Xue Churan returned to her seat and lightly rested her chin on her hand. She looked at Zuo Tinggang with a mixture of curiosity and astonishment. "Ting, that Energy Body and the attacks it unleashed were driven by divine power, weren't they?"
Zuo Tinggang nodded, meeting Xue Churan's gaze solemnly. He gave a soft sigh. "We didn't witness those two attacks ourselves, but didn't we feel their tremors and oppressive might perfectly clearly?"
"I really can't think of any other possibility. A Soul Ancestor-level Soul Master unleashed a Battle Art powerful enough to slaughter so many high-ranking Soul Masters in one stroke. Even I would have to admit my inferiority."
Xue Churan frowned slightly, recalling the heart-pounding dread she had felt then. "But unleashing power like that must come at a considerable price."
Zuo Tinggang nodded, sympathy creeping into his expression. "Naturally. After the battle, that young girl looked as though her entire body was about to shatter. Those were moves paid for with her life. The Chen Clan must be trying to save her right now."
"I hope she survives this ordeal." Xue Churan tapped the Yellow Pear Chair and said decisively, "It seems the Chen Clan has undergone many changes over the years that we know nothing about. We need to invest more in strengthening our ties with them. Perhaps we can catch a glimpse of what's going on."
She paused, then continued, "Still, whether some unknown force is supporting them behind the scenes, or whether they have other intentions, is something we need to investigate further."
Zuo Tinggang chuckled softly. "You're absolutely right, Churan. We'll do as you suggest, so long as you don't go all starry-eyed over Chen Cong."
A rosy flush spread across Xue Churan's face. "At my age? Stop teasing me, Ting."
They exchanged