Qin Gu froze, obvious hesitation and reluctance appearing on his face. Unable to help himself, he stepped forward half a pace. "But, Senior, we are acting under the clan chief's orders..."
"I know."
Before he could finish, the Golden-Eyed Black Phoenix coldly cut him off.
Her tone was calm, yet it carried an unquestionable pressure, as though thunder from the Ninth Heavens had sunk into a deep pool—seemingly tranquil, but concealing the might of Heaven.
"It is precisely because of Ao Jianlie's request that Master sent me to take over this matter." She tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes sweeping casually over Qin Gu and the others. "Now, leave at once."
At those words, Qin Gu was initially stunned, then suddenly understood.
So this senior was an expert sent by that one from True Bone Peak.
With that realization, the last trace of doubt in Qin Gu's heart vanished like smoke.
He said no more. He solemnly cupped his hands to the Golden-Eyed Black Phoenix, then quickly called to several clansmen. They supported the injured young clansman between them and hurried away from the ravaged battlefield.
They left with remarkable decisiveness.
It was not that they did not wish to stay and help. They simply knew all too well that with their cultivation, remaining here would not help in the slightest; they would only become a burden.
Since this senior had appeared, it meant the matter had already gone beyond anything they could interfere with.
Watching them disappear into the distant dense forest, the Golden-Eyed Black Phoenix slowly withdrew her gaze.
She stood where she was, her plain robes fluttering faintly in the night wind. Her hair was black as ink, and her face was coldly beautiful and indifferent.
Her golden eyes lowered slightly, sweeping over the countless holes