Xie Zhaolin gave Zhou Zhilán a faint glance, not caring about her little schemes.
To her, as long as Zhou Zhilán was useful, all those tests and calculations didn't matter. In the cultivation world, who didn't have a few tricks to protect themselves? That instinct for survival was etched into the bone, and she understood it better than anyone.
She didn't plan to fuss over the way Zhou Zhilán addressed her. Two years had passed, and who knew what the girl had turned into? Reaching out to save her was already more than enough, just for the sake of their old connection.
But if Zhou Zhilán wanted her protection, she'd need to show some real value.
Besides, Xie Zhaolin wasn't ready to let her know too much about her current identity.
"Since you're fine, then we'll part ways here." She turned as if to leave, her tone cold.
Zhou Zhilán hurried forward a step. "Senior, please wait!"
Her eyes carried a trace of melancholy. "Senior really hasn't changed at all, not willing to give even the slightest leeway."
Xie Zhaolin looked back at her, lips curved with a half-smile. "What, are you expecting me to be your umbrella?"
Zhou Zhilán sighed and dropped the pretense. "I wouldn't dare. It's just… with the way things are now, isn't it safe to say this situation has something to do with Senior?"
She didn't answer, only returned to the cave and sat cross-legged.
Seeing this, Zhou Zhilán felt a rush of relief. She was glad her gamble had paid off, and even more glad she'd risked returning to that wolf beast valley. Her face brightened with a smile as she went on, "I don't know what identity Senior holds now, but I guess… you probably need me as a Hehuan Sect disciple, right?"
Xie Zhaolin raised a brow. "Keep talking."
Zhou Zhilán drew in a breath, speaking more seriously. "Everyone who entered the secret realm is a sect disciple. But Senior isn't wearing disciple robes, and you always move alone. That tells me you don't want anyone getting in your way."
She paused, eyes flashing with cunning light. "But that makes your movements suspicious. Especially after what happened in the wolf beast valley. Senior's fellow disciples should've suffered casualties too. For you to stand alone without a scratch only makes you stand out more."
Xie Zhaolin nodded slightly, agreeing with her reasoning. Her original plan was to wipe out the remaining Qingxi Sect disciples before leaving the secret realm. Liu Feng had his uses, but someone who knew too much was always a threat.
The others knew she hadn't traveled with them, and Wei Qingwu was already dead. If they lived to return, they could easily push all the blame onto her.
Killing them all would leave her the only survivor, the cleanest and most decisive solution. Another option was enslaving everyone with contracts, but that would drain her Primordial Soul, and she refused to waste her strength on useless people.
Zhou Zhilán, seeing her nod, continued quickly. "But with me, it's different. I can testify that Senior's been with me all along. That way you can shake off suspicion easily. We can just say we've been traveling together, facing dangers side by side."
Xie Zhaolin's smile was faint, almost mocking. "And those Hehuan Sect disciples who were with you?"
Zhou Zhilán's lips curved as her tone lightened. "If they were alive, I'd have a headache, but…" A flash of cold light gleamed in her eyes. "Since they didn't make it out of Medicine King Valley, this secret will stay buried underground."
Xie Zhaolin's fingers stilled.
She caught the hidden meaning. The truth was probably far bloodier than Zhou Zhilán's version of being forced to scatter. From what she knew of her, Zhou Zhilán wouldn't just sit and wait for death. Chances were, she'd made her move in secret, ensuring her so-called allies couldn't escape.
"You're ruthless enough." Xie Zhaolin studied her, eyes sharp.
Zhou Zhilán met her gaze without flinching. "In this cultivation world, if your heart's not ruthless, you can't stand firm. If you don't prepare ahead of time, you'll just end up butchered. Senior should understand that better than me." She added calmly, "Besides, if they'd lived, they'd only be trouble for you. Ending it here saves you the hassle."
A glimmer of satisfaction flickered in Xie Zhaolin's eyes. Zhou Zhilán had read her perfectly. Dead men told no tales, and that was the safest path.
"You really do know how to think for me," she said with a crooked smile.
Zhou Zhilán returned a soft smile. "I only feel that if I want to work with Senior, I need to show some sincerity."
She pulled out a jade slip and handed it over. "Inside are the things I've collected over two years in Hehuan Sect. It includes details on Yu Xiaotang's habits, her influence, and some of her recent unusual behavior. It might be useful to Senior."
Xie Zhaolin scanned it with her divine sense, a flicker of surprise showing in her eyes. Zhou Zhilán had more skill than she thought. To have gathered so much intel was no small feat.
"What do you want?" she asked lightly.
Zhou Zhilán's face grew serious. "All I ask is a chance to cooperate. If Senior makes a move in the future, just spare me a way out."
Xie Zhaolin thought for a moment before finally nodding.
She raised her hand, and a snow-white Xue Xiao appeared, circling once before landing by Zhou Zhilán's side.
"This is a Xue Xiao, late Foundation Establishment. It'll protect you in the secret realm, and it can carry you when you need to fly."
Zhou Zhilán's eyes widened at the majestic beast, then softened into understanding. She couldn't travel with Senior, but with this guardian by her side, she was safe enough.
"Thank you, Senior." She bowed deeply.
As Xie Zhaolin turned to leave, Zhou Zhilán called again. "Senior, I still don't know your name…"
Her steps faltered, but she didn't look back. She only waved a hand dismissively. If Zhou Zhilán knew her name, she'd surely trace it back to Qingxi Sect. With her cunning, she'd stir up trouble sooner or later. Xie Zhaolin wasn't afraid, but she didn't want her plans disrupted.
Better to let things stay as they were.
As for her name, if Zhou Zhilán someday offered a price worth her attention, she'd learn it.
Seeing she wouldn't answer, Zhou Zhilán bowed low. "Then I'll respectfully send Senior off."
Watching her vanish into the dense forest, Zhou Zhilán finally let out a long breath. At last, she'd reestablished this connection. She didn't know why, but she felt it strongly—
As long as she followed this woman, she'd gain a tremendous opportunity.
She wouldn't lose.
Because she'd never lost a gamble.
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Follower +1 ???