The rogue cultivator's patience broke.
His expression hardened as he raised both hands. The air twisted violently around him. Dust spiraled upward into a funnel, and the ground cracked further, forming a circular depression centered on the two cultivators.
"Old man," he said coldly, "your existence here interferes with Heaven's order."
Ren Tianhe sighed softly.
"The world is not as orderly as you believe."
The dark-robed man stepped forward and thrust his palm out.
This time the attack was visible.
The air compressed into a translucent wave and shot toward Ren Tianhe, tearing a shallow trench through the soil as it advanced.
Ling Chen felt his heart stop.
Ren Tianhe did not dodge.
He lifted his staff and tapped it lightly against the ground.
The wave split in two, passing harmlessly to either side and carving deep furrows into the hillside beyond.
For the first time, the rogue cultivator looked unsettled.
"You…"
Ren Tianhe spoke quietly.
"You seek answers. But some answers destroy those who learn them."
The man's gaze flicked toward Ling Chen again.
"That boy is not natural."
"I know."
"You would still protect him?"
Ren Tianhe looked back at Ling Chen.
The old cultivator's eyes held warmth — not the detached calm of a powerful cultivator, but something deeply human.
"Yes."
Silence passed.
Then the dark-robed man's killing intent surged.
"If Heaven cannot judge him, then I will."
He vanished.
Ling Chen didn't see movement — only absence, as if the man had stepped between moments.
Ren Tianhe moved instantly, appearing in front of Ling Chen.
A thunderous impact erupted.
The old cultivator's body jerked.
Blood touched his lips.
He had blocked an attack Ling Chen never saw.
Old Yu shouted in horror.
Ling Chen froze.
Ren Tianhe steadied himself but did not step back.
He spoke without turning around.
"Ling Chen… listen carefully."
The battle paused for a breath.
"Do not chase immortality."
Ling Chen's voice shook.
"Master Ren—"
"Strength without meaning is emptiness," Ren Tianhe continued gently. "Live long if you must… but live as a person."
The rogue cultivator frowned.
"You are giving last words?"
Ren Tianhe smiled faintly.
"I am giving a first lesson."
He pushed Ling Chen behind him once more and raised his sleeve.
The air gathered.
The final exchange was coming.
And Ling Chen realized with sudden terror—
Ren Tianhe was not trying to win.
He was trying to buy time.