For a long moment, silence reigned beneath the high pavilion.
Then Xiao Ning's voice broke it—calm, yet tinged with cool amusement.
"Second Nascent Soul?"
He turned toward them, lips curled in a faint smirk.
"Do you three believe such a thing truly exists?"
The three elders stiffened, unsure how to respond.
Xiao Ning stepped closer. "Even if such a technique were real, it would require immense luck, an unshakable dao heart, and many rare materials lost to time. You think I—your Sect Master—would risk soul annihilation… just to fool a few enemies?"
He chuckled softly, yet his gaze pierced through their thoughts like blades.
"But then again…"
His eyes narrowed.
"Who's to say what is or isn't possible?"
The three Nascent Soul Elders lowered their heads instinctively. His words were vague. Neither a confirmation nor a denial.
But sometimes… silence said more than truth ever could.
Xiao Ning turned slightly, as if remembering something.
