Chapter 840: Just Passing By

The purple flower, a Purple Lotus—the king of Rainbow Golden Lotuses—was nearly indistinguishable from its ordinary counterparts, except for its five seeds. It wasn't merely useful for achieving Foundation Establishment; it could even grant a two-level breakthrough. However, this was limited to minor levels, and its effects were nullified for those who had already consumed one.

Ye Mo observed Liu Zhenyue's grim expression. Her experience with Tong Zhentan clearly indicated the inner sect member's shameless use of his own sect as bait. Facing the level 3 beast, Ye Mo didn't hesitate. His flying sword deflected its attack, while three wind blades targeted the three level 2 beasts.

The flying sword only left a superficial mark on the level 3 beast's head; the wind blades were ineffective. The beast's thick hide was evident, even without intentional examination.

Liu Zhenyue prepared to join the fight, but Ye Mo stopped her. "Hurry and run! Can you beat a level 3 beast?" he asked, simultaneously blocking three water arrows. His actions weren't intended to save Liu Zhenyue or aid Tong Zhentan.

"No, we leave together. What will you do if I leave?" Liu Zhenyue retorted.

Ye Mo was taken aback by her loyalty. He grabbed her and fled, cursing at the Metal Spine Crocodile as they ran. "Do you have a pig brain? Your Purple Lotus is about to be stolen! Go after it!"

The Metal Spine Crocodile, seemingly understanding, turned and saw Tong Zhentan fleeing with the stolen lotus. With a howl, the beast abandoned Ye Mo and Liu Zhenyue to pursue Tong Zhentan.

Ye Mo sighed. Tong Zhentan's plan was flawless; the beast couldn't catch him. But Ye Mo vowed revenge for this deception. The three level 2 beasts also left.

Liu Zhenyue wiped her brow, looking apologetically at Ye Mo. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize he was that kind of person. If it weren't for you, I'd be dead."

Ye Mo waved his hand, his gaze fixed coldly on Tong Zhentan. Initially, he might have pitied Tong Zhentan's desperation, but witnessing the man's actions changed his perspective. Tong Zhentan had sacrificed Huang Ping to the Metal Spine Crocodile to buy time, knowing the beast couldn't reach his flying boat.

"Animal," Liu Zhenyue hissed.

Huang Ping, still dazed from being pushed into the crocodile's jaws by her beloved, realized the horrifying truth. For a mere herb, he had sacrificed her, securing his own escape. She had loved such a man.

Just as she resigned herself to fate, Jiang Yi intervened, pushing Huang Ping clear, but losing an arm to the crocodile's bite. The Metal Spine Crocodile, however, continued its pursuit of Tong Zhentan.

Huang Ping was stunned. She hadn't processed the events. She knew Jiang Yi's affection, but she had favored Tong Zhentan—the handsome, generous, seemingly dependable inner sect member. She never anticipated Jiang Yi's selfless act.

Huang Ping felt foolish. She approached Jiang Yi, helping him to his feet, before whispering, "I'm sorry."

Jiang Yi, taking a pill, paled. "I'm glad you're safe," he murmured.

Ye Mo felt a sense of relief. A united front against the four would have been deadly, but now only Tong Zhentan posed a significant threat. He looked at the still-dazed Liu Zhenyue. "If I were you, I'd collect the Rainbow Golden Lotuses and run. If that level 3 beast returns, we'll be in trouble."

Ye Mo's spirit sense scanned a 20km radius. Tong Zhentan had been slowed by three additional cultivators, allowing the crocodile to catch up. Yet, inexplicably, he had persuaded them to fight the beast together.

"What about you?" Liu Zhenyue asked, noticing Ye Mo's lack of intention to join the pursuit.

Ye Mo smiled. "I have some business to attend to."

Liu Zhenyue found Ye Mo enigmatic. His calm demeanor during the crocodile's pursuit was striking. She recognized the wisdom in his words, however; if the crocodile returned, she'd gain nothing. She immediately began collecting flowers.

"Martial Sister Huang, let's collect some and run," Jiang Yi suggested.

Huang Ping agreed. After gathering flowers, the three bid Ye Mo farewell. Ye Mo, having also collected some, slowly made his way to the ongoing battle.

Upon arrival, one cultivator was injured, but the three level 2 crocodiles were dead. The three fighting the Metal Spine Crocodile slowed their attacks, their attention partially focused on Ye Mo.

Tong Zhentan was apprehensive. He never expected an 8th stage Chi Gathering cultivator to pursue him. Ye Mo noted one cultivator at the Chi Gathering peak. Seeing Ye Mo passively observing, the peak cultivator pleaded, "Martial Brother, this level 3 beast is powerful! We can't defeat it. Please help! We'll give you a portion of its body."

Ye Mo sneered; he wasn't interested, regardless of the reward.

Ignoring them, Ye Mo continued watching.

The Chi Gathering peak cultivator, irritated by Ye Mo's disinterest, began, "Judging by your clothes, you're from the Zheng Yuan Sword Se—"

Ye Mo interrupted, "You fight your battle, I'll watch mine. I'm just passing by; I have a conflict with someone here. If I hadn't been waiting for you to defeat this crocodile, I'd have resolved it already. Who has time to waste?"

The Chi Gathering peak cultivator's expression turned cold. He hadn't expected such insolence from an outer sect member.

However, he decided to end the battle swiftly. He shattered a rune against the crocodile, simultaneously blocking its escape route. Clearly, he hadn't been using his full strength.