Wu Tian stared coldly at Su Xi, his mind racing to decipher her purpose for being here. Not only had she killed so many of his people, but she had also destroyed so much. He certainly couldn't let her go now.
Su Xi, unaware of Wu Tian's thoughts, hadn't expected him to fight her so fiercely from the moment they met. "We've only come to seek guidance on how to improve our magical cultivation," she explained. "We have no intention of fighting you."
Wu Tian let out a laugh. Did she truly expect him to believe that now? Did she take him for a fool? After all she had done, her words were nothing more than child's play.
"Save your lies for someone else," Wu Tian declared, his aura as a Purple-robed Heavenly Master erupting. "I'll send you to join the deceased disciples of the Dragon Tiger Sect now."
"Ancestral Master, manifest and bestow upon me power!" As Wu Tian chanted, a torrent of energy burst forth from him. The surge of power created a barrier, enveloping Su Xi and her companions. Within this barrier, the fallen disciples of the Dragon Tiger Sect began to appear, their spectral forms closing in.
As they materialized, the apparitions surrounded the group. The sight drew everyone's attention. Within the formation, Su Xi felt a sense of insignificance, an urge to kneel before the immortal beings of the Dragon Tiger Sect. The past Heavenly Masters of the Dragon Tiger Sect, facing Su Xi, prepared their attacks.
With a powerful strike, a crimson light shot towards Su Xi, rendering her immobile. She could only brace for the impact. Just as the red light was about to strike, the Yun Shen Sword, always by Su Xi's side, trembled, sensing danger. The sword's tremor jolted Su Xi from her stupor. At the last possible moment, she dodged the attack.
Though she evaded the initial strike, the formation did not relent. A barrage of attacks continued to pursue Su Xi, an onslaught that seemed determined to end her life. The pressure was immense. She couldn't understand why these entities were relentlessly attacking her when she had done nothing. Despite her confusion, she continuously slashed with the Yun Shen Sword.
Clang, clang, clang. Su Xi's swift movements deflected the incoming attacks. She realized that merely defending would not suffice. Her priority was to escape this place as quickly as possible. Drawing the Yun Shen Sword, she poured all her magical power into it, showing no restraint. She wouldn't be trifled with. As her power surged into the sword, its latent energy intensified.
"Break!" Su Xi roared, unleashing the Yun Shen Sword's immense power forward. Everything in its path was annihilated. The formidable figures of the Dragon Tiger Sect fell to the ground, lifeless.
"Pfft." Wu Tian wiped a trickle of blood from his lips, staring at Su Xi in disbelief. "Who exactly are you?" The Dragon Tiger Sect had faced enemies before, but never one as formidable as her. Su Xi, without needing any assistance, could have potentially slaughtered the entire sect. He couldn't fathom how her enemies had found someone so powerful.
Su Xi sighed, a hint of weariness in her voice. She had clearly stated her intentions, yet he was still asking. Couldn't he just listen and remember? Exhausted, she didn't want to waste any more energy. "I told you," she said, looking at him. "I came here only to borrow some books. I have no other intentions."
Wu Tian, struggling to quell his inner turmoil, looked at Su Xi, his voice laced with disbelief. "You truly only want to borrow books, and have no other agenda?" He was beginning to believe her. He considered the situation: Su Xi held the clear advantage. If others had attacked him with such force, he would have been dead by now. There would be no reason for her to deceive him. Her persistent insistence suggested the events might not have been her doing.
With his realization, Su Xi regarded Wu Tian, her expression filled with bewilderment. Was he truly slow-witted? She had explained herself so many times. Did he genuinely not understand? However, to obtain what she needed and to gain a moment's respite, Su Xi reiterated her claim.
Upon receiving Su Xi's affirmation, Wu Tian asked, "If you didn't do all this, why didn't you say so earlier?" Hearing his accusation, Su Xi felt an urge to lash out. Was it her choice not to speak? Who had launched the first, devastating attack? Had she not responded with all her might, she wouldn't be alive. And now he was blaming her? Was there any logic to this? Su Xi remained silent, her eyes wide as she stared at Wu Tian, waiting to see what further absurdities he would utter.
Wu Tian seemed to realize his statement was flawed and did not press the issue further. "What books do you wish to see?" he asked. Since he had lost the fight, he knew he couldn't protect anything if Su Xi decided to attack. Gaining some goodwill now might prove beneficial in the future.
Seeing Wu Tian's unexpected generosity, Su Xi promptly replied, "I wish to borrow some books on how to improve my communication with the surrounding spiritual energy." She wasn't lacking books on cultivation; her issue was the depletion of spiritual energy and her inability to replenish it.
Wu Tian's jaw dropped. He stared at Su Xi in disbelief. That was it? Was she joking? Not books on cultivation, but simply on communicating with spiritual energy? He must have misheard.
Seeing Wu Tian's lack of reaction, Su Xi prompted, "What, are you unwilling now?" Wu Tian shook his head and quietly retrieved some books. All this, and he had been severely injured. He felt an overwhelming urge to cry. What had happened?
Su Xi took the books and began to read. They were indeed detailed, all concerning methods of communicating with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. As they understood, it was as if a new world had opened up. The books revealed that the way spiritual energy operated in this world differed from their previous one. Therefore, attempting to circulate energy using their old methods was not only ineffective but could also be detrimental.
Gradually, Su Xi altered her method of connecting with her surroundings and discovered a significant difference. While the spiritual energy in this world wasn't abundant, it was present. Sensing the surrounding energy, she began to absorb it desperately, filling the void in her bloodline. As her body was once again nourished by spiritual energy, her aura changed.
Witnessing Su Xi's recovery of power, the others also took the books and began to read. As they studied, they, like Su Xi, found their magical power flowing into their bodies.
Wu Tian stared at the unbelievable scene unfolding before him, his mind reeling. Was this all real? These weren't forbidden texts, but ordinary introductory books. He never imagined such a basic text could bring about such a profound change, causing them to absorb all the surrounding spiritual energy.
Wu Tian felt the need for solitude. How could anyone be this powerful? Su Xi, sensing the changes within her, felt a fleeting moment of joy, only to realize her magical power was rapidly dissipating, unable to be retained. What was the use of power she couldn't keep? Before Su Xi could ask what was happening, a group of figures rushed in, surrounding them. Each person held a magical artifact, clearly prepared for combat.
"Master Wu Tian, what is the meaning of this?" Su Xi asked, looking at Wu Tian. Hadn't they just been talking amicably? Why were they about to fight again?
Wu Tian was equally bewildered. "This has nothing to do with me," he replied. "These people are not from the Dragon Tiger Sect."
Su Xi looked at Wu Tian, confused. What did he mean? If they weren't from the Dragon Tiger Sect, why were they here, and why did they show such hostility towards her?
From within the encircling crowd, a portly man emerged. He scoffed, "I never imagined the Dragon Tiger Sect had fallen so low, lacking even spiritual energy."
Wu Tian looked at the corpulent man and understood. It was the people of Luo Sheng Men causing trouble, leading to the Dragon Tiger Sect's heavy losses. However, even though he now knew who was behind it, it seemed too late.