"Iron Wall! You're okay!" Ling Yu's face lit up. When she regained consciousness, the first thing she remembered was Xuan Tian lying on the stone table, his core about to be harvested. Xu Yun had told Ling Yu that Xuan Tian was fine, but she didn't believe her. She had to see him with her own eyes.
Now that she did, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She approached Xuan Tian, scrutinizing him from head to toe. Then, she asked him to turn around because she wanted to check him thoroughly.
And Xuan Tian did everything she asked. No hesitation. His expression remained impassive, devoid of any resistance. It was a stark contrast to the cold fury he had shown just moments ago.
Elder Mo, who still had not cleaned himself, watched in stunned silence as a little human girl ordered around a Celestial General. He made an oath to himself—he would never, ever cross Ling Yu. Not even in thought.
Unknowingly, Xuan Tian and Ling Yu had gained a loyal follower.
"I think it's enough," Xuan Tian said when Ling Yu asked him to turn around again. "And why are you calling me Iron Wall? My name is—"
"Xuan Tian. Yeah, I know," Ling Yu answered, but still gestured with her finger for Xuan Tian to turn again. "But you—" She placed her palm on Xuan Tian's lower chest and pushed. Nothing happened. Xuan Tian didn't move. He simply looked down at Ling Yu's palm pressed against his abdomen.
"Are an Iron Wall. See?"
Xuan Tian sighed and shook his head. Whatever.
Now that Ling Yu was sure Xuan Tian was really okay, she finally took in her surroundings. This was her first time properly observing the chamber.
"Are those Warriors?" She pointed at the unconscious warriors—some still sprawled on the floor, others already tied up by Zhao Zhi and Lei Wen.
"Why are they unconscious? Who did it?" Ling Yu looked around, completely ignoring Xuan Tian.
"That would be me," Xuan Tian said.
Ling Yu turned to look at him in disbelief. "You? Nice try, Iron Wall. Come on, spill. Who did it?"
"Me," Xuan Tian repeated.
Ling Yu stared at Xuan Tian. He arched an eyebrow, waiting for her response. Ling Yu pursed her lips tightly.
"Okay, I believe you." It was obvious by her tone that she didn't, but Xuan Tian let it go.
Ling Yu looked around again, and that was when she saw Elder Mo getting up slowly and circulating his spirit energy to clean himself.
Ling Yu misunderstood, thinking Elder Mo was about to attack.
"Look out!" she yelled and jumped in front of Xuan Tian, as if to protect him.
Xuan Tian, who knew what Elder Mo was about to do, was stunned silly when he saw Ling Yu move in front of him. What is she doing? Is she trying to protect me? No way!
A strange feeling crept up in Xuan Tian. He didn't recognize it.
Hearing Ling Yu's yell, the doctors also began circulating their energy, ready to defend themselves and the victims.
"Who's attacking?" Lei Wen asked, poised to defend.
"No one is attacking anyone," Xuan Tian said calmly. He placed a hand on Ling Yu's shoulder. "That is Mo Chaoren, and he's definitely not attacking anyone."
Elder Mo froze, his face turning pale. He knelt down again and bowed to Ling Yu. "Oh Miss, please, Miss. This lowly Immortal wouldn't dare to attack anyone without Shengzun's order and permission."
Ling Yu's jaw dropped at the sight and sound of Elder Mo groveling.
"But—but you were the culprit! You killed a lot of people by harvesting their cores!"
"Yes, Miss, this lowly Immortal did. Now, this lowly Immortal knows that it is wrong, very wrong to harvest cores from unwilling humans. And it is also wrong to force core formation on humans." Elder Mo bowed to Ling Yu again.
Ling Yu turned to Xuan Tian, her expression clearly asking Is something wrong with him?
Xuan Tian's mouth curled up just slightly. But even that little smile transformed his face entirely.
Ling Yu's jaw dropped for the second time. He's very good-looking! For the first time since meeting Xuan Tian, she really took the time to observe him.
Towering at 190 cm, Xuan Tian was incredibly tall—taller than most humans Ling Yu had ever seen. His shoulders were broad, his body lean yet hard. I bet it's all muscle underneath. His hair was jet black and straight, styled simply yet elegantly. His face was flawless, without a single blemish—something that would make women jealous. His thick, arched brows framed his entire face perfectly. His dark brown eyes had flecks of purple if she looked closely, which didn't make sense. His eye shape wasn't quite phoenix-like, but they were striking, almost hypnotic. As if I would get sucked into them. His nose was sculpted perfectly, complementing his face. His mouth… those lips are kissable… What!
Ling Yu suddenly snapped out of it. What was I thinking? Kissing Iron Wall? I'm insane! But Xuan Tian's lips really are—STOP! Just stop!
She shook her head a little too forcefully.
Xuan Tian looked at her as if she had gone crazy. "Are you alright?"
Ling Yu nodded furiously, refusing to meet Xuan Tian's gaze.
Elder Mo approached Xuan Tian and bowed. "Shengzun, there are people at the entrance. This lowly Immortal will go and see who they are."
Xuan Tian flicked his arm and nodded.
Elder Mo headed toward the cavern entrance.
Ling Yu still hadn't fully recovered and wanted to return to rest, but not before asking Xuan Tian and the doctors to take good care of the victims. Then, with Xu Yun's help, she quickly turned and left, walking just a little faster than necessary. She wasn't running away. Absolutely not. She was just… making a strategic retreat.
A rumble was heard.
Everyone's head snapped toward the source of the noise.
Zhao Zhi tensed. "What's that noise?"
Lei Wen pointed in the direction. "It's coming from that way."
Lin Qian, who had been checking the victims and unchaining them, moved to the front, ready to defend.
Xuan Tian's eyes sharpened as he readied himself. "It's coming from the entrance… The entrance barrier has been broken through…" He sent his senses forward, his expression darkening. "Three people are fighting. They're heading this way."