The rules dictate that the four teams with the most Soul Lock Badges will advance to the second stage.

Therefore, even though they have already obtained five Soul Lock Badges, Ling Xiao decides to secure more to be on the safe side.

It’s best to eliminate all the disciples from Zixian Mountain and Red Immortal Mountain.

Daring to provoke Ling Xiao leads to this kind of outcome.

It should be said that the people from Red Immortal Mountain are unlucky.

Qing Luan Hua is strong enough, and with Ling Xiao, who is a monster, they have no chance of surviving.

The other teams are roughly balanced in strength.

If there is a stronger team, it might be the five-person team of Chi Ling’er and Sha Mo Yun.

"Where have you been?"

Qing Luan Hua frowned slightly, clearly annoyed: "Your skills aren’t great, and if you run into the leader of the escaping team, it could be life-threatening."

Though this girl underestimates Ling Xiao’s abilities, seeing she cares, Ling Xiao ignores her attitude.

He only chuckled and said, "I’ve been hiding nearby, waiting for your battle to end before coming out."

Qing Luan Hua frowned again, then sighed helplessly.

She is increasingly unsure about her judgments now.

Although Ling Xiao did not take part in the fight, he caused the team that tried to ambush them to nearly be wiped out.

This kid is truly extraordinary.

If she knew that the fleeing team leader was easily killed by Ling Xiao, what would her expression be?

"Let’s go; we shouldn’t stay here long."

To avoid Qing Luan Hua asking more questions, Ling Xiao simply suggested they leave immediately.

He naturally took the lead this time.

After the previous encounters, Qing Luan Hua had to admit that joining this team might not be misfortunate; it might even be a blessing.

"Ling Xiao."

After some distance, Qing Luan Hua suddenly stopped, called out to Ling Xiao ahead.

"What’s up?"

Ling Xiao turned back to ask.

"I believe you four can reach Sky Demon Peak easily; why don’t we separate here?"

Qing Luan Hua suggested.

"Separate? I don’t understand. Do you think we’re a burden and don’t want to travel with us?"

Ling Xiao asked curiously.

Qing Luan Hua shook her head and said: "No, though I don’t trust teammates, I know you four aren’t as incompetent as outside rumors suggest, judging from the recent fight."

"Then why?"

Lin Yang asked curiously.

"Sigh, since you insist on asking, I’ll just say it."

Qing Luan Hua felt that she had to tell the truth; otherwise, they might insist on following her.

So she said: "You’ve heard of Zi Luo Lan of Zixian Mountain, right?"

"Of course, Zi Luo Lan is the top expert of Zixian Mountain, only second to Sha Mo Yun and Chi Ling’er."

Cheng Feiying nodded.

"Zi Luo Lan is actually my sister, not by blood, but my father adopted her early on.

She and I grew up together.

Yet because of a trivial matter, she caused my father’s death.

I cannot forgive her!"

Qing Luan Hua sighed.

"So you plan to seek revenge alone?"

Ling Xiao asked.

"Yes, even if I can’t pass the assessment, I will kill Zi Luo Lan to avenge my father; I cannot tolerate her ungrateful behavior. My father loved her so much.

He cared for her more than me.

Personally sent her to Eight Immortals Mountain to learn the arts.

Yet she murdered my father."

Qing Luan Hua gritted her teeth.

Initially, she didn’t want to share this, but after saying it, she felt much lighter, and her discomfort eased.

The emotions suppressed within her were genuinely painful.

This also made her more withdrawn.

Now she feels better having shared it with others.

"Do you know where Zi Luo Lan is?"

Ling Xiao asked.

"I’m still unsure, but last year’s assessment, we battled in the ’Spider Cave’ at Demon Mountain.

Of course, I lost that battle, nearly died, but a Soul Token saved my life.

She was seriously injured too and didn’t pass the assessment either."

Qing Luan Hua replied.

"Then stay with me; I’ll help you find Zi Luo Lan. It’s much safer than searching alone.

Don’t refuse; I’m not doing it for you, but for myself!"

Seeing Qing Luan Hua touched, Ling Xiao quickly added: "If you fail, I won’t pass the assessment either, so forget about parting ways!"

Ling Xiao’s domineering tone stunned Qing Luan Hua, leaving her unable to refuse.

She only nodded slightly and said: "Zi Luo Lan is strong, and her team must not be weak. If it’s really impossible, I’ll give up revenge and not hold up your assessment, as repayment for you saving me before."

Ling Xiao naturally liked hearing such words.

Everyone likes those with gratitude.

Although Ling Xiao and Qing Luan Hua had some minor misunderstandings before, it was nothing serious. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

At the moment, things are really good.

The five of them began advancing.

Ling Xiao kept a close watch around, trying to help Qing Luan Hua find Zi Luo Lan.

Based on his judgment, the Zixian Mountain team probably focused on his position earlier.

They had already moved closer until he erased that awareness, turning them into headless mosquitoes.

So it should be relatively easy to find.

Throughout the journey, he remained vigilant.

The grass and trees of Demon Mountain are full of dangers; they must not be overlooked.

Otherwise, a careless mistake could not only fail the assessment but cost you your life.

With every distance traveled, Qing Luan Hua admired Ling Xiao a bit more.

She truly couldn’t understand how Ling Xiao evaded those threats.

On this journey, she saw many venomous creatures and beasts, almost certain they’d face battle, yet Ling Xiao always found clever routes to avoid them.

To a Martial Artist taking the first stage of the assessment, evading unnecessary threats is invaluable.

Nearly an hour later.

Ling Xiao suddenly stopped and signaled for those behind him to halt as well.

"What’s wrong, boss? Is someone coming to attack us again?"

Lin Yang might have found the previous battle enjoyable, eager for that thrill again.

"No, it seems Li Yan of Orange Immortal Mountain is in trouble."

Ling Xiao activated the Tai Chi Eye, penetrating the mist, saw the scene hundreds of meters away, and moved faster.

"Are you going to help?"

Qing Luan Hua asked curiously: "I didn’t think you were the type to help others."

"You’re right, but Li Yan is different; before the assessment started, she promised to help me, though she hasn’t yet, but she has the intention, so I can’t let her die."

Ling Xiao answered Qing Luan Hua’s question while speeding up.