Chapter 397 - 403: Looting Jiang Cen

The two of them clashed in a flurry of motion.

Zhang Shuning had been a diligent cultivator since childhood. She was incredibly strong, her combat prowess far surpassing Jiang Cen’s.

But Jiang Cen relied on the numerous Magical Treasures her powerful father had given her, which compensated for her lack of skill and allowed her to fight Zhang Shuning to a standstill.

Moreover, she was constantly scheming, preparing to force Zhang Shuning into the Flame Pool behind them.

Soon, they were locked in a desperate struggle, leaving them both wounded.

Meanwhile, Song Wanning was on her way.

The Dragon Spirit had said there might be a Fire Spirit within the Flame Pool ahead. If the Divine Nether Profound Fire devoured it, it would immediately advance in rank, and its power would increase dramatically.

’Since it’s been with me, the Divine Nether Profound Fire hasn’t really had a chance to advance. If that’s the case, I definitely can’t miss this!’

’As for Zhang Shuning, if she’s truly in danger, I’m willing to lend a hand. After all, the enemy of my enemy is something of an ally.’

’Besides, Liu Xingzhi helped me once. I can consider this repaying the favor.’

Song Wanning’s speed increased, and in the Three Lives Mirror, the battle grew more and more intense.

Jiang Cen brought out one Magical Treasure after another. Even Song Wanning, watching from afar, was left speechless—let alone Zhang Shuning, who was facing them head-on.

She grit her teeth, feeling her Spiritual Energy rapidly depleting, and seethed with frustration.

’It’s one thing for Jiang Cen to be utterly unskilled, but did she have to have such a powerful father?’

’I’ve cultivated painstakingly for so many years, yet in the end, I’m no match for a few of her Magical Treasures. How could I ever accept this?’

But Jiang Cen’s lips curled into a mocking smile, a hint of malice flashing in her eyes.

"I told you, you will die here today!"

"So what if you cultivate diligently? It can’t compare to my luck in being born into the right family! HAHAHA—"

Jiang Cen cackled wildly. ’In my past life, I chased wealth and glory for a lifetime. In this one, it’s all just handed to me.’

’This is my greatest strength!’

’No one understood their jealousy better than I do.’

Her attacks grew even more vicious as she spoke. Just as Zhang Shuning was struggling to defend herself, Jiang Cen produced a folding fan and waved it forcefully in her direction.

Instantly, a powerful gale surged violently toward Zhang Shuning.

Caught off guard, Zhang Shuning was struck by the gale and sent flying backward.

And directly behind her was the raging Flame Pool.

Zhang Shuning’s face fell in horror. She immediately tried to right herself, but Jiang Cen struck again.

"Jiang Cen—"

She roared, her voice laced with murderous intent and bitter resentment, but she still couldn’t regain control of her body and fell straight toward the Flame Pool.

The Flame Pool was filled with lava, its crimson tide instantly swallowing her whole.

"HAHAHA—"

Jiang Cen’s laughter grew more unbridled. Having watched Zhang Shuning fall with her own eyes, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

But just to be safe, she decided to wait here.

’If the Flame Pool doesn’t kill Zhang Shuning, I don’t mind finishing the job myself.’

However, the thought had barely crossed her mind, the laughter still on her lips, when a powerful force suddenly struck her from behind.

She didn’t even see who it was before she was knocked unconscious and plunged headfirst into the Flame Pool.

SPLASH—

Lava splashed high into the air as a figure slowly walked in. It was Song Wanning, who had just arrived.

She watched coldly as the Flame Pool swallowed Jiang Cen’s figure, then her gaze swept over the surroundings, taking everything in.

’The sheer number of Magical Treasures Jiang Cen just used gave me an idea: it’s time for some looting.’

’But first, I have to get Zhang Shuning out.’

Song Wanning took a leap and jumped straight into the Flame Pool.

While the lava would have been unbearable for anyone else, for her, it was like being a fish in water.

The Spiritual Energy within her body seemed to leap for joy, reveling in the dense fire-elemental presence.

She swam swiftly through the lava and soon found Zhang Shuning.

Zhang Shuning was covered in wounds and already unconscious. Lava was seeping into her mouth, nose, and cuts. Even in her comatose state, her brow was furrowed and her features were twisted in agony.

Without hesitation, Song Wanning took hold of her and began swimming toward the bank.

"Ugh~"

Zhang Shuning groaned in pain. Through a hazy blur, she managed to open her eyes.

The exquisite profile of Song Wanning’s face filled her vision.

Her expression was stern, yet it radiated a sense of security.

The tension that had kept Zhang Shuning conscious finally dissipated, and she passed out completely.

Song Wanning glanced down at her, quickened her pace, and soon had Zhang Shuning back on the bank.

"Sister, what do we do with her now?"

The Golden Small Sword jumped down and frowned at Zhang Shuning.

"We’ll leave her here for now. I’ll take her back with me when I’m done."

’Since I went to the trouble of saving her, I have to make sure she remembers this debt. Otherwise, what was the point?’

"You stand guard here. If anyone comes, notify me immediately!"

As she spoke, Song Wanning took out several Array Plates and placed them at the cave entrance to prevent anyone from coming in and harming Zhang Shuning.

The Golden Small Sword nodded in understanding and waved to its younger siblings.

"You two, do your best! I’m waiting for our sister to advance!"

"Don’t worry, Brother! I’ll definitely lead Sister to the Fire Spirit!"

The Dragon Spirit was full of confidence. No one was more sensitive to Spiritual Objects than it was.

So, Song Wanning took the two little ones and jumped back into the Flame Pool.

She didn’t rush to find the Fire Spirit, but instead went to Jiang Cen’s side first.

Jiang Cen’s Cultivation was superficial, propped up by Elixir Pills. Although they were both at the Void Refining Stage, her combat prowess was worlds apart from Song Wanning’s.

Her Divine Soul was naturally no match for Song Wanning’s either.

So, Song Wanning walked over, yanked the Storage Ring right off Jiang Cen’s finger, gave it a cursory glance, and immediately began erasing Jiang Cen’s Divine Soul Mark.

In a matter of moments, the Divine Soul Mark was completely erased.

PFFT—

The unconscious Jiang Cen spat out a mouthful of blood, and her aura rapidly weakened.

What were once only physical injuries were now compounded by severe damage to her Divine Soul. Without the Elixir Pills in her Storage Ring, Jiang Cen could forget about making any more gains in this Secret Realm.

Song Wanning opened the Storage Ring, and her eyes instantly lit up.

Inside were Spirit Stones, Magical Treasures, talismans, and Elixir Pills—everything one could wish for, and in large quantities. Truly befitting the only daughter of a powerful figure.

’No wonder she was so arrogant.’

’But now, it’s all mine!’

’And what’s more, everything Jiang Cen worked so hard to find in the Secret Realm has now ended up in my pocket.’

"Hahaha, she’ll be absolutely furious when she wakes up!"

The Dragon Spirit gloated, aiming a kick at Jiang Cen’s face, its expression full of malicious glee.

"This Jiang Cen is really unlucky, though. She spends all her time plotting against Zhang Shuning, but who would’ve guessed that you, Sister, are her real bane!"

’Jiang Cen’s luck is actually pretty good; otherwise, she wouldn’t have escaped danger time and again in this Secret Realm.’

’If Master hadn’t intervened, she might have actually gotten her way in this Secret Realm.’

"Sister, are we just going to let her off like this?"

The Dragon Spirit’s eyes darted about. It felt like this was letting Jiang Cen off way too easily.

No sooner had the words left its mouth than it saw Song Wanning flash a mysterious smile.