They surged upward, colliding against the sea of yin energy, causing it to ripple like waves.
However, with his spiritual power sealed, breaking the formation wasn’t easy.
As soon as the peach blossoms ascended beyond two yards, the yin energy corroded them, causing them to wither and fall to the ground.
Yet, the impact had managed to tear open a narrow gap in the black-blue veil of yin energy ahead.
His sleeves billowed like the wings of a pink butterfly as Bi Qin seized the opportunity and dashed toward the courtyard entrance.
Hong Ning was shocked—even after drinking the enchanted wine, he still had enough strength to force his way through, even at the cost of damaging his true spirit.
This was an extremely rare opportunity—there was no way she would let him escape!
Without hesitation, she threw herself forward with all her strength to block his path.
Bi Qin whirled around, flicking his fingers.
A cluster of white light shot toward her like piercing needles.
Hong Ning instinctively raised her sword to deflect the attack, but there were too many—she couldn’t block them all.
She had underestimated him.
There was no time for regret—gritting her teeth, she braced herself as she was sent tumbling to the ground, rolling twice before stopping.
Suddenly—
A shadow flashed past.
A series of sharp metallic clashes rang out, sparks bursting in the air.
Something fell to the ground—scattered, fluttering lightly like petals.
Peach blossom petals.
At the edge of her vision, she saw a pair of cloud-patterned boots.
Yang Zhen stood before her, sword in hand.
He cast her a sidelong glance and remarked dryly, “So this is what you call ‘knowing your limits’?”
Though she had managed to avoid a fatal wound, she wouldn’t have escaped injury if not for his timely intervention.
His martial skill was far superior to hers.
Hong Ning quickly scrambled to her feet, casting him a grateful smile.
But Bi Qin was already gone.
She didn’t have time to dwell on it. “Wake Zhao Xing and the others. Tell them to guard the courtyard. If anything happens, use the transmission talisman to call me.”
With that, she activated her spell and vanished.
* * *
The rain had started again, falling in fine, needle-like strands, shimmering under the glow of the talismans.
She chased him into the peach forest once more.
Yet, his demonic energy had completely vanished.
She dared not be careless.
Gripping her long sword, she moved forward cautiously.
This peach demon had cultivated for at least 1,500 years—halfway to becoming an immortal.
Suppressing his demonic aura would be effortless for him.
The sound of raindrops striking the leaves filled the air, a gentle, rhythmic shushing.
Yet, rather than easing the tension, it only made the eerie silence of the forest feel even more oppressive.
As Hong Ning ventured deeper into the peach forest, there was still no sign of movement.
She abruptly stopped, raised her hand, and threw an object into the air while muttering an incantation.
The Demon-Revealing Mirror soared high, releasing a dazzling light that enveloped the entire forest.
Even the most powerful demon would at least reveal some trace of its presence under the mirror’s scrutiny.
Yet, beneath the falling rain, the forest remained unchanged—only rows upon rows of peach trees, swaying gently in the wind.
There was nothing.
No disturbance.
No trace of Bi Qin.
A diversion!
A chill ran down her spine.
Without hesitation, Hong Ning pulled out the transmission talisman and called urgently, “Young Master Yang? Yang Zhen?!”
A moment later, Yang Zhen’s voice responded, “Here.”
Hong Ning exhaled in relief. “Call me if anything happens.”
She had wasted the opportunity.
Frustration surged through her as she retrieved the mirror.
Bi Qin had consumed the enchanted wine—his powers were still temporarily suppressed.
He had likely fled back to his lair to hide.
But where?
In half an hour, the talisman’s effect would wear off—after that, he would become much harder to deal with.
As she turned to leave, a few pages of parchment slipped from her sleeve and fell into the muddy ground.
They were Wen Xin’s cultivation notes.
Seeing them stained with water and dirt, Hong Ning hastily bent down to pick them up, distressed.
Just as she reached for them, her eyes froze.
The topmost page bore a detailed topographic map of a mountain range.
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