Chapter 92: The New Companion

“Oh… so you mean to say that their plan is actually interconnected? The first step is to create chaos and capture the Spirit Girl, the second step is to take her through Peach Blossom Peak into the Chaos Secret Realm, and finally, they intend to use her power to destroy the ley lines there?”

With the sequence of events sorted out, Miss Vilyric nodded slightly.

“So, the core goal of the other party is to release that chaotic beast named Taotie, using its power to achieve some deeper objectives, is that right?”

“As it stands, this explanation seems most reasonable, but there are still a few variables in the overall process, such as our interference, and the fact that in Yangyuan County, they failed to capture the Spirit Girl. Instead, she outsmarted them and escaped on her own to meet the Saint Peach Blossom and gain the latter’s protection.”

“This forced the Demon-Suppressing Sect to confront that Saint directly to simultaneously achieve both the first and second goals. In other words, they are now the passive party.”

Upon hearing this, Bai’er looked confused.

“But, my lord, if the Spirit Girl wasn’t captured by them, then why would she主动 come to Peach Blossom Peak? Shouldn’t she hide away during such a time and stay as far away from this area as possible?”

Ling Feng smiled slightly.

“Hiding is merely avoiding the issue. From what I understand of that Spirit Girl, she probably wants to resolve this matter on her own terms.”

“I still don’t quite get it… She could have directly sought help from the… Holy Lord, right? The Ling Wei Army is a great asset; why give up that support and choose to rely on others?”

“Oh, Bai’er, you’re so silly~”

Miss Vilyric couldn’t help but chime in.

“The army is too cumbersome and easily infiltrated by outsiders. Bringing them along means exposing all your actions to the enemy. It’s not just about strength; seizing the initiative is what matters most. On the other hand…”

The girl grinned, revealing a few pearly white teeth, and posed a rather peculiar question.

“Bai’er, how many Ling Wei can you defeat by yourself?”

“Eh?”

The guard girl paused, glancing down at the sword she never left her side, and instinctively replied.

“If everything is prepared, in a regular Ling Wei army format, I’m confident I can handle a troop not exceeding three hundred. Any more than that… it would be tough, right? I’d probably be caught and killed.”

“After all, human stamina and the tools one can carry are limited. The Ling Wei Army is already one of the most elite forces of the Spirit Kingdom, with each person being able to take on ten.”

Ling Feng added appropriately.

“The establishment of the Ling Wei Army was based on the assumption of protecting the Spirit Girl and facing strong opponents of Xunxian realm and above. Bai’er’s statement is quite accurate.”

“Yeah.”

Nodding slightly, the Priestess added.

“So, Ling Feng, how many Ling Wei can you handle?”

“Well, haha…”

The gray-haired girl shook her head helplessly but didn’t give a clear answer to the question. Vilyric was unconcerned, instead looking at Bai’er, who seemed to be deep in thought, and pointed to her own nose.

“Then… how many Ling Wei do you think I can destroy?”

Now, even the usually innocent Little Mole understood.

“Oh! So what the immortal means is that in front of an absolute powerhouse, the existence of a regular army is meaningless and merely a path to demise. That Spirit Girl wants to avoid unnecessary casualties, so she chose to leave the protective army, right?!”

“Exactly, it seems she’s a perfectionist.”

Playfully pinching Little Mole’s nose, Vilyric’s tone shifted slightly.

“But what did you just call me?”

“Um! S-sorry Miss Vilyric, nose nose nose…”

At that moment, Miss Xiao Kong, who had been quietly listening while holding Miao Miao, suddenly spoke up.

“Is Miss Vilyric also looking for that Princess Ling?”

“…?”

Releasing the tearful little demon with a bright red nose, the black-haired girl turned to meet the other’s gem-like black-and-white vertical pupils, not shying away from the topic.

“Sort of, but it’s not something I must do. I’m just a bit interested in certain things and decided to come take a look since I had the time. What’s up with that?”

With their gazes slightly crossing in the air, for some reason, Xiao Kong quickly turned her head away, avoiding the Priestess’s silver-blue gaze, her cute silver ears drooping slightly.

“No, it’s nothing. So what are you all doing now…”

Ling Feng stepped forward, answering on behalf of Vilyric.

“It’s best to hurry to the mountain peak and find the Saint Peach Blossom. Since it has been confirmed that ill-intentioned figures have invaded this place, and the goal is likely to open the Chaos Secret Realm, regardless of what preparation the Spirit Girl has, we should do everything we can in case the Saint is unable to stop them. After all, if something goes wrong in the Secret Realm…”

“Well, you all have quite a determination.”

Putting down Miao Miao, who looked confused with a “meow meow,” Xiao Kong took a deep breath, as if making some sort of resolution.

“I will go with you.”

“Meow!?”

For some reason, the normally gentle and quiet White Cat Miao Miao suddenly became agitated upon hearing this, eagerly biting down on Xiao Kong’s ankle guards and refusing to let go, meowing anxiously as if in a panic.

“…Don’t worry, Miao Miao, nothing will happen. I’m not that fragile.”

As the puzzled gazes of the group fell on her, the cat girl gently pried Miao Miao off.

“The time of waiting has come; for the sake of this world and for myself, I can no longer remain in silence.”

“Rest assured, we will be back soon.”

…

“Swish~”

With a flash of silver light, several figures landed steadily on the ground amidst the distorted mystical patterns.

“Incredible, is this the legendary space transfer technique? The young lady and the Saint Peach Blossom…”

Murong Yun turned his head in astonishment to look at the nearby cat girl, but the latter remained calm, as if this feat hadn’t cost her much energy.

“Sort of, but just a crude little trick, nothing worth mentioning.”

Just a moment ago, after deciding to travel with everyone, the cat girl named Xiao Kong settled Miao Miao and effortlessly tore open a spatial passage bare-handed, teleporting them to this spot in mere seconds.

That casual skillful demeanor even surprised Vilyric; it was the first time she had witnessed a local creature display genuine spatial abilities since arriving in the Ancient Spirit Realm.

This Xiao Kong was strong, even to the point of being outrageous.

She absolutely wasn’t just an ordinary village guardian under the Saint Peach Blossom’s command; even if she claimed to actually be the Saint herself, Vilyric would find it completely acceptable.

Furthermore…

Soon, Ling Feng voiced the unspoken question that lingered in the Priestess’s mind.

“Miss Xiao Kong, forgive my bluntness, but do you have… underlying injuries?”

   

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