Chapter 44: Leaving the Ruins

“We give up!”

As another ten or so warriors fell, everyone inside the hall finally understood that this trial was simply beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Helplessly, more and more chose to give up, unwilling to risk their lives.

“Lin Fan, what do you think?”

Gu Ningyun furrowed her brows slightly and asked softly. Although she coveted the spiritual energy essence, she was not willing to stake her life here.

Having reached the Yuan Mansion realm at such a young age, Gu Ningyun believed that even without the spiritual energy essence, she could attain the Divine Soul realm.

“Give up.”

Lin Fan pondered for a moment, recalling the sensation he had just experienced, then shook his head. His ability to endure it did not mean others could.

Very well.

Gu Ningyun nodded, and those behind her showed signs of agreement. They had already benefited from the underground chamber and naturally did not want to take such a risk.

“How did you manage to endure it just now?”

The speaker was a black-clad woman standing beside Lin Fan. Although she had always concealed her face with a black veil, her eyes were strikingly beautiful. Most unusually, her pupils were not the common deep brown but a mysterious and eerie blue.

Hearing this,

Lin Fan shook his head and replied, “I can’t quite explain it. If I had to say, it must be willpower. A firm belief that the other party would not harm me.

This senior built this tomb mansion here, presumably not to torment those who come after but to pass on his legacy.

You should know that such strong warriors usually have their pride and would never pass their legacy to the mediocre.

So, if you ask why I endured it, the only thing I can think of is my willpower.”

The black-clad woman, Gu Ningyun, and those behind her looked at Lin Fan with some confusion. To them, willpower was an intangible concept, something no one could manifest...

“Looks like the spiritual energy essence is out of reach.”

Gu Ningyun smiled helplessly, her words tinged with a carefree tone.

“Zhao Wuyuan is probably waiting outside. If we leave like this and he suddenly attacks, wouldn’t that be...”

Before Lin Fan could speak, the black-clad woman responded first, “They fought me, and their internal energy is almost depleted.

Without grade-eight replenishing pills, there’s no way they can recover to their peak in a short time.

And you should know, such pills above grade eight cannot be brought into this testing ground.

Right now, Zhao Wuyuan is likely finding a secluded place to recuperate and won’t be waiting outside for you.

However, he can’t attack immediately but will definitely send someone to spy on you.

After leaving, head west. The environment there should help you lose the Yuan Mansion realm warriors following Zhao Wuyuan.”

“Thank you.”

Gu Ningyun nodded in realization, then cupped her fists toward the black-clad woman and waved to the others, saying, “Let’s go.”

Lin Fan looked deeply at the black-clad woman. Her strength was undoubtedly the greatest he had encountered so far. Despite being surrounded by several Yuan Mansion realm warriors under Zhao Wuyuan’s command, she not only held her ground but also repeatedly wounded them.

Her power, even if not reaching the late Yuan Mansion stage, was surely at the peak of the mid-stage.

Moreover,

Lin Fan’s intuition told him she was likely quite young.

Those fair and slightly tender hands could not belong to a woman over twenty.

“Be careful!”

At Lin Fan’s warning, the black-clad woman nodded slightly but did not reply. Her gaze rested on the skeletal undead as if she was in no rush to proceed with the trial.

“Let’s go!”

Lin Fan nodded to Gu Ningyun, leading the group who had entered the ruins toward the exit.

Whoosh!

With a spatial shift, they felt darkness sweep over them, and the next moment found themselves on a small hill beside the ruins.

Upon arrival, Lin Fan sensed many eyes upon him. He returned their greetings with a respectful gesture, but before he could speak, Gu Ningxiang suddenly cried out.

“Ningxiang!”

Boom!

A fierce aura burst forth from Gu Ningyun. Without saying a word to the others, she dashed swiftly toward where Gu Ningxiang and the others were.

“Trouble!”

Lin Fan thought grimly. He hadn’t seen Han Feng inside the hall, and now it was clear that the latter had hidden his whereabouts and followed the main group out of the ruins.

Now,

Han Feng had targeted Gu Ningxiang and her group.

What a damned scoundrel!

Others cursed in turn and immediately followed Lin Fan and Gu Ningyun, racing toward Gu Ningxiang’s location.

“Han Feng, you bastard!”

When Lin Fan and the others arrived, they saw the injured Gu Ningxiang vomiting blood, her pale face showing signs of a serious wound.

The others were in similar condition.

Opposite them stood Han Feng, gripping a long halberd, his face ashen and hateful.

He had taken the lead, intending to attack Gu Ningxiang and her group to seize their hand rings. Unexpectedly, after killing one, the rest unleashed formidable fighting strength, especially Gu Ningxiang.

Though not skilled in combat, she fiercely resisted Han Feng’s powerful assault despite his Yuan Mansion realm strength.

“Damn it!”

Han Feng glanced back at Gu Ningyun, his pupils narrowing. He suddenly dashed to the side with several rapid steps, giving Gu Ningyun no chance to pursue.

“That bastard!”

Seeing Han Feng leave, Gu Ningyun did not give chase. Her whole mind was on her sister’s injuries, leaving no room for other concerns.

Lin Fan, however, watched the direction Han Feng had fled with cold, murderous intent in his eyes.

This man must die!

“Sister!”

Seeing Gu Ningyun and the others arrive, Gu Ningxiang could no longer hold back her grievances and burst into tears, turning into a weeping mess.

She hated fighting, but to protect her comrades, she had no choice but to raise her blade, especially when the enemy was once a companion.

“Miss Ningyun, what exactly happened? Why did Han Feng suddenly attack us so viciously?”

Hearing the questions, Gu Ningyun furrowed her brows deeply. Those who had come out of the ruins behind her were furious, cursing relentlessly.

“That scoundrel is no longer our comrade.

For a spiritual treasure, he’s willing to strike down his own companions. If I meet him again, I swear I will kill him!”

Gu Ningyun’s words were icy cold, like a blade of frozen steel piercing the evil heart of Han Feng’s betrayal.

Lin Fan looked at the crying Gu Ningxiang and the angry crowd, a blaze of fury kindling within him.

They had once been a team, supporting and helping each other, but Han Feng’s betrayal shattered everything, pushing them to the brink of life and death.

“Let’s leave first. Don’t forget, there are still flies following us!”