When they first escaped the Invisibility Tent, Jiang Qian and Ye Xiaojing discovered that they were surrounded by an even larger web, and both felt considerably heavier at heart.
Their previous struggle against the Black Alliance had already drained much of their strength. Ye Xiaojing was even seriously wounded. Defeating their opponent was no longer possible; the best outcome now was for both of them to get away unscathed.
Relying on their evolved vision to avoid the threads, the two seized an opportunity to reach the edge of the web.
They hid with their backs against a boulder.
"This is the ability of the Fourth State: Perfect Form—connecting with a creature's spirituality to control a domain. Everything inside this three-dimensional web lies within her field of vision. The moment we touch a thread, she'll find us."
Ye Xiaojing pressed a hand to her wound, vigilantly watching their surroundings as she swiftly explained the situation to Jiang Qian.
The reason she still believed she could fight was that she hoped, at the very least, to keep Jiang Qian safe.
It was not only to fulfill the mission Lan Junxian had entrusted to her, but also to put one of her own concerns to rest.
Jiang Qian could be said to be her first official student. By the rules of martial arts, he was the inheritor of her fighting techniques.
"The only way we might break this deadlock is to create a diversion. I'll draw the Peacock Spider's attention on the other side, while you take the chance to escape in another direction."
"A group of mantises will be there to meet you. Remember, don't even think about coming back for me..."
Before she could finish, Jiang Qian placed a hand on her shoulder. "Teacher Ye."
Ye Xiaojing stopped and looked at