Lin Xiao’s gaze dropped, instantly noting the robe’s uniqueness.
It was a woman’s skirt robe, lying flat on the ground, shimmering as if bathed in moonlight. In the dim light, faint lunar glows flowed across it, starkly distinct from the tattered rags on nearby corpses.
With a surge of spiritual power, Lin Xiao descended diagonally with Hu Yue, landing beside the moon robe.
Seeing this exquisite, peculiar robe, Hu Yue’s face lit up. She grabbed it, holding it with curiosity and excitement, kneading and weighing it.
“Hiss!” Suddenly, the robe emitted a brilliant light— pure and radiant like moonlight in the dark, illuminating all directions, dazzling and striking.
Lin Xiao’s eyes gleamed— this was indeed a remarkable treasure, even radiating a treasure glow.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
At that moment, countless figures emerged around them, rushing over and stopping nearby, their eyes brimming with greed.
Seeing this, Lin Xiao’s face darkened. He gripped his longsword, his powerful aura spreading as he warily eyed the crowd.
These faces were unfamiliar— not from the earlier group, likely others who’d passed trials and landed nearby.
Roughly thirty or forty strong, many at the Heavenly Martial realm.
“Hiss! Hiss!”
Suddenly, the moon robe in Hu Yue’s hands split into three. She held one, while two more appeared on either side.
These two seemed conjured from hers— not real, yet identical to the one she clutched.
“Oh?” Hu Yue blinked, reaching for the left one— her hand passed through nothing. She tried the right— still nothing.
The surrounding thirty or forty gawked— what kind of robe could conjure two more?
Worn, could it create three decoys to confuse foes?
“Spirit Illusion Moon Robe!” A soft, excited voice rang out.
“Whoosh!” Hearing it, Hu Yue flung the robe over herself. A strange aura enveloped her, bringing comfort as her eyes closed.
Seeing Hu Yue in this state, Lin Xiao traced the voice. A captivating, alluring woman dashed towards them.
About twenty, she wore a fluttering thin skirt, her brows like autumn water, her face stunningly beautiful. Her graceful figure boasted snowy skin and jade-like legs, exuding a seductive charm.
Yet Lin Xiao felt no primal urge— his expression grew solemn.
This woman was Huandie, ranked second in the outer court of Shengyuan Academy.
He’d never seen her fight, but instinct warned him— she was dangerous, not to be underestimated.
Huandie had aimed for Hu Yue but halted, seeing the robe on her and Lin Xiao poised beside her. Suppressing her excitement, she fixed her gaze on Hu Yue.
Soon, Hu Yue’s eyes fluttered open, bright with delight.
“Little junior sister, sense anything unusual?” Huandie asked in her gentle voice.
“Heh, it’s got some neat tricks,” Hu Yue smirked mischievously.
“Legend says it’s Master Huanling’s masterpiece, holding her legacy. That quick finish means she’s only grasped how to activate the robe— not the inheritance,” Huandie mused, studying Hu Yue’s expression.
To most, this obscure treasure was unknown— but to her, it was a dream prize.
She flashed an affable smile, addressing Hu Yue, “Little junior sister, this Spirit Illusion Moon Robe might not be much use to you. If you’d part with it, I’ll trade— this Purple Bamboo Fruit can boost a mid-tier Heavenly Martial by one realm.”
She produced a purple fruit.
The dozen nearby stirred— only Lin Xiao’s presence held them back from pouncing.
They knew this robe was special— how could they let Huandie “trade” for it?
Yet their eyes gleamed greedily at the fruit. If she spoke true— a mid-tier Heavenly Martial realm boost— it was hugely tempting.
“Purple Bamboo Fruit?” Lin Xiao’s expression shifted slightly. Rare, birthed from decades-old purple bamboo, it could indeed lift a mid-tier Heavenly Martial one realm without side effects— a remarkable item.
Hearing Huandie, Hu Yue’s eyes flickered with longing. At sixth-tier Heavenly Martial, this fruit could soon push her up a tier.
But recalling the robe’s benefits, she shook her head firmly, “My cultivation will rise soon— I don’t need it. No trade!”
Her tone was resolute, making Huandie’s brows furrow.
“Hmph, it’s useless to you but vital to me. Hand it over— it’s not something you can keep,” Yunlian appeared behind, stepping beside Huandie, her face sour.
“Are you threatening me?” Hu Yue bristled, her gaze chilling as she faced Yunlian.
“If that’s how you see it, so be it. We know Lin Xiao’s strong, but beating me and big sister together? Doubtful,” Yunlian’s aura flared, ready to strike— ignoring the surrounding Heavenly Martial crowd.
Huandie stayed silent, tacitly endorsing Yunlian’s move.
Lin Xiao readied himself. If they wanted to steal their find, fine— but if they lost, they’d pay with their own treasures.
His eyes locked on the fruit in Huandie’s hand. Noticing, she stowed it, her aura subtly stirring.
“This matters to me greatly. If little junior sister won’t yield…” Huandie’s eyes turned cold, her warm facade fading, her presence sharpening.
“Lin Xiao, you dared trick my family elders— today, you’ll die here!” A furious shout cut in from the side.
The crowd paused, turning.
“Gong Feiyun— didn’t expect him!”
“This is trouble!”
Gong Feiyun charged towards them, the dozens around tensing.
Lin Xiao and the two women were already formidable— now Gong Feiyun too? Snagging the Spirit Illusion Moon Robe just got harder.
Hearing him, Huandie paused; Yunlian halted her imminent strike.
