Hu Ruhai left, causing Xiang Shaoyun to feel somewhat awkward.

He rubbed his nose and proposed, "Why don't I leave instead. I don't want to cause any unhappiness among you."

Right after he said that, Luo Ying ran over and said, "This has nothing to do with you. He is the one jealous of you. Just let him go."

"Yeah. You saved us, yet he still acts like that. He is too disappointing," someone else agreed.

The others also voiced their agreement and sided with Xiang Shaoyun. He personally believed that he hadn't done anything wrong, so he didn't really feel guilty. He did, however, sigh at how difficult human interaction could be at times.

"Alright. Time for us to get going," said Jiang Qi after giving it some thought.

"You're planning to enter the third layer?" asked Xiang Shaoyun.

"Of course. The four academies are fighting over the devilsand. Our Sacred Deer Academy might be weak, but we still need to put up a fight," said Jiang Qi with a determined expression.

"Good resolve, but going there like this is simply suicide," said Xiang Shaoyun bluntly.

"Why? Do you look down on us?" asked Jiang Qi unhappily.

Xiang Shaoyun shook his head and said, "The Devil Domain is no longer the same. Even the second layer has so many Devil Sovereigns. I had even seen Devil Saints before. Just imagine how many experts there are at the third layer."

Jiang Qi and the others sank into silence. This was a fact that they didn't want to face. However, they understood that he was speaking the truth. Xiang Shaoyun's bluntness destroyed the little bit of delusion they had.

"You might be right, but we still want to visit the third layer, or we won't be able to convince ourselves," said Jiang Qi firmly.

"All of you might die," said Xiang Shaoyun gravely.

Jiang Qi turned around and asked, "Juniors, are you afraid of death?"

"No!" answered the Sacred Deer Academy disciples in an orderly fashion.

"Good. Let's head to the third layer and fight for the devilsand," said Jiang Qi.

Xiang Shaoyun looked at the disciples, not knowing what to say. Were they stupid, or were they stubborn? He ultimately decided to go to the third layer with them. As they traveled, they encountered more devils. These devils naturally wouldn't hold back when encountering humans, and they attacked immediately.

The Sacred Deer Academy disciples weren't exactly useless. They had all reached late-stage Dragon Ascension Realm and were still rather competent. Xiang Shaoyun rarely made a move as they traveled. He only acted against Devil Sovereigns. As for Devil Emperors, he left them for the others so that the group could get a sense of how strong the devils were.

After about eight battles of differing scales, the Sacred Deer Academy disciples were ridden with wounds, looking battered and exhausted. If Xiang Shaoyun hadn't helped them during a few critical moments, they would have all perished. They rejoiced at the fact that Xiang Shaoyun had stayed to help them. What would happen if he left? They didn't even dare to entertain the thought.

One day, when everyone was resting, Luo Ying quietly looked for Jiang Qi and asked, "Senior, wh-what's your relationship with Xiang Shaoyun?"

"We're friends," answered Jiang Qi earnestly.

"Only friends?" Luo Ying pushed on.

"Yes," replied Jiang Qi firmly. "Why?"

"J-just asking," said Luo Ying, blushing.

Jiang Qi wasn't stupid. She thought of a certain possibility and asked, "Have you fallen for Xiang Shaoyun?"

"O-only a little," said Luo Ying bashfully.

Jiang Qi asked teasingly, "Do you want me to give you a hand?"

"No. I want to rely on myself!" said Luo Ying. She mustered her courage and walked toward Xiang Shaoyun.

Looking at Luo Ying, Jiang Qi's eyes widened. This girl is really quite courageous.

Jiang Qi knew that Luo Ying had always been a reserved person who didn't really dare to speak with strangers. Thus, it was admirable for her to have such courage. However, Jiang Qi also knew that Luo Ying probably wouldn't receive a favorable answer.

Xiang Shaoyun was standing atop a nearby boulder. His senses permeated their surroundings as he constantly watched for devils. At the same time, he was also contemplating his next course of action.

He wouldn't be able to keep protecting the group. However, he didn't mind escorting them to the third layer. After all, he was heading there himself. But upon arriving, he would have to part ways with them. He still needed to gather more contribution points, so he couldn't keep wasting time with them.

Xiang Shaoyun sensed someone approaching. When he saw that it was Luo Ying, he smiled and asked, "Yes?"

"N-nothing. Actually, I-I'm here to thank you for saving my life," said Luo Ying bashfully.

"You thanked me before. There is no need to thank me again," said Xiang Shaoyun.

"No, I want to thank you properly. I-I want to give you my body as thanks. What do you think?" asked Luo Ying as she met Xiang Shaoyun's gaze, her face flushed red.

"That's not proper, right?" said Xiang Shaoyun as he rubbed his nose.

"Why? Am I not beautiful?" asked Luo Ying.

"You're beautiful."

"Why not, then? Is it because I'm not strong enough? I can put more effort into cultivating!"

"No, you're pretty good, but I already have a wife and a child. Y-you should understand."

"I-I can be your mistress. I don't mind. I only need you to show me more care," said Luo Ying in an agitated manner as she hugged Xiang Shaoyun's arm.

She had not fallen for him just because he had saved her. More importantly, he was too charming, and she couldn't help but jump at him like a moth flying into a flame.

Xiang Shaoyun could feel Luo Ying's bountiful chest pressing against his arm. However, he still nimbly pulled his arm away and said, "You don't have to treat yourself that badly. I only helped you for Jiang Qi's sake. If it was for anyone else, I wouldn't have done anything. Don't overthink it."

When Luo Ying heard his indifferent words, she paled. This rejection had obviously dealt her a great blow. Xiang Shaoyun couldn't bear to see her sad look. Just as he was about to say something else, his eyes turned cold. He hugged her and dashed aside.

As soon as they moved away, the boulder they were on exploded. If Xiang Shaoyun was any slower, he would have died.