear that this Nuo Qianling was the true champion when it came to pushing limits!


    If she continued to push herself like this, it would only be a matter of time before she crossed the line of no return.


    Hopefully, she was wise enough to give up before then.


    “


    “


    “


    Those words drew the attention of both Fei Weng and Deacon Que, the latter having paid close attention to the Wei Group since the start.


    As for Zhuang Chan, two physicians were on her as well, but it was quickly revealed that she was completely fine.


    How is it?” Deacon Que rushed over to Zhuang Chan immediately. “What did you fin- I mean, come with me. Let’s have a chat in private!”


    This act of pulling Zhuang Chan away left the other sect deacons and protectors feeling very dissatisfied. Some of them harrumphed in irritation, while others actually chose to follow along.


    Fei Weng lightly patted Zhao Yunxiao’s shoulder before proceeding to tend to the other observers.


    Just like the other sect deacons and protectors, Zhao Yunxiao had been itching for answers, so such an outcome left him feeling dissatisfied as well.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    That said, there was nothing much he could do to help at this point. All he could do was to observe their conditions and warn them if things ever got too dangerous.


    “


    In front of her, Lou Guanlai and his companion were looking much worse for wear as compared to before. Their clothes were dishevelled and their breaths were heavy. There were also plenty of burn marks all over their bodies.


    You talk big, but it is obvious that you are starting to run out of energy,” Lou Guanlai taunted despite his terrible appearance. “Let me guess – you must be feeling rather anxious deep inside right now, hoping that your facade of arrogance will prevent us from realising that your energy reserves are depleting fast!”


    Hah! You overestimate yourselves,” Quan Hui scoffed. “I still have more than enough in me to wipe you out twice over!”


    “


    Because they had not shown any signs of wanting to participate in the battle, Quan Hui’s party had chosen to ignore them up till now. But everyone knew that the situation would change if they were to join in.


    There were many who believed that her capabilities were not too far behind Xiong Yekong of the Armed Ape Tower, who in turn was a complete monster comparable to the core disciples of the Four Great Symbol Sects!


    Cowards! All of you!” Quan Hui yelled in rage. “Ambushing us when we are spent, setting up a killing array to aid your non-existent combat capabilities, and even ganging up to gain the numerical advantage. How far the Black Tortoise Sect has fallen! If you don’t want to disgrace your sect any further, let’s settle this with a fair duel right now! Come, you Black Tortoise Sect cowards! Who dares accept my challenge? If any of you were to win, I will personally announce on stage that I have lost to your party during the Meeting of the Great Symbols!”


    He could not deny what Quan Hui had said – this was definitely not the most honourable of plans.


    However, what mattered most was that it was working.


    Regardless of the means, having forced a core disciple’s party to their limits could easily rid them of any bad reputation that would have come about from being chased like a dog earlier.


    Now, if they could go one step further and defeat Quan Hui’s group, that would truly allow them to bask in glory after this!


    However, while that might be true in a normal situation, things were rather different now that Quan Hui had already expended a huge amount of her essence energy.


    At this moment, not only did he hold an advantage in terms of cultivation level, but he also had more energy left in his reserves.


    Could he win?


    After all, this might be the only chance he would ever have to claim victory over Quan Hui- no, a core disciple’s party!


    On the other hand, if he were to accept the duel and lose, not only would that mean sabotaging the potential victory of their party, but it would also bring about personal shame to himself.


    As expected, all of you Black Tortoise Sect disciples are cowards who can only find victory in numbers. As individuals, none of you are good enough!” Quan Hui mocked. “Fine, if all you can do is fight at a numerical advantage, then let’s continue this dishonourable battle! Let us show you that even with dishonourable methods, people like you will not be able to win!”


    “


    At this point, it would appear that he had no choice but to gamble it all in a direct duel against Quan Hui!


    But just then, everyone simultaneously turned their eyes towards another corner of the clearing, where an ordinary-looking young man had appeared and was walking over in a casual manner.


    He sported short black hair and was dressed in neat battle robes, with a sword hanging by his waist.


    Did you just say that you are looking to duel a Black Tortoise Sect disciple? What a coincidence. That’s exactly what I am looking for as well!”


    Zhao Yunxiao narrowed his eyes as he observed Cheng Kai’s jade tablet, which indicated that he had finally stopped moving around.


    Since there was no way of truly confirming anything, he could only hope that Cheng Kai had managed to find the Mo Group and Quan Hui’s party as he had instructed!