Behind them, the mother wind fox pursued relentlessly.


    Both Wei Yuguang and Nangong Qian’er were in a state of panic. Wei Yuguang quickly drank two potions to alleviate his injuries while increasing his speed, hoping to shake off the fox.


    Suddenly, they caught sight of other trial disciples!


    It was a group of three, presumably from the Chi family. Wei Yuguang’s eyes lit up as he dashed toward them.


    If he could lead the wind fox to them, he and Qian’er could escape!


    This wouldn’t count as cheating since he hadn’t harmed any other disciples directly!


    However, the three disciples also noticed Wei Yuguang and Qian’er running toward them, and upon seeing the wind fox behind them, they initially thought they could help. But when they realized the fox was a Three Spirit Life beast, they nearly lost their minds!


    “Don’t come over here!” one of the female disciples screamed in terror, backing away. But Wei Yuguang was determined, weaving past them in hopes of redirecting the fox’s attention.


    The three were so frightened that their legs felt weak. The female disciple collapsed to the ground, trembling uncontrollably, completely losing her fighting spirit.


    Despair filled their hearts—not just about the wind fox, but also toward Nangong Qian’er and Wei Yuguang. They never expected them to resort to such tactics!


    “Nangong Qian’er, Wei Yuguang, you’re breaking the rules! This is a violation!” a male disciple shouted from the ground, realizing the implications of their actions.


    “Hmph, we didn’t hurt you, so it doesn’t count as a violation!” Wei Yuguang scoffed, throwing out that retort before continuing to flee.


    As the wind fox approached, the three disciples considered using their red rings to escape. But to their surprise, the wind fox ignored them completely and charged straight at Wei Yuguang and Qian’er. With its speed advantage, it pinned Wei Yuguang to the ground with its claws!


    Its claws dug into his shoulder, tearing flesh and causing blood to spill!


    Nangong Qian’er was thrown aside, rolling and landing in a disheveled heap.


    The three disciples exchanged terrified glances. Seeing the wind fox disregard them, they scrambled away as fast as they could.


    “Don’t leave us! Help us!” Nangong Qian’er cried out in desperation, but the three were already too far gone.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    The wind fox let out a furious roar and lowered its head, aiming to bite Wei Yuguang’s neck.


    It intended to finish off these two humans!


    But Wei Yuguang had his own means of self-preservation. He quickly summoned a talisman, and in an instant, a burst of golden light erupted, releasing the power of a Three Spirit Life!


    The wind fox let out a pained howl, its eyes stinging as it retreated into the bushes, vanishing from sight.


    “Brother Yuguang, are you okay?” Nangong Qian’er, with tears in her eyes, crawled to Wei Yuguang’s side, grasping his hand with concern.


    “Qian’er, I can’t hold on much longer. I might have to leave now,” Wei Yuguang said, glancing at the red ring on his finger. He coughed up a mouthful of blood, his injuries rendering him nearly immobile. If he pushed any further, he might lose his life!


    “Brother Yuguang, the trial has just begun! We can’t give up!” Nangong Qian’er pleaded, tears streaming down her face. If Wei Yuguang left, she would be alone, and her chances of securing first place would plummet.


    Wei Yuguang felt a deep sense of regret. After all the effort, they had only managed to collect a few yellow flags, while Nangong Huan had amassed several times more!


    But his physical condition was dire, and he had exhausted his potions. If he didn’t return soon, he might die right there.


    “I''m sorry, Qian’er.” Wei Yuguang gritted his teeth against the pain and activated the power of the red ring.


    In a flash of red light, his figure vanished from the spot.


    “Brother Yuguang!” Nangong Qian’er called out weakly, filled with guilt.


    She clenched her fists, trembling with rage. If it weren’t for that wretched Nangong Huan, Brother Yuguang wouldn’t have had to exit the trial!


    **At the Judges’ Stand.**


    A flash of red light signaled Wei Yuguang’s return, and he finally breathed a sigh of relief before fainting.


    Elders from the Wei family immediately called for healing assistance.


    “These injuries are the result of a life-and-death struggle,” Elder Xue remarked, stroking his beard thoughtfully.


    “What a pity! I thought they had a chance to place in the top ranks, but they were the first to be sent back,” Song Que commented, glancing at the rankings on the crystal panel, where the first place was held with overwhelming advantage.


    He had hoped that Nangong Qian’er’s team could at least secure second place, but now it seemed unlikely.


    “The trial is a battle for survival. Just staying alive is an achievement in itself,” Song Xiran said calmly, sipping her tea while observing Wei Yuguang.


    Song Que nodded in agreement. “True, but given his talent, I can draft an invitation for him to join our Feng Xuan Royal Academy.”


    With that, he took out paper and pen, beginning to compose the letter.


    In the shadows, Madam Shen watched the unfolding events, tightening her grip on her handkerchief.


    Even without Wei Yuguang, her Qian’er could still achieve victory!


    ...


    *Tap, tap, tap.*


    Footsteps approached, prompting Nangong Qian’er to lift her head.


    Her eyes were bloodshot as she glared at the two figures before her, trembling with rage.


    “Oh, Qian’er, why are you all alone? Where’s your Brother Yuguang?” Nangong Huan taunted, feigning ignorance about Wei Yuguang’s fate.


    She had intended to search for thorn fruits but had ended up watching this spectacle after noticing the direction in which the two had fled.


    “Nangong Huan, it’s all your doing! You vile woman, how malicious you are!” Nangong Qian’er slowly rose to her feet, her hair a mess, her face twisted in fury.


    In her disheveled state, she looked no different from a wild monkey in the mountains.


    “You should have evidence for your accusations. Which of your eyes saw me do anything?” Nangong Huan feigned innocence, shrugging her shoulders as if wronged.


    Ye Wanjun, standing behind, couldn’t help but chuckle, reveling in Nangong Qian’er’s misery. Especially now that Wei Yuguang had left, she was utterly alone.