Chapter 1609: You're Still Too Green
Not long after, Saint Lady Hui Yue sat down to regulate her breathing. Once she had recovered a portion of her strength, she began leading the disciples out.
Under her command, the Dongling Immortal Pool disciples quickly withdrew from the mine. Worried that members of the Blood Shadow Alliance might ambush them along the way, Saint Lady Hui Yue took the lead at the front. Only after ensuring that all the disciples had safely exited did she intend to return and investigate the deepest part of the mine.
Ling Feng had no idea what this woman was planning, but he had already searched the bottom of the pit earlier and found nothing. With no better option, he stayed by her side.
They moved upward.
Suddenly, Ling Feng sensed two familiar auras. A faint smile curved his lips as he stepped forward and said calmly, "Hall Master Hui Yue, it seems someone is hiding here, sneaking around. I wonder what they're up to."
"Hm?"
Saint Lady Hui Yue's brows knit together. A cold aura spread outward as she gave a sharp snort. "Whoever is there, come out!"
At once, the two figures hiding in the shadows felt their souls tremble.
"Senior Brother Qin, why don't we join Hall Master Hui Yue and the others? She's already discovered us. Let's go out."
The one speaking was a stunning young woman. She looked at the golden-robed youth before her, clearly seeking his opinion.
These two were none other than the Unrivaled Young Emperor and Fairy Qingping.
"Hmph!"
The Unrivaled Young Emperor shot Fairy Qingping a cold glance without answering. He clenched his fists, then stepped out from hiding with a forced smile.
"Disciple Qin Zusheng greets Hall Master Hui Yue."
"Hehe."
Saint Lady Hui Yue swept him with a cold look. His intentions were obvious. He had been lurking here, waiting to take advantage while she fought the elders of the Blood Shadow Alliance.
Under her gaze, the Unrivaled Young Emperor felt his scalp tingle. He quickly forced a laugh. "Hall Master Hui Yue, this disciple has been fighting Blood Shadow Alliance members all the way here. It wasn't easy to reach the depths of the mine. I was just about to go down and assist when I saw you coming out. Truly, heaven protects Dongling Immortal Pool."
Her face remained frosty, though she did not bother exposing his lie. She only said lightly, "Nephew Qin, your intentions are appreciated. Since we've met, I have a request. I hope you will agree."
"Of course, of course!"
The Unrivaled Young Emperor grinned. In front of her, how could he dare refuse?
"Good. Since you've agreed, I'll speak plainly." Saint Lady Hui Yue looked at him and continued at an unhurried pace. "I still need to return to the bottom of the mine to investigate something. I'll have to trouble you to escort these disciples out and return them safely to the sect."
"Uh..."
His expression stiffened. With a single sentence, all his efforts of lying in wait had gone to waste.
"What, are you unwilling? Or were your earlier words nothing but lies, and you were hiding here with other intentions?"
Her sharp gaze bore into him, making him tremble.
"Hall Master Hui Yue, you must be joking. How could I be unwilling? I'm only worried that my strength may be insufficient to ensure the safe return of the junior brothers and sisters."
She replied indifferently, "It doesn't matter. If I entrust them to you, it means I trust you. If even a single hair on their heads is harmed, I will hold you accountable."
"This disciple... understands."
The Unrivaled Young Emperor clenched his fists tightly. His eyes flicked toward Ling Feng, a trace of killing intent flashing and vanishing in an instant.
Just now, it had been Ling Feng's words that exposed his position.
"Enough. You will escort them out."
Her tone turned cold.
"Yes!"
He ground his teeth as he stared at Ling Feng. He did not dare provoke Saint Lady Hui Yue, so all his anger settled squarely on Ling Feng instead.
"What are you waiting for?"
Seeing him still hesitate, her brows furrowed again.
He forced a stiff smile. "This disciple only wishes to invite Junior Brother Ling to accompany me..."
"No need. Ling Feng will come with me to investigate below. He won't be going with you."
Her icy reply shattered his last hope.
"Yes, Hall Master Hui Yue!"
His face flushed dark with suppressed rage. He nearly coughed up blood from holding it in. Taking a deep breath, he turned and led the others away.
He had waited here for so long, yet gained nothing. In the end, he was driven off like a stray dog. Worse still, he now had to obediently act as a bodyguard for the disciples.
"Senior Brother Qin, thank you for your help!"
"Good thing the Unrivaled Young Emperor is here. You've really saved us!"
"..."
The disciples praised him without end. He could only swallow his bitterness and force a smile. "It's nothing, it's nothing."
Fairy Qingping, however, gave Ling Feng a long look. After hesitating for a moment, she could not help but say, "Junior Brother Ling... be careful."
"I will."
Ling Feng nodded and said his farewells to Lin Mu and the others.
Before long, the figures of the Dongling Immortal Pool disciples faded into the distance. Only then did Ling Feng narrow his eyes and let out a cold laugh. "Trying to play games with me? You're still too green."
"Ling Feng, you've got some nerve, using me like that."
Saint Lady Hui Yue glanced at him, her voice carrying a biting chill.
"Hehe. If you didn't want to deal with that guy yourself, why would you let me use you?"
Ling Feng raised a brow with a grin.
"Hmph."
She gave a soft snort and did not deny it.
"By the way, Hall Master Hui Yue, aren't you worried that leaving the bottom of the mine like this will give the Blood Shadow Alliance a chance to slip in?"
Ling Feng asked casually.
"I've already confirmed it. The Blood Shadow Alliance is after something on me. Only with that item can they uncover the true secret beneath this mine."
She glanced at him coolly.
"I see."
Ling Feng nodded. With the Dongling Immortal Pool disciples safely sent away, there was nothing left holding them back. Now was the time to act without restraint.
"Hehe, this divine beast knew it all along. There must be treasure down there!"
Despicable Donkey came trotting over at some point. Earlier, it had been frantically digging out elemental crystals, but after realizing it could not carry much with its hooves, it finally gave up and hurried back.
Saint Lady Hui Yue cast it a curious glance. To her surprise, this black donkey possessed an unusually special bloodline, one comparable to a divine beast.
Still, she did not ask further. She simply took Ling Feng along and headed downward. Before long, they returned to the bottom of the mine where the battle with the six Grand Elders of the Blood Shadow Alliance had taken place.
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