Qu Feng was somewhat speechless at the young man's accusation.
A mere Golden Core cultivator actually dared to shout at him?
How many years had it been since he had last seen a junior so "bold and brave"?
"If I truly wished to strike, your junior sister would already have withered like a fallen blossom, her soul scattered to the winds. How could she have escaped with a mere injury? But if you persist in your delusions and refuse to reveal Wu Qi's whereabouts, I really will take action!"
Just then, a figure came rushing over from the distant horizon.
The figure dragged the carcass of a great serpent behind him.
"Senior, please show mercy!" the newcomer cried anxiously.
Everyone looked up and saw a thin-faced man with white hair and beard, yet exceptionally clear eyes. His old Daoist robe fluttered gently in the wind, lending him something of an immortal's grace and a Daoist sage's bearing.
"I am Daoist Huai'gu, sect master of the Embracing Simplicity Sect. If my disciples have offended you with improper words, I offer my apologies on their behalf. Please consider their youth and ignorance of the world, and spare their lives."
As he spoke, Daoist Huai'gu landed within the Embracing Simplicity Sect and casually tossed the serpent's carcass into a corner of the dirt clearing.
Though the serpent's size looked terrifying, its lingering aura suggested it had only been at the third or fourth tier.
Moreover, someone had slit its belly open and removed its entrails.
Qu Feng scrutinized Daoist Huai'gu.
"You really went off to slay a monster?"
"Yes," Daoist Huai'gu replied. "This beast terrorized the countryside and ate quite a few villagers. After killing it, I thought of the villagers' remains in its belly. At least they could leave the families of