If I stay in the Hehuan Sect, I'll live off the pampered daughters of the Heavenly Pride Sect.

On the open ground, the spiritual energy spots had not yet dissipated.

Xiao Qinghan sat cross-legged, making the most of the time to regulate her depleted dantian.

Her light blue disciple's robe was covered in dust, and the strands of hair at her temples were soaked with sweat, sticking to her pale cheeks and making her look even more haggard.

Mo Chengyue stood to the side, kicking pebbles on the ground with his toes, looking completely idle.

But he was making plans in his mind.

This timely act of kindness should earn me an outstanding employee award when I get back, right?

Thankfully, Xie Buci, that sixth brother, didn't dig himself a hole.

A moment later, Xiao Qinghan exhaled a breath of stale air and opened her eyes.

She walked up to Mo Chengyue and bowed respectfully.

"This place is dangerous, and the road ahead is unknown. If you don't mind, junior brother, let's travel together so we can look out for each other."

The boss volunteered to work overtime with us.

Mo Chengyue inwardly groaned, but his face immediately adopted an expression of being flattered.

"What are you saying, Senior Sister!"

"It is my honor to travel with my senior sister; I couldn't ask for more!"

Just kidding, it's like offering favors to someone who's offered them up; why not take it?

This "sending warmth" project must be secured.

Seeing that he agreed so readily, Xiao Qinghan's expression softened.

"Let's go then."

She said no more and turned to walk towards the top of the mountain.

Mo Chengyue immediately followed.

The two walked one after the other along the rugged path.

With Mo Chengyue around, the journey ahead became much smoother.

Those annoying low-level mechanisms and magical beasts haven't even had a chance to appear yet.

Mo Chengyue had already led Xiao Qinghan around easily.

Xiao Qinghan grew increasingly alarmed as she walked.

Just how strong is this junior brother's spiritual sense?

It's like they can see everything in advance!

She silently raised her opinion of Mo Chengyue several levels.

Just as the two passed through a narrow canyon, the view suddenly opened up ahead.

Suddenly, the space ahead distorted.

hum!

hum!

hum!

Six figures, identical to real people, appeared out of thin air in front of them, blocking their way.

All six were dressed in black, close-fitting outfits, and wore plain silver masks that revealed only a pair of emotionless eyes.

The aura emanating from them was that of someone in the early stages of Foundation Establishment!

Holy crap!

Mo Chengyue blurted it out.

"Is there a buy-one-get-five-free deal?"

At the same time, a cold, mechanical voice rang in their minds.

"The trial participant has triggered the gatekeeper's test."

"Rule: Each player must defeat three guardians of the same rank."

"Only by passing the test can you move forward."

"Test failed, teleported out of the game."

As soon as he finished speaking, the six masked guards moved.

They didn't communicate at all, like six activated killing machines.

They split into two groups and rushed towards Mo Chengyue and Xiao Qinghan!

Three against one!

"Wow! Is this really that hardcore?!"

Mo Chengyue let out a strange cry, but his feet did not slow down.

He retreated rapidly, his hands moving so fast they left afterimages as he scattered handfuls of talismans without restraint.

"Flash Spell!"

"Wind Blade Talisman!"

"Slowdown!"

"Vine Binding Talisman!"

Various low-grade but disgustingly effective auxiliary talismans instantly covered the faces of the three guards chasing him.

Even though these guards were fearless, they were thrown into disarray by this combination of attacks.

On the other hand, Xiao Qinghan's response was completely different.

Facing the combined attack of three cultivators of the same level, she advanced instead of retreating!

This once-proud daughter of heaven is finally showing her true colors!

Her movements were incredibly fast, and the longsword in her hand, whose light had dimmed, seemed to come alive.

The sword strikes were continuous, each one faster than the last.

Ding ding ding!

A series of rapid, metallic clanging sounds erupted.

Xiao Qinghan fought against three opponents single-handedly, and not only did she not lose, but she also fought them to a standstill with her superb swordsmanship and combat awareness, which far surpassed her opponents.

Her sword is cunning and ruthless, each strike aimed at the opponent's most vulnerable weakness.

Gaps in defense, connections between moves, nodes in the flow of true energy...

These are all experiences she gained from countless life-and-death trials in the past.

"Senior sister is awesome! 666!"

While dodging and weaving, Mo Chengyue also had time to cheer for Xiao Qinghan.

His situation, however, was not so carefree.

Although talismans are useful, they can only serve to cause disturbance.

