Why Am I a Priestess When I Reach the Maximum Level?-Chapter 175[Vol. 6] - Stances

[Vol. 6] Chapter 175: Stances

The number of cultivators who successfully reached the center of this collapsed ruin was around a hundred, barely a tenth of the total who had entered.

Those who had made it this far were naturally no ordinary individuals, but even they seemed unable to break through the terrifying web of spatial fissures blocking access to the “core zone.”

With the relentless pursuit of the “ghosts” still ongoing and the eerie, confined environment adding to the tension, even these elites couldn’t guarantee their safety if the situation dragged on too long.

More importantly, the “opportunity” related to the [Spirit Fox Pendant], the reason so many had risked entering this place, was likely just within reach.

Driven by immense rewards and looming threats, it was inevitable they would seek ways to break through this impasse.

“Everyone! Everyone, listen to me!”

A voice called out, loud and commanding.

“You all understand the situation we’re in! This is not the time for schemes and infighting! We need to work together!”

The speaker, a grey-robed elder with graying hair and beard, gestured passionately.

“I have an ancient formation called the [Mystic Barrier of Protection]. With sixteen [Peak Ascension] realm cultivators channeling their power simultaneously, it can temporarily shield everyone inside from external harm. Let’s join forces to enter the core of this collapse first. Once we’re inside, we can compete for the opportunity fairly!”

Watching the elder’s almost sales-like enthusiasm and the growing whispers among the crowd, Violet narrowed her eyes, observing the people quietly discussing and exchanging opinions around her.

“Who is that old man? I wouldn’t even guarantee success here, so where does he get that kind of confidence?”

Hen, though she had only been in this world for six or seven years, was the Spirit Maiden of the Western Origin Spirit Kingdom. Her access to information far exceeded most, and with her innate abilities, she could glean knowledge of nearly everything. It was her grasp of such details that allowed her to devise such precise strategies in advance.

Sure enough, the silver-haired girl answered without hesitation.

“He’s Daoist Xuanmen, the leader of Feihong Temple in the Eastern Origin Mysterious Kingdom. Human male, 72 years old, mid-tier [Seeker of Immortality] Realm. Ranked 54th on the [Ancient Spirit Realm]’s Top 100, specializing in formation techniques. Not good at one-on-one combat, but in group battles, he can perform at a level comparable to the peak of the [Seeker of Immortality] Realm.”

“Feihong Temple was originally a small sect, but after Daoist Xuanmen took over as its leader thirty years ago, it expanded rapidly. He merged several temples of similar size, and now it’s considered a first-rate sect, just below the top-tier factions like the [Five Great Sects] and the [Eastern Origin Holy Sect].”

“Although he publicly presents himself as righteous, Xuanmen is narrow-minded and highly opportunistic. He often uses deceitful words to manipulate others into working for him, only to betray them later in various ways. When competing for the leadership of Feihong Temple, he ruthlessly eliminated or crippled a total of 22 rivals from within his sect. His methods are cruel, and he is not to be trusted.”

“Uh… I just wanted to know his name and title…”

Listening to Hen list out every sordid detail of the man’s background with an expressionless face, Violet couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. Even though she had expected Hen to be thorough, this was beyond her expectations.

“So, in your opinion, what’s the best course of action for us now?” Violet asked, trying to focus.

To be honest, Violet wasn’t too concerned about the spatial fissures. With the defense of her [Feather Robe Graria], even a direct collision with one wouldn’t harm her. However, the same couldn’t be said for everyone else.

Normal protective spells could only create a barrier. They couldn’t render the environment completely void. It was unlikely they’d be able to block the spatial fissures entirely without Violet using some extraordinary abilities.

While Violet could ignore the safety of the others for now, she couldn’t do the same for Hen and Xiao Kong. Especially Hen, who was weaker and relied on protection. Violet had to ensure their safety no matter what.

Understanding Violet’s concern instantly, Hen shook her head calmly.

“I’ll stay here. The next part of this journey is up to you. My task was to get you this far. Don’t worry about me, Violet. As long as you accomplish the objective at the core of this ruin, everyone, including me, will be safe.”

As she spoke, Hen turned to Xiao Kong, patting her on the shoulder.

“Kong, you’ll go with her. Your abilities are essential for this. I’ll handle any external disruptions while you two move forward.”

Being directly named, Xiao Kong’s face instantly turned into a mix of confusion and reluctance.

“You’ll cover our retreat? Just you? Are you serious?”

“Heh… Just go already.”

Xiao Kong hesitated, as if wanting to say more, but Violet had already nodded at her and stepped forward decisively.

“In that case, let’s go.”

“Violet? But if she’s staying behind alone…”

Violet turned back with a light smile.

“Do you really think she’s as fragile as she looks? This is the same person who escaped from the pursuit of [Seven Heavenly Demon Lords] alone. Sometimes, you have to let people show what they’re capable of. Now, let’s move, let’s move!”

“Eh? Hey, hey! Okay, okay, I’m coming. Don’t pull me!”

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“Hey! Someone’s heading inside!”

The sudden action of the two girls charging toward the restricted zone shattered the previous deadlock among the onlookers. Though they couldn’t understand what the duo was relying on, the rest of the powerful cultivators, mostly here in pursuit of “opportunities”, weren’t about to let others beat them to it.

“Quick, quick, quick! We’re going in too! Everyone, get in position! I’ll activate the formation immediately!”

The grey-robed Daoist from Feihong Temple had successfully recruited a group of helpers to power his formation through sheer persuasion. But seeing others rushing ahead of him, he panicked and spurred his group into action.

However, a sudden flash of silver light streaked through the air, piercing the newly-formed mobile barrier said to block spatial fissures with ease. The light grazed the Daoist’s hair, halting him mid-step.

“Whoa! What was that!?”

“Blocking our way? Are you looking to die?”

Amid the shouts and curses of the crowd, the silver-haired girl caught the peculiar short staff that had flown back into her hand. She floated mid-air atop a long spear, her expression calm but resolute. The immense aura emanating from her rippled through the space, and she stood alone, facing nearly a hundred elite cultivators.

Her cold, unwavering warning echoed across the ancient town’s ruins.

“This is not a place you can enter. No one is allowed to proceed any further. This is not a negotiation, it’s an order. If you disobey… you’ll face the consequences.”

“Hmm…?”

The sight of her shimmering silver hair billowing in the wind made the Daoist from Feihong Temple pause, his expression briefly changing as he took a sharp breath. However, he quickly masked his reaction with a loud, mocking laugh, as if trying to appear unfazed.

“What an arrogant little girl! Hmph… You’re just like those two from earlier, trying to stall for time, aren’t you? In the end, all you want is to keep the [Spirit Fox Shrine Maiden]’s treasure for yourselves! Such arrogance, it’s as if you don’t even see us as a threat!”

His words were shrewdly chosen. Without taking a clear stance, he subtly painted Violet and her companions as enemies to everyone present. The effect was immediate and undeniable.

“Kill her! Anyone who blocks my path will die!”

“Stop wasting time, her accomplices are already gone!”

Among the dozens of cultivators surrounding the silver-haired girl, more than half began to look at her with hostility. Their gazes turned even more urgent and aggressive when they realized Violet and the others had vanished into the depths of the spatial fissures.

Seeing the moment was ripe, the Daoist let out a sudden shout.

“What are you all waiting for? Let’s take her down together first!”

“Yeah!!!”

With a roar, the crowd surged forward, and several arrows shot out from within the group, speeding mercilessly toward the silver-haired girl’s face.

Hen didn’t flinch. Her silver eyes glinted coldly as she raised the short dagger in her hand.

But just then—

Whoosh!

A powerful gust of wind erupted, scattering the arrows in all directions. A figure in a formal, sectarian robe floated gracefully on the wind, appearing in front of Hen. It was a man, seemingly a senior member of some prominent sect, who smiled calmly at the crowd.

“Mu Ze of the [Shocking God Sect] is here. Everyone… bullying a lone young lady like this, isn’t that going a bit too far?”