"Live or die, let fate decide!" Ji Yewei said as she tightly bound Ji Yefu with the Immortal Binding Rope, then pushed her into the lake with a shove.

Splashing water erupted, and Ji Yefu's figure gradually disappeared into the depths of the lake. Gu Sheng stared at the surface of the water, taking a deep breath before turning to Ji Yewei.

"Let's go," he said.

The two turned and left without noticing the strange occurrence in the lake. As Ji Yefu was plunged into the water, a shadowy figure surged from the depths, latching onto her.

"Hehehe, such a fine body—why let it go to waste?" The shadow chuckled eerily, possessing Ji Yefu's form.

By then, Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei had already left the lakeside, oblivious to this transformation.

Several days later, when they returned to the lake, they were stunned to find Ji Yefu had emerged from the water. Her gaze had turned cold and sinister.

"You two idiots really thought you could rid yourselves of me so easily?" Ji Yefu sneered spitefully, her figure flashing as she lunged at them.

Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei were horrified, completely unprepared for Ji Yefu's survival—let alone her newfound strength. Joining forces, they fought back, only to realize her power had grown far beyond what it had been.

"Hehehe, is that all you've got?" Ji Yefu mocked. "Let me send you on your way!"

She struck toward Gu Sheng with a palm. Gu Sheng's figure flickered as he dodged the blow and retaliated with a thrust of his sword. However, Ji Yefu seemed to know his move beforehand and effortlessly evaded the strike.

"You are no match for me," Ji Yefu said with a cold smirk. "Prepare to die!"

With that, she swept her arms, sending two waves of black energy hurtling toward them. Despite joining forces to counter the attack, Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei were still pushed back several steps.

"How can this be?" Ji Yewei exclaimed in shock. "How did her strength suddenly become so terrifying?"

"I have no idea," Gu Sheng replied with a frown. "But there's no doubt she's extremely hard to handle now."

Locked in a fierce struggle, the two faced an overwhelming pressure they'd never experienced before. Yet, they refused to give up. Gu Sheng activated his Cultivation Technique, showcasing the full strength of his Sea Floor Realm's First Level. Phenomenons of mountains, rivers, lakes, flowers, and mythical beasts materialized around him, his imposing presence overwhelming. At the same time, he unleashed his Ancient Sacred Body, his entire form enveloped with mesh-like golden light, akin to a golden War God descending to the earth.

He struck with golden palms and fists, clashing against Ji Yefu in battle. Meanwhile, Ji Yewei wielded the Jade Lady's Seven-Colored Sword and the Thirsty Blood Battle Axe, engaging Ji Yefu in a heart-stopping duel.

Ji Yefu seemed to possess limitless power; no matter how the two attacked, they couldn't deal any substantial damage to her. Instead, with every exchange of blows, Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei gradually lost the upper hand.

"Hehehe, is this really the best you can do?" Ji Yefu sneered brutally. "Looks like I'll feast well tonight!"

Once again, she swept her arms, sending another wave of black energy at them. This time, Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei failed to withstand the strike and were sent flying.

"Urgh!" Gu Sheng hit the ground heavily, coughing up bright red blood. Ji Yewei, too, collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath as she glared at Ji Yefu.

"How can this happen?" Ji Yewei asked with frustration. "We tried so hard…"

"Hehehe, trying hard?" Ji Yefu ridiculed. "Before absolute power, what use is effort? You might as well accept your fate and become my food!"

As she advanced toward them, a green figure suddenly darted out from the woods, blocking her path.

"Who are you?" Ji Yefu asked warily.

"Who I am doesn't matter," the green figure replied. "What matters is that I won't let you hurt them."

With those words, the figure launched an attack on Ji Yefu. The speed was astonishing, the movement technique enigmatic, and within moments, the two were locked in an evenly-matched battle. Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei seized the opportunity to stand and retreat to the side.

After an intense confrontation, the green figure finally drove Ji Yefu back. Turning to face Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei, he asked, "Are you two alright?"

"We're alright. Thank you for saving us," Gu Sheng said gratefully.

"Don't mention it," the green figure responded. "I just happened to pass by and saw you in danger, so I decided to step in."

"May we know your name, benefactor?" Ji Yewei asked.

"Lu Liu!"

With that, Lu Liu turned and disappeared into the woods. It turned out to be a mysterious woman.

Night deepened as moonlight gently cascaded over the lake. After bidding farewell to Lu Liu, Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei walked side by side, their shadows stretching long beneath the moonlight, resembling two intertwining souls.

"You're free now; you could go home!" Gu Sheng broke the silence, his tone subtly tinged with care.

Ji Yewei frowned slightly at his words. She lifted her gaze to the stars, her eyes sparkling with defiance. "I don't want to go home. The family is full of scheming and opportunism—it's utterly uninteresting. Wandering the world with you would be much more exhilarating!" Her voice carried a mix of playfulness and sincerity, making it hard to tell her true intentions.

Gu Sheng smiled faintly, already accustomed to the whims and ways of aristocratic daughters. He said nothing more, silently deploying his Divine Thought to seek prey in the tranquility of the night. He knew that for a young lady like Ji Yewei, the notion of wandering the world might only be a passing fancy, but he was willing to accompany her through this chapter of her journey.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.