"She definitely can't run far. Let's split up and chase right away!"
Even with the Thousand-Mile Teleportation Rune, it only covers a thousand-mile distance. If they chased with full effort, they would catch up to the two quickly.
At his command, Patriarch Huo chose a direction and took off.
The remaining elders looked at each other silently. After a moment, one said, "You disciples don't bother chasing. That woman is cunning beyond measure. Don't get yourselves into trouble."
"Let us chase then!"
A few elders exchanged glances and decided to pursue in different directions.
Their decision immediately overshadowed Patriarch Huo. It was clearly Patriarch Huo's personal grudge, yet he showed no remorse and even risked his disciples' safety.
Up until now, Patriarch Huo hadn't paid a single word of concern to the Divine Soul stage cultivator. His entire focus was on hunting down Song Wanníng and Baili Shang.
The others were already displeased, but this only made their resentment towards Patriarch Huo grow. Still, this was not enough to affect his position for now.
...
Thud!
Song Wanníng and Baili Shang landed heavily on the ground, their bodies wobbling before steadying.
Baili Shang felt a sudden clarity, the dizziness of shifting stars and moving constellations finally dissipating. Before him was a familiar place—the exact spot where the Immortal Palace once stood.
"So, we're back?" Baili Shang looked at Song Wanníng in surprise, eyes full of doubt.
They had hidden for days and traveled far away. Yet Song Wanníng managed to return with just one rune. How terrifying was her power?
Even Baili Shang could not compare.
A chill ran through Baili Shang's heart. At first, he thought Song Wanníng was just a genius. Now, his opinion had completely changed. Such an extraordinary talent—if she had been in the spiritual realm from the start, who knew what terrifying level she would have reached?
Even he felt inferior.
Admiration deepened in Baili Shang's eyes. Meeting Song Wanníng was his good fortune.
"I only created a teleportation channel between two places using space runes," Song Wanníng explained, "but this channel can't last long. Once the spiritual energy fades, it loses effect. I'm just taking advantage of the special terrain here."
Noticing Baili Shang's look of admiration, Song Wanníng smiled slightly.
This place used to be the Immortal Palace's location, surrounded by natural formations that maintained the energy inside. After learning space runes, she had already thought of this method. Only by doing this could they hope to shake off those hateful pursuers.
Meanwhile, her clone had merged back with her upon their pursuers catching up, bringing all the treasures back, each one making Song Wanníng's heart race.
Her clone had actually stolen the Huo family's most precious treasures?
No wonder the elders relentlessly chased after Huo Jinchuan. If such treasures were stolen, killing Huo Jinchuan might be justified!
Her eyes narrowed. She immediately said to Baili Shang, "Let's go. Before they catch up, we should find a place to hide and figure out what to do next."
"Agreed."
Baili Shang nodded. Now, he followed Song Wanníng's orders without hesitation.
Even he hadn't realized it himself.
Soon, guided by the map, Song Wanníng chose a safe direction.
This wasn't the time to confront Huo Jinchuan. After all, the elders were still chasing him. Let them exhaust each other while they stayed behind to profit from the situation.
...
Patriarch Huo and the others completely lost their targets.
The elders and he could only return empty-handed, furious but powerless, and rushed back to the Huo family.
Since the elders were away, if the Huo family was robbed, it would be a disaster.
Everyone hurried back, their faces dark.
Especially the Divine Soul stage cultivator who had lost five hundred years of lifespan. His spiritual energy seemed completely drained.
The disciples left in the Huo family were shocked, secretly investigating the situation. Upon learning the truth, they turned pale.
A single rune had cost someone five hundred years of life...
What about those cultivators with weaker foundations? Would they die instantly?
Terrifying.
For a time, the Huo family disciples were panic-stricken, whispering about this fearsome enemy.
Meanwhile, a fierce battle brewed in the family's council hall.
The elders exchanged grim looks. Finally, Elder Seven stood and spoke, "Patriarch, how do you plan to handle Huo Jinchuan stealing the Huo family treasures? They've reported that Huo Jinchuan is still on the run…"
This topic had been on everyone's mind since the journey back, but Patriarch Huo's oppressive aura kept them from speaking sooner.
Hearing this, Patriarch Huo's face turned green.
How could Huo Jinchuan have stolen the treasures?
That was nonsense.
"You must be mistaken. Huo Jinchuan has been staying at the Immortal Palace area. How could he sneak back and steal from the Huo family?"
But he couldn't say this out loud. After all, he had claimed Huo Jinchuan disappeared because of Song Wanníng and Baili Shang. Changing his story now would be hard to justify.
"Hmph. Patriarch, are you trying to protect him?"
"We saw him return ourselves. Elder Li even watched him enter the treasure pavilion. Then the items went missing!"
"Are we supposed to be wrong?"
"Patriarch, don't protect him just because he is your son!"
The elders were furious. They understood Patriarch Huo's affection for his son, but the theft was a huge loss.
Even if Patriarch Huo compensated, it would not be enough.
"Patriarch, you must call Huo Jinchuan back immediately. As long as the treasures are intact, we can just punish him lightly…"
"The most important thing now is to get the treasures back. The Huo family can't afford such losses!"
Some elders played the bad cop, some the good cop, making Patriarch Huo's face go pale and flush repeatedly.
His head ached sharply.
There was no way he could contact Huo Jinchuan now, let alone get the treasures back.
"Are you sure it was Huo Jinchuan? Could it be someone disguised as him?"
He truly regretted his earlier words. Now, they had become obstacles. No explanation would be accepted.
"Patriarch, do you think we're all fools? Could we not recognize Huo Jinchuan?"
"We watched him grow up!"
The elders laughed bitterly. Having seen Huo Jinchuan so many times, how could they mistake someone else for him?