Chao Rong’er’s face maintained an unchanging expression of indifference, even when facing her own family’s two elders, even under the gaze of everyone present. From beginning to end, apart from that cold detachment, there was no other emotion.
It was as if these people had nothing to do with her at all. In fact, the way she looked at them was as icy as if she were staring at corpses.
She slowly turned her body, her utterly indifferent gaze settling on the two Chao family elders. With a blank expression, she said, “I am merely cooperating with him, bringing him here to obtain the opportunity in this place. Other matters have nothing to do with me, nor with the family.”
Hearing Chao Rong’er’s words, the two Chao family elders both furrowed their brows.
How did today’s Chao Rong’er make them feel as though she had become a completely different person?
Whether it was her tone of speech or her attitude towards them, it was all so cold.
“Could she have been mind-controlled?” Both thought inwardly.
At that realisation, their expressions immediately darkened.
Given Chao Rong’er’s status, she should never approach Lin Xiao, no matter what.
Even if it was some inexplicable “affection” beyond reason, that was impossible. The person Chao Rong’er liked was Li Hao.
Chao Rong’er had absolutely no reason to cooperate with Lin Xiao.
Moreover, even if it was cooperation, she should not speak to them in this manner.
It was not about their high status; as the clan leader’s granddaughter, they knew Chao Rong’er well.
Normally, she was very approachable with them, her speech warm and enthusiastic.
But now, she was utterly frigid.
Rumours said Lin Xiao was a sixth-grade mid-level spirit controller capable of battling a seventh-grade initial-level one. It was very possible he had mind-controlled Chao Rong’er.
If Lin Xiao had mind-controlled her, they would have to kill him or separate Chao Rong’er for a time; otherwise, she could not escape his control.
Moreover, mind-controlling the Chao family’s precious daughter was already a provocation to their Chao family, a massive humiliation. One could imagine the two men’s current mood: somewhat furious.
The others, upon hearing Chao Rong’er’s words, all felt relieved. Since the Chao family said it was unrelated, they no longer needed to hold back.
As for Lin Xiao, he did not blame Chao Rong’er for abandoning him. She and he truly had no firm agreement to fight together against enemies.
Moreover, it seemed Chao Rong’er had assumed only the two of them would come, never considering this current scene.
Furthermore, with Chao Rong’er only at ninth-level Martial Lord strength, even if she wanted to intervene, it would be useless.
Lin Xiao also knew that with so many people here now, their cooperation was effectively over.
Chao Rong’er had brought him here. If it had just been the two of them, any opportunities or treasures obtained could be split evenly.
But in this situation, that information was no longer valuable. To obtain anything now, one would have to fight for it, and Chao Rong’er would not help, so there was no talk of splitting shares.
Of course, if he could conveniently give Chao Rong’er some benefits later, Lin Xiao would not be stingy. But that was for afterwards. The problem he needed to solve now was dealing with these people before him.
“I am very curious. Apart from that Purple Corpse Puppet, and things like pills and treasures, do you, Lin Xiao, truly have the strength to fight third or fourth-level Martial Emperors?” At this moment, the third-level Martial Emperor disciple from Pan Long Valley suddenly spoke, causing the restless crowd to immediately hold back.
Lin Xiao’s gaze also turned towards that Pan Long Valley disciple.
“My name is Qiu Xi. I am from Pan Long Valley, one of the most outstanding geniuses of this generation. At twenty-nine years old, I am at third-level Martial Emperor realm. Lin Xiao, do you dare to fight me without the corpse puppet, without pills or treasures?”
Qiu Xi said, “Between us, it would just be a spar, no taking of lives. If you win, our Pan Long Valley will not join the fight against you. How about that?”
Standing as one of the top geniuses of this generation in the region, he was unconvinced by the other three valleys’ geniuses. Much less by this newcomer who was younger than them yet even more monstrous. This made the competitive Qiu Xi feel deeply uncomfortable, and he somewhat disbelieved the rumours.
Thus, he actually hoped for a fair and open fight with Lin Xiao.
However, Lin Xiao merely shook his head indifferently and said, “No interest!”
At a time like this, still wanting to spar?
He had no interest in sparring. If he fought Qiu Xi, the others might join in, and it would give those preparing to surround him an opening.
Right now, he was at the edge of the crowd. Turning and fleeing through the masses would be easy. He would not be foolish enough to give others the chance to encircle him.
Either go straight for the kill, or do not act at all. One more or one less third-level Martial Emperor made no difference to him.
He also did not mind if Pan Long Valley joined forces with the others present.
“You!” Lin Xiao’s words made Qiu Xi’s face sink instantly. Thick anger rose from the depths of his heart.
He was one of Pan Long Valley’s top geniuses, one of the absolute top youths in this region. Yet now, someone dismissed him so lightly.
“Hmph. In that case, do not blame us for joining hands against you. Even if you have some external aids or trump cards, with so many of us here, let us see how you escape!”
With an angry cold snort, Qiu Xi quickly swept his gaze around, then loudly shouted, “Everyone, attack together. Do not let Lin Xiao escape!”
“Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle!”
As soon as Qiu Xi spoke, the restless crowd could no longer hold back. They all erupted with powerful auras and charged towards his position, about to strike at Lin Xiao.
“Whoosh!” “Whoosh!”
But just then, a scorching hot gale suddenly howled to life, sweeping fiercely past everyone, making their clothes flap wildly in the wind. An inexplicable warmth suddenly welled up in everyone’s hearts.
At the same time, the heavens shifted. The sky, which had some clouds before, instantly became clear and vast. The fierce gale softened into a gentle breeze.
Below, within the valley spanning a hundred miles, trees suddenly sprouted one after another. Maple saplings grew into sturdy trees.
At this moment, everyone stopped in their tracks, their astonished gazes all fixed on the valley.
Those who had been inside the valley, sensing the change, feared some danger might emerge and all fled outwards in haste.
In no time at all, the once ordinary valley was filled with lush maple woods. The maple leaves shifted from medium green to dark green, then from dark green to yellow, yellow to orange, and orange to red.
The entire valley transformed into a crimson maple forest.
And as the leaves turned red, the ground between the maples began to bloom with vibrant flowers, all a brilliant yellow. Yellow blossoms dotted the whole red maple woods.
Red leaves filling the forest, yellow flowers punctuating it, sunlight pouring down, east wind caressing gently. It was utterly romantic.
Yet in the next moment.
