Though the burning desire in the man's eyes was concealed so well that it barely left a trace, Cao Ying, quick-witted and skilled at dealing with people, still noticed it. Hearing his affected familiarity, she could not help knitting her delicate brows.
His name was Cao Dan. Apart from his handsome appearance, he was unremarkable in every respect. Whether in cultivation or alchemy, his talent fell short of some of the prodigies she knew.
That was why Cao Ying scarcely gave Cao Dan a second glance. Yet he was utterly shameless. Despite her cold, distant attitude, he kept pestering her, irritating her to no end.
Now, with the competition barely underway, Cao Dan had latched onto her again. A trace of disgust flashed through Cao Ying's beautiful eyes. She hated men who lacked both self-awareness and a sense of boundaries, so she had no wish to indulge him. Looking at the other three Cao Family contestants, who were gradually recovering from the soul disturbance caused by traveling through space, she spoke evenly.
"Since you've all recovered, let's go. Follow behind me, and don't lose sight of me. If you accidentally leave the group and become lost in this place, even I won't be able to help you."
"Yes, Miss Cao Ying. We understand!"
The other three family members hurriedly answered in unison. They were ordinary members of the Cao Family with relatively good talent, and none dared show Cao Ying the slightest disrespect.
Cao Ying nodded, then turned and slowly headed in a certain direction through the gray expanse. The other three hurried after her.
Seeing that Cao Ying had completely ignored him, Cao Dan's smile stiffened, and he struggled to save face. A shadow crossed his eyes as he stared at her graceful, captivating figure, but a trace of