The remaining three, led by the foremost, attacked Xiao Man directly, while the other two ganged up on Nangong Yu.
Xiao Man glanced at the attacker, a smile playing on her lips, "Watch your back."
The man started, quickly turning around, only to find nothing behind him. By then, Xiao Man was already upon him. He kicked out at Xiao Man, but instead of being sent flying, she grabbed his leg and plunged a knife into his thigh.
"Damn you!" The man roared, slashing at Xiao Man. She moved like a slippery eel, circling him, her body as supple as a snake's, making her impossible to grasp.
"What skill is it to just dodge?" The man grabbed Xiao Man's ankle and hurled her away. Xiao Man used a tree behind her to cushion the impact, then returned to the fray.
"Watch your back."
"The same trick? You think I'll fall for it again... Ah!" The man cried out in agony, staring down in disbelief. A hand had pierced through his dantian, and his Golden Core was being crushed in the opponent's grip.
Crack. With a faint sound, the man's Golden Core shattered. His face instantly turned a deathly pale green as he slowly looked behind him.
Lu Qing's expression was serene, "She is not someone you can bully."
With their leader dead, the other two panicked. They had expected to easily defeat these two, but due to their carelessness, one was killed and another severely injured. Now, with another Golden Core cultivator joining the fray, they were no match. They immediately tried to flee. Su Dan Novel Network
"We can't let them escape!" Xiao Man decided instantly. If these people got away, Hundred Herb Hall would be in danger!
"You won't escape!" Nangong Yu hurled his sword, striking one of the fleeing men. He then pursued, ending their life. Simultaneously, Lu Qing killed the other. Four Golden Core stage powerhouses perished in the blink of an eye.
"Let's go!" Lu Qing, carrying one person in each hand, quickly left Dongyue Forest. With the successive deaths of powerful cultivators, coupled with the incident involving the barrier, more formidable experts would soon arrive. They had to leave without delay.
Jun Fei'er was searching for Xiao Man in Dongyue Forest when Zong Yi suddenly appeared, "Fairy Jun, she has returned."
Jun Fei'er's face lit up with joy, "She's alright?"
"Yes."
Jun Fei'er immediately hastened towards Nameless Town. With Xiao Man safe, she felt relieved, but she wouldn't truly rest until she saw her with her own eyes.
However, upon reaching Nameless Town, Jun Fei'er found no sign of Xiao Man, only a letter left behind. After reading it, Jun Fei'er's expression became extremely solemn. Moments later, the paper in her hand turned to ash and vanished.
"Martial Aunt, what did Junior Brother Xiao say?"
"Nothing much. She's gone out to train and won't be returning to the sect for now," Jun Fei'er said softly.
"Then the Trial Ground..."
"She has found a better path, no need to worry," Jun Fei'er replied calmly. "Prepare yourselves, we are returning to the sect."
"Yes, Martial Aunt."
After the disciples departed to make preparations, Zong Yi stepped forward, "What happened?"
Jun Fei'er shook her head, "She said she has something to attend to and will be away for some time. She likely won't be back for a while."
A hint of understanding flickered in Zong Yi's eyes. Xiao Man might be leaving and never returning. This was probably why Jun Fei'er was so dejected. She had finally taken in a disciple, and this disciple had grown too quickly, leaving after such a short time. She must be reluctant to see her go.
"It's good for her to explore the outside world," Zong Yi comforted her. "Don't worry too much. That kid is as sharp as a fox. She's always the one bullying others, never the other way around."
"Elder Zong Yi, do you truly believe that?"
Zong Yi almost nodded, but then, recalling the opponents Xiao Man had faced, he hesitated. Xiao Man's cultivation was not high, only at the Foundation Establishment stage. Yet, her adversaries were often more powerful, sometimes a whole major realm higher. Everyone thought Xiao Man wouldn't survive such attacks, but she always emerged unscathed.
"She is someone with great fortune," Zong Yi said after a moment of silence. "One day, she will undoubtedly become a household name across Cangxuan Continent."
"I don't seek fame for her, only her safety."
"A life of peace and safety doesn't suit her," Zong Yi said, a loving smile appearing on his face as he saw the disciples emerge with their belongings. "Bai Chen was stuck at the Foundation Establishment stage for a long time, unable to advance. But after accompanying Xiao Qin out this time, he successfully broke through. Although they encountered many dangers, growth is fastest in adversity."
"Indeed. With Martial Aunt by her side, she should be fine," Jun Fei'er suppressed her worries and ordered the disciples to prepare for their return to Hundred Herb Hall.
Meanwhile, Xiao Man and her companions had already returned to Hundred Herb Hall ahead of time and, led by Lu Qing, quietly entered the forbidden area.
Within the forbidden area, countless alchemy furnaces lay scattered on the ground. It resembled a graveyard for furnaces, strewn about carelessly, some half-buried in the earth.
"Grand Martial Uncle, are these all discarded furnaces?"
"Not entirely," Lu Qing replied. "Damaged furnaces are eventually buried here. However, there are also many furnaces here that, due to limited quantity, only direct disciples with exceptional talent are allowed to select from."
Xiao Man looked in a certain direction, her expression turning peculiar. She then headed that way.
"Xiao Qin, the Shennong Ding is over there," Lu Qing reminded Xiao Man, as she was heading in the wrong direction. The aura of the Shennong Ding was extremely potent, and it was protected by numerous restrictions, so he knew its location.
Xiao Man did not reply to Lu Qing, but continued forward. She stopped before a pile of discarded furnaces. She then struck the ground with her palm, channeling true energy. From the pile of scrap furnaces, a moss-covered alchemy furnace flew out. It looked rusted and worn, clearly not a good quality furnace.
"Xiao Qin, don't dally here. Let's go get the Shennong Ding."
Xiao Man looked at the furnace that landed before her and ran her hand over it. An ice-blue flame instantly enveloped the entire furnace, burning away the moss and rust, revealing its original form.
"This is..."
"This furnace emanates a very gentle power. Aman, this furnace is excellent," Nangong Yu immediately said.
"It is indeed a good item," Xiao Man said, putting the furnace away. "This furnace has a connection with me, so I'll take it with me."
"If it's connected to you, that's a good thing. Let's go, we'll get the Shennong Ding."
Xiao Man nodded and followed Lu Qing towards the Shennong Ding. However, at that moment, an aura rapidly approached the forbidden area. Lu Qing looked towards the entrance, a look of confusion on his face.
"The Sect Master is coming. I'll hold him off, you go get the Shennong Ding."