Xu Yuehuai was heartbroken. Although she had only spent a short time with the tree spirit, she had developed a deep respect for this kind-hearted tree spirit.
"Don't give up, we will definitely find a way to save you!"
The tree spirit smiled, a hint of relief flashing in its murky eyes.
"Child, do not grieve for me. In my life, I have no regrets before heaven and earth, nor before the demon race..."
He paused, his breath growing weaker, "It's just a pity..."
Xu Yuehuai's eyes reddened, and she felt even more distressed.
Suddenly, a commotion arose outside the valley. Xu Yuehuai was startled and quickly signaled everyone to be quiet.
A group of disciples dressed in green robes escorted an old man in purple robes as he rode a sword.
"Master!"
Xu Yuehuai was both surprised and delighted. She never expected that her master would appear at this time.
Seeing this, the tree spirit mustered its strength, a glimmer of hope flashing in its eyes.
"It's Venerable Zisang! We're saved!"
Xu Yuehuai was about to appear when he was stopped by the tree spirit.
"Child, don't go out yet. If you disturb the Ying family and they find out we're hiding here, it might be bad for you."
Although Xu Yuehuai was puzzled, she still heeded the tree spirit's advice and continued to observe from the shadows.
After landing, Zi Sangyi's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on the head of the Ying family. A fierce glint flashed in her eyes: "My disciple has been injured. I will fight you to the death!"
The head of the Ying family knew that he was no match for Zi Sangyi.
His eyes darted around, and an idea came to him. Pointing in the direction of the valley, he said, "If Your Majesty doesn't believe me, you can search the area. That girl might be hiding there!"
Zi Sangyi followed his finger and looked into the depths of the valley, a playful smile playing on her lips.
"Oh? Really? Then I'll go take a look."
Zi Sangyi led the Ying family into the valley in a grand procession.
Sunlight filtered through the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, and the air was filled with the scent of damp earth.
Xu Yuehuai hid behind a huge rock, her heart pounding like a drum.
She gripped her sword tightly, her palms damp with sweat.
Her master was getting closer and closer; she could even hear the sound of his robes fluttering in the wind.
The tree spirit noticed Xu Yuehuai's nervousness, and gently patted her shoulder with its withered hand, comforting her in a hoarse voice: "Don't be afraid, I will protect you with my life."
His face was filled with determination, as if he were ready to sacrifice himself at any moment.
Zisang walked gracefully at the front of the group, her sharp eyes scanning every corner of the valley.
He seemed to sense something, paused slightly, and fixed his gaze on the boulder where Xu Yuehuai was hiding.
A playful smile curled at the corner of his lips as he feigned ignorance and said to the Ying family head, "Family head, there doesn't seem to be anyone here."
The head of the Ying family was secretly pleased and was about to speak in agreement when he saw Zi Sangyi suddenly turn around, her slender palm containing powerful spiritual energy, and slash at the boulder.
With a deafening roar, the boulder shattered instantly, sending debris flying everywhere. Xu Yuehuai and the group of demons were exposed to the crowd.
“Master…” Xu Yuehuai looked at Zisangyi, her heart filled with mixed feelings.
Zi Sangyi ignored Xu Yuehuai and instead swept her cold gaze over the Ying family members, her tone chilling: "Patriarch Ying, how dare you deceive me!"
The head of the Ying family's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly explained, "Your Excellency Zisang, it's a misunderstanding, this is absolutely a misunderstanding! I..."
"Shut up!" Zisangyi interrupted him sharply, "You injured my disciple and conspired with others to harm the demon race. Your crimes are unforgivable!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the disciples of Qingtao Valley behind him drew their swords and surrounded the Ying family members.
"Zisangyi, are you trying to start a war with my Ying family?" the Ying family patriarch shouted, his voice trembling with fear.
"War? My Qingtao Valley has nothing to fear from your Ying family!" Zi Sangyi sneered. "Today, I will make you pay for your blood debts!"
A great battle was about to break out. Zi Sangyi moved like lightning, her sword flashing, and in an instant, she knocked several Ying family disciples to the ground.
He was ruthless and merciless, and the powerful fluctuations of his spiritual energy shocked everyone present.
Xu Yuehuai watched her master's retreating figure, feeling both moved and worried.
Master was willing to go to war with the Ying family to protect her.
"Elder, let's go too!" Xu Yuehuai said to the tree spirit.
"Child, you mustn't!" the tree spirit stopped him. "Your injuries haven't healed yet; you shouldn't fight again."
“But…” Xu Yuehuai wanted to say something, but was interrupted by the tree spirit.
"Listen to me, protecting yourself is the greatest help you can give me," the tree spirit said firmly. "Even if it costs me my old life, I will protect you!"
Xu Yuehuai's eyes reddened, but she finally nodded.
The battle intensified, and the valley was filled with the sounds of clashing swords and shouts of battle.
Zi Sang was determined to fight against a hundred men, yet he held his own against them.
Her movements were graceful and her swordsmanship exquisite; every move contained immense power, inspiring awe in all who beheld her.
Seeing that the situation was not good, the head of the Ying family rolled his eyes and shouted at a thin disciple behind him, "What are you standing there for! Hurry up and go and invite the patriarch!"
The disciple trembled with fright and scrambled to run out of the valley.
Zi Sangyi did not stop him, but a contemptuous smile appeared on her lips: "You think that old codger from your Ying family can stand against me?"
Xu Yuehuai hid behind the tree spirit, her heart filled with anxiety.
She knew that although her master was powerful, he was ultimately no match for many others, especially since the Ying family patriarch was also a formidable opponent.
She secretly glanced at the demons around her; they were all wounded, clearly having suffered heavy losses in the previous battle.
The tree spirit noticed her gaze and sighed.
Xu Yuehuai knew she could no longer be a burden to her master and elders.
She took a deep breath, circulating the remaining spiritual energy within her body, ready to support her master at any time.
Zisangyi was locked in combat with the Ying family members, their swords flashing like snow, their chilling aura palpable.
Every move he made was incredibly fierce and deadly.
Although the Ying family disciples outnumbered him, they were as vulnerable as clay chickens and earthen dogs in front of him.
"Zisangyi, you've gone too far!"
The head of the Ying family roared, as he was forced to retreat step by step by Zi Sangyi and had already been injured.
Zi Sangyi sneered: "Going too far? Your Ying family is the one who's really going too far!"
His swordplay became even more ferocious, with sword energy crisscrossing, forcing the head of the Ying family to retreat repeatedly.
Just then, a powerful pressure came from outside the valley, and an old voice echoed through the valley: "Who dares to run wild in my Ying family!"
Following the sound, an elderly man with white hair slowly walked into the valley.
His body was hunched over, yet he exuded a suffocating aura of power.
Upon seeing the old man, the head of the Ying family cried out as if he had seen a savior, "Ancestor, you've finally come!"
"This Zisang Yi is going too far! He actually wants to wipe out my entire Ying family!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com