"What an impressive girl. You hid your weakness when your strength was lacking, and only revealed your true power once you became unmatched. Forget Junior Brother Yan—even this old hand was completely fooled by you." Senior Brother Hai could not help giving her a thumbs-up.
"Thank you for your praise, Old Immortal. I, Qiniang, have had a hard life since childhood and was repeatedly despised. Little by little, I learned how to win people's favor. I wasn't truly hiding my abilities; I simply had no choice. Old Immortal Yan's swordsmanship is extraordinary, and it is not even half a notch weaker than that of the sword immortals I have encountered over the years. I only won because I was fortunate enough to receive Old Immortal Yan's mercy..." Qiniang still looked delicate and pitiful, refusing to admit that she was actually powerful.
"A loss is a loss. It wasn't me, Yan Asi, giving way to you. If you weren't formidable, would I have let you stand here playing the victim? Put away that flattery." Senior Brother Yan coldly cut her off, clearly disgusted by her behavior.
Qiniang smiled faintly without arguing, while Senior Brother Hai gave a light cough to dissolve the awkwardness before saying, "Junior Brother Yan is ultimately still too sharp-tongued. She was trying to save you face, yet you wouldn't even spare her a little courtesy. Enough—let's put this matter behind us. Little Miss Qi, you've now tested Junior Brother Yan's abilities. Do you still think we lack the strength to activate the Thought Lock?"
"Old Immortal Yan's strength is formidable, and you, Old Immortal, are even more wise and dependable. If I still thought that way, I would truly be in the wrong. The Thought Lock on this level is not far from here. Please follow me,