Initially, Mei Zhengjing hadn’t been suspicious. But as they fought, he noticed the hands and features of their opponents – all seemed to be men in their prime! While 8th and 9th-rank experts weren’t rare, reaching such levels typically required years of training unless one was a prodigy. One or two young experts wouldn’t be odd, but so many were highly suspicious!
Moreover, martial artists pursuing transcendence must cultivate both body and spirit. Real combat was the most effective way to train one’s spirit, so most sought out opponents. Many died in battle before reaching the 8th or 9th rank, which was why there were only about a hundred 9th-rank experts in the world, with the Crane-Controlling Army claiming a significant portion.
The Old Madam had long noticed the anomaly. “Don’t worry about them now. We need to leave!” she commanded.
“Understood!” Under the Old Madam’s cover, Mei Zhengjing hoisted the Second Elderly Madam onto his back.
The Old Madam single-handedly carved a bloody path through the 9th-rank experts, protecting the group as they escaped.
They all possessed lightness skills, but An Jiu struggled to keep up. Understanding that she couldn’t afford to be left behind, she gritted her teeth and persevered.
Breaking free from the encirclement, they fled with pursuers hot on their heels. No one dared to slow down.
The Old Madam glanced back at An Jiu several times, noting her dark, determined eyes. Moved, she was reminded of her youth, realizing this child’s temperament somewhat resembled her younger self.
Time passed, and An Jiu’s legs grew numb and senseless, driven only by sheer willpower to keep running.
The Old Madam led the group to a hidden dock behind a forest on the estate grounds. She pulled out a couple of small boats from the reeds. “Get in,” she ordered.
As soon as An Jiu stopped, she felt her whole body ache, her legs trembling and weak. The Old Madam’s combat prowess was phenomenal, capable of fighting a hundred foes single-handedly. Following her offered the best chance of keeping Mei Jiu alive. An Jiu’s minimum goal now was to keep pace with the others, determined not to be left behind.
She forced her legs to move, climbing onto the boat and leaning against its side, gasping for air.
Suddenly, there was movement in the forest. The Old Madam raised her hand, severing the mooring rope. The boat swayed as it drifted out onto the lake, its occupants on high alert.
A figure burst out of the forest, running alongside the boat. “Mei Fourteen! Mei Fourteen!” he called out.
It was New Year’s Eve, and the women were dressed in festive attire rather than their usual practical garments, making them easily identifiable.
Hearing the voice, An Jiu looked to the Old Madam and said, “It’s Mo Sigui.”
The tension eased as the group recognized him.
Mo Sigui leaped onto the boat, still catching his breath. “Hurry, Elder Qi sent me to wait for you here. He said it’s no longer safe over there. I don’t know where ‘there’ is, but Elder Qi said someone would understand.”
“They’ve infiltrated the secret grounds!” the Old Madam exclaimed in shock and anger. This meant there was a traitor within the family, someone who had been with the Mei clan for many years and held a position of importance.
The Old Madam scrutinized Mo Sigui before decisively ordering, “Abandon the boat!”
An Jiu’s temples throbbed, but she pushed herself to her feet and jumped ashore.
The Old Madam surveyed the area and chose a small path.
Mo Sigui, unaware of the Old Madam’s identity but seeing everyone defer to her, followed behind. “I’ve discovered that these people have taken drugs to artificially boost their internal energy,” he reported.
The Old Madam, knowing Mo Sigui’s background, didn’t question how he obtained this information. She asked directly, “What are their weaknesses?”
Even naturally cultivated internal energy had weaknesses; drug-enhanced power should have even more vulnerabilities.