On a desolate mountain ridge, six figures fell in succession, all wearing expressions of relief after narrowly escaping calamity.

"We finally made it out..."

An Xian landed on the ground but stumbled and fell to her knees with a thud.

The dignified River Realm Great Power, reduced to such a sorry state—unthinkable back in the Human World.

An Xian glanced eastward, only to see an endless expanse of desert, resembling one of Da Xia's uninhabited zones in the west.

Sparse vegetation, an overwhelming grey-yellow palette.

Even the distant mountain ranges, undulating along the horizon, were bare and lifeless.

Yet, An Xian refused to turn back!

She had no desire to look at the eerie stone pillars behind them again.

"I know everyone is relieved, but now is not the time to let down our guard!" Meng Zhixuan spoke up, assuming the role of leader. "The Sand River Doll can tunnel underground.

For now, we haven't put enough distance between ourselves and the stone pillar forest; we must continue heading east."

As one of the team captains, Meng Zhixuan indeed had the authority to speak in such a manner.

However, several Jade Talisman Believers glanced toward Jiang Ruyi.

Meng Zhixuan also turned his gaze to the aloof woman. Despite their frantic escape, Jiang Ruyi showed no sign of distress.

She remained composed and poised, casually smoothing her long hair. Her every move was calm and elegant.

"Junior Sister Jiang?" Meng Zhixuan said gently, voicing a reminder.

Though displeased inside, he did not let it show.

"This is where we part," Jiang Ruyi said softly.

Her words elicited expressions of shock from the group.

"What?" Meng Zhixuan was equally stunned. "Junior Sister Jiang, what are you saying?"

Jiang Ruyi finally turned her gaze to Meng Zhixuan: "Using the title of Senior Brother, you've repeatedly dictated to me. It's truly disheartening."

Meng Zhixuan's heart sank as he sensed trouble.

Previously, during their escape from the stone pillar forest, she had taken over a squad leader's position but cooperated well in the days that followed.

But now...

Meng Zhixuan's expression turned serious. "Junior Sister, the situation was dire earlier. As your Senior Brother, I only meant to prioritize everyone's safety.

So at times, when issuing orders, my tone may have been..."

Jiang Ruyi interrupted him directly: "I have a higher Realm and a Divine Weapon at my side, and it's true that I should shoulder more responsibility. I've willingly helped the team overcome challenges.

But whether it's charging ahead, covering the rear, or rescuing Senior Sister's life—it's always been me.

Every time, you've dismissed these actions with a few words, repeatedly reminding everyone that you're the leader, you're the decision-maker, claiming all the credit for yourself."

Jiang Ruyi looked at Meng Zhixuan as his expression changed repeatedly and said faintly, "It's truly disheartening."

Meng Zhixuan feigned displeasure: "Junior Sister, how can you think like this? You're really disappointing as my Junior Sister—we were all just trying to escape danger..."

Once again, Jiang Ruyi cut him off.

Standing with her hands behind her back, she swept her gaze over Meng Zhixuan and the man and woman standing behind him: "You can thank me now."

Meng Zhixuan's face froze.

The young woman's gaze grew icy, her aura surging forth.

Beside her, An Xian's heart trembled violently. She stealthily shifted her position to stand slightly behind Jiang Ruyi to her right.

On Jiang Ruyi's left stood Song Yu, the middle-aged man who had approached her for guidance earlier.

Jiang Ruyi looked at the three people across from her: "As fellow Jade Talisman Believers, I can be your Junior Sister, but I'm not your subordinate, nor do I owe you anything.

On the contrary, I am your savior.

Now, you can thank me."

Her words, every syllable deliberate, left the two behind Meng Zhixuan blushing furiously.

Jiang Ruyi was undeniably stronger, armed with her Divine Weapon, and their shared hardship made her contributions incontestable.

It was Meng Zhixuan who had ingrained this notion into the team.

Was he wrong?

Whether right or wrong, it didn't justify complacency from those under protection.

"Junior Sister Jiang, thank you for saving my life!" Jade Talisman disciple Zhu Yuan placed her hands together and spoke immediately.

"Much appreciated," Zhang Zhenghu said, though his expression seemed slightly awkward.

"Enough, Junior Sister." Meng Zhixuan quickly interjected. "I have no intention of stealing credit from you!

It's just that my approach was flawed earlier, overly hasty. Let's leave this place first, find a safe spot, and then discuss things properly."

Faced with the danger, Meng Zhixuan had no choice but to back down.

The peril of the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm had far exceeded his expectations.

This blade named Jiang Ruyi—he must wield it. If he couldn't control her, then at least he had to travel alongside her!

Leverage her to the fullest!

Jiang Ruyi suddenly smiled, though her exquisite face remained hidden behind a veil: "I saw how Chu Tianyun died."

Meng Zhixuan's chest tightened: "That was an accident—no one wanted something like that to happen!"

"Hah!"

Suddenly, eight Golden Jade Talismans emanated from Jiang Ruyi's body.

Meng Zhixuan instinctively took a step back.

The Golden Jade Talismans spun past An Xian and Song Yu, who stood behind Jiang Ruyi, without touching them.

Once the Divine Technique·Golden Jade Eight Talismans advanced to the River Grade, the caster could control them freely.

Meng Zhixuan immediately understood Jiang Ruyi's intent and said angrily: "The situation was urgent, and the Sand River Doll attacked suddenly!

Junior Sister, how can you maliciously interpret my actions like this?

We're all brothers and sisters who have endured life and death together—I would never deliberately push Brother Chu forward!"

Jiang Ruyi spoke softly: "Instinctive reactions reveal true nature."

Meng Zhixuan: !!!

He had never imagined that the usually quiet Jiang Ruyi would wield words with such precision!

One sentence was enough to pin him on the pillar of guilt!

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