In the vast forest, a dense crowd of village women who initially came to watch the excitement stood silently.

The surroundings were eerily silent, and the forest, under the increasingly intense sun, was filled with a tense atmosphere of suspense.

Shu Ci slowly emerged from Baili An’s embrace, glanced calmly at the charred remains of the old Taoist who had turned to ash, then disinterestedly looked away.

Or rather, it wasn’t disinterest, but an innate indifference to life.

The fierce fire that recently soared to the sky turned to ashes with the old Taoist.

In the prolonged silent atmosphere, Baili An slowly turned around and smiled faintly: "But I misunderstood Taoist Huang. It turns out Taoist Huang was indeed an ancient Immortal, and this trial by fire has triggered such a celestial phenomenon, manifesting the aspect of transcending into an Immortal. Truly, congratulations are in order."

Is this something worth celebrating?

The person has turned into charcoal!

Everyone felt chills running down their spine, but seeing Baili An’s sincere smile, if he hadn’t been holding someone, he might have clasped his hands together and chanted Amitabha.

"Little... young lord, no matter how wrong the old Taoist was, he didn’t deserve death. Such a thing..."

Some villagers felt this act was overly cruel.

Anyone could tell that the old Taoist was just an ordinary person.

Baili An replied, "So, according to all of you, Immortal Huang setting fire to kill my wife is acceptable? You could even clap and watch?"

"That’s not what we meant. We initially didn’t know Shu Madam’s true identity and were misled for a moment, hence the confusion."

Baili An raised his eyes: "A bright mind sees the truth, a wicked heart harbors a fierce ghost.

Whether one is a monster or a ghost, it tests their inner heart. You suspect my wife of colluding with fierce ghosts to take lives, yet you have no solid evidence.

The old Taoist intended harm, which he admitted.

You think the suspect is unworthy of life, but the crime committers are understandable and not deserving of death?"

The crowd was speechless.

"The difference lies in the perception of the enforcer: one is the Immortal Taoist you revere.

The other is a traveler from unknown origins practicing enigmatic sorcery." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Baili An smiled faintly and, without trying to argue right from wrong, softly said to Shu Ci in his arms: "Help me take out five golden leaves from the Qiankun Bag."

Shu Ci refused to move: "We don’t take orders from anyone."

The main reason being that Baili An was filled with murderous energy at the moment, and the karma barrier around him was deeply intense.

She was enveloped in a sensation of bliss, so comfortable that the pain in her face had reduced significantly, reluctant to move much.

Her nose pressed hard against Baili An’s neck, secretly taking in deep breaths.

Despite going through a life-and-death experience, Baili An couldn’t help but resent her for continuing to take advantage of him.

Feeling frustrated and impatient, he coldly said: "If you remain disobedient, I’ll throw you away."

Shu Ci couldn’t bear to relinquish the enticing aroma emanating from his body, so reluctantly complied.

Baili An calmly walked to Aunt Wu, saying: "Aunt Wu, for your five times speaking justly, here are these five leaves as tokens of your sincere heart’s protection."

Aunt Wu had never seen so many golden leaves in her life, each large enough to cover a palm.

But the value of these leaves extended beyond their pure gold worth; their exquisite carvings were vividly lifelike, possessing significant artistic excellence.

Such rare items were unseen in this impoverished rural area.

If taken to the city and pawned, Aunt Wu could estimate comfortable living for the rest of her life.

Aunt Wu’s eyes widened, her hands waving quickly: "I can’t accept! I can’t accept! One mustn’t be greedy! Don’t be greedy!"

Baili An raised an eyebrow silently, and Shu Ci understood his cue, placing the golden leaves into Aunt Wu’s pants pocket that "accidentally" opened.

Baili An smiled gently, saying: "You can accept."

After Baili An left.

Everyone gazed jealously at Aunt Wu’s glowing appearance.

Aunt Wu seemed to be truly lucky; who knew where all this fortune came from? Just by speaking some good words for someone, she acquired so many golden leaves.

As Baili An walked away, someone remarked jealously: "Aunt Wu, that Baili family’s young master is clearly walking a crooked path. Ordinary people can’t control flames like that, and with such handsome features, who knows if he’s some mountain-created fox spirit."

Books always mention how fox demons are best at controlling fox fire, capable of transformative illusions. You should watch out; these shiny golden leaves may turn into mere dry tree leaves when you get home."

Someone else chimed in: "Indeed, if he were truly someone of great importance, why would he stay in such a godforsaken place? With his weak appearance, who knows which Immortal Sect Taoist has injured him. Otherwise, with such wealth, why not recuperate in the enchanting Capital City? There must be too many Taoist Immortals there, afraid of being captured and made into elixirs. Aunt Wu, be cautious; these golden leaves seem to be a great bargain, but beware of hidden curse techniques extracting energy."

Aunt Wu instinctively clutched her pocket, perplexed by the crowd’s words, stammering: "That Baili family’s young lord seems kind-hearted; shouldn’t he have no grudges against me and won’t harm me?"

"Won’t harm anyone? Didn’t you see how Taoist Huang died tragically? He came in grandeur, but left as mere residue. Who knows, these golden leaves might burn you to ashes by nightfall."

The crowd spread fear, and Aunt Wu, being a rural woman, was persuaded, appearing confused and hesitant.

Suddenly, a clear breeze swept through the forest.

Several figures appearing in white robes with Taoist attire descended with Sword Control, landing amidst the forest.

"Did any of you see a sickly young man passing through?"

Another young woman adept at Sword Control pointed to the remnants of the fire pile, softly exclaiming, "Ah, Senior Sister Su Jing, it’s my Taixuan Sect’s fire control technique."

The crowd saw this group of people, all with extraordinary presence, their eyes shimmering brightly, their skin glowing with spiritual energy, and brows gentle as springtime, possessing distinct elegance.

As villagers, they had never seen such impeccably beautiful youth before.

Especially the tall, slender woman leading them, dressed in white with black hair, under the gentle morning light, appeared increasingly aloof and elegant.

Though she seemed extremely unapproachable, she was mesmerizing, beyond belief that people could look like her.

The leading woman gazed at the ash heap on the ground, seemingly thoughtful, while her young companion softly called her several times, "Senior Sister Su Jing."

She slowly withdrew her gaze, blandly replied: "Yes, it was him."

The young disciple seemed to respect her greatly, speaking in subdued tones, appearing slightly nervous.

"I thought it was just gossip from the sect, who knew it’s true. I never expected Senior Sister Wen Jiu to accept a direct disciple, let alone so casually. It’s so unlike her usual style."

Su Jing cast her eyes askew: "As owner of the Nine Classics, it’s not for you to comment?"

The female disciple immediately shrank her neck, no longer daring to speak.

"Um... esteemed Immortals, is the young man you mentioned one of your companions?"

Listening to all of this, the crowd gradually grew uneasy.