Wu Bao’Er looked at Zhao Ya, trembling and unsure of what fate awaited her.
Escape was certainly impossible, and resistance was a dead end, so she could only hope that she might still be of use.
Just then, Zhao Ya suddenly picked up Wu Bao’Er and ran deeper into the forest.
At this moment, the rain had lessened, but the sky grew darker, especially in the forest, where it was as dim as night.
Wu Bao’Er, held by Zhao Ya, had no power to resist.
Looking at the trees rapidly passing by, Wu Bao’Er was filled with anxiety because she didn’t know what Zhao Ya intended to do with her.
Could it be that he found me beautiful and intended to do something wrong?
As soon as this thought arose, Wu Bao’Er dismissed it herself.
Because young martial artists like Zhao Ya, who had achieved success early on, were usually people of strong will, unlikely to be seduced by beauty.
At that moment, Zhao Ya suddenly stopped and released his grip on Wu Bao’Er.
This place was deep in the forest, and only the continuous sound of the fine rain could be heard, aside from a terrifying silence.
Zhao Ya didn’t waste words and asked, "Do you want to live or die?"
"Live!" Wu Bao’Er replied succinctly.
"Good, since you want to live, then swallow this."
Zhao Ya casually threw over a black pill.
Wu Bao’Er took it, surprisingly feeling relieved inside.
No matter what, her life was temporarily spared.
So she didn’t hesitate and opened her mouth to swallow the pill.
After swallowing, she opened her mouth to show Zhao Ya that she had indeed complied.
In this dark, deserted environment, a beautiful woman making such a gesture was indeed thought-provoking.
But Zhao Ya didn’t even blink, just nodded slightly.
"From today on, you must obey me. If you dare to defy, the poison you swallowed will activate, and you will die a horrible death with your insides rotting."
Zhao Ya’s tone was indifferent, but Wu Bao’Er had expected this all along.
There was no such easy escape from death.
In fact, when she swallowed the pill, she had already anticipated this result.
So she calmly said, "As you command, sir, Bao’Er will comply with everything."
"Very good."
Zhao Ya was very satisfied with Wu Bao’Er’s cooperative attitude.
"You said your Separation Tower’s Chief Executioner Ye Xunhuan was in the ruined temple thirty miles away?" Zhao Ya asked.
"It was like that when we set out, but now I’m not sure if he’s still there."
Zhao Ya pondered for a moment, then handed Wu Bao’Er a small bottle.
"Go back and see. If he’s still there, don’t give anything away, just quietly open this bottle."
"Understood." Wu Bao’Er nodded, taking the bottle, and then suddenly thought of something, reminding him.
"Sir, Ye Xunhuan is a top expert in Separation Tower, highly cunning and cautious. If you want to deal with him, you must make detailed plans in advance, or he might escape."
Zhao Ya glanced at Wu Bao’Er, then smiled and said, "You seem eager for Ye Xunhuan’s death?"
"Of course, I hope he dies because if not for him, I wouldn’t have ended up here," Wu Bao’Er said through gritted teeth.
Zhao Ya nodded, "I understand. As long as you don’t give anything away, I am confident I can hold Ye Xunhuan."
Wu Bao’Er left.
After she left, Zhao Ya returned immediately to where he had fought Steel Shadow.
At this time, the Instructor Elders of Azure Dragon Temple were gathered, discussing something unknown.
When they saw Zhao Ya return, their expressions were somewhat unnatural.
They had long-standing conflicts with Zhao Ya.
But unexpectedly, he was the one to save them this time.
Key to this was his astonishing display of strength.
These factors together left the Instructor Elders unsure how to face Zhao Ya.
Zhao Ya was indifferent to this.
He didn’t even acknowledge them, walking straight to Steel Shadow’s body, habitually searching it, but found nothing.
Damn.
Not only did he like to feign craziness, but he was also utterly broke.
Zhao Ya straightened up, slightly irritated, then looked back at the Instructor Elders standing in the rain.
As his gaze passed, their expressions were a bit awkward.
But Zhao Ya said nothing.
Though the Instructor Elders had their faults, at this time of defending against enemies, they should unite and work together.
Moreover, these people had contributed earlier, or Steel Shadow would have broken through.
So Zhao Ya just nodded slightly.
"You’ve done well."
With that, Zhao Ya leaped up and quickly disappeared into the rain.
Watching him leave, the Instructor Elders looked at each other.
After a long silence, one finally sighed.
"Such a young talent, we’ll never catch up to him, and to think we once opposed him is foolishness."
Someone immediately concurred, "Yes, Xia Jiye is dead, there’s no point in opposing such a talent over trivial issues anymore. Now’s the perfect time to reconcile."
The Instructor Elders all nodded.
Because these words struck a chord with everyone.
Who wants to make an enemy of a promising young talent? That’s just asking for trouble.