Escape!

"Hey, Daoist boy, finished attending the Dharma assembly?"

A cold, sinister voice sounded from behind him. Xu Yuan's steps halted, and a shiver of terror suddenly ran through his heart.

He recognized that voice perfectly—it belonged to the Foundation Establishment cultivator who had led them up the mountain last night.

Who would have thought the other man had been guarding outside all along?

"Reporting to Elder."

Turning around, Xu Yuan showed not the slightest panic. Instead, his face carried deep regret and anguish.

"This junior is lacking in talent and shallow in learning, with meager cultivation. The Sect Master truly had no regard for me, so he sent me out."

Xu Yuan bowed deeply. All he could do now was hope the other party did not know the precise situation inside, allowing him to muddle through.

"Oh?"

Sure enough, hesitation appeared on the elder's face as he carefully scrutinized Xu Yuan.

"Only at the seventh layer of Qi Refining—concealed, at that. Looks like he merely stumbled upon a Mora Fruit by chance."

"In that case." The elder waved a hand and said flatly, "Go back and cultivate properly. Once your cultivation reaches the required level, the Sect Master will naturally summon you again."

"Yes. This disciple shall heed Elder's instruction."

With just the right amount of fawning fear on his face, Xu Yuan took his leave.

His steps were somewhat quick at first, but gradually steadied as he walked, as though nothing had happened last night.

Only after Xu Yuan's figure had completely vanished down below did the gatekeeping elder slowly turn his head, a strange glint flashing through his eyes.

"Jade River's disciple, huh? Never thought he'd survive. Heh, now that's a prime slab of meat."

Licking his lips, he seemed to think of something and hurriedly bowed toward