Chapter 30: Too Close to Death
Not far from Sound Soul Valley, nestled within the rugged terrain of the eastern region.
The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over Shadow Sea City, a mid-sized cultivation hub perched along the fractured cliffs of the eastern Sea-Wind Range. Mist rolled across its perimeter, veiling the city’s modest defensive array in shifting clouds.
Outside the city gates, space twisted unnaturally for a breath of time—then, two figures appeared as if conjured from the ether.
Xiao Ning stood at the forefront, his black robes fluttering without wind, his expression was cold and unreadable.
Standing beside him was Mei Lin, her robes stained and disheveled, her spiritual aura flickering like a candle in the wind.
Beads of sweat clung to her forehead, and the corners of her lips were tinged pale.
"W-Who... Who was that woman...?"
Xiao Ning’s gaze shifted slowly toward her. His expression remained unreadable, but the cold glint in his eyes sharpened.
A simple mission—capture Jiang Chen, obtain Wu Shu’s nascent soul—had spiraled into complete failure.
He had gained neither soul nor advantage. All it had done was waste precious time.
Xiao Ning said nothing, but Mei Lin could feel the pressure in the air. Her heart tightened instinctively.