Everyone was halted, their eyes filled with shock and doubt as they looked ahead.

The glacial hills were blindingly bright under the radiant sunlight, making it almost impossible to keep one's eyes open. Yet, the blood-soaked ground littered with severed limbs and broken bodies remained a horrifying sight.

A decapitated head as tall as a man.

Fingers as thick as tree trunks.

Grotesque, rotting tree-like remains!

...

The scattered remnants instantly seized everyone's attention, and Zhong Limeng's clear eyes trembled.

"This...!"

Exchanging hushed glances, even Uncle Song's expression darkened with caution.

The group fell into an uneasy silence, their faces heavy with tension.

As they cautiously stepped forward to inspect the scene, gasps of disbelief rose among them.

"These remains still carry a terrifying aura of slaughter—this must be the work of a high-ranking demon!"

"Worse than that. Look at this skull. Even devoid of life, it exudes an oppressive pressure. This demon was no ordinary foe in life!"

"Hiss... Who could have slaughtered so many demons?"

"Only a true Heaven-tier expert could accomplish such a feat. And the one who left behind nothing but useless carcasses after killing so many demons... It’s most likely Fu Haotian and his group!"

"Damn it! That spoiled heir beat us to it!"

"What do we do now? They have an elite team backing them and have already taken the lead. Even if we press forward, we’ll likely find nothing worthwhile!"

"This..."

The disciples exchanged anxious glances, their voices thick with frustration.

Fu Haotian had the support of a powerful entourage, far beyond what their group could match.

Even with ten of them—including Yi Feng, a Saint-ranked expert—they stood no chance against Fu Haotian’s forces. They had already been left far behind.

At best, they could only scavenge scraps.

The outcome of this disciple hunting competition was all but decided.

When they returned to the Cangtian Heavenly Palace, Fu Haotian would undoubtedly claim victory with overwhelming dominance. Not only would they lose, but they would lose humiliatingly.

It was almost certain—a crushing defeat awaited them.

"What a ruthless move—killing the competition and breaking their spirits! That shameless bastard is truly merciless!"

Even Uncle Song, a seasoned elder, couldn’t suppress his fury.

The younger disciples clenched their fists in bitter resentment.

They weren’t afraid of losing—but losing to a despicable schemer, watching such a man become the next Palace Master, filled them with seething hatred!

Amid the despair, Zhong Limeng’s delicate brows furrowed.

Her clear eyes reflected the pressure as she stared at the mutilated corpses.

The gruesome battlefield resembled a massacre. Witnessing it firsthand, she realized the vast gap in strength between their groups, and a sense of hopelessness crept into her heart.

Yet, the thought of defeat stoked her unwillingness.

Looking ahead, the blood-stained hills stretched endlessly—there was no chance left on this path. Pressing forward would be futile.

Unless... they abandoned this conservative route!

At this thought, Zhong Limeng tightened her jade-like fingers hidden in her sleeves.

"Uncle Song, everyone."

"There’s one last option—we abandon this path and split up to search for other opportunities!"

Her resolute voice cut through the gloom like a ray of dawn, startling the group.

But as her words sank in, hesitation flickered across their faces.

Splitting up was a desperate gamble—expanding their search range could increase their chances of success, however slim.

To remain so composed in such dire straits was extraordinary. That she could propose such a strategy outshone countless men in the world.

But splitting up also meant facing unknown dangers alone.

On the demon-infested Shui Hanxing...

This was an incredibly reckless move—akin to courting death!

On one side, their honor and future hung in the balance. On the other, a deadly gamble.

The internal struggle was fierce, and even the male cultivators wore expressions of shame and indecision.

The atmosphere grew suffocatingly tense.

Except for Yi Feng.

After seeing the demon corpses and hearing the proposal, he was practically brimming with excitement, barely stopping himself from clapping in approval.

Splitting up? Absolutely!

Otherwise, others would take all the kills!

This woman was decisive—she had spoken straight to his heart.

Truly, great minds think alike!

The silence stretched for several breaths, so heavy that even the sound of breathing was audible.

Uncle Song was the first to speak, his voice filled with aged wisdom.

"Good! It’s rare to see such resolve, niece. This old man will stake everything to support you. Even if I meet your father in the afterlife, I can embrace him with pride!"

"I’d rather die than let that shameless brat Fu Haotian succeed!"

The elder’s fighting spirit flared like a youth’s, his white beard and robes billowing.

His fervor ignited the disciples’ blood.

Gritting their teeth, they solemnly pledged their commitment one after another.

Zhong Limeng’s eyes shimmered with emotion as she bowed deeply to Uncle Song, thanking her sworn brothers and sisters before giving urgent final instructions. Soon, the group scattered in all directions.

Before parting, Yi Feng eagerly turned to Zhong Limeng.

"Miss Zhong, everyone has their own path. Which direction should I take?"

Zhong Limeng blinked in surprise.

Only then did she realize she hadn’t factored Yi Feng into her plans.

But seeing the righteous young man’s earnest request, she couldn’t bring herself to dismiss him.

They were merely passing acquaintances, with no deep ties. Yet Yi Feng had volunteered to aid their demon-slaying mission and support her in the disciple competition.

For both public duty and personal gratitude, such a noble-hearted young man couldn’t be abandoned in danger.

Remembering Yi Feng’s unusual mount—perhaps capable of swift escape—she refrained from outright rejecting him to spare his pride.

Forcing a gentle smile, she softly advised,

"Yi Feng, just search nearby as before, guarding our rear. Do not advance recklessly."

"If you encounter any danger, send a distress signal immediately!"

Her tactful words carried warmth and concern, lifting his spirits.

Yi Feng nodded obediently.

"Understood."

After their agreement, Zhong Limeng bid him a solemn farewell before darting cautiously eastward, her graceful figure soon disappearing into the distance.