ushernet Chapter 159 - 159: Getting Back
Chapter 159 - 159: Getting Back
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have gained 3,000 Villain Halo and 30,000 Villain Points for increasing the favorability of the Daughter of Destiny.]
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! You have gained 5,000 Villain Halo and 50,000 Villain Points for dual cultivating with the Daughter of Destiny, Mei Xian.]
The distant sounds of footsteps crunching through the snow and muffled voices carried on the cold wind, breaking the stillness of the frozen forest. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting pale light through the canopy of frost-laden branches.
Aric's eyes snapped open, his senses immediately alert. "We need to move," he whispered, his breath forming a small cloud in the frigid air. "They might be
As he moved away to check on other disciples, Mei Xian turned to Aric, her expression clouded with concern. "I can't shake the feeling that we were set up," she whispered, ensuring they were out of earshot of the others.
Aric looked at her thoughtfully, his gaze steady. "I was thinking the same," he admitted quietly. "The enemy knew too much about our movements and strategies."
She lowered her voice further, her eyes scanning the cave to ensure they weren't overheard. "Do you think someone from our side betrayed us?" she asked, her tone filled with apprehension.
He hesitated, weighing his words carefully. "It's possible," he replied. "The precision of their ambush suggests they had inside information."
Her eyes flickered toward Xu Mevan and Xu Amber, who stood apart from the group, speaking in hushed tones. Mevan's expression was guarded, his gaze occasionally darting toward the others as if assessing their thoughts.
"You suspect them?" Mei Xian asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Aric sighed softly. "I don't want to jump to conclusions," he cautioned. "But their actions raise questions. They emerged from the battle relatively unscathed, and they seemed to anticipate certain dangers the rest of us didn't."
Mei Xian frowned, concern etched on her delicate features. "We need to be cautious," she agreed. "If there is a traitor among us, confronting them outright could be dangerous."
He nodded in agreement. "We'll keep this between us for now," he suggested. "Gathering more information would be wise before making any accusations."
As the night wore on, the camp settled into an uneasy quiet. The survivors took turns standing watch, the shadows of the forest looming like silent sentinels. Aric volunteered for the first shift, his senses alert as he scanned the darkened treeline for any signs of movement.
Lin Wei approached him during his watch, her footsteps light. "Mind if I join you?" she asked.
"Not at all," Aric replied, gesturing for her to sit on a nearby log.
She sat down, pulling her cloak tightly around herself. "It's hard to believe everything that's happened," she mused, gazing into the darkness.
Aric nodded. "It was a difficult battle," he acknowledged. "We weren't expecting such resistance."
She hesitated before speaking again. "Do you think we'll be safe on the journey back?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
"We'll need to stay vigilant," he replied. "But together, we can handle whatever comes our way."
She offered a small smile. "You're right. Thank you, Aric."