Yun Jin glanced over and immediately understood.
This time, there had indeed been casualties. Dealing with two mid-Mahayana opponents was not simple. Yun Jin could not manage her disciples as she had before.
Fifty people had arrived initially.
Now, only twenty remained.
The rest had left no corpses behind—they simply vanished. The remaining twenty were covered in scars, clearly having endured fierce battles. In other regions, such skirmishes were routine for the Demon-Slaying Alliance and explained why the alliance received so many resource advantages.
Here, however, most of these people were likely experiencing such brutal combat for the first time, even the loose cultivators.
A loose cultivator whispered, "Hall Master, when they faced mortal danger, they activated the talismans you gave them, and then… they suddenly disappeared."
Yun Jin nodded. She glanced at Kong Huai and the others, her lips curling into the faintest smile. Even the sect disciples had used the talismans she had given them. After spending these days together, they had gained a measure of trust in her.
This also proved one thing: These disciples were not beyond hope.
"Hall Master… where did they go?" someone asked cautiously.
Yun Jin replied calmly, "It does not matter. They will return in a few days."
She gave no further explanation, and the others did not dare to ask again. After activating the talisman, the people not only disappeared but also could no longer be contacted.
It was strange, indeed.
Yet these disciples, personally led by Yun Jin, trusted her enough not to worry excessively.
"Go ahead and launch the flying boat. I will come shortly," Yun Jin said calmly.
The group hurriedly obeyed and turned to leave.
Yun Jin approached the old tree. "Thank you for your help this time, Elder."
With no one else around, the old tree lazily stretched out two arms, then two legs, and even grew facial features. He looked Yun Jin up and down curiously. "Little girl, I can sense you've mastered quite a few wood-attribute supreme Laws."
Yun Jin answered humbly, "Not that many."
The old tree did not believe her. "Spirit of flora, entanglement, and absorption—that makes three super Laws. I see your spiritual energy flows endlessly, and it is very likely you have also mastered the Law of Endless Cycle. You are only missing the final one: the Law of Revitalization."
If she mastered that last one, Yun Jin would command the Primordial Wood.
Yun Jin looked at the old tree, impressed. After ten thousand years, his judgment was indeed precise.
She had stalled on the Law of Endless Cycle because she had yet to grasp its True Meaning.
Once she took that final step, she could master that Law, and through it, the entire Primordial Wood.
Yun Jin stayed silent, and the old tree suddenly froze. "Wait... wait, does that mean you're already really close to the Primordial Force?"
Yun Jin modestly replied, "Not too far, not too far."
The old tree could not help but shake his head.
After a pause, he said, "Little girl, when one day you master the Primordial Wood, could you come to see me again?"
"Is there something you wish to ask of me, Elder?" Yun Jin asked curiously.
The old tree looked embarrassed. "There is indeed something I need help with, but only after you control the Primordial Wood can you assist me."
Yun Jin did not hesitate. "Very well. When that day comes, I will visit you."
The old tree had helped her greatly, and Yun Jin's nature was always to repay favors.
Reassured by her promise, he relaxed. "To grasp an entire Primordial Force is extremely difficult," You need not rush. Even if it takes hundreds or thousands of years, that is normal. I can wait. Just do not forget me when the time comes."
Yun Jin's expression twitched slightly.
Hundreds or thousands of years?
She replied with a meaningful smile, "Rest assured. That is but a short time. I will not forget."
The old tree did not press further, simply nodding. "Then, my thanks for now."
After bidding farewell to the old tree and the other plant spirits, Yun Jin leapt onto the flying vessel.
The vessel lifted slowly, departing Luoyun Mountain.
The old tree closed its eyes. His life was long; he usually spent his time sleeping. Ten or a hundred years would pass like that. He hoped to see this remarkable girl again soon.
With the mission complete, the group's mood was far more relaxed on the return journey. Inside the cabin, everyone excitedly discussed the adventure. For the sect disciples, the past few days likely surpassed all their previous cultivation experiences in intensity.
Yun Jin sat alone, lazily sipping wine.
Though she sat in a corner, their eyes could not help but glance at her. Yet no one dared approach to speak. As the boat passed near a city, a sudden commotion arose below.
What was happening?
The group instinctively became alert, looking to Yun Jin.
She put away her wine gourd and slowly stood.
Without stepping outside, her Primordial Soul swept over the situation, understanding it fully.
"Follow me outside," she said calmly.
"Yes," everyone replied.
They exited the cabin.
Looking down, they saw the townspeople cheering.
Everyone froze.
Did they know these people?
"We eradicated the rising evil factions. Any remaining scattered evildoers now hide, unwilling to act again," Yun Jin said, glancing at her group with a hint of softness. "You gave these people peace. They are grateful to you."
"This…"
The disciples looked bewildered. Especially the sect disciples, whose faces showed faint shame. They felt they had done little.
The main evildoers had been eliminated by Yun Jin. Their participation had been reluctant at first. Later, most carried out tasks actively, but largely under Yun Jin's authority.
Yet these citizens…
Yun Jin observed their expressions and spoke calmly, "Accept this gratitude with ease. In doing good, judge deeds, not hearts. You eradicated the demons, you helped the people—that is enough."
Doing good.
Judge deeds, not hearts.
The disciples felt a stir in their hearts, sensing a supreme truth hidden within.
Yet Yun Jin…
Was clearly just a sixteen-year-old girl.
Their Hall Master.
How could someone so young maintain such clarity of heart?
Yun Jin made a decision.
She had the flying vessel hover in midair.
Then she told the group, "We will rest here tonight. We depart again tomorrow."
Speaking, she leapt from the boat first.