Returning to Miaofeng Mountain

The White Rainbow Sword shot skyward once more, and a spray of blood burst from beneath the swamp. Of course, it was not Tan Bazhang's blood, because he had already been bound by the Xuanzhen Rope and dragged out from under the swamp.

After emerging, Tan Bazhang vomited repeatedly, spewing out filthy water and mud before collapsing helplessly onto the grass.

Fortunately, Junior Sister Ji. The night wind swept across Wulong Mountain Peak, and cracks left by the daytime trial still remained on the stone steps before the academy, like the earth's memories, engraving the traces of Chaos Power's awakening. Qing'er stood beneath the eaves, her fingertips gently stroking the Golden Rune in her palm. It was no longer merely a mark of power, but a breath bound to her bloodline, as though every heartbeat stirred the invisible veins of heaven and earth.

She lifted her head toward the river of stars and suddenly felt a chill sweep through her heart.

"You felt it too?" Mo Li had somehow appeared behind her, an Ancient Book in her hand faintly glowing. "Chaos Power has returned to its place, but its fluctuations... are not entirely stable."

Qing'er nodded. "It is like an undercurrent surging in the depths. It is not out of control. It is more like... it is responding to something."

"Responding?" Mo Li's brows drew together slightly. "Could another force of chaos be awakening in the outside world?"

Before her words had faded, the night watch disciple in the distance suddenly sounded the warning whistle. Three short blasts signaled an invasion from beyond the borders.

The two exchanged a glance, then flashed away, racing straight for the mountain gate. Leng Yue, Ye Ying, and You Ying had already gathered atop the city wall, their gazes fixed on the southern horizon.