The man and woman behind Meng Zhixuan also had eyes filled with uncertainty.

In the face of a great crisis, some grudges should be set aside.

Some matters should be buried deep in the heart!

What's more, Meng Zhixuan's explanation was reasonable. After the crisis was resolved, he indeed displayed genuine sorrow, far from being an act.

However, Jiang Ruyi… didn't seem to buy it.

Jiang Ruyi stared directly into Meng Zhixuan's eyes: "Leave!

Being teammates with someone who seeks power and is selfish..."

Meng Zhixuan quickly interrupted: "Utter nonsense! How can you slander me like this?"

Jiang Ruyi pretended not to hear, and added: "You disgust me."

Meng Zhixuan roared angrily, his hand falling to the sword hilt at his waist: "Impudence!"

Jiang Ruyi showed no trace of fear, still staring coldly at him.

In her beautiful eyes, there was a faint trace of killing intent: "I won't kill you because we are both Jade Talisman Believers, working to fulfill the task given by the Jade Talisman Lord.

Leave. This is the last time I'm warning you."

Jiang Ruyi might seem impulsive, but this was actually the result of careful consideration.

Much like everybody else, Jiang Ruyi carried a touch of arrogance.

That arrogance stemmed from the Human World!

Back in Da Xia, everyone present here was a Great Power, revered by the masses.

Their combat prowess was so exceptional that arrogance was inevitable.

However, after arriving in the Holy Spirit Mountain Realm, these so-called River Realm Great Powers were utterly humbled!

Jiang Ruyi quickly realized that remaining indifferent to worldly affairs would not suffice!

On her own, finding Lu Ran was nearly impossible.

She might not even manage to see the ocean before dying midway!

Jiang Ruyi completely transformed her approach—she needed allies!

The Jade Talisman disciples present did not know each other prior, and their partnership existed due to a singular tie—the identity of being Jade Talisman Believers.

Thus, Jiang Ruyi could not attack Meng Zhixuan.

She maintained incredible composure and clear logic, strategically showcasing her recognition of the "Jade Talisman Believer" identity!

It wasn't merely a reassurance for the disciples present; it was also a recruitment notice!

"Senior Brother Meng, Junior Sister Jiang, we…" Zhu Yuan stepped forward, intending to smooth things over.

Jiang Ruyi looked at her: "Senior Sister Zhu Yuan may go along with him; I won't stop you.

But you should be cautious. Next time there's a crisis, take a guess—will your Senior Brother Meng push you forward?"

"Crack!" With a sound, the treasured sword was drawn!

"Jiang Ruyi!" Meng Zhixuan's face darkened, his voice sharp, "You have insulted me repeatedly! I've ignored it out of consideration for your youth and immaturity.

As your Senior Brother, I've swallowed my rage and prioritized the greater good, even with our lives at stake, all for the task entrusted by the Jade Talisman Lord!

Don't be ungrateful and push me too far!"

Jiang Ruyi remained with her hands behind her back, coldly staring at Meng Zhixuan, and said calmly:

"Scram."

"Buzz!!" At Jiang Ruyi's waist, Cold Night Sword trembled violently, as if it could be drawn at any moment.

Both Jiang Ruyi's realm and the Divine Weapon she carried posed immense threats.

Yet Jiang Ruyi had one more ability that struck fear!

Over the past several days, everyone had witnessed the strength of Jiang Ruyi's martial arts!

Due to the unique attributes of the Jade Talisman Sect's Divine Technique, disciples who entered the sect followed one of two development paths.

One could become a "Mage" specializing in ranged attacks.

Or a close-combat "Martial Artist."

And Jiang Ruyi...

This seemingly delicate and slender woman was, incredibly, an unparalleled master of swordsmanship!

Her close-combat skills were absurdly powerful!

It was hard to fathom how such a young woman could possess such skill.

She was undoubtedly gifted.

But she must also have learned from a renowned teacher!

Evidently, Lu Ran had arranged for an exceptional swordsmanship teacher, Cheng Li, to train his fiancée—Mountain Master's Lady—and elevate her close-combat prowess to a staggering level!

Cheng Li, the elder, was one of the original battle Sheep!

He was among the generation that followed the Immortal Sheep Lord in creating the world; his power is no laughing matter!

"You…" Meng Zhixuan tried to say something further.

Jiang Ruyi narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly, then suddenly took a step forward, drawing her sword.

Without any warning!

Meng Zhixuan's pupils contracted wildly!

He hurled himself backward, activating the Golden Jade Eight Talismans instantly.

In a flash, his figure darted between the pair standing behind him.

Zhang Zhenghu and Zhu Yuan, of course, were no amateurs either; they evaded instinctively, but Meng Zhixuan's Golden Jade Eight Talismans inevitably brushed against them.

