Fan Jianqiang felt that the sect leader was truly good.
He didn't say much but always supported him and never doubted him. How wonderful!
The second elder, however, wasn't like that. His look surely indicated suspicion.
Sigh, this is hard!
Fan Jianqiang sighed silently, but then he vaguely felt something was off.
If the sect leader were truly this honest, how could he have managed to keep the second elder so obedient? There must be something more to this! And also, the sect leader's earlier remark...
Fan Jianqiang suddenly realized something.
The sect leader is an honest man?!
At first glance, it indeed seemed so, but upon closer inspection and analysis, there appeared to be many suspicious points.
In other words...
If he isn't an honest man, then he must be someone with astonishing cunning, depth, and acting skills!
No, I can no longer treat him as an honest man, even if there's only a one in ten thousand chance. I need to be more cautious, especially in front of the sect leader. I always feel he's far more scheming than the seemingly shrewd second elder.
***
They were still on the run.
Liu Xun had been pursuing them all along.
He was a fifth-realm practitioner and travelling alone, so naturally, he was faster.
However, the previous waves of formations and talismans had made him wary. He didn't dare to charge recklessly and instead proceeded cautiously, checking everywhere, which slowed him down.
He couldn't catch up in a short time.
Until…
He discovered another area filled with formations.
"Another formation?"
"Judging by the setup, it's no different from the previous mediocre formations, likely from the same person. These formations can't hold me back. Could there be more astonishing formations later? Same old trick?"
He chuckled.
"Who would be so foolish? But it could mislead others."
Liu Xun suddenly had an idea.
He guessed there were likely other formations nearby, but it didn't matter. He could easily 'take a bath' in this mediocre formation, making them think he was dead, and then...
Just do it!
Liu Xun didn't hesitate and stepped right in.
He smiled, unconcerned.
These formations could barely handle slightly stronger fourth-rank practitioners at best, but he was not weak even among fifth-rank practitioners. What could they do to him?
However, the outcome was far beyond his expectations.
As soon as he stepped into the formation, he instantly felt dizzy and disoriented! Everything around him changed.
If the previous formations were harmless little mice, then at this moment, he was facing a pack of hungry wolves and fierce tigers, with the tigers even having gained intelligence!
"This?! I've been tricked! This is bad!"
Liu Xun instantly understood that he had been tricked.
The opponent had changed their tactics!!!
This was not using this formation to numb the enemy and make them careless! This was clearly using this formation as bait, targeting 'self-assured fish' like him!
So...
Did I become the fool I spoke of?!
Damn it!!!
Liu Xun's thoughts raced, and he realized a lot in an instant.
However, it was all in vain.
Even if he acted immediately, he was still instantly swallowed and overwhelmed by the terrifying array's fluctuations.
"Ah!!!"
The scream echoed far, far away.
***
"The Second Elder's divine might is invincible, striking down the enemy once again. My admiration for you is as boundless as the Long River and as uncontrollable as the Yellow River in flood!"
Before Wu Xingyun could speak, Fan Jianqiang had already showered her with a spiral rainbow of flattery that left her speechless.
Her mouth twitched slightly, but she ultimately said nothing.
Given the circumstances, how could she not realize that it was absolutely not her doing? Once could be considered a coincidence or an accident.
But twice, three times?
Where in the world are there so many coincidences?
Seeing her silent, Fan Jianqiang remained unperturbed.
As long as she didn't suspect him~
However~~~
His eyes darted around. "Second Elder, I can't hold it in anymore, can I..."
This time, Wu Xingyun didn't consult Lin Fan and simply said, "Go."
"Sorry."
Fan Jianqiang once again disappeared into the dense forest, clutching his buttocks.
***
"Sect Leader, why are you not the least bit surprised?" Wu Xingyun couldn't help but ask, "Could it be that you know his background?"
"I don't know."
Lin Fan shrugged.
He wasn't lying.
Who knows where he came from?
All he knew was that he was... a survivor~ ahem.
Wu Xingyun, hearing this, wanted to say more but stopped.
Don't know? You didn't know, yet you personally set out with me to find him? Don't know, yet you trust him so much?! I don't believe you!
But in the end, she didn't voice these thoughts, merely resolving silently...
Won't say?
Then I'll observe myself!
I don't believe I can't uncover Fan Jianqiang's background!
It wasn't just out of pure curiosity; she was somewhat concerned about Fan Jianqiang's character and motives.
Unlike Xiao Ling'er.
Xiao Ling'er's nature was evident at a glance, with a genuinely good heart.
But Fan Jianqiang...
He's too unpredictable.
Moreover, being so timid, to put it nicely, he's cautious; to put it bluntly, he's cowardly.
To accept such a person into Moon Grasping Sect, naturally, he must be well observed!
***
Liu Xun was dazed by the explosion.
He collapsed to the ground, his life or death uncertain, already unconscious.
A figure appeared stealthily.
Peeking out from behind a tree, he then took out two straw men, transformed them into human shapes, and approached. After confirming that the other party was indeed unconscious with no reaction, he used the straw men to take away his storage bag, then quietly left.
As for the two straw men...
He set them ablaze.
On the way, this figure let out a sinister laugh.
"Fame and fortune. Fame for you, profit for me. Hahaha!"
***
Before long.
Fan Qiangqiang returned, clutching his stomach.
"Sect Master, Second Elder, sorry to keep you waiting. I have completely cleared myself out, shall we go?"
Lin Fan nodded with a smile.
Wu Xingyun twitched the corners of his mouth but said nothing. He led the two towards Moon Grasping Sect.
***
Meanwhile…
Xiao Ling'er, Duan Qingyao, and the other three elders returned to the mountain gate one after another.
Their journey had been remarkably peaceful.
Thanks to secret techniques that altered their appearances, no one noticed them. Everyone thought Xiao Ling'er was still hiding in the city. Some were blocking the gates outside Grand Martial Immortal City, while others were investigating inside.
They never expected that they had quietly returned to Moon Grasping Sect.
But...
Everyone knew that returning to Moon Grasping Sect did not mean they were safe.
The current calm was merely the tranquility before the storm.
Xiao Ling'er's face was tense.
Elder Su Xinghai noticed her worry and couldn't help but smile, "You won the top spot, bringing fame to Moon Grasping Sect in the Southwest Region. This is a blessing for our sect. Moreover, you returned unscathed. Even us old folks would laugh awake in our coffins. So, why worry?"