However, just when Shen Xing was about to fall into complete despair—

A loud, aged, yet majestic voice suddenly echoed through the forest.

"Moon Breaking Fist!"

Boom!

A powerful figure rushed onto the battlefield like a gust of wind.

Before the Pishacha’s twisted claws could touch Wu Lao’s unconscious body, a heavy punch smashed directly into its glowing crimson eyes.

The impact exploded with violent force.

The grotesque creature released a miserable shriek as its deformed body was sent flying several meters away, crashing violently through multiple trees before rolling across the ground.

Although the sudden attack did not cause fatal damage to the Pishacha, it successfully interrupted the creature at the critical moment.

Wu Lao had been saved.

"Elder Zhu..."

Shen Xing’s pale face immediately filled with relief after seeing the newcomer.

It was Zhu Shan.

At the same time, the fear and despair in her eyes quickly transformed into fury as she looked toward the Pishacha that had nearly killed Wu Lao.

The monster was still struggling to stand despite the heavy blow.

Its glowing eyes flickered madly with killing intent.

Shen Xing clenched her teeth.

A surge of unwillingness and rage erupted inside her chest.

How dare this disgusting thing try to kill Wu Lao?

How dare it?!

"Die already!"

The last remaining spiritual energy inside her body erupted violently.

White energy rapidly gathered before her palms.

Unlike before, this energy was far denser and purer. It carried a cold and serene aura, resembling moonlight condensed into physical form.

The surrounding darkness itself seemed to dim slightly.

Zhu Shan’s expression changed subtly after sensing the fluctuation.

Shen Xing raised her trembling hand toward the Pishacha.

"Moonfall Piercer!"

Buzz—

The condensed moonlight instantly shot forward like a brilliant silver beam.

The attack illuminated the dark forest for a brief moment.

The Pishacha sensed danger and released a sharp scream, but it was already too late.

Boom!!

The silver beam pierced straight through the creature’s body.

For a single second, the grotesque figure froze in place.

Then—

Its body rapidly disintegrated under the silver energy.

Black mist scattered wildly into the air while the Pishacha let out one final agonising scream before completely vaporising into ashes.

Silence returned to the forest.

Only the faint sound of rustling leaves remained.

Meanwhile, Shen Xing’s face became deathly pale after releasing the attack.

The technique had consumed every last bit of spiritual energy inside her body.

Her vision blurred.

Before she could even steady herself, her body swayed weakly.

Thud.

She collapsed onto the ground, unconscious.

Zhu Shan stood there momentarily dazed.

His gaze lingered on the place where the silver beam had disappeared.

A complicated look flashed across his face.

"I never expected Miss Shen to already learn Moonfall Piercer..." he muttered softly. "As expected of the younger generation’s geniuses. Truly terrifying talent."

Zhu Shan shook his head lightly and stopped thinking further.

He quickly crouched down beside Wu Lao and Shen Xing to inspect their conditions.

Fortunately, after checking carefully, he relaxed slightly.

There were no severe injuries. After some rest, both of them should recover.

Understanding this, Zhu Shan picked up the strange black nail left behind by the Pishacha before carrying both unconscious disciples over his shoulders.

Only then did he walk toward the large tree where Ye Chen had been hiding.

Ye Chen silently watched the entire supernatural battle from beginning to end.

Her heart was still unsettled.

Cultivators, monsters, shockwaves.

And now, techniques capable of firing literal energy beams.

This world was becoming more outrageous by the minute.

"Little Ling," Zhu Shan called out calmly, "let’s return to the camp first."

Ye Chen immediately nodded obediently.

"Understood, Uncle Zhu."

As they walked back together, Ye Chen intentionally glanced toward the unconscious Wu Lao and Shen Xing. Her expression showed concern while her mind quietly probed for information.

"Are they... alright?"

"Them?" Zhu Shan glanced briefly at the two before answering casually. "Young Lord Wu Lao only fainted because he received a direct hit from the mental shockwave. Fortunately, the Pishacha was merely Grade One, so it shouldn’t cause lasting damage. He should wake up after some rest."

"And Miss Shen exhausted all her spiritual energy using that final technique. Once she recovers her strength, she’ll be fine as well."

Ye Chen nodded thoughtfully.

"I see..."

After remaining silent briefly, she asked again with curiosity.

"Do you know them personally, Uncle Zhu? Are they from your sect?"

Zhu Shan nodded.

"Yes. Both of them are disciples of the White Moon Sect."

"Disciples?" Ye Chen blinked in confusion. "But aren’t you an elder? The way you spoke earlier... it sounded like you respected them a lot."

"Respect, huh?"

Zhu Shan suddenly laughed softly.

"Indeed. That’s because their backgrounds are extraordinary. Not only are they descendants of powerful lineages within the sect, but they’re also among the most talented geniuses of the younger generation."

Ye Chen’s eyes flickered slightly.

Powerful lineage and young geniuses.

Her thoughts immediately became active.

If she wanted faster access to resources and smoother growth inside the sect, becoming acquainted with influential disciples would undoubtedly benefit her greatly.

Especially someone called "Young Lord." He must have a high status.

Her gaze unconsciously drifted toward Wu Lao’s unconscious face.

Then she remembered Shen Xing’s desperate expression earlier.

That girl clearly liked him quite deeply.

Meanwhile, Ye Chen continued pretending to be an innocent country girl fascinated by cultivation.

"What was that silver beam Miss Shen used at the end?" she asked excitedly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "It looked so powerful!"

Zhu Shan glanced at her meaningfully.

"You want to learn everything from me already?"

Ye Chen scratched her cheek sheepishly.

"I was just curious..."

Zhu Shan smiled faintly but did not answer directly.

"Once you officially become a disciple, you’ll naturally come to understand these things yourself."

Seeing him deliberately acting mysterious, Ye Chen inwardly rolled her eyes.

’Old man, just speak properly. What’s with that mysterious tone?’

Still, outwardly, she only gave an embarrassed laugh.