Blood seeped into the soil, the stench carried by the wind, and the ground was littered with corpses whose eyes remained open in death.
They were all sons of prominent families.
Not a single one was spared.
They originally thought that the appearance of the Great Saint Sage was a turning point for them, but they never expected that it would become the last straw that broke the camel's back.
Lin Xuan's One Sword strike killed the Great Saint, killing not only Elder Li, but also the courage in the hearts of these Saint Realm experts.
Faced with Liu Rumei's murderous intent, they could no longer hold their swords firmly.
escape?
it's useless.
With Lin Xuan around, no one can escape.
Whether or not a fight was fought, malice permeates this place.
Every single one of them died by Liu Rumei's sword.
After killing the last person, she bent down and picked up their Storage Bag, as well as the broken Saint Artifact used by Elder Li —it was even more broken, looking as if it was about to shatter, but it was still usable, though she estimated it could only be used one or two more times at most.
Liu Rumei silently wiped away a drop of bright red blood from her cheek, walked to Lin Xuan's side, lowered her always proud head, and spoke solemnly.
"Thank you so much for your help today, senior. Without you, I, Liu Rumei, would surely be dead today."
She presented the Storage Bag to Lin Xuan with both hands.
Even though she killed those Saint Realm, Liu Rumei showed no intention of accepting the spoils of war.
As she said, if Lin Xuan hadn't been here today, she would have truly died.
Therefore, everything should belong to Lin Xuan.
She even wanted to give Lin Xuan her own Storage Bag.
Lin Xuan's eyes held a hint of admiration as he looked at the girl who had lowered her head before him, his appreciation undisguised.
It must be said that Liu Rumei was to his liking.
Both their aptitude and temperament are quite good.
In particular, her recent description of the three-year agreement reminded Lin Xuan of certain events from his first life, making him more concerned and curious.
He even considered taking on apprentices.
but...
Looking at the broken Saint Artifact presented to him, Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow.
"This thing is nice, but I don't need it."
"You can keep it."
Lin Xuan wasn't lying.
Elder Li's Saint Artifact was indeed impressive, but unfortunately, it paled in comparison to Lin Xuan's.
Moreover, judging from its appearance, this Saint Artifact can only be used once at most.
If it were in his hands, he probably wouldn't have much of a chance to make a move.
However, Liu Rumei did not accept it.
Her expression was very serious.
He shook his head at Lin Xuan, his posture even more resolute.
"No."
"I thank you for your kindness, senior. However, without your help, I would have perished long ago. I am already deeply grateful that you did not compete with me for the various fortuitous opportunity I encountered in the secret realm. These spoils of war today rightfully belong to you."
"If you are willing, senior... I wonder if I could keep the Scarlet Fire Spirit Pearl?"
As she spoke, Liu Rumei lowered her voice, which also carried a hint of shyness.
"Senior saved my life, and these possessions should rightfully belong to you. However, there is something I must do, and I must improve my strength. Once this matter is resolved, if Senior trusts me, I will repay you many times over..."
"No need."
Before she could finish speaking, Lin Xuan casually reached out and took the Storage Bag that belonged to Elder Li and the nearly broken compass from her hand.
He shook his head slightly.
"I'll only take this. The rest, and anything else you found yourself, you can keep."
Seeing that Liu Rumei seemed to have something else to say, he decisively said, "It's settled then. There's no need to argue with me anymore."
"... yes."
"Thank you so much, senior!"
Liu Rumei was grateful and relieved, and kept the rest of the things for herself.
After doing all this, she suddenly bit her lip in annoyance and quickly said, "I almost forgot, senior, I haven't asked your name yet..."
Lin Xuan.
As they walked out of the bloody place together, Lin Xuan Liu Rumei with a relaxed tone, looking at Liu Rumei with a hint of curiosity.
"You're not from the Heaven-Gazing Domain, are you?"
"That's right."
Liu Rumei nodded slightly, a hint of helplessness in her voice. "I come from the Great Wilderness Realm..."
When she mentioned her hometown, she couldn't help but think of the upcoming three-year agreement, and her expression became somewhat somber.
Although this time I managed to acquire the Scarlet Fire Spirit Pearl smoothly.
However, Liu Rumei still wasn't entirely confident.
Lin Xuan didn't say much.
He simply said, "Your talent is quite good. I am currently within the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect. If you encounter any difficulties, you are welcome to come and find me Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect."
This is about forging a positive connection.
Liu Rumei gently agreed.
But I didn't really take it seriously.
It wasn't contempt...
Lin Xuan was able to kill Great Saint, so he must also be a Great Saint- level expert. However, the Liu Household is not without Great Saint experts.
The Great Saint Sage was of no use whatsoever to the problem she was about to face!
The Ye Household has immense power behind them.
Ye Hao even befriended the Lord of the Great Wilderness Realm, who was a Half-Step Saint Lord!
Moreover, in the end, even if it were Saint Lord, it wouldn't be of much help to her now. She has to fulfill the three-year agreement herself and won't let anyone else take her place.
Liu Rumei did not elaborate on her unspeakable difficulties.
She could tell that Lin Xuan appreciated her, but she didn't want to pour out all her troubles like a tangle of bitterness, nor did she want to trouble others—besides, did she really think there would be no cost to her?
There is no such thing as goodwill without a reason in this world!
She has always been clear-headed.
Moreover, she knew about the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect.
The Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect is merely a sect within the Heaven-Gazing Domain, and its strength can only be considered average.
Before entering, she saw the gatekeeper holding the token. Lin Xuan was not inside, which meant he was not the sect leader of the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect.
Even if he were the one, the Cinnabar Cloud Sword Sect combined with the Liu Household would find it difficult to contend with the Ye Household and the forces behind them.
Ye Hao's luck was incredibly strong after the engagement was called off.
Every time she thinks back on it, Liu Rumei finds it unbelievable; she can hardly believe that someone could grow up so quickly...
She sighed again, shook her head, and shook off the jumbled thoughts in her head.
Looking back, the pile of corpses behind them was no longer visible.
But when she looked at the direction they were heading, Liu Rumei's eyes lit up.
She glanced tentatively at Lin Xuan beside her.
"Next, are you going to Heaven-Gazing Ridge?"
"Could Ru Mei be traveling with you?"
Lin Xuan smiled and nodded casually.
That's exactly what I was thinking.
He was still pondering how to recruit Liu Rumei a disciple; it would naturally be more convenient if they could travel together.
Moreover, the two were indeed going the same way.
Heaven-Gazing Ridge...
Lin Xuan sighed softly, sensing the restless bronze fragments in his Storage Bag, a dark current flashing in his eyes.
Lord of the Heaven-Gazing Domain...
Whether we live or die depends on this.