As Shu Yue pondered about the mysterious bettor, she sensed a tremendous chi radiating from behind them. It immediately alerted her mind to strengthen her guard. Her pace slowed as she tightened her grip on her sword. Despite the fact that a threat was lurking behind them, she maintained her calm demeanor, as though unaware of any dangers.

"Xiao Ran," Shu Yue called in a quiet voice.

"I know," Xiao Ran whispered back. "We're being followed. Warriors."

"I'm sensing a great amount of chi, which indicates that there are about ten warriors," Shu Yue observed. "I have no doubt they are one of Dishan's bettors, or more accurately, Dishan's subordinate."

Xiao Ran frowned. "Springbear warriors?"

Shu Yue tapped a finger on her bamboo stick and nodded. "Yeah. I knew this would happen; I know they'll come after me for this soul-binding scroll."

"I see; they need it for Dishan, the rising warrior from their tribe who seems to have great potential."

Shu Yue cracked a smile. "Ah, you're still as sharp as ever."

Xiao Ran cleared his throat. "Well, I have to keep up with Young Mistress."

Dishan must be aiming to join the army in this upcoming season of military recruitment, Shu Yue thought as she closed her eyes, feeling the wind around her and sensing the aura it brought with it.

The recruitment event, which was held once every four years, was fast approaching, so disciples were desperately preparing. They wanted to impress the officials in the hopes of being accepted and gaining a position in the courts, where they could learn high-level martial arts and spells. Therefore, every disciple aspired to join the army.

Acquiring a spirit beast was no ordinary feat. It was a great accomplishment for both the warriors and the magi. A spirit beast would be a disciple's most loyal and powerful ally, so having a beast companion was thought to be a huge advantage. However, the only way to obtain a powerful spirit beast was to use a soul-binding scroll, which was equally hard to acquire. It was a very rare item that cost twenty thousand gold coins.

That was why Shu Yue knew she wouldn't be able to leave in peace after the sparring match.

Well, who can blame them for being desperate? I am, too.

Shu Yue sighed and spun around to face the threat behind them. Xiao Ran followed suit. But there was no one there, except for a few pedestrians.

"Show yourselves!" Shu Yue bellowed.

One after another, the warriors hiding in the narrow space between buildings emerged like ninjas. There were six men and four women, and they all wore silver robes. None of them were older than their mid-twenties. Their sharp eyes harbored killing intent.

Xiao Ran stepped forward, ready to defend Shu Yue against any incoming attacks. He looked at them with cold, merciless eyes. A powerful and ominous aura was radiating from him. He looked like a beast primed and ready to pounce on its prey should they harm his master. His demeanor was diametrically opposed to Shu Yue's, who looked calm and gentle, almost harmless.

Fear flashed in the eyes of the ten warriors as they looked at Xiao Ran, their hands slightly trembled as they tightly gripped their weapons. But they stood their ground.

"Hand us over the soul-binding scroll, and we'll leave you alone!" exclaimed the tallest woman, standing ahead of her allies. She seemed to be acting like a leader now that Dishan was in such bad shape.

"Why would I hand over something I own?" Shu Yue asked in an innocent voice.

The female warrior gritted her teeth. Her killing aura intensified, and her chi began to stir. She looked even more fierce and menacing than before. Her incredible display of bravado and ferocity was commendable. It elicited fear from everyone, forcing them to be cautious.

But Shu Yue only found her fierceness entertaining.

"I'm sorry, but I need this item too," said Shu Yue in that gentle voice of hers.

The woman's face darkened with rage.

Xiao Ran raised his palm as a warning. "Step back! If any harm comes to her I will not hesitate to kill you!"

Shu Yue tapped a hand on his shoulder as she stepped beside him.

"How about this?" Shu Yue said in a calm voice, and the warriors all looked at her. "Would you like a rematch? But this time, it's me against all of you."

Their eyes widened in surprise.

"H-how arrogant!" exclaimed one man as he glared at Shu Yue. "Don't be so full of yourself just because you defeated Dishan!"

The leader lifted a hand to silence her companion and smirked, her dark eyes blazing with a fierce fire as she looked at Shu Yue. "Sure. I will break that mask of yours and reveal the face of the coward hiding behind it!"

The woman looked so confident. Shu Yue studied her for a moment. She has a high amount of internal energy compared to her companions--compared to Shu Yue. When Shu Yue's eyes landed on the purple sash tied around the woman's waist, a slow, utterly wicked smile spread over her lips.

Ah, she's an A-rank warrior. No wonder she's so daring. Let me change that expression.

"Charge!" the fierce leader bellowed.