What was this woman thinking? Why was she dragging her feet?
"Stop messing around. If you don't leave, you'll die!"
Zhang Xuan shouted at Qing Lan, who stood rooted outside the cave.
Qing Lan bit her red lips, tears welling in her eyes as she remained conflicted. "Zhang Xuan, you should go! My home is here. I can't leave."
After struggling with it for quite a while, Qing Lan turned around and flew toward the center.
Zhang Xuan was speechless. Gritting his teeth, he flew out of the cave abode and chased after Qing Lan.
After all they had shared, there was no way Zhang Xuan could abandon her.
Sure enough, Qing Lan was surrounded by a group of red robe cultivators who suddenly appeared along her return path.
"Bold Qing Lan! You have disregarded clan law. Your crime is unforgivable!"
With a clatter, the red robe cultivators drew their swords in unison and attacked Qing Lan.
Qing Lan fought desperately alone, but she was no match for them. Before long, attacks rained down on her, leaving her severely wounded and coughing up blood.
"Come! Bind her and hand her over to the Punishment Hall!"
Just as the group was about to summon white chains to restrain Qing Lan, Zhang Xuan arrived.
"What kind of skill is it for a bunch of grown men to bully a frail young woman? Have you no shame at all?"
Whoosh! Zhang Xuan landed beside Qing Lan, blood staining the corner of her mouth.
"Zhang Xuan? You... why didn't you leave?" Qing Lan frowned, though a trace of relief and gratitude rose in her heart.
Zhang Xuan touched Qing Lan's cheek and smiled faintly. "Silly girl, I told you to leave with me, but you refused to listen. See? You got yourself hurt."
Qing