Chapter Sixteen: Zhang Shufang Leaves the Team

A young man, with a hint of bashful smile still lingering on his face, stood silently behind Chen Hongxu. His appearance was ordinary, and in the midst of the torrential rain, his drenched figure appeared rather pitiable. He blinked his rain-soaked eyes—though he could not see, he still squinted with utmost seriousness.

He raised his arm, holding it level, and with his fingertip touched a falling raindrop. The droplet, nudged forward by his touch, merged with the one before it, forming a larger bead, which then moved on… The shyness faded from his face, and in front of him, the rain began to take shape. In the air there now hung a gigantic sword, forged from countless drops of rain, suspended in midair, radiating a powerful and majestic sword aura.

“Su the Blind, are you insane?” The group that had confidently encircled Chen Hongxu were now utterly horrified at the sight, their cries betraying their panic.

“If you choose to be a pawn in someone else’s game, you must be prepared to be abandoned,” Su Ning said quietly, his face expressionless, waving his hand dismissively as if to shoo away a fly.

The men opposite instinctively summoned their energy to shield themselves. After a moment, seeing that Su Ning and his water sword remained motionless and the anticipated strike never came, they breathed a little easier. Only a few, as if struck by a sudden realization, turned pale and hastily retreated.

At that moment, Su Ning sighed softly. The water sword before him exploded into countless droplets, as clear and distinct as rain falling sideways, pelting the crowd.

In an instant, the air was filled with screams. Focusing his gaze, Chen Hongxu saw that these were no ordinary raindrops, but tiny, razor-sharp water swords. Except for those few who’d sensed danger and fled at the start, everyone else, regardless of their status, clutched their necks in pain, howling in agony.

Chen Hongxu stared in disbelief. What kind of precision and control was required for such a feat? He glanced at Su Ning, who was looking back at him. Swallowing with difficulty, he said bitterly, “Thank you.”

Su Ning merely shook his head as if it were nothing, then, with a grave expression, said, “The game has only just begun.”

As the last of the troublemakers collapsed, a woman of breathtaking, almost otherworldly beauty parted the heavy curtain of rain with a slender hand. Applauding, she slowly approached.

“What a magnificent sword. Truly worthy of the title ‘Sword Immortal of the Mortal Realm.’ But Su the Blind, have you forgotten our agreement?” The woman clearly feared Su Ning, for she dared not draw nearer once she was halfway to him.

Su Ning’s expression softened, though not for her sake—his attention was wholly on Su Xiaoxiao, whom Fan the Dunce had summoned. He said mildly, “Your rebellion scheme will implicate Xiaoxiao. Even if she doesn’t take action, she’ll become an enemy of the world.”

The enchantress laughed, as if she’d heard the greatest joke in the world. Her body trembled with mirth, and the waves at her chest threatened to spill forth at any moment.

“Xiaoxiao, come with me.” Su Ning paid no heed to the woman whose looks and bearing far surpassed Su Xiaoxiao’s. He reached out his hand, stopping beside Xiaoxiao.

Su Xiaoxiao was still in shock. Staring at the enchantress as if she’d seen a ghost, she blurted, “Su Daji, weren’t you already dead?”

“Xiaoxiao, sometimes I truly envy you—having a third-rank master as your shield. But today, I suggest you heed Su Ning and leave with him. Otherwise, even a Sword Immortal won’t be able to keep you safe.” Su Daji, eyes narrowed, replied coldly, dodging the question.

Xiaoxiao glanced at Su Ning, saw his outstretched hand, and nodded, knowing something unknown to her must be about to happen. After a moment’s thought, she bit her lip and asked, “Dai Kai was one of your enchanted pawns, wasn’t he? His death was always part of your plan, wasn’t it?”

Su Daji nodded, patiently waiting for Su Ning to take Xiaoxiao away.

“What could be so important that a woman like you would fake her own death to keep it secret?” Xiaoxiao asked, bewildered and a little angry.

“It doesn’t matter if you know now,” Su Daji replied, hesitating as she glanced at Su Ning before explaining, “The barrier had already become unstable seven years ago, when you left. Some of us believed it was a rare chance to enter. But if we reported it, when the barrier finally opened, do you think it would be us who’d get in? The countless monsters in Huaxia, eager for a breakthrough, would seize the opportunity and call us back. So apart from faking our deaths, what else could we do? Then, a year ago, something escaped from inside the barrier and slaughtered many at the camp, proving beyond doubt that this was the chance to enter. Only about ten people could go, and both positive and negative forces were needed to open the fissure left by that killing god. Originally, we meant to lure only the Dao Embryo and draw her into our ranks. It seems now we overprepared. With Su the Blind’s sword, whether you admit it or not, there’s no room for denial.”

“What’s the benefit of going in?” This question came from Zhang Shufang, who had woken up and stepped out with her hair disheveled.

“An absolute increase in power. The creature that emerged from within possessed strength far beyond anything recorded—probably rivaled only by mythical figures,” Su Daji replied, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

“I’m in.” Zhang Shufang stared at Su Daji without hesitation, stepped forward to stand by her side, then turned to Su Ning. “One day, I’ll defeat you.”

Then she glanced at Chen Hongxu and the others, her voice cold. “The Blacklist mission is to track Binglong’s whereabouts and report on the barrier’s recent state. Do as you wish—I’m out.”

Chen Hongxu and the others exchanged uncertain looks.

“Didn’t they say only ten could go? There aren’t even that many of you. Can we tag along?” Fan the Dunce grinned, trying to take advantage of the chaos.

“Sixth stage?” Su Daji’s eyes glittered strangely as she looked at Fan.

Su Xiaoxiao frowned, tugged at Fan and said softly, “Look at me, not her. I’m prettier.”

Fan shivered, surprised by her words.

“Don’t stare at that woman. She’s the inheritor of the Nine-Tailed Fox’s charm—be careful not to become her puppet,” Su Ning warned, afraid Fan would misunderstand.

“Not interested!” Su Daji, exposed, had no further use for Fan and shrugged. Her gaze lingered on Chen Hongxu with a hint of confusion, but she didn’t dwell on it. Taking Zhang Shufang with her, she turned to leave. “The ten places must be earned. With your current strength, you have little hope. But if Su the Blind lends you a hand, it might be easier.” With that, she led Zhang Shufang away.

With their leader gone, the remaining four looked dejected. Though they now knew the mission, completing it seemed a daunting task.

Except for Su Ning, whose gaze remained on Su Xiaoxiao, the other three looked to Chen Hongxu for direction. Fan and Gou Xiong had always followed his lead, but Su Xiaoxiao’s thoughts were harder to read.

Hidden Saint 16—Read Hidden Saint in Full for Free—Chapter Sixteen: Zhang Shufang Leaves the Team.