Only Sadness

“Elder, must we go further…?”

After teaming up to kill another Xunfeng Shu, the disciples still hadn’t found the Hidden Wind Leaf—and now dared to question Gong Changqian.

Hearing this, Gong Changqian’s patience wore thin.

Why were the younger generation all so weak?

With him, a Golden Core cultivator, present, the worst they’d suffer was a broken arm—not even life-threatening.

“If you don’t want to go, leave. I’m not forcing anyone.

But I already said—next time, Hidden Wind Leaf is mandatory for Tianjian Pavilion’s trial.

Unless you believe you can reach Qi Refining Layer Five in two months… or have connections to obtain other artifacts.”

Reaching Layer Five was just the bare minimum.

Evil beasts didn’t fear pain or death—they were like the barefoot, unafraid of the shod.

No normal person would risk their life for this.

The disciples could only grit their teeth and press on.

The deeper they went, the thicker the purple mist became.

They’d already fought three battles—both body and mind were exhausted.

Even the mist’s effects overwhelmed them.

Finally, one disciple stiffened—and collapsed backward.

“Elder! He can’t take it anymore!”

Is this all you can handle?

Gong Changqian shook his head, stepping forward to shove a pill into the disciple’s mouth.

Back at the Pavilion, I’ll report—he’s not worth serious cultivation.

But then—his heart jolted violently.

The pill dropped into the dirt.

It was a pressure—far exceeding his own cultivation level.

He looked at his disciples—every one pale, hollow-eyed, soulless.

Yaohé level? Or…

He didn’t dare sense further.

The killing intent was too thick—like a predator that had already marked its prey.

And it was getting closer…

“E-Elder… what… what is this…?”

“Shut up!”

Gong Changqian hadn’t expected this.

The sect should’ve scouted ahead.

Even in danger, it shouldn’t exceed an elder’s capability.

Luoxia Abyss had always been a standard trial ground.

Even after all these years, no one fully understood the depths—but it had always been stable.

Why now…

In truth, Gong Ning was approaching—Dust-Hiding Pearl in one hand, the talisman-wrapped Xunfeng Shu in the other.

The Dust-Hiding Pearl didn’t just conceal.

It was like erasing someone from existence.

Unless someone had deep emotional ties—burned your image into their soul—they wouldn’t perceive you.

Fox spirits used it to test true love—only those who truly loved them could see them while holding the pearl.

Otherwise, only attacking or being sensed by someone vastly stronger could expose you.

But few could do it.

Gong Changqian felt the pressure grow heavier—like the thunderous sky during his tribulation.

A female disciple knelt, not crying—just trembling, whispering, “E-Elder… I… I don’t want to die…”

“Shut up!”

Gong Changqian snapped again—but dared not shout.

Afraid of provoking the unknown presence.

For some reason, a strange thought surfaced: If this disciple keeps talking, I’ll cut out her tongue.

Then he thought better of it. No—blood would attract the beast.

He couldn’t understand why a beast of this level was here.

He couldn’t understand why the sect’s investigation had failed.

He didn’t even try to think.

He could only follow instinct.

Run.

A hundred years of cultivation.

Fifty more years just to barely pass the lightning tribulation.

He couldn’t die here.

A lifetime as a side-branch member.

Finally promoted to the main family.

He couldn’t die in some foreign land.

Run. That was the only choice.

As for his disciples?

He didn’t spare a thought.

This was an act of God.

Even if they all died, it wouldn’t matter.

At most, the Pavilion would send compensation to their families.

Then, he’d use them one last time—let them delay the damn beast.

Even in death, they’d serve Tianjian Pavilion.

All this thought in a single breath.

Gong Changqian activated his body technique—and fled.

At that moment, Gong Ning could barely hold on.

She rushed over, knocking the disciples unconscious—preventing severe psychological trauma.

She slapped on another talisman.

The terrifying aura finally faded.

Gong Ning patted her head, breathing heavily.

She couldn’t withstand it either.

If not for being the one who created it, she’d be no better than Gong Changqian.

And the Yuan Gu Hua’s effect was too strong.

Countless extreme thoughts had flashed through her mind.

Thankfully, she’d held her core.

Hadn’t done anything reckless.

What surprised her was Lu Yunling.

The girl hadn’t been close—but at that distance, she should have been affected.

Yet she showed no extreme reaction.

Her heart was exceptional.

“Master, he really ran.”

Lu Yunling couldn’t help but admire her Master’s tactics.

Days ago, her Master had already laid the trap.

She’d researched Gong Changqian thoroughly—his entire life history.

Gong Changqian had started cultivation young—but his talent was mediocre.

Like Gong Ning, his side-branch bloodline was impure.

He’d participated in few trials or competitions.

His only shining moment was during the Yan Yuan War—when Tianjian Pavilion had forcibly pushed him forward as cannon fodder.

He hadn’t died.

He thought it was the beginning.

But it was his peak.

After that, he returned to mediocrity.

And from countless disciples, she’d learned—he constantly bragged about that one war.

He’d talked about it his entire life.

And after a century, he reached Foundation Establishment perfection.

Then stayed there for fifty to sixty years—aging into a withered elder.

Only when his lifespan was nearly gone did he dare attempt Golden Core.

See the big from the small.

These details were enough for Gong Ning to deduce his nature.

He had some ability—but only in extreme situations.

So he was someone who enjoyed safety—only moving when forced.

Cowardly. Insecure. Arrogant. Vain.

That was why Gong Ning had added one Yuan Gu Hua—to stir these emotions.

And now, he’d fallen into the trap.

In truth, his life was a reflection of countless cultivators—and ordinary people.

A lifetime of mediocrity.

Only breaking free when forced.

One or two things worth boasting—then desperate for everyone to know.

Objectively, he was pitiful.

After breaking through, Tianjian Pavilion saw his value—used him.

And he basked in that joy.

But Gong Ning could understand—yet not empathize.

She understood him—and the suffering masses.

That was her compassion.

But to empathize?

That would betray Lingling.

And betray herself.

Enemies were best when dead.

The more painful, the more tormenting—the more satisfying.