After a brief period of confusion, the three guards quickly re-locked his position and launched a fierce and coordinated attack.

The flashing blades, the shadows of swords, and the gusts of wind from fists intertwined to form a deadly net, completely sealing off all of Mo Chengyue's room to dodge.

"Damn, are they serious?"

Mo Chengyue cursed under his breath.

He knew he couldn't keep slacking off.

If we keep rowing, the boat will capsize!

"Senior sister, let me get you a job!"

He roared, attracting Xiao Qinghan's attention for a moment.

He stomped his foot suddenly.

hum!

A simple array made of several pebbles instantly took shape beneath his feet.

"Small Maze, start!"

His figure blurred instantly, leaving several afterimages in place.

The attacks of the three guards immediately missed.

His true form, however, appeared ghost-like behind one of the guards.

He didn't know when, but a dark, grimy dagger had appeared in his hand.

It was a trophy stolen from some unlucky guy.

puff!

The dagger pierced the gap in the guard's back armor with precision and ruthlessness.

The guard froze, then turned into specks of light and vanished into the air.

A successful strike!

But the other two guards reacted extremely quickly as well.

They immediately abandoned the afterimage and turned to attack from both sides!

"Senior sister, let's take over!"

Mo Chengyue roared again.

He didn't bother fighting the remaining two; instead, he slipped away towards Xiao Qinghan.

Xiao Qinghan instantly understood his intention.

With a single sword strike, she forced her opponent back, and with a flick of her wrist, a sharp cyan sword aura shot out from her hand!

This sword energy was not aimed at the pursuers behind Mo Chengyue.

Instead, it shot at a tricky angle towards the ground in front of the two pursuers!

boom!

The sword energy exploded on the ground, sending rubble flying and successfully hindering the two guards' pursuit for a moment.

It was in that very moment!

Mo Chengyue ducked down and slipped through the gap between the two, completing a tactical reversal with Xiao Qinghan.

Just as Mo Chengyue brushed past her, she flicked her finger.

puff!puff!

Two bursts of energy shot into the knees of the other two guards who were attacking Xiao Qinghan.

The two of them paused for a moment.

Xiao Qinghan's sword has arrived.

"Azure Phoenix Sword Technique! Flying Shadow!"

A flash of sword light, and two masked heads flew into the air.

Only three of the six guards remained.

Xiao Qinghan leaned on his longsword, his face deathly pale, his dantian completely empty.

Mo Chengyue also supported himself on his knees, panting heavily, with beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.

"Junior brother, you..."

Xiao Qinghan looked at him, her heart churning with turmoil.

Is this guy really only in the early stage of Foundation Establishment?

That mind, those methods...

He looks like a seasoned veteran from the world of demonic cultivation.

"Senior sister, snap out of it! Let's finish off the enemy!"

Mo Chengyue roared and flung out another handful of talismans.

The two teamed up again.

Mo Chengyue focused on harassment and creating openings.

Xiao Qinghan was responsible for the decisive blow.

A top-tier support can always deliver the most nasty crowd control.

Like the sharpest dagger, it always seizes the opportunity to deliver a heavy blow.

They fought for another two hours.

puff.

Xiao Qinghan pierced the guard's heart with her final sword strike.

The figure turned into specks of light and vanished.

ended.

On the open ground, the two men, supporting their knees, were breathing heavily.

Xiao Qinghan leaned on her sword, sweat dripping from her chin.

She glanced at Mo Chengyue beside her; although he looked disheveled, he had a grin on his face.

This person is talkative and slippery, but he is indeed...reliable.

Mo Chengyue caught his breath, stood up straight, and grinned.

"Let's go, senior sister, let's go to the top of the mountain to see the scenery."

Xiao Qinghan looked at his smile and nodded gently.

The two stopped talking.

There are no more obstacles ahead.

As dusk fell, the two finally reached the summit.

The magnificent Zhenqi Pavilion stands before us.

The mountaintop was deserted, with hardly anyone in sight.

It seems that most people have already finished.

The two looked at each other and walked into the pavilion.

The room was quiet and the light was soft.

As soon as they entered, Mo Chengyue felt that someone was watching them.

He looked in the direction he felt, and his heart skipped a beat.

Su Qingying stood in the corner.

She wore a clean, moon-white dress, but her expression remained as cold as ever.

Su Qingying nodded to Xiao Qinghan as a greeting.

Then, she looked at Mo Chengyue next to Xiao Qinghan.

In that instant, her body froze.