Chapter 42: An Miaoling Emerges from Seclusion

In the Eastern Continent, at the gates of the Kunlun Sword Sect, three Saint-rank cultivators appeared: two at the second level of the Saint Realm and one at the third level. They were the ones tasked with remaining in the Eastern Continent to track down Bai Xiaoru.

One of the second-level Saints remarked to the third-level Saint, "This is the largest power in the Eastern Continent; let us have them assist us in finding Bai Xiaoru." The third-level Saint gave a slight nod. They simultaneously unleashed their auras, instantly alerting the upper echelons of the Kunlun Sword Sect. Xu Ming, Mo Wentian, and others rushed to the gate. Upon seeing the three Saints, Xu Ming’s expression shifted, as he sensed that all three were stronger than himself. He secretly signaled Yan Qingsi to go to Hidden Sword Peak to report the situation.

Seeing people arrive, one of the second-level Saints stepped forward and said, "We have come from the Central Continent to capture a fox. We expect your sect to exert all efforts to assist us in our search."

Xu Ming frowned. From the Central Continent? Searching for a fox? He immediately linked this to Qin Tian’s fox. Deciding to stall for time until Qin Tian returned, he replied, "Seniors, I will send my disciples out to search."

"Send your disciples? Who are you trying to fool?" the second-level Saint demanded arrogantly. "I want all of you to go! Do you understand what it means to search with full effort?"

At these words, the expressions of Xu Ming and the others darkened. As the premier power of the Eastern Continent, they had their own pride. The second-level Saint, sensing their defiance, suggested to his companion, "Brother, why don’t we beat this group of leaders first? Once they are terrified, they will be obedient."

The third-level Saint agreed, adding, "Let’s do it. People in this wilderness need to be taught a lesson."

Hearing this, Xu Ming immediately ordered a retreat toward Hidden Sword Peak, where several other Saints resided. The three intruders gave chase.

At the Hidden Sword Pavilion, An Miaoling, who was in seclusion, was summoned by Yan Qingsi. Xu Ming sent a telepathic message explaining the situation and asking her to mobilize the Spirit Sword Pavilion to provide support. An Miaoling informed Bai Xiaoru and rushed toward the Spirit Sword Pavilion. Bai Xiaoru’s gaze sharpened. "What was bound to come has arrived," she murmured, a flicker of killing intent crossing her eyes.

When An Miaoling arrived at the Spirit Sword Pavilion, the four Saints, including Shangguan Ya, immediately noticed her. Knowing she was the apple of Qin Tian’s eye, they treated her with great respect. An Miaoling went straight to the point: "Someone has attacked our doorstep. Come with me to fight."

When she arrived at the sect gates, Xu Ming and Mo Wentian were already being beaten, their faces bruised and swollen. They looked at An Miaoling and the others with a sense of grievance. The three invaders were surprised to see the four Saints, not expecting a sect in the Eastern Continent to possess so many Saint-rank powerhouses. However, since the highest level among the defenders was only the second level of the Saint Realm, they felt they still held the advantage.

Shangguan Ya assessed the situation with a grave expression. She instructed Long Yi and Long Er, "The two of you coordinate to hold off the third-level Saint. I will handle one, and the Spirit Saint Tree will hold the other." The group agreed and engaged their respective opponents.

An Miaoling, clad in her feathered robes and clutching her sword, sought an opening. She knew she could not win a head-on confrontation, but a sneak attack with the Bingli Sword could prove decisive. She targeted the second-level Saint fighting Shangguan Ya.

Having mastered the Great Brightness Immeasurable Arts, Shangguan Ya’s strength had improved significantly, bringing her to the threshold of the third level. Still, she did not underestimate her opponent. Rapidly forming hand seals, she chanted, "Holy Seal of Radiance!" A milky-white seal expanded and slammed toward the second-level Saint. He countered with a punch, and both sides remained evenly matched.

An Miaoling sent a telepathic message to Shangguan Ya, asking her to create an opening. Shangguan Ya complied, biting her lip and unleashing her ultimate techniques in a frantic burst. The sudden intensity forced the second-level Saint to retreat repeatedly. Just as he lost his footing, An Miaoling struck from behind. "Piercing Yin and Yang!" The Bingli Sword, wreathed in black and white energy, lunged forward.

The second-level Saint sensed the attack but dismissed it, refusing to care about an ant at the second level of the Semi-Saint Realm. He swatted at her dismissively. *Slash!* The Bingli Sword pierced directly through his palm. He recoiled in shock, staring at the sword; only an Imperial weapon could have caused such a wound.

Before he could recover, Shangguan Ya struck with another Holy Seal of Radiance. He defended in a panic, only to be struck by An Miaoling’s sword again. The two women gained the upper hand, maintaining a relentless rhythm. Ten breaths later, he collapsed, slain by their storm of attacks.

They then turned their attention to the other second-level Saint. Seeing his companion’s death, he attempted to flee, but the Ancient Tree entangled him with countless vines, sealing his fate.

Only the third-level Saint remained. Relying on his superior cultivation and an Imperial-grade technique, he was not afraid. However, the pressure of facing six opponents began to take its toll, and he soon started suffering injuries. Realizing he might perish, he decided to retreat and return with reinforcements to raze Kunlun to the ground.

He managed to break through the encirclement and put some distance between himself and the group. "Just you wait," he sneered coldly. "When I return, you will all die."

Shangguan Ya and the others looked grim, knowing that a powerful force from the Central Continent could indeed annihilate them. The Saint laughed triumphantly—until he sensed movement behind him. Before he could react, a claw-shaped shadow struck his heart. *Boom!* He flew backward toward the group.

It was Bai Xiaoru. She had waited for his moment of highest arrogance to unleash her Heavenly Demon Claw, amplified by the Heavenly Demon Pearl. As the third-level Saint fell to the ground, he stared at Bai Xiaoru in shock, but before he could speak, the attacks of the others engulfed him.

With the enemies defeated, the group finally exhaled in relief. Xu Ming quickly cleaned the scene and ordered everyone to keep the event a secret.