None of the many disciples present dared to make a move after the appearance of the Hui. Instead, they exchanged glances amongst themselves.

Everyone knew that the people here were no match for the Hui.

But what were they supposed to say, “Put away the Hui and fight us one on one”?? That would be as shameless as discovering your opponent’s spiritual weapon was better than yours during a duel and asking them to put it away so you two could fight it out with your fists.

Since Xi Huai took on the pain of signing a spirit contract with the Hui, then it was his right to use it in battle.

Not all things were meant to be equal in the world. Spiritual roots already divided people based on their potential. Was it really reasonable to have someone with a better spiritual root to cripple themselves before a duel with a less capable opponent?

The Golden Core disciple’s hand tightened on the hilt of his sword. His eyes narrowed, “I wonder how your father would react once he hears of you causing trouble like this?”

"He would be delighted, of course." Xi Huai said indifferently.

This answer was so infuriating that all the disciples present bristled. Especially the sibling of the injured party, who almost rushed over to fight Xi Huai.

Xi Huai looked as careless as ever. He brazenly asked the Golden Core stage cultivator, "Are you going to take revenge for him? Come, then. I’m here so spare me the chit-chat. I don't like to talk with people.”

That Golden Core stage disciple had the highest level of cultivation, followed by Yu Yanshu.

However, the seriously injured disciple was from Cheng Yu Pavilion. Why should he risk his life fighting Xi Huai for the sake of a disciple from another sect? Not to mention involving the other Nuan Yan Pavilion disciples in the conflict, did he even need to intervene in the first place?

He knew that there was no turning back from their decision.

“Cheng Yu Pavilion will naturally ask your esteemed Sect for an explanation regarding this cultivator friend’s injuries. However, we require an answer as well. Did you come this time bearing bad intentions? Furthermore, will you continue to ambush other disciples among us?” The Golden Core stage disciple questioned.

His words left the Cheng Yu Pavilion disciples who wanted to join forces to challenge Xi Huai dumbfounded.

This disciple’s serious injuries would be a matter for them alone to pursue. Nuan Yan Pavilion had already made it clear that they wouldn’t outright become enemies with Xi Huai within the Array. If Cheng Yu Pavilion wanted an explanation, they should go ask for it themselves.

"Ambush?" Xi Huai was very displeased by this word. “If I wanted to kill, I could end all of you where you stand now. Why would I bother with an ambush?”

His words left everyone speechless.

Xi Huai waited for a while, yet the Golden Core stage cultivator didn't come to attack him.

Then he glanced at the Cheng Yu Pavilion disciples, who instantly cowered with fear. They glanced among themselves, but not one dared to step forward.

They were probably brimming with frustration. A Nascent Soul stage senior should’ve come in to hold down the fort upon Xi Huai’s arrival. Unfortunately, those seniors thought highly of poise and were unwilling to condescend themselves by coming in. That would imply they were bullying the demonic faction juniors.

Right now, no one could come in or out of the Array. If Xi Huai really did decide to slaughter everyone present, no one would be able to escape.

Xi Huai scoffed coldly. Unwilling to wait any longer, he swept his gaze across those once more before recalling the Hui and releasing his flying artefact. He wanted to look for his A-Jiu, but there was no way he would let anyone find out what he was after.

Standing in the midst of the crowd, Chi Muyao was left a bit flustered by that sweeping glance.

He wasn’t sure if he had locked eyes with Xi Huai or not for a moment.

He didn't know why Xi Huai had so openly taken the blame for him, and in such a forceful way at that. It was surprising how simply and brutally Xi Huai dealt with a problem Chi Muyao considered insurmountable.

So that was how the disciples who were clamouring to gang up on Xi Huai moments ago ended up watching Xi Huai’s group leave, completely unscathed.

You could probably imagine how awkward things were.

Nuan Yan Pavilion disciples wanted to save their own skins and not get involved in this dispute.

Cheng Yu Pavilion disciples were no match for Xi Huai’s group.

And the disciples of the other sects saw no reason to get involved, if even Nuan Yan Pavilion refused to make a move.

The Golden Core stage disciple went to quietly say a few words to Yu Yanshu before leaving to comfort the Cheng Yu Pavilion disciples.

Chi Muyao couldn’t hear what was said, but he assumed it was something like, “Don’t let hatred cloud your judgement. The seniors will pass judgement on this matter once we get out.”

The Golden Core stage disciple probably also left some Voice Transmission talismans in case they needed to make contact.

Afterwards, the originally separated team merged together again.

Xi Huai’s trio didn’t go far. They regrouped at a quieter location.

Zong Sichen was carefully perusing the list, taking notes on each person he suspected.

Xi Huai also looked over all the names again and again. His gaze drifted several times before subconsciously falling back on Chi Muyao's name.

At this moment, a woman suddenly arrived. She stood not far from the base of the cliff with her arms crossed, looking up at Xi Huai and loudly saying, “Xi Huai, I’m only going to despise you more if you continue to harm innocent people like this.”

Xi Huai was taken aback by the woman’s voice. He looked down, but he couldn’t recognise her. Bemused, he asked the other two, “Who is she?”

Zong Sichen remembered her. He replied, "Ming Shaoluo of the Nuan Yan Pavilion."

"Why is she talking to me like this?" Xi Huai was very puzzled.

Song Weiyue squatted beside him, propping his face up with one hand. He looked as bored as could be down at Ming Shaoluo and said, "You once went to ask her name, ah!"

Xi Huai thought for a moment before asking, "Why did I need to ask her name?"

"Maybe you thought she’s good looking?"

"What part of her is good looking?”

"I don't think she’s good looking either..." Song Weiyue said rather seriously.
Xi Huai didn't even remember that he was imprisoned in the cave in retaliation by Elder Yao Weng for saving her.

His mind only had room for his A-Jiu.

Zong Sichen looked at his two best friends and felt a sudden burst of helplessness.

Song Weiyue’s indifference towards women he’d always known about, but there was once when he thought Xi Huai was normal. At least he went over to go hit on Ming Shaoluo. Zong Sichen also thought Ming Shaoluo was pretty good looking, so he thought highly of Xi Huai’s tastes.

However, it seemed like those three years of captivity in the cave had damaged Xi Huai’s eyes and brain. Now all he can think about 24/7 is a ninety year old man!

Ming Shaoluo was steaming mad after hearing their conversation. She angrily asked, "Xi Huai, what are you trying to pull here?"

"Nothing." Xi Huai didn’t care enough to bother with her. “Talk to me less in the future. It’s annoying.”

"You think I'm annoying?" Ming Shaoluo was absolutely shocked.

She knew about Xi Huai's feelings for her before being reborn. Xi Huai was willing to venture into Hell for her without a word of complaint.

He would rush thousands of miles just to pick her favourite fruit.

He would use his own cultivation as fuel to make pills for her.

Even if he was bathed in his own blood, he would still stand before her as her shield.

However, she didn't love Xi Huai. She didn’t like his bad temper or his arrogant ways.

Rather than him, she much preferred the good natured, intelligent and hardworking Xi Zihe.

And her choice was proven right already. Xi Zihe was indeed the best man in the end. What a pity he was blind enough to settle for Han Qingyuan.

That was why Ming Shaoluo decided that Xi Huai is still the same in this life.

But she still didn’t want to accept Xi Huai’s feelings. This time, she was going to run interference between Xi Zihe and Han Qingyuan’s relationship and become the one Xi Zihe loved most.

The only reason she came over today was to give Xi Huai a reminder, because she couldn’t bear to see how he was harming the innocent.

In the past, Xi Huai would always hang off her every word.

But now the situation was panning out very differently from what she expected.

Xi Huai was struck by a sudden wave of ennui. With a flick of his right index finger, an arrow-like fire element attack was sent speeding towards Ming Shaoluo. Others like it soon followed, each primed and ready to take her life.

Ming Shaoluo never thought that Xi Huai would attack her one day. She was still reeling from shock as she frantically dodged backwards. Still, one arrow struck the hem of her clothing.

Hui Dragon Flames couldn’t be extinguished by ordinary spells, so she could only use her sword to hack off the sleeve and preserve her enchanted vestment. However, this left her in a truly wretched state.

She looked up at Xi Huai again, her hair in disarray after her hasty retreat. Some hair was stuck to the side of her beautiful, shocked face.

Xi Huai's expression, as cold as ever, was now tinged with disgust. He said morosely, “Get lost.”

“You, you’ll regret this!” She was so angry that she nearly burst into tears.

Song Weiyue decided to just get his hammer out. “Why’s this person so fixated on making a fool of herself? So annoying. Why don’t I just kill her already?”

Xi Huai returned to looking at the list. “Sure.”