A small grove.
She ran in desperate haste.
Along a narrow path through the dense forest, dappled with shifting shadows, Ji Muqing staggered forward with her sword in hand.
Her clothes were stained with blood, and she looked especially bedraggled.
For some unknown reason, the Emei Sect's Heroine Ji had become separated from her master, Master Bai Yue, who had been meant to attend a ceremony at Shaolin Temple. More than ten members of the Devil Race were now pursuing her, including a devil of Dharma King rank.
Ji Muqing's injuries were severe. Alone, she threaded her way through the woods, every step cautious yet swift, striving to shake off the black-clad devils clinging to her like shadows without leaving any trace behind.
Strangely enough, those dozen or so devils had clearly been capable of capturing Ji Muqing, yet they had not done so. They pursued and intercepted her from near and far, giving her the hope that if she ran a little faster, she might escape with her life.
Ji Muqing did not know that a Dharma King-ranked devil was among those behind her. Her gaze remained resolute as she carefully scanned her surroundings during her flight, as though searching for something.
Unfortunately, the earlier battle had drained too much of her strength. Her breathing came in sharp gasps, her movements no longer as fluid as before, and her true qi was nearly depleted. Even the qinggong she used to hurry onward was growing slower and slower.
Gradually, the pursuing devils exhausted their patience. A flash of chilling light shot forth, streaking straight for the center of Ji Muqing's back.
Ji Muqing's ears and eyes were keen. Hearing the whistle of something splitting the air behind her, she turned with her sword raised and flicked its tip, precisely knocking