"I see, I understand," Wu Huang said, opening his eyes and nodding with comprehension.
With a frigid expression, he observed the figure remaining knelt before him.
"Senior Brother, please, forgive Brother Su," interceded Lin Xian, who was dressed in somewhat tattered robes.
"Lin Xian."
Wu Huang turned his head and looked at him directly. His voice, devoid of any trace of emotion, made the youth shudder. Noting Wu Huang's somber mood, Lin Xian immediately took a step back, understanding that it was best to remain silent for the moment.
Seeing the boy retreat, Wu Huang fixed his gaze back on the young woman.
"Do you understand your mistake?" he asked coldly.
The young woman trembled violently before nodding with her head bowed low.
"This disciple... understands her mistake."
Watching her, Wu Huang couldn't help but let out a sigh. It hadn't even been a week since they arrived, and this "Child of Destiny" was already causing trouble. At the very least, this had been a threat within reasonable bounds; but if someone in the Middle or Late stage of Foundation Establishment had appeared, he could only have covered his siblings' retreat while doing his best to resist.
Defeating them would have been impossible considering their numbers; not even the Child of Destiny could have done anything.
Of course, he had defeated disciples in the Foundation Establishment realm before, but quantity made a world of difference. Against one or two, it would be possible, but five of them were beyond his reach.
He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, then directed his gaze toward the person recovering to the side.
"So... who are you? How could a mortal climb so high into the Beast Mountain Range, and why were they hunting you?" Wu Huang asked.
Normally, he wouldn't waste words on a stranger, but considering that his siblings' lives had been endangered because of her, if he didn't receive a satisfactory explanation, someone would have to suffer the consequences.
The girl replied immediately: "Those villains forced me to climb; I had to use a treasure to escape," she explained, and before Wu Huang could ask again, she knelt. "I thank the Young Master for saving my life; I will keep this kindness in my heart."
Wu Huang frowned and let out a sigh. Considering the clichés of these types of stories, she was likely a young lady from an important clan looking for adventure; in short, a fortuitous encounter designed specifically for the "Child of Destiny."
If he forced her to leave, he would be rid of potential future complications, but he would also risk interrupting the growth and development of his little Junior Brother. Since his plan consisted of using him as a human shield against the future "Children of Destiny" that would inevitably appear, that was something he could not allow.
"Do not worry. This place is very dangerous, so it would be best if you accompany us."
"That's right," Lin Xian intervened. "