184 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Ran Fanyin saw Ning Songwu, her brows furrowing deeply. She swiftly moved to her side and guarded her tightly, her voice ice cold, "Didn't I tell you to stay outside?" "If I asked you to stay outside, would you obediently watch me face danger alone?" Ning Songwu retorted. Ran Fanyin was momentarily taken aback and stared at her without speaking. As Ning Songwu joined the fight, Lin Yuxue collapsed to the ground, making the situation even more chaotic. Glancing at Lin Yuxue, Ning Songwu managed to say, "The tea you drank just now! It had a curse worm in it. Once you touched the rim of the cup, it entered your body!" Lin Yuxue, still partially conscious, stared fixedly beyond the beaded curtain. Their enemies consisted only of the two guards, the knife-wielding man, and Miao Shan. Wen Jinglei remained seated calmly behind the beaded curtain. Wu Ji, Wu Gong, and Wu Ming engaged the guards and Miao Shan, while Ran Fanyin and Ning Songwu faced the knife-wielding man. "Oh my, I don’t understand why you keep struggling. You’re already trapped animals, destined to die. Why not face it with some dignity?" Miao Shan laughed coquettishly. Lin Yuxue's side was steadily losing ground. Although Wu Ji and the others managed to kill two guards, they were gradually pushed back by the eclectic poisons Miao Shan wielded. A tiny, unidentified curse worm landed on Wu Ming. Moments later, his head separated from his body and soared through the air. The gruesome sight made Ning Songwu feel nauseous. She barely managed to turn her head, trying to find some solace in Ran Fanyin’s light-footed, graceful movements. Wu Ji and Wu Gong were forced into the same area as Ran Fanyin and Ning Songwu, making the odds four against two. Yet, they still held no advantage as the robust knife-wielder expertly parried all of Ran Fanyin's attacks. "Miao Shan—" Wen Jinglei's deep voice suddenly resonated. All six combatants halted at the sound. Wu Ji and Wu Gong shielded Ran Fanyin and Ning Songwu, watching Miao Shan and the knife-wielder warily with heavy breaths. A tense silence ensued. Ning Songwu felt as though her head would explode, her vision clouded by a blood-red mist. Gasping for air, she tightly gripped her Phoenix Feather Sword. A sudden heat surged through her nostrils, followed by a trickle of blood staining her light blue garment. "Master… you should leave… Wu Ji, Wu Gong, and I will hold them off. Hurry and go..." Ning Songwu's eyes were bloodshot, her words labored. "Ning Songwu!" Ran Fanyin shouted in panic, watching helplessly as her nose bled more profusely. Wen Jinglei chuckled darkly, "Miao Shan, give our guests a warm welcome. Don’t let a single one escape." "Yes, Sect Leader." Miao Shan's beautiful, almond-shaped eyes narrowed, her expression turning menacing. Ran Fanyin bit her lip, staring beyond the beaded curtain. Ning Songwu spoke haltingly, "I’ve heard before… that even the combined strength of three masters couldn’t kill Wen Jinglei… If he joins the fray… none of us will survive… Master, you must leave..." "Enough!" Ran Fanyin’s voice was icy cold, tinged with anger. "My wound… has reopened… I won’t make it. Leave… just go..." Ning Songwu choked, clutching her chest with one hand and barely holding onto the Phoenix Feather Sword with the other. She trembled as she moved to stand in front of Ran Fanyin. "As a teacher, how could I ever abandon my disciple to save myself? Do you think I’m capable of such a thing?" Ran Fanyin stared intensely at Ning Songwu's loosened hair, cascading down her back. "But you’re… more than just my master…" Ning Songwu smiled bitterly, wiping her nose haphazardly, "You mean more to me than my own life. My life belongs to you; take it as repayment for your kindness..." Ran Fanyin felt a wrenching pain in her heart, her grip on her sword tightening. She spoke slowly, emphasizing each word, "Do you think, if you die, I can continue to live alone?" "...Ning Songwu’s eyes welled with tears, mingling with the blood on her chin. A sudden thought struck Ran Fanyin. Lowering her voice, she instructed Wu Ji and Wu Gong, "When the time comes, make sure to carry your young mistress and run." Wu Ji and Wu Gong exchanged a knowing glance and nodded subtly. With high-level agility, Ran Fanyin swiftly maneuvered through the encirclement, shaking loose a bamboo tube hidden in her sleeve. She quickly opened it, letting the wind from her swift movements disperse the curse worms within towards Miao Shan and the knife-wielder, who had no time to react. Seeing the black seeds, Miao Shan’s face contorted in shock, shouting, "Dodge!" In that rare moment of opportunity, Wu Ji quickly grabbed the unconscious Lin Yuxue, while Wu Gong went to retrieve Wu Ming’s head and body. Ran Fanyin embraced Ning Songwu, and together they leapt from the fifth floor window, using their full strength and agility to vanish into the dusky night within moments. Miao Shan, heart pounding, stared at the multitude of black curse worms scattered on the ground. She gritted her teeth, ready to give chase, when Wen Jinglei's composed voice emerged from behind the beaded curtain: "No need to chase them. Let them go. A few youngsters won't accomplish anything. We have other matters to tend to." "Yes, Sect Leader." Miao Shan bowed respectfully, her gaze complex as she looked at the black worms littering the ground. --- Chapter 72: False Spirits In the northwest, Kunlun was even colder than the northern regions. The towering mountains blocked the frigid air currents, making the snowfall heavier each day. Outside the entrance to the Huaxu Territory cave, the snow accumulated up to a person's calf, making it difficult to push open the cave door. Inside the cave, on the bed, Ran Fanyin shivered as her exposed arm caught a chill. She frowned, pressing her fingers to her brow, and slowly opened her eyes. As soon as she moved, searing pain shot through her legs, causing her to shudder violently and remain still for a while. There was an unfamiliar hand resting gently on her chilly waist, warm like a heater. Ran Fanyin turned her face slightly and saw Ning Songwu nestled against her shoulder, sleeping soundly. The young girl’s skin was smooth and delicate, inviting to the touch—one would be tempted to caress it, savor the soft, silky sensation. The vivid red cinnabar mark between her brows was the perfect adornment on her exquisite face, adding a uniquely captivating allure.