After settling Bai Lingxuan's lingering worries, the team finally arrived at Exorcism Pass.
Exorcism Pass—also known as Exorcism City—stood at the gateway to the vast Demon-Suppressing Mountain Range, a natural barrier stretching thousands of miles. It was one of the most important strongholds of the Holy Temple Alliance in the eastern region, serving as a critical line of defense against the demon race.
The main hall of the Assassin Temple was located here.
Beyond the Demon-Suppressing Mountains lay an endless plain—territory long occupied by demons. Over countless years, humanity had exhausted every possible method to hold them back. Relying on terrain advantages, the Alliance established six great passes, each easy to defend and difficult to conquer.
Exorcism Pass was one such fortress.
With the mountains at its back, even demon armies would pay a terrible price if they attempted to break through.
Originally, Bai Lingxuan's team was meant to pass through Exorcism Pass and head deeper into demon territory. However, an unexpected encounter caused them to linger.
She truly hadn't expected to meet the Commander-level Thirty-Seventh Demon Hunt Squad here.
A woman with golden hair entered their field of view. She wore priestly robes trimmed in gold, a faint sacred glow surrounding her figure. Her presence was gentle yet dignified.
It was Ruoshui.
A priest from the Priest Temple—and a core member of the Commander-level Thirty-Seventh Demon Hunt Squad.
At twenty-seven years old, Ruoshui was in her prime. Her cultivation had already reached seventh rank, first level, an achievement that spoke volumes about her talent.
In terms of seniority, Ruoshui was Bai Lingxuan's junior.
After all, Ruoshui's teacher had been Bai Lingxuan's father's final disciple.
Because of this connection, the two shared an unusually close relationship.
However, due to their different professions, they had never been assigned to the same Demon Hunt Squad. Once demon hunters entered the battlefield, life and death became constants—there was rarely time for reunions.
Meeting here was already a surprise.
Seeing the two sisters reconnect, the rest of the team tactfully stepped aside.
"Senior Sister Lingxuan."
Ruoshui smiled brightly, her voice calm and warm.
"It's been a long time."
Her gentle gaze lingered on Bai Lingxuan. Though still youthful, Ruoshui's eyes already carried ambition—the drive to climb ever higher.
"It really has," Bai Lingxuan replied softly. "You've reached the seventh rank already."
Then, like a true senior, she asked, "Has your squad set a timeline for advancing to King-level?"
For once, Bai Lingxuan felt what it was like to be the elder.
"If everything goes smoothly, another five years should be enough," Ruoshui said honestly. "Senior Sister, how dangerous is your mission this time? Is there a chance our squads might cooperate?"
Bai Lingxuan shook her head.
"This mission is extremely dangerous. Even we can't guarantee our own safety. Cooperation will have to wait."
After a pause, she added gently, "But next time—we'll plan something together. Your squad's growth rate is impressive."
Ruoshui's team had formed nearly five years later than Bai Lingxuan's, yet they had already risen to the Commander level in under a decade—remarkable by any standard.
"It's thanks to our captain," Ruoshui said sincerely.
"Then let's work together next time," Bai Lingxuan replied. "I'll contact you once this mission ends."
She smiled. "Duty comes first."
Ruoshui nodded. "I understand."
Watching Bai Lingxuan leave, Ruoshui's golden eyes dimmed slightly.
Every meeting ended too quickly.
Since becoming demon hunters, time together had become a luxury.
"If you wanted her to stay, you could've said so," someone beside her teased.
Ruoshui shook her head. "We all carry our own responsibilities."
"Once this mission is over, Senior Sister will likely become a Temple Master candidate."
That was no exaggeration.
Bai Lingxuan had ranked first among her peers in the Priest Temple.
"I wonder how long this mission will take…" Ruoshui murmured, then clenched her fists.
"Commander—let's give it everything we've got."
"We must become a King-level Demon Hunt Squad."
---
On the other side of the border, Bai Lingxuan's team had already entered demon territory.
Endless yellow sand stretched as far as the eye could see.
After occupying most of the Holy Demon Continent, the demons had devoured every edible creature—beasts, birds, anything living. With no vegetation remaining, the land had become a barren wasteland.
A violent wind howled, sand filling the air.
The six rode atop ice crystal wolves summoned by Yun Xianglu.
As a prodigy of the Soul Temple, Yun Xianglu had already opened two Life Gates, allowing her to summon multiple contracted magical beasts simultaneously.
"Watch your eyes," Yu Yan warned in a low voice.
"Five kilometers ahead lies a demon supply camp," he continued, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"Let's give them a proper welcome."
"Burn their granaries."
---
(End of Chapter 4)