Beyond gratitude, Xun Shu's eyes held even more lingering fear—and a thread of... unease!
Seeing everyone heap all the credit upon him while dumping every fault onto Liu Weigang's head, without asking in the slightest why Liu Weigang had chased out of the illusion array in such fury to kill Xun Shu, Xiao Hua could only rub his nose and say with an ingratiating smile, "This is what this disciple ought to do. Senior Sister Xun Shu is everyone's junior sister, and also this poor Daoist's senior sister. If this poor Daoist had not saved her, it would have been an offense worthy of Heaven's condemnation and Earth's destruction! But this is the Feathered Immortal Convention, and there are still two rounds of bouts today, each one a matter of life and death. This poor Daoist's cultivation is only here to make up the numbers, but all you senior brothers must still prepare to seek a good opportunity for Foundation Establishment!"
At the mention of the bouts, everyone's faces tightened. Indeed, caring for fellow disciples was necessary, but they also had to have the chance to care for others. Every match now was fought with their lives on the line—how could they not take it seriously?
After offering a few words of comfort, everyone sat cross-legged nearby, swallowed medicinal pills, and closed their eyes to regulate their breathing.
Just as Xiao Hua was about to leave, Xun Shu said in a low voice, "Junior Brother Xiao... thank you again!"
"Hehe, it's nothing!" Xiao Hua said with a smile. "This poor Daoist is still thinking about the benefits Senior Sister promised this little brother!"
Knowing that Xiao Hua did not truly think that way, Xun Shu forced a smile and nodded at him. She too took out a medicinal pill and