"Are you planning to level my town?" the mysterious woman asked, her voice dripping with menace.
Ming Wen instinctively took a step back, the swirling breeze around him subsiding. He gathered his composure and respectfully clasped his hands together before addressing the woman.
"May I know who this esteemed master is?" he inquired.
"Someone that will not leave your corpse behind, if you keep standing here." she replied with a cold, unyielding gaze.
"Perhaps in my haste, I have neglected proper introduction and to mention my masters. I apologize for any offense caused," Ming Wen explained, striving to salvage the situation. "I have been sent by the esteemed Yang sect to extend an invitation to these two individuals to accompany me."
Ming Wen invoked the name of the Yang sect, hoping to elicit either fear or respect from the woman, given their reputation and prominence.
However, the woman displayed an apathetic indifference towards everyone and everything. All she cared for was that the engagement in a battle between these powerful visitors would undoubtedly result in the city's destruction.
"You can do whatever you want outside this area, and I couldn't care less," she asserted with an air of detached indifference.
Ming Wen found himself visibly shaken, torn between his duty to ensure the capture of the two individuals and the realization that this woman far surpassed him in strength.
She had attained the peak of the true form phases, potentially achieving Perfect Body or even Perfect Spirit. Her astonishing speed could rend through the fabric of space itself in brief bursts.
She was no ordinary master, and Ming Wen knew he was no match for her. The Bamboo in Spring Skill, practiced by the disciples of the Yang Clan, held no power or effect against her.
The mere presence of this woman instilled such terror that the flow of chi within his channels refused to form the necessary skills, and even the gentle breeze-like gentleness dissipated.
"Very well, I shall leave first," Ming Wen conceded, bowing respectfully to the woman. He then turned to Xuan Yi and Tian Wei, and spoke regretfully. "It's a pity we can't chat any longer. I guess I shall see you two soon." With those words, he started to depart.
However, before he could take a single step, he heard something that surprised him, causing him to pause momentarily, before swiftly leaving.
"You possess an aura befitting an immortal, yet you are not one. Curious," the woman remarked, her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized Tian Wei, attempting to discern his true nature.
Xuan Yi, sensing the immense power emanating from the woman, spoke up, his voice respectful. "Might we have the honor of knowing the name of this esteemed master, so that we may express our gratitude properly?" He, too, recognized the unfathomable strength possessed by this woman.
She seemed like an abyss with no bottom. The presence of such a formidable figure in this remote and unremarkable place was truly perplexing. It appeared that hidden masters could be found even in the most unexpected corners.
This person was not to be trifled with. Xuan Yi understood that even with Tian Wei's considerable strength, they were but insignificant ants in her presence.
She had undoubtedly transcended the boundaries of the True Spirit realm, granting her control over the very weather around her. He had witnessed how the winds obeyed her and how her essence caused even the sky to crackle.
In the face of such individuals, it was prudent to humble oneself. Moreover, this woman had saved them and bought them some precious time.
With Ming Wen gone, likely waiting outside in the plains or the Wailing Mountain, they might as well make use of this opportunity to stay in the village, strategize their escape, or seek assistance if possible.
"If our paths cross again, then you shall learn my name," she replied, her gaze still fixed upon Tian Wei. She seemed to possess the ability to discern something about him.
Xuan Yi pressed on, expressing their desire to offer gratitude for her assistance. However, the woman dismissed the notion.
"I care only for this village, so there is no need for gratitude. I understand your wish to linger, but I will not allow you to remain in these lands any longer. Depart within the hour," she declared before vanishing as swiftly as she had arrived.
The woman had sensed that something was amiss with Tian Wei. She deduced that, if Tian Wei was indeed an immortal as she suspected and as he seemed to confirm, he was severely limited in his capabilities, barely able to keep pace with those who had recently tempered their bones and entered the true form phase.
She understood that Ming Wen, in the 6th cycle of Tempered Bones, seemed to possess a considerable advantage over Tian Wei if they fought. Yet, despite Tian Wei's having only entered the tempered veins phase, there was an undeniable force within him that surpassed mortal understanding.
The woman also considered that It was possible that he could indeed engage in a battle against her, although it appeared highly improbable, as wielding such power would likely cause his tempered veins body to crumble. He remained an mysterious entity, impossible to read or comprehend.
The woman sighed, she couldn't allow them to stay, she now only desired to see Tian Wei and his companion depart from these lands. She couldn't risk provoking any potential adversaries they might have offended, especially if they turned out to be immortals—a distinct possibility, given the aura surrounding Tian Wei.
"Do you believe you could defeat this immortal?" Tian Wei asked, calling after the woman that had already disappeared.
Xuan Yi was startled and confused. Why would Tian Wei even consider provoking such a woman? He immediately felt a sense of relief that she had departed before Tian Wei voiced his question aloud.
"Hmm," the woman scoff reverberated in the air from all around. The woman had somehow heard Tian Wei. However, no response followed.
"She is no ordinary individual for her to manage to see through me" Tian Wei admitted, acknowledging her immense power.
**
[Dear reader,
Thank you for your support! The recent chapters have been setting up the plot, and everything will come together soon.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know.
With love,
Author
*** And this song, oh my heart bleeds**
TIĀN LÓNG BĀ BÙ ZHĪ SÙ DÍ – Xǔ Sōng
]