Chapter 138: Return to the Taiyi Sect

The surrounding energy of heaven and earth was drawn toward him. His entire body was enveloped in a powerful surge of lightning. Though he remained in place to weave his hand seals, the White Wolf was blasted away the moment it lunged, repelled by the crackling electrical energy radiating from him.

Finally, Chu Han completed the seals. Opening his eyes, he shot a bolt of lightning from his gaze, then slowly thrust his palm forward. A massive, qi-infused handprint, crackling with lightning, slammed heavily into the White Wolf.

The beast let out a miserable shriek and collapsed to the ground. A giant handprint was seared into its chest, and its heart had been pierced through; it was dead beyond any doubt. Only after confirming this did Chu Han exhale in relief.

He could now see the true power of the Thunder Seal—it was nothing short of terrifying. However, the consumption of internal energy was immense; his reserves were nearly exhausted. It was clear that this technique could only be used as a finishing move, not a standard combat skill.

He walked into the small cabin, where Zhang Yuxi threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. She had been truly terrified; she had lived on Wolf Mountain for so long, yet this was the first time she had ever encountered a beast so powerful and aggressive.

Chu Han gently patted her back, offering comfort. After spending so much time together, he had long regarded her as his own younger sister, and seeing her in this state pained him deeply.

"Don't be afraid. I've killed the wolf; there's no more danger."

Guided and comforted by Chu Han, Zhang Yuxi’s emotions gradually stabilized. After chatting for a few moments, she went out to prepare a meal.

Chu Han’s expression turned somber. Wolf Mountain had always been safe, but the appearance of a creature like that White Wolf meant the mountain was no longer secure. He did not yet know the reason why.

Clearly, some change had occurred on Wolf Mountain to attract such a powerful beast. Such creatures usually stayed within their own habitats and rarely migrated; this White Wolf had evidently come from elsewhere.

Zhang Yuxi could no longer live here. She was just an ordinary person with a gift for communicating with animals, but she possessed no combat ability. If some change on the mountain was attracting such powerful beasts, there would surely be more to come.

It was too dangerous for her to live here alone. He had been there this time, but what about the next? What if she encountered a beast while out gathering herbs or fruit? These were questions he had to face.

He could not stay here forever; he would eventually have to return to the Taiyi Sect. Once he left, she would be unable to protect herself on the mountain. With this thought, Chu Han made up his mind: he would take her with him to the Taiyi Sect.

Although the Taiyi Sect’s criteria for accepting disciples were extremely strict, his relationship with Elder Xuan Xu was quite good. If he pleaded his case well, it shouldn't be a problem. The elders were not cold-blooded; at worst, she could work for the sect.

"Yuxi, such a powerful beast has appeared on Wolf Mountain. It's too dangerous for you to stay here, and I have to leave soon. Would you be willing to come with me?"

During the meal, after much deliberation, Chu Han finally spoke. He feared she might be unwilling to leave, as this was the only home she had ever known, and few people wished to depart from the places where they felt comfortable.

However, he had already prepared his arguments. It was too dangerous; staying here alone meant certain death. Why choose death when one could live?

"Go with you to the Taiyi Sect? Yes, please! I’ve never left Wolf Mountain my whole life. I’m willing to go with you. I’ve always wanted to see the outside world. I read the idiom 'a frog at the bottom of a well' in a book once; it describes me perfectly."

Zhang Yuxi nodded without hesitation, agreeing to his suggestion, which caught Chu Han by surprise.

Since she seemed to understand her own situation—that she was indeed like the frog in the well—there was no need for further persuasion. He would spend today recovering, and tomorrow, they would set off for the Taiyi Sect.

If the sect refused to take her in, he would simply take her elsewhere. Since she was willing to follow him, it showed her trust in him, and he took the responsibility of caring for her to heart.

That night, Chu Han used medicinal pills to heal his remaining internal injuries. Early the next morning, he set out with Zhang Yuxi, heading toward the Taiyi Sect.

The distance was not great. After ten minutes of traveling through the mountains, they reached the border. Chu Han noticed a high-level formation at the boundary between the cultivation mountains and Wolf Mountain.

This formation was not meant to keep people from crossing, but to guard against beasts. With this barrier in place, no beast could enter the cultivation grounds—a protective measure installed by the elders for the sake of the disciples.

Entering the cultivation area, they returned to the Taiyi Sect. Zhang Yuxi, having never left the mountain before, appeared somewhat reserved, clutching Chu Han’s clothes tightly, looking fearful. This was only natural, as it was her first time seeing the outside world.

"Yuxi, wait here for me. I need to speak with an elder; I’ll be right back."

Chu Han instructed her. Zhang Yuxi nodded and stood obediently to the side as he entered the elders' courtyard.

He found Elder Xuan Xu without any trouble. To his surprise, the elder didn't seem the least bit shocked by his arrival. "You’ve come. A bit later than I expected, and I know what you’re here for."

Chu Han was taken aback. Was this man a clairvoyant? He knew he was coming and knew his business.

"The girl from Wolf Mountain has an unusual background—or rather, her master did. Wolf Mountain has indeed undergone some changes, and it is too dangerous for her to stay there alone. Let her stay at the Taiyi Sect; she can have the room next to yours."

As expected, Xuan Xu stated his intent and agreed to the request. Chu Han was baffled as to how he knew all of this.

"Haha, I know you’re curious. But for the safety of our disciples, every one of them who enters the cultivation mountains leaves behind a soul imprint at the sect. It is automatic and beyond your control. We monitor it, and I could see everything that happened on the mountain quite clearly."

Xuan Xu let out a hearty laugh of explanation. Chu Han was enlightened. He said nothing more, as he understood this was the sect’s way of protecting its disciples—extreme, perhaps, but necessary.

Chu Han thanked him and walked back outside. Upon seeing the scene before him, his lungs nearly burst with rage. A dozen people had surrounded Zhang Yuxi, and one of them was lewdly reaching out to touch her. Zhang Yuxi’s face was flushed with embarrassment and anger, but she was too terrified to resist.

"Little sister, what’s your name? You’re so pretty. Why don’t you come with me tonight? I’ll look after you, and I guarantee no one in the Taiyi Sect will dare to bully you."

The sleazy man sneered, and his companions erupted in laughter. Though Zhang Yuxi was naive, she knew they were not good people. She retreated, her lips pressed tightly together, unable to speak a word.