Setting the Board, Part Two

As he listened, Lin Xin gradually understood what this so-called Profound Ranking was for. The cultivators here were deeply intertwined with ordinary people, far more closely than immortals sects were with mortals. Cultivators mixed with martial artists, giving rise to extraordinary arts and secret techniques resembling martial arts, yet far more powerful.

"Sure enough, the world is vast, and all manner of wonders exist. A single Underworld Prefecture alone has such a vastly different system." He sighed in admiration. "It's a pity we can't truly witness the power of a Profound Ranking expert here."

"If we were outside, the instant anyone here saw Clear Sky Old Ancestor, not one of us would survive!" Ma Qiuqiu swallowed and whispered.

Lin Xin shook his head and rubbed Ma Qiuqiu's head. Yet he noticed that at some point, a tiny green hairpin had appeared in her hair. It was crystal-clear and exquisitely delicate, looking very beautiful.

His heart stirred, but he merely comforted her aloud.

"Don't be afraid. We've already begun withdrawing. Before they return, they shouldn't be able to find us."

"Mm!" Ma Qiuqiu was still deeply unsettled. "Our caravan has only ever encountered ordinary Outer Family and Inner Family experts over the years. Before Profound Ranking experts, they don't even amount to anything. This time, we ran into a top-ranked Profound Ranking expert right away. An opponent of that level... isn't something we can handle..." Her little face had turned pale, and her thoughts were clearly in disarray.

Lin Xin sighed, knowing that nothing he said would help. He simply had her sit down, poured her a cup of water, and let her hold it as she drank.

The carts soon began to move. The caravan guards driving them urged the white oxen forward, heading toward the mouth of the gorge,