But Shen Yunshen also understood at this moment that this was the only way.
After all, the group of people who were just watching the battle had more than just watching in mind.
Once the Azure Dragon Temple showed a vulnerable side, they could very likely turn from spectators into opportunistic robbers.
So to prevent this from happening, Guan Xuejiang, as the Grand Elder, and Guo Luming, as the Azure Dragon Temple’s strongest fighter, had to endure their injuries and demonstrate their strength.
Shen Yunshen sighed silently and could only turn his head to look at Zhao Ya on the bed, hoping he would wake up soon.
Meanwhile, about twenty miles from the Azure Dragon Temple, Jiang Shengwu suddenly stopped in his tracks.
"Something’s not right."
Shen Jiu, following behind him, also paused at his words.
"Tower Master, what’s wrong?"
"Guan Xuejiang and Guo Luming were clearly severely injured, yet they could face my presence unafraid. It’s obvious they’re using some Secret Technique to hold on," Jiang Shengwu said with a somber expression.
The elders accompanying him nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, I saw with my own eyes that Guo Luming was shattered by a finger from Jingping Saint, spitting out blood. How could he recover so quickly?"
Shen Jiu was eager, rubbing his fists as he spoke, "Then Tower Master, should we go back and attack now?"
"No need. I estimate their Secret Technique can hold a little longer, so it’s not worth it to go now and hit a dead end."
With that said, Jiang Shengwu looked up at the sky and then smirked, "Wait till it’s dark, and we’ll go again."
"By then, their Secret Technique will probably have dissipated. Then Shen Jiu can scout the situation first, and the rest of us will rush in, first killing Guan Xuejiang and his crew, then Zhao Ya, to eliminate the threats."
When he heard others speaking of Zhao Ya before, he wasn’t too concerned.
He thought he was merely an outstanding disciple.
But today’s events changed his perception.
Especially Zhao Ya’s performance, which filled him with unease.
So young yet so astonishing, able to draw the Azure Dragon into oneself. Give him time, and then what?
Thus, Jiang Shengwu had a killing intent, eager to eliminate him swiftly.
The elders voiced no objection, all nodding in agreement.
Shen Jiu was even more impatient, wishing it were already dark.
While they waited in the woods, Nan Liangyu and Zhuo Tingqin slid past in the distance.
Upon seeing Jiang Shengwu and company hidden, Zhuo Tingqin was quite surprised.
After flying a few miles, they landed on a large rock, then Zhuo Tingqin asked.
"Senior Brother Nan, was that Wanghai Tower’s Tower Master Jiang Shengwu hiding in the woods just now?"
Nan Liangyu nodded, "That’s him."
"What are they hiding in the woods for?"
"Haha!" Nan Liangyu chuckled coldly.
"What else could it be? Clearly up to no good."
"You mean... towards the Azure Dragon Temple?"
"Exactly." Nan Liangyu wasn’t surprised at Jiang Shengwu’s actions and analyzed it with a cold smile.
"The Azure Dragon Temple has been through a great battle, its Primordial Energy severely drained. Jiang Shengwu probably sees his chance and wants to strike."
"Then... should we inform the Azure Dragon Temple?" Zhuo Tingqin asked.
Nan Liangyu shook his head, "No need. Not to mention any misunderstandings if we go back now, people from Wanghai Tower can’t stir up too much trouble."
It’s not that Nan Liangyu underestimated Wanghai Tower.
It’s just that Wanghai Tower’s actions in recent years have been disappointing.
Not only condoning disciples’ violent behavior, but also being arrogant and oppressive in dealings with other sects.
As Tower Master of Wanghai Tower, Jiang Shengwu turned a blind eye to all this, not restraining them at all.
As a result, Wanghai Tower’s reputation has declined sharply over the years.
Many sects, including Celestial One Pavilion, are no longer willing to interact with them.
Now seeing Wanghai Tower attempting to take advantage of the situation, planning to attack the Azure Dragon Temple...
Nan Liangyu couldn’t help but laugh coldly inside.
Jiang Shengwu underestimated the Azure Dragon Temple too much.
But he didn’t stop them; he was happy to see them try.