"Whoosh!!"

The wind roared, and Jiang Ruyi's long dress swirled lightly.

She simply took a step forward, then stopped, her gaze sweeping past the dodging pair.

Zhang Zhenghu's face was grim, while Zhu Yuan rubbed her forearm, struck by the Golden Jade Talisman, her eyes lowered.

The answer was once again proven.

In the simplest and most direct manner.

Meng Zhixuan's face turned ashen!

He stared fixedly at the white-robed woman standing motionless—even her Divine Weapon half-drawn receded back into its sheath.

Behind Jiang Ruyi, Song Yu stepped forward.

With his tall, lean physique and a face sharp as a blade, his cold, profound gaze pierced deeply.

His voice was chillingly cold: "Junior Sister Jiang is merciful. Out of respect for our shared sect, she merely wants you gone.

If you dare to continue pestering her, I will act on her behalf."

Jiang Ruyi's eyebrows subtly rose, nearly imperceptibly.

She dared execute this series of maneuvers because she had confidence.

Whether in terms of personal strength, her influence, or the twenty-plus days of care and kindness she extended to the team members.

Jiang Ruyi was certain her teammate, Song Yu, would stand by her side.

But she hadn't expected Song Yu to react so strongly!

So… was this his pledge of allegiance?

Interestingly, Song Yu was at the Jiang Realm·Third Rank—the same rank as Meng Zhixuan—also among the top combatants in the ten-person group, apart from Jiang Ruyi.

Previously, under Meng Zhixuan's deliberate cover and camaraderie, Song Yu had served as Jiang Ruyi's team leader.

However, as the days of survival passed, in this power-dominated world, Song Yu smoothly transferred his "position."

He became one of Jiang Ruyi's generals, obeying her commands unquestioningly.

"Fine, fine, fine!" Meng Zhixuan gritted his teeth, "Jiang Ruyi, you're full of yourself, Song Yu, you're all in collusion!

I will report everything to the Jade Talisman Lord as is!"

Song Yu's face darkened, and he advanced abruptly, his blade unsheathing from his waist.

Meng Zhixuan panicked internally and flew backward.

After so many days together, Meng Zhixuan had a general understanding—this guy was genuinely ruthless!

Absolutely willing to kill!

"Ding~ Ding~ Ding!"

A flurry of crisp clashes echoed endlessly.

Golden Jade Eight Talismans versus Golden Jade Eight Talismans!

As for the Electric Shackles Talisman, Bursting Flame Talisman, Frost Talisman, Quicksand Talisman, and the like…

Completely useless.

With the same mentor, how could anyone outmatch one another?

"Ding!"

Song Yu's blade slashed straight toward Meng Zhixuan.

Meng Zhixuan blocked desperately with his sword, shouting angrily: "Are you insane? You dare...ah?!"

His rage turned to a cry of sheer terror.

Because the Cold Night Sword was stabbing toward him fiercely, slicing through the air with an intimidating sound.

That Divine Weapon's presence was simply overwhelming!

Back at the Stone Pillar Forest, countless Evil Demons fell at its edge!

Meng Zhixuan's heart wavered, while Song Yu's eyes gleamed coldly. With a sharp flick of his wrist, the blade harshly slashed against Meng Zhixuan's shoulder.

"Screech..."

The Jade Talisman Sect didn't specialize in strength-enhancing techniques, and Song Yu's blade was merely ordinary.

Thus, his attack left only a faint scratch on Meng Zhixuan's Water Flow Armor.

Nonetheless, after the strike, Song Yu followed promptly with a whipping kick from his left leg!

"Thud!"

Meng Zhixuan's waist buckled, as his Golden Jade Eight Talismans went flying in rapid succession.

Song Yu's Golden Jade Eight Talismans instantly returned to their rightful position.

"Senior Brother Song." Jiang Ruyi unexpectedly spoke.

Song Yu was about to press further but halted abruptly upon hearing her.

Under his intense glare, Meng Zhixuan dared not linger for even a moment, seizing the momentum from being struck to flee hurriedly.

Jiang Ruyi raised her hand, gripping the returning Cold Night Sword, coldly watching as Meng Zhixuan fled into the distance.

For a long time, she scanned the group around her.

Some lowered their eyes; others smiled amicably.

Jiang Ruyi knew that from this moment forth, these four were her core team.

Their ideals could be gradually aligned, and their loyalty slowly cultivated.

Nothing pressing to worry about.

"Heh…" Jiang Ruyi exhaled softly, looking up at the sky and the Cloud Sea.

She wondered how Lu Ran was faring.

One must prepare for the worst...

She truly needed to form a solid team to find him and help him survive better in this cruel world.

Lu Ran,

wait for me.

...

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