The branches and leaves were decayed and withered, scattered on the ground, while the charred tree trunks stood crookedly, with bark peeling off to reveal the ghastly wooden grain, silently narrating the fierce battle just endured. Each scar engraved the cruelty of the fight.

Only a gentle breeze brushed by, carrying a slight chill, yet it also stirred up the fallen leaves on the ground and the pungent, strong smell of blood.

That metallic scent lingered in the air like a never-dispersing cloud, invading people's nostrils, making their stomachs churn, almost provoking nausea.

Wu Zhong, Xiao Lingling, Xie Wen, and others stood in place, as if petrified by a Body Stasis Spell.

Their gazes fixed on Liu Tingting like nails, full of vigilance and suspicion, as if watching a beast that could attack at any moment. They couldn't reconcile this Liu Tingting, who helped slay enemies, with the one who had caused the Heroic Sakura Association countless troubles with her devious tricks.

This sudden change filled their hearts with unease and wariness.

Wu Zhong furrowed his brows tightly, seemingly able to crush a fly; the wrinkles on his forehead were like deep ravines.

His fists clenched, knuckles whitened from exertion, and veins protruded between his joints like hibernating little snakes.

He lowered his voice, squeezing it out through clenched teeth, as if afraid of being overheard, yet it carried an uncontrollable anger as he said to Xiao Lingling beside him, "Liu Tingting has always been cunning, her mind as deep as an abyss. Helping like this today, who knows what vicious scheme she might be plotting behind the scenes. Our Heroic Sakura Association's disciples have suffered no less at her hands, experiencing endless torment. I reckon she doesn't harbor good intentions, probably calculating how to deal us a fatal blow."

As he spoke, a gust of mountain wind howled past, making the surrounding branches rustle as if adding tension to his words.

Xiao Lingling nodded slightly, her hair chaotically fluttering in the wind.

Her eyes were also filled with anxiety, like heavy dark clouds shrouding her heart.

She instinctively gripped the Dual Blades in her hands tightly, and the blades gleamed coldly in the mottled sunlight streaming through the branches, mirroring her cold state of mind, ready to respond to sudden situations to protect herself and her companions.

At this moment, a long, mournful wolf howl echoed from a distant valley, resounding in the silent mountain forest, as if a call from Hell, adding to the tension and unease.

A waterfall cascaded down from the mountain peak, with rapid torrents and splashing droplets, its roaring echoing in the valley, providing a heavy soundtrack to the confrontation filled with suspicion, making the heart race and nerves tense.

Liu Tingting gazed at the crowd as if they were facing a great enemy, full of vigilance, and inwardly sneered, "A bunch of shortsighted fools. Once I acquire the Vermilion Bird and White Tiger, controlling that supreme power, you will all obediently submit and bow to me."

However, on the surface, she maintained that gentle and charming smile, like a blooming spring flower, soft and radiant, seemingly unconcerned about the wary gazes directed at her.

At this moment, the surrounding air seemed to freeze under an invisible force, solidified to the point of suffocation.

Only the rustling sound of water flowing from the nearby mountain stream broke the eerie and oppressive silence, like a monotonous melody.

Occasionally, a few leaves charred by the battle, like kites with broken strings, drifted slowly from the branches, tracing arcs in the air before falling to the ground with a delicate and crisp "rustling" sound.

The bizarre rocks by the creek, varied in shape, some resembling ferocious beasts poised to attack, others like old sages lost in thought, stood there quietly, silently witnessing everything.

Nun Chixia, leading disciples Liao Ran, Ruo Ran, and others, walked steadily and resolutely towards Liu Tingting.

Behind them, the few crude and dilapidated thatched cottages of the Hengshan Sect swayed in the howling mountain wind like candles in the wind.

The thatched roofs were blown scattered by the fierce wind, like disheveled hair. The nun brought her hands together in a gesture of gratitude, her face wearing a sincere and thankful smile, saying, "Thank you, young lady, for your righteous assistance in rescuing our Hengshan Sect. I'm deeply grateful."

Her voice was gentle and kind, like the warm sun of spring, offering comfort.

Liu Tingting slightly raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a perfectly measured smile that seemed humble yet concealed scheming, and said gracefully, "No need for thanks, Nun. I am the fiancée of the Grand Squad Leader of the Heroic Sakura Association and the Young Palace Master of the Liaodong Celestial Pool Divine Water Palace, Liu Tingting. I came at the order of the Grand Squad Leader Shi Feiyang to assist you."

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, like a clear mountain spring, but to Wu Zhong and the others, it seemed fraught with hidden meanings, each word carrying a hook that made them uneasy.

At this moment, she thought to herself, "Establishing this identity first, then everything will be easier to manage. As long as I can win their trust, Shi Feiyang will eventually fall under my control, at my mercy."

Sunlight spilled on her, tracing her graceful and elegant silhouette like a beautiful painting. Yet the sly glint that flashed in her eyes was out of place with this bright sunshine, like a cold star in the night sky, exuding chill and calculation.

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