Because there’s a high likelihood Wanghai Tower will face a setback this time.
Zhao Ya wasn’t unconscious for long.
It was as if he had a good sleep, opening his eyes to the last rays of the setting sun hanging on the windowsill.
He stretched leisurely, his whole body’s joints cracking.
Not only did he not feel fatigue after the great battle, but instead, he felt refreshed and full of energy.
"Senior Brother, you’re awake!"
Gui Xuanqing heard the sound and immediately pushed the door open to enter.
"Mm!" Zhao Ya nodded, and then sat up.
"Where are the Grand Elder and the others?"
"They are resting in the main hall, Elder Qin went down the mountain to pursue the remnants of the three-family coalition, should be back soon."
Gui Xuanqing said, bending down to fetch Zhao Ya’s shoes, placing them respectfully by the bed.
Zhao Ya didn’t mind, put on his shoes and walked out.
When he reached the main hall, Shen Yunshen, who was resting, was startled.
"Ya, you’re awake!" Shen Yunshen was the first to rise, filled with joy.
"Yes." Zhao Ya nodded, looked around the hall, but didn’t see Guan Xuejiang and Guo Luming.
"Where are the Grand Elder and the others?"
"Oh, they went to the Library, should be back soon. Are you okay?" Shen Yunshen asked with concern.
Zhao Ya smiled, "I’m fine, but how are the Grand Elder and the others?"
Upon Zhao Ya’s inquiry, the joy on Shen Yunshen’s face instantly faded, then he sighed and recounted what happened after Zhao Ya fell unconscious.
Despite his earlier speculations, hearing the reality filled Zhao Ya with immense rage and sorrow.
Such hypocritical people!
Seeing the Azure Dragon Temple in trouble, not lending a helping hand was one thing, yet they even planned to take advantage—truly deserving condemnation.
Guan Xuejiang and Guo Luming chose to burn their Qi Blood to hold on to avoid the crisis.
This would obviously cause great harm to their bodies.
Thinking of this, Zhao Ya’s mood grew even heavier.
Just as he was about to go to the Library to see the two, Qin Jianji returned with his people.
Seeing Zhao Ya, Qin Jianji also showed joy.
"Ya."
"Yes, this is...?" Zhao Ya asked, seeing Qin Jianji holding a sack.
"Oh, this is an assassin from the Separation Tower I captured. She claims to know you and was sent by you as an undercover spy."
Saying that, Qin Jianji opened the sack, pulled out what she had in her mouth, and threw her on the ground.
Wu Bao’Er had already heard the commotion from outside, so she didn’t try to hide. She ended up heavily on the ground, looking pitifully at Zhao Ya.
"My Lord!"
Zhao Ya was a bit helpless.
He had guessed it was Wu Bao’Er from Qin Jianji’s first words.
He hadn’t expected her to not escape.
Nor did he expect her to be caught safely and brought back.
At that moment, Qin Jianji said, "Ya, do you know this woman?"
Zhao Ya nodded, "I do."
"That’s good. This girl is quite sensible. When we surrounded her, she immediately betrayed everyone around her, so I spared her life."
Zhao Ya was amused and helpless.
It seemed this person had no other skills, but saving her own life was top-notch.
"What about your partner?" Zhao Ya asked.
Wu Bao’Er shook her head, "I don’t know, but he’s probably okay, and should have already escaped."
Qin Jianji, standing by, complained, "Ya, you wouldn’t believe it, but the people from North Canglong and the Wilderness Divine Sect still had some mettle. Though lacking in fighting spirit, they at least acted like Martial Artists when besieged."
"Only those from the Separation Tower would do anything to save their own lives, so they mostly escaped."
Zhao Ya didn’t care much about this matter.
Just a bunch of assassins; since their organization was dismantled, they posed no longer any threat.
He said to Qin Jianji, "Elder Qin, I’ll go to the Library to see the Grand Elder and others. As for this girl, just keep her here for now."
"No need to keep me!" Wu Bao’Er shouted, then candidly said.
"Don’t worry My Lord, I won’t run away."
"Besides, I can help you. I’m quite capable!"