Chapter 21: The Ring Granny’s Magical Habit
White Tiger Mysterious Monarch was dumbfounded.
She’d barely settled into the ring’s space to rest when the commotion outside jolted her awake.
Still groggy, she extended her divine sense and instantly snapped to attention.
A group of people had appeared out of nowhere, their killing intent unmasked, all aimed at Luo Jiutian.
Startled, she popped out of the ring: “Brat, what did you do to attract so many enemies?”
Her reaction wasn’t baseless.
When they first met, she’d probed Luo Jiutian, finding his aptitude average, with no special physique. In any sect, he’d barely qualify as an outer disciple.
With his mere late Foundation Establishment cultivation, facing this group of similarly leveled foes was practically a death sentence.
Luo Jiutian, mid-standoff, caught sight of her in his peripheral vision and froze.
Arms crossed, she showed no anger but exuded an intimidating presence.
He blinked, bewildered: “Senior, why’d you come out?”
He glanced at Luo Chen and the others, noticing their expressions didn’t change, as if they couldn’t see her at all.
“Don’t bother,” she said, staring at him. “Only you, the ring’s holder, can see me.”
He sent a voice transmission: “Senior, can we drop the ‘thou’ and ‘I’ stuff? It’s kinda weird.”
Her brow furrowed: “Brat, you think my speech is old-fashioned? Trying to school me?”
“No, it’s just… it feels out of place.”
“Mortal tongue doesn’t suit me.”
“…You’re right, Senior.”
Though she sounded stern, she wasn’t truly upset.
She shifted her gaze, her expression turning serious: “Enough of that. My soul’s still unstable. If I act, I might not help you and could dissipate on the spot.”
Luo Jiutian nodded, outwardly calm.
This situation wasn’t a big deal to him.
If it came to a fight, he was confident he could handle them within the time it takes an incense stick to burn.
Even Luo Chen would just take a bit more effort.
The issue wasn’t “can I,” but “is it worth it.”
If things escalated, the aftermath would be a hassle.
Plus, he hadn’t fully drained Luo Chen’s destiny points—killing him now would be a waste.
He needed a way to eliminate the trouble without leaving traces, ideally pinning it on Luo Chen.
It all hinged on the right opportunity.
As he pondered, White Tiger Mysterious Monarch’s voice echoed in his mind: “Brat, southwest lies a misty forest. Once inside, sight and divine sense are hindered. Follow my lead, and you can lose them.”
His expression shifted subtly.
Luo Chen, seeing him still, grew cold: “What, Brother Jiutian still hasn’t figured it out? Think stalling will save you?”
Su Xinyan smirked: “He’s not scared stiff, is he?”
A Luo disciple chimed in: “What’re you standing there for? The Young Master’s giving you a chance—that’s a favor!”
“No one’s protecting you today. Don’t be stubborn, or face the consequences!”
The barrage of taunts tightened the atmosphere.
Luo Jiutian eyed the group, recalling White Tiger and Li Zhongjie’s words. A spark of inspiration hit.
Here’s the opportunity.
In a flash, he formed a perfect plan.
He sent a transmission: “Senior, lead the way.”
Without hesitation, he surged forward, vanishing in a blur.
“Stop him!” Luo Chen reacted first, shouting.
He unleashed his spiritual energy, giving chase.
Su Zimo, Su Xinyan, and the others leaped into the air, following close behind.
But Luo Jiutian’s speed was beyond their expectations.
One moment he was there; the next, he’d covered dozens of yards.
They barely saw how he moved—just a flicker, and he was gone.
“What the…?”
“What kind of burst speed is that?!”
The pursuers grew more shocked as they chased.
They’d thought, even if Luo Jiutian beat Luo Chen, he couldn’t make waves against so many peers.
This scene shattered their assumptions.
Su Zimo’s brows knit, an uneasy feeling rising.
He sensed he’d provoked someone he shouldn’t have.
But he quickly dismissed the thought.
No matter how strong, everyone has limits.
If Luo Jiutian could handle them all, why flee?
Forcing himself to focus, Su Zomo sped up.
Meanwhile, White Tiger Mysterious Monarch was equally stunned.
She’d chosen this kid for his kindness and steady temperament, not expecting much from his strength—she’d already assessed him.
Clearly, she’d underestimated him.
“Brat,” she couldn’t help asking, “that movement technique… where’d it come from?”
Without stopping, he replied softly: “An old friend taught me.”
She huffed, not pressing further.
Such a technique wasn’t easily taught or mastered.
If he didn’t want to elaborate, she wouldn’t pry.
Soon, the trees thickened, and mist crept in, forming a natural foggy barrier ahead.
“Here,” she said. “The misty forest.”
Luo Jiutian nodded, plunging in without pause.
The fog swallowed his figure, leaving only silence.
Moments later, the pursuers arrived.
They stopped at the forest’s edge, eyeing the mist-shrouded trees, hesitant.
“Isn’t this the misty forest? They say it blocks divine sense,” someone whispered.
“If he’s hiding in there, he’ll be hard to find.”
“But if we go in and get separated, what if he picks us off one by one?”
“If we don’t go in, what if he escapes?”
The brief exchange revealed their indecision, expressions varied.
Luo Yuanshan and Luo Yan stood at the back, still silent.
Su Zimo folded his fan, staring into the forest, his face grave.
Su Xinyan, in the middle, looked to Luo Chen with expectation.
Gradually, all eyes turned to him.
The group quieted, implicitly handing him the decision.
Basking in their reliance, Luo Chen lifted his head, relishing the control.
He stepped forward, gesturing calmly, as if everything was in his grasp…