As night fell, most people began to rest.
Though martial cultivators, upon reaching a certain realm, transcended mortal limitations, able to survive without sleep, food, or drink, appropriate rest still restored energy and aided cultivation.
Thus, most people, especially those with lesser talent, chose to rest at night.
However, in the Long Clan camp, two individuals remained awake.
Both possessed exceptional talent.
They were Long Ruiyun, the Long Clan’s enforcement elder, and Long Nanxun, a martial genius of the clan.
Each had their own palace, but now they were together in a single one, alone.
“Young Master Nanxun, why are you so devoted to Princess Xiaoxiao?”
“Don’t forget the current situation within the Long Clan.”
Long Ruiyun asked.
“Of course I know, but Xiaoxiao has helped me greatly in the past.”
“I can’t just abandon her now that her mother has lost influence.”
“At a time like this, I should support her. Only in such circumstances can I hope to win her heart.”
Long Nanxun replied.
“The struggles within the Long Clan are brutal. Sometimes, you must know when to let go.”
“In truth, if Long Shengbu weren’t still protecting Long Xiaoxiao, would she have dared to throw her weight around today?”
Long Ruiyun snorted coldly as she spoke, clearly resentful of Long Xiaoxiao’s reprimands earlier that day.
“Grandma Ruiyun, rest assured, I’m not a fool.”
“Though I genuinely like Xiaoxiao, I know my limits.”
“If I had to choose between her and my family’s safety or my future, I’d choose the latter without hesitation.”
“Besides, the situation is still uncertain. There may yet be a turning point.”
“Right now, many have abandoned Long Xiaoxiao, which gives me the perfect opportunity.”
“After all, I’m the only one still standing by her, willing to act on her behalf.”
“If things turn around in the future, even if she doesn’t love me, she’ll surely remember my loyalty.”
“I’ll definitely earn her trust.”
Long Nanxun said.
“Your reasoning isn’t wrong.”
“Just remember, if you don’t look out for yourself, heaven and earth will forsake you.”
Long Ruiyun advised.
“Well said, ‘if you don’t look out for yourself, heaven and earth will forsake you.’”
Suddenly, another voice rang out, a woman’s voice dripping with sarcasm.
At the sound, both Long Ruiyun and Long Nanxun’s expressions changed drastically.
Not only was the palace sealed with a barrier, making it impossible for outsiders to enter, but their conversation was highly disrespectful.
If it reached Long Xiaoxiao’s ears, they’d be in grave trouble.
Yet, no matter how they searched, they couldn’t find the source of the voice.
This only heightened their fear.
The palace contained only the two of them.
So where had this third voice come from?
“Who are you? Stop playing tricks and show yourself!”
After failing to find the speaker, Long Ruiyun shouted angrily.
“So soon you’ve forgotten me?”
The voice sounded again, and as it did, a graceful figure appeared.
Seeing this woman, Long Nanxun and Long Ruiyun were stunned, their expressions complex, filled with shock and disbelief.
The person before them was someone they’d never expected: Fumo Xin’er.
“How is it you? How did you get in?”
Long Ruiyun demanded sternly, glancing around as she spoke, checking if Fumo Xin’er had accomplices.
In her view, it was impossible for Fumo Xin’er to have entered the palace alone.
“Heh…”
“Old hag, do you remember what I told you today?”
“Watch your words, lest they bring calamity.”
Fumo Xin’er spoke, her eyes narrowing, a glint of coldness flashing within.
But Long Ruiyun, in her agitation, paid little heed to such words.
Without further ado, she attacked, unleashing a surge of immense pressure, like an invisible beast opening its maw to devour Fumo Xin’er.
“You…”
But as the pressure was released, Long Ruiyun froze.
Her eyes filled with astonishment, then fear.
She had initially been skeptical, but now she was certain.
Her pressure had been blocked by Fumo Xin’er.
And this time, without anyone’s help, Fumo Xin’er had done it alone.
Swish!
Long Ruiyun didn’t relent. Instead, she reached for her hair, pulling out a golden hairpin.
As the hairpin was removed, it transformed into a streak of golden light, shooting towards Fumo Xin’er.
The hairpin was immensely powerful, emitting a dragon’s roar as it flew.
It was a half-formed Supreme Weapon.
Long Ruiyun’s attack was infused with a formidable martial technique.
Snap!
But facing the fearsome hairpin, Fumo Xin’er merely reached out and grabbed it.
“Child’s play.”
With those words, she clenched her fist, and with a crack, the golden hairpin shattered into pieces.
“You!”
Both Long Nanxun and Long Ruiyun were dumbfounded.
That golden hairpin was a half-formed Supreme Weapon, incredibly durable.
Boom!
The next moment, Fumo Xin’er’s robes fluttered as she released her own pressure.
As it spread, the surrounding space began to collapse.
Both Long Nanxun and Long Ruiyun felt a lethal threat.
Her aura was several times more terrifying than Long Shengbu’s.
“Who… who are you really?”
Long Ruiyun spoke, her voice trembling with fear.
She and Long Nanxun finally realised that this seemingly unremarkable girl was a terrifying entity.
Even Long Shengbu would be no match for her.
“What frogs in a well.”
Seeing the panic and shock on Long Ruiyun and Long Nanxun’s faces, Fumo Xin’er’s lips curled into a cold smile.
Yet, the killing intent in her eyes didn’t waver.
“Die.”
Suddenly, she raised her arm, reaching for Long Ruiyun, intent on tearing her mouth apart with her bare hands.
Snap!
But just as her hand neared Long Ruiyun, another hand appeared, seizing Fumo Xin’er’s wrist and halting her attack.
Turning to look, Fumo Xin’er’s expression changed, a trace of panic crossing her face.
The newcomer was her grandmother.
“Lady Gusu!”
Yet, upon seeing her grandmother, Fumo Xin’er didn’t address her as such, instead calling her “Lady Gusu.”
Gone was her usual familiarity, replaced by a look of reverence and fear.
