C8 Crisis!

Upon witnessing Ling Han's seven levels of Awakening, the Chief Elder's stern expression softened slightly. Yet, anyone could see that the Chief Elder's fury over Chu Qing's injury still simmered beneath the surface.

"As a disciple of our sect, you are bound by our rules," the Chief Elder declared firmly. "Your altercation with the Second Elder is insubordination and a breach of our sect's code!"

The Chief Elder's words were calculated, aiming to seal Ling Han's fate.

"This is bad! The Chief Elder means business. I've always heard how fiercely protective he is of his disciples, especially his fondness for Chu Qing. Now, I've crossed him," Ling Han realized with dread.

Ling Han had anticipated the Chief Elder might use his position for personal ends, but he hadn't expected his worst fears to materialize so swiftly.

"Ling Han, you scourge, harming your peers and brazenly defying the Second Elder—regardless of your exceptional talent, today I will purge our sect of you!" The Chief Elder's gaze darted about, gauging the reactions of those around him, yet none of the disciples dared to defend Ling Han.

As Ling Han faced this predicament, a voice as melodious as a divine melody spoke up, "Ling Han was truly left with no choice but to defend himself against the Second Elder. I implore the Chief Elder to discern the truth of the matter!"

Bai Ning'er was unexpectedly interceding on behalf of Ling Han.

The onlookers gasped in shock.

Even though Bai Ning'er had once saved Ling Han's life, it had been a matter of convenience. Now, advocating for him was tantamount to inviting danger upon herself.

Crossing the sect's most powerful Elder could mean a precarious future within the sect.

Bai Ning'er was aware of the risks, but with Ling Han in crisis, she disregarded the potential repercussions of her advocacy.

As expected, the Chief Elder dismissed Bai Ning'er's plea without consideration.

His expression turned grim as he retorted, "So, you're the only one who believes Ling Han is innocent? Very well! No one has ever defied my will, and you will be no exception."

The Chief Elder continued, "Bai Ning'er, you merely joined our sect by a fortunate twist of fate, and your identity remains shrouded in mystery. Today, I shall eliminate you as well, to show the world that all disciples of our sect have untarnished origins."

It was clear to the Chief Elder that Bai Ning'er had repeatedly protected Ling Han. Since he was resolved to eliminate Ling Han, he knew he must also eradicate Bai Ning'er to prevent any loose ends.

"Alright! Alright!" Ling Han felt a surge of warmth upon hearing Bai Ning'er's words. He knew there was no escaping his fate. After emphatically uttering these affirmations, he braced himself for a battle to the death with the Chief Elder.

"Ding!" The system concealed within Ling Han's body suddenly emitted a sound.

"Your life is under severe threat. Your body will disintegrate in thirteen seconds."

"Thirteen, twelve, eleven..."

The system's voice was chillingly detached, particularly to Ling Han at that moment.

Ling Han realized that he had been enveloped by a force of genuine energy without knowing when it had happened. But it wasn't just genuine energy; it was something even more powerful.

Ling Han was utterly frustrated with his predicament. He possessed the strongest system, yet now he found himself trapped by a force beyond genuine energy immediately after engaging the Chief Elder in combat.

Furthermore, the system's voice informed him that he was on the brink of disintegration. Ling Han had hoped to either take the Chief Elder down with him or at least inflict severe damage upon him. But now, he was nothing more than a lamb to the slaughter.

"Huh? How peculiar. Your genuine energy shield is exceptionally pure, and it even carries the essence of a regal purple aura!" The Chief Elder mused, smacking his lips. "Logically, even a cultivator at the tenth level of Qi Refining would be instantly shattered by my astral force, certainly not surviving beyond five seconds."

As the system counted down to five, the Chief Elder paused and, in the blink of an eye, appeared before Ling Han.

This action startled Ling Han. Since acquiring the strongest system, his standards for assessing situations had elevated significantly. Yet he had never witnessed anyone, let alone the Chief Elder, move with such instantaneous speed, and he could scarcely believe it.

"What do you intend to do to Ling Han?" Bai Ning'er demanded, her anger evident as she clenched her teeth at the Chief Elder's aggressive move.

Bai Ning'er found herself severely suppressed by the combined forces of the Second and Third Elders. With her Awakening at a mere sixth level, she was on the brink of defeat.

The Chief Elder's gaze sharpened as he addressed Ling Han. "Have you stumbled upon some kind of serendipity? Something that enabled you to break through from a lower realm so suddenly?"

"Your genuine energy is somewhat dispersed; it's clear you've only recently advanced to the seventh level of the Qi Refining Realm." The Chief Elder's demeanor shifted as he proposed, "If you're willing to share what you've found, I'll spare your life, and the girl won't die either. What do you say?"

While speaking, the Chief Elder swiftly altered his hand signs, forming several seals that ensnared Bai Ning'er.

Ling Han mused over the Chief Elder's mercurial nature. "Moments ago, he was intent on destroying me, and now he's suddenly brokering a deal. Even if I reveal the strongest system I possess, given his previous resolve to kill me, it's unlikely he'd spare me. But for now, I must play along to ensure Ning'er's safety."

From the outset, Ling Han had noticed that the disciples around them were cowed by the Chief Elder's imposing presence, all except for Bai Ning'er, who steadfastly supported him.

Ling Han felt a deep sense of gratitude. Whether it was for Bai Ning'er's previous rescue or her current willingness to risk herself for his sake, he was profoundly thankful.

"Fine, I have indeed acquired something that can enhance one's cultivation. But let's discuss terms first. You must release Bai Ning'er," Ling Han negotiated, while giving Bai Ning'er a reassuring glance.

"Naturally," the Chief Elder replied, snapping his fingers and lifting the constraints around Bai Ning'er.

"Ling Han, don't trust their words. Don't trade away what's yours for a deal!" Bai Ning'er, ever perceptive, could easily infer the Chief Elder's malicious intent.

She turned to the other disciples and challenged them, "Is there no one among you willing to stand with Ling Han? Consider that you might be the next to receive a fortunate encounter, only to find yourself at the mercy of the Chief Elder's greed!"

Bai Ning'er attempted to rouse the numerous disciples around her to lend Ling Han a hand. The disciples, after all, were the lifeblood of a sect, and not even the Chief Elder, with his vast power, would dare to turn against them all.

Despite Bai Ning'er's earnest pleas, the disciples remained motionless, spectators to the unfolding drama.

In times past, these same disciples would have leapt at the chance to curry favor with Bai Ning'er, whom they adored as their goddess, eagerly vying to impress her.

But the stakes had changed. Speaking up now was tantamount to signing one's own death warrant. They had heard Bai Ning'er's appeals, yet they remained paralyzed by fear, prioritizing their own survival above all else.