Chapter 084

Chapter 84: Decisive Action

With her cultivation now displayed openly as early Foundation Establishment, Yun Xi’s journey became smoother. She had originally been teleported to the outer regions, and after traveling two days, she stumbled upon some fellow disciples—but they were under attack.

The unlucky ones were Sheng Yu Hong’s group of seven. Their current predicament could indirectly be traced back to Yun Xi and Long Dao Yu.

After slaying the Three-Headed Serpent that day, Sheng Yu Hong’s group had found nothing of value in the serpent’s lair. Disappointed, they’d left quickly, but their presence attracted the attention of another squad of Foundation Establishment cultivators. These strangers, convinced that Sheng Yu Hong and his comrades had gained some treasure from the serpent, secretly followed them, intending robbery and murder.

Noticing the pursuers, Sheng Yu Hong discreetly messaged Mu Ning Zhu and Du Yu Ling. Deciding to play along, they planned an ambush—after all, both sides were Foundation Establishment cultivators, and victory was uncertain.

Days later, Sheng Yu Hong saw his chance. Using a swarm of Tiger-Headed Wasps, he set a trap that lured their pursuers out. A fierce battle ensued. Sheng Yu Hong’s group had the advantage, killing three attackers, but this ignited a bitter feud. The surviving foes fled, regrouped, and soon returned seeking revenge—though in truth, their ultimate goal was still robbery.

This time, Sheng Yu Hong and his group fell into the enemy’s trap. Fortunately, Sheng Yu Hong was no weakling; he quickly organized a defense.

From afar, Yun Xi watched carefully, concealing herself with an Aura-Concealing Talisman. Her divine sense quietly observed, yet she did not move forward to help. Having only just entered Foundation Establishment, she wanted to understand the battle clearly before acting.

Meanwhile, Sheng Yu Hong was already furious at being repeatedly hounded. He thrust forward fiercely with his Fire Dragon Slash, temporarily pushing back the enemies and shouting sharply, “Form the Sword Array!”

His words rang out, and his foes, sensing danger, tried retreating swiftly—but they were too slow. Six were trapped, desperately defending themselves from the relentless sword-light raining down.

“Fei Xu! Hurry up and strike!” shouted a trapped cultivator, revealing their hidden ace.

Through her divine sense, Yun Xi saw clearly: a shadowy figure had emerged behind Sheng Yu Hong’s group, unleashing seven golden swords aiming directly for their backs, intending to disrupt their formation.

Yun Xi made her decision instantly. Her form flashed like lightning as she executed Thousand Shadows Riding the Wind, leaving behind seven phantom images. She swiftly intercepted the sneak attack, then raised her voice clearly: “Senior brothers, senior sisters, focus on your foes—I’ll handle this one!”

Believing Yun Xi was Sheng Yu Hong’s secret backup, the enemies bitterly increased their assault.

This was Yun Xi’s first battle against a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Thankfully, it was one-on-one. Spreading out her divine sense, she moved nimbly, dodging blows and returning attacks whenever possible.

With Yun Xi occupying the hidden enemy, Sheng Yu Hong doubled his assault. His six companions reinforced the Sword Array, intensifying their offensive until the trapped cultivators could barely respond.

Concerned that their little junior sister had just entered Foundation Establishment and might falter under pressure—forcing them to split their focus—Sheng Yu Hong and the others surged their spiritual power, attacking frantically to quickly end the fight.

“Execute!” Sheng Yu Hong shouted fiercely, and a storm of sword-light ripped apart the remaining foes within the array.

Yun Xi heard Sheng Yu Hong’s shout clearly. Her foot tapped the ground, swiftly intercepting her opponent’s attempted escape.

“Move aside!” the enemy shouted, desperately forming hand seals as hundreds of golden swords converged upon Yun Xi.

Swiftly stepping back, Yun Xi hurled a stack of talismans, deflecting the fierce onslaught. She had no intention of risking her life carelessly.

This brief distraction sealed the enemy’s fate. Before he could run, Sheng Yu Hong’s sword flashed, neatly removing his head. The fight was over.

Sheng Yu Hong withdrew his sword and turned towards Yun Xi’s youthful face, sincerely thanking her: “Junior sister, you have my deepest thanks for your timely help.”

Even without Yun Xi, he could have handled the sneak attack—but doing so might have let others escape, ensuring future trouble. Thus, his gratitude was heartfelt.

Yun Xi quickly returned his courtesy: “Senior Brother Sheng, no need for thanks. As fellow disciples, how could I not help? Besides, it was thanks to your earlier intervention against the Three-Headed Serpent that I survived. Wei Yun Xi will always be grateful.”

Now Sheng Yu Hong understood clearly—this young girl was precisely the junior sister Long Dao Yu had mentioned, the one who’d left them clues when captured by the serpent.

Mu Ning Zhu approached, sword sheathed, and joyfully exclaimed, “Junior Sister Wei, have you already reached Foundation Establishment?”

Yun Xi smiled sheepishly and replied, “Yes! I was lucky. Just before the cave collapsed, I activated a teleportation talisman and ended up in a Crimson-Beaked Falcon’s nest. Inside, I found an old storage pouch with a Foundation Establishment pill. At first, I thought myself fortunate—until the falcon returned! It was a third-tier Crimson-Beaked Falcon. Seeing no way out, I swallowed the pill, forcefully breaking through, then scared the beast away using my Heavenly Lightning Tribulation. That’s how I survived.”

Yun Xi spoke with lingering fear, mixing truth with fiction—being teleported to the falcon’s nest was true, using tribulation lightning to chase it away was false. She wanted a story believable enough to explain her breakthrough without drawing too much envy.

Mu Ning Zhu gasped, “You’re incredibly bold! Weren’t you afraid the falcon would attack right after your tribulation?”

Yun Xi scratched her head shyly, “I didn’t think that far, senior sister. I just couldn’t bear losing the pill—or letting the falcon take it. I risked everything, and now I’m at Foundation Establishment.”

Mu Ning Zhu still looked worried, but Sheng Yu Hong nodded approvingly. “This was junior sister Wei’s destined fortune. Had she hesitated, today we’d have faced foes from both sides. Fortunately, her resolve was strong enough to aid us at this crucial moment.”

Yun Xi merely laughed bashfully and didn’t add more.

The storage pouch of the sneak attacker naturally became her trophy, while the others divided their spoils. Yun Xi didn’t participate in that.

Later, as the group rested under an isolation formation, Yun Xi finally asked about Qin Tong Shuang. “Senior Sister Qin escaped in another direction. Is she alright?”

Mu Ning Zhu smiled reassuringly, “I’ll send a message talisman to find out.”

Yun Xi smacked her forehead, “Right! I should’ve thought of that myself—I’ll do it!”

She still wasn’t fully accustomed to the communication methods of cultivators.

Soon after sending the talisman, Yun Xi received a reply: Qin Tong Shuang was safely heading towards the exit of Treasure Blossom Range, having reunited with Long Dao Yu. Yun Xi finally relaxed.

Just then, a dazzling pillar of light burst forth from the depths of Treasure Blossom Range, shooting skyward, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.