LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 79: Chapter 79: We Are As Good As Dead!
The six Inner Sect disciples returned to the Inner Sect with heavy hearts and a singular purpose: facing Young Master Niu. They had no choice; the last few days had been filled with frantic thoughts about how to explain their failure.
Their injuries had mostly healed, though Gao Jin's severed hand remained a painful reminder. The sword aura that had once seared through his wound was gone, but the cut was far too clean—undeniably the work of a sword. Even so, Gao Jin had prepared a plausible excuse for that, should the question arise.
They approached Young Master Niu's grand courtyard in silence, their steps heavy with unease. The guards at the entrance moved to block their path, but they quickly presented their Follower Tokens—cards that served as proof of their allegiance to someone within the sect.
In the Supreme Dao Sect, from the top disciples of the Inner Sect to any member of the Core Sect, one could have as many followers as desired—though it was entirely their choice whether to accept them or not.
With a single glance at the tokens, the guards recognized their authenticity and stepped aside to let them pass.
As they entered the lavish residence, they saw him—Young Master Niu—reclining lazily in a throne-like chair, a picture of arrogance and indolence.
The six disciples immediately bowed low, their heads nearly touching the ground as they greeted him in unison.
"Greetings, Young Master Niu. We hope you have been well."
Niu Ling barely lifted his gaze, his eyes half-lidded with disinterest. His fingers drummed the armrest of his chair rhythmically as a faint smirk played at the corner of his lips.
"Well? Oh, I've been quite well. But tell me..." He leaned forward slightly, his eyes glinting with cold amusement. "Who are you again? And what brings you here?"
A wave of shock rippled through the group. They had served Niu Ling for two years, yet he didn't even recognize them. Still, they had half-expected this—none had done anything extraordinary enough to be remembered by him.
Ning Shao, Niu Ling's maid, stepped forward with effortless grace, her figure partially obscured by the dim light and shadows cast by the ornate throne.
Though her face remained veiled in shadow, the graceful curve of her movements and the regal air she carried left no room for doubt—she was definitely a beauty of unparalleled refinement, a presence that commanded both admiration and intrigue.
When She spoke, her voice was soft yet clear, steady and composed as she revealed the disciples' identities to Niu Ling.
"Oh? So these are the ones I sent to the Mystic Evergreen Forest to deal with Xue Taiyang," Niu Ling mused, his tone smooth and casual, as if discussing a matter of little consequence. "If I remember correctly, I also dispatched another group to handle Yang Lie on Young Master Zhen Xie's orders. What became of them? I heard Yang Lie returned to the sect just yesterday."
Ning Shao inclined her head respectfully, lowering her voice so that only Niu Ling could hear, her words hidden from Gao Jin and the others. "I assigned a skilled operative with advanced Stealth Techniques to oversee both missions, ensuring the safety and betrayal of your people—those sent to confront Yang Lie and those tasked with delaying their mission concerning Xue Taiyang."
"I also equipped him with two Shadow Recording Stones and two Low-tier Rare Grade Spirit Letters to report swiftly if anything unforeseen occurred. A Rare-Grade Spirit Letter is impossible to intercept, even by someone proficient in Sword Aura, making it the perfect countermeasure against opponents like Xue Taiyang or Yang Lie, who haven't even awakened Sword Aura."
A smirk tugged at Niu Ling's lips as his eyes gleamed with amusement. "As expected, Ning Ning. You are as clever and exquisite as ever."
"Your praise flatters me, Young Master, though I scarcely deserve it," she replied with polished humility, her tone calm and devoid of emotion "And I do have a name—Ning Shao. Kindly refrain from giving me strange ones."
Her words, smooth and controlled, carried neither offense nor affection, only a distant, unwavering poise. "A Spirit Letter arrived today containing a Shadow Recording Stone. Shall I play it for you?"
"Stubborn as always," Niu Ling muttered with a faint chuckle. "One day, you'll be just like the others. But for now—yes, play it. I wish to see what befell my subordinates."
Inwardly, Ning Shao's thoughts simmered. This man truly infuriates me... yet I can do nothing against him. But one day—one day—I will definitely kill him and his entire clan.
She remained poised as she took out the Spirit Letter, her fingers channeling a thread of Spiritual Qi into its core. The letter unraveled with a soft glow, revealing a glimmering yellow stone that shone faintly in the dim light.
As Gao Jin and his companions caught sight of the glimmering stone, a chill ran down their spines, rooting them in place. The weight of recognition struck instantly—there was no mistaking a Shadow Recording Stone.
Yet, despite the dread coiling in their chests, they fought to maintain calm, forcing their expressions into masks of composure. They dared not betray a hint of the truth.
If Niu Ling discovered what had transpired in the Mystic Evergreen Forest, their fate would be sealed—death, swift and merciless.
"What is this Shadow Recording Stone holding?" Gao Jin's mind raced in silent panic. "Does it contain evidence of what we did in the forest? Could they be planning to expose our treachery before eliminating us? If that's the case..."
He swallowed hard, steeling himself. "We are as good as dead."
Even as fear gnawed at his resolve, he stood rigid, outwardly calm—his only defense against the storm that might soon descend.