Chapter 225: Clouds of Suspicion

Words : 1443 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 225: Clouds of Suspicion There was no way the sect ruins were free of danger—especially after such a brutal battle. Who knew how many disciples had perished here? But as Yun Suxin thought about how her mother might not last another year, she cast all hesitation aside. She only had her mother left. If her mother passed away too, she didn’t know what meaning her life would have anymore. “I’ll go.” Yun Suxin cupped her hands toward Song Chiyue, her voice firm. “Senior, please tell me the exact location.” Song Chiyue took out a map without hesitation, marked a spot with her brush, and handed it over. “Here. Go.” Then, she added a warning, “When I passed through earlier, I saw demonic remains wandering around that area. Be careful. If it gets too dangerous, retreat and find another way.” Yun Suxin accepted the map and thanked her before stepping through the massive bronze gate. Her mind, however, was full of doubts. This wasn’t a simple sketch but a highly detailed map. On her way here, she hadn’t heard anything about Song Chiyue exploring the ruins. In fact, they had only claimed the ruins had just appeared… So where did this map come from? Had she mapped the entire place after the battle while injured? Yun Suxin kept these questions to herself but silently raised her guard. Something was off about Song Chiyue. And if Song Chiyue was suspicious, then Monk Huikong might not be trustworthy either. But in this world, knowing something was wrong didn’t mean you could afford to stop. Sometimes, walking straight into a tiger’s den wasn’t about being reckless. It was about having no other choice. Not long after Yun Suxin entered the ruins, Song Chiyue was about to follow when Huikong suddenly gave her a look. “Wait. We have another target.” Before his voice had even faded— Boom! A massive greatsword slammed into the ground five meters in front of them. As the dust settled, a woman in dark combat robes stood tall, her sharp gaze like a blade. It was Yue Qianchi, who had just arrived at full speed. Song Chiyue glanced at her and suppressed the joy surging in her heart, though the corners of her lips still curled up slightly. What a stroke of luck. They had been lamenting their failure to capture Yue Qianchi… And now she had delivered herself right to their doorstep. “Song Chiyue! Monk Huikong!” Other disciples might tread carefully around the Holy Maiden of Jade Pool and the Purging Flame Monk. But Yue Qianchi wasn’t like them. Especially not now—when her heart was burning with urgency and fury. “Where are my three fellow disciples from the Sword Pavilion? Speak!” Song Chiyue remained silent. Huikong lifted his gaze slightly and let out a cold snort. “How rude, Daoist Yue. The failure of the formation was beyond our control. The entire battle against the demonic remains was witnessed by many sect disciples. And yet, you come here acting as if we owe you an explanation?” “Master Huikong, maybe say less.” Song Chiyue sighed and looked at Yue Qianchi, her pale face filled with regret. “Daoist Yue, it was fortunate that the three Sword Pavilion disciples formed a sword array to relieve the pressure on us. “If not for their help, Monk Huikong and I might not have been able to withstand the demonic remains’ assault. “As for their whereabouts…” “Hurry. Up.” Yue Qianchi’s grip on her sword hilt tightened, her knuckles cracking. Her last shred of reason was barely holding her back from smashing these two into pulp. “They chased the demonic remains into the ruins for revenge. They haven’t come out since. We don’t know what’s happened to them.” Song Chiyue sighed. Yue Qianchi frowned. If it were any other disciples, she might have believed Song Chiyue’s words. But those three—her junior brothers—were different. She knew them too well. Xu An was cunning, Duan Feng was calm, and Zhen He was the most cautious of them all. If the other Sword Pavilion disciples had retreated from the battlefield, Zhen He would have prioritized survival above all else. And if he had chosen to fight, it would only be because an immediate threat had to be eliminated. There was no way they would recklessly chase after the demonic remains into the ruins. Song Chiyue had no idea her words had already planted suspicion in Yue Qianchi’s heart. The battle had been pure chaos. She had never expected the three personal disciples to survive the siege of four Nascent Soul demonic remains—let alone ensure the safe retreat of all the other Sword Pavilion disciples. Surely at least a few of them must have died? So, in her mind, saying they had gone into the ruins for revenge was completely reasonable. “I see,” Yue Qianchi said, her gaze deep as she stared at Song Chiyue. “I’m going in to find them.” “The ruins could be dangerous. I’ve recovered a little—why don’t I accompany you?” Song Chiyue stood up and stretched. “I was planning to look for some disciples from Jade Pool inside anyway.” Yue Qianchi’s sharp eyes flicked between Song Chiyue and Huikong. Then, she suddenly chuckled. “What about you, Master Huikong? Won’t you join us?” “This humble monk will pass.” Huikong closed his eyes again, resuming his meditative posture. “My injuries are severe. I’d only be a burden.” “So be it.” Yue Qianchi clenched the supreme-grade Thunderfire Talisman Li Qingran had given her, hoisted her greatsword, and strode toward the bronze gate. Song Chiyue followed two steps behind. Her hand, hidden behind her back, was already signaling Huikong. Huikong saw the signals and smirked coldly. At the same time, in his mind, he was viewing a completely different scene— Through the eyes of a demonic remain, he observed a long, winding line of disciples moving through the forest. At the very front, a young female sword cultivator in a simple white dress led the group, encouraging them along the way. Using a secret technique to enhance his demonic remain’s vision, he saw an incredible sight— A powerful, radiant aura of fortune surrounded the woman. Like a pearl fresh out of water glistening under the sun, she was dazzling beyond compare. Huikong’s eyes glowed faintly gold. Who was this? seaʀᴄh thё novёlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A sword and water dual-affinity single spiritual root? And even more shocking—a supreme-grade dantian?! He no longer cared about Song Chiyue’s side of things. This girl—he had to capture her. Such a rare treasure… The Grandmaster would surely reward him handsomely. Li Qingran led the Sword Pavilion disciples toward the secret realm’s entrance. The landscape and ruins within the realm shifted every year, but the entrance itself never changed. As long as they followed the Mirror River westward, they would reach it. They were already close. Occasionally, they even encountered disciples from other sects. Li Qingran stopped near a rocky outcrop. With her supreme-grade dantian, dual spiritual roots, and unparalleled intuition, she suddenly sensed an overwhelming sense of danger. She was being watched. And not just her—her entire group. She pretended not to notice and subtly moved from the front of the group to the rear, carefully confirming that the gaze followed her. That settled it. She was the real target. But the Sword Pavilion disciples could get caught in the crossfire. After everything they had been through, they were already exhausted. Another fight could be disastrous. She, however, still had strength left to fight. And she had the survival tools given to her by her master. So— Li Qingran suddenly tugged Tu Xinghe’s sleeve. “Senior Brother, can you take everyone to the entrance first? I just remembered that my master asked me to find a spirit herb. I think I saw it on the way here.” Tu Xinghe hesitated. “Is it far?” “Not too far. If I hurry, I’ll be back in half an hour.” Li Qingran smiled. “…Alright. But wait.” Tu Xinghe called over a few others and handed her all their defensive tools. “Take these. It’s probably safe near the entrance, but better to be cautious.” Li Qingran didn’t refuse. She accepted the talismans, pills, and sword orbs. Only by taking them would her senior brothers and sisters feel at ease. And that was exactly what she needed. As long as they made it to the entrance, their master would be waiting. Then, they would be truly safe.

Chapter 225: Clouds of Suspicion

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