? "!!"
"Diamond Mantra!"
A flying sword had inexplicably shot down from the sky, slashing straight for her neck. In the blink of an eye, Zhao Ling'er—who was treating the Miao woman in her arms—had no time to dodge or think. She hurriedly cast a Diamond Mantra on herself.
卍
Buzz—!
Golden light flashed. Empowered by Zhao Ling'er's now immense spiritual energy, even the most basic Diamond Mantra took the form of a huge, translucent golden bell. Just before the flying sword could strike, it narrowly shielded Zhao Ling'er and the unconscious Miao woman in her arms.
Clang!!
A sharp clang rang out. The golden, translucent bell remained intact despite the shock waves, while the flying sword was sent spinning away. It whirled back into the hand of the old Daoist, who stood as if walking on air atop a great tree.
"Who are you?"
"Why did you attack me?"
Seeing that the Miao woman's injuries had stabilized and her life was no longer in danger, Zhao Ling'er gently set her down. Then she took a few steps forward, looked up at the sky and the old Daoist who had attacked her for no apparent reason, and demanded in a clear voice:
"Hmph!"
"Demons and heretics deserve to be slain by all!"
A flash of light passed through his eyes. Sword Saint Dugu Yuyun had already learned who the young girl below was, yet for some reason, he showed little reaction. He offered no explanation, only speaking with his usual arrogance.
"!!"
"Who are you calling a demon or heretic?"
Zhao Ling'er was confused. She had no idea why he would say that.
"Ah!"
"Daoist, you've misunderstood! Things aren't as you think. I didn't do this. It was already like this when we arrived."
Soon, Zhao Ling'er instinctively took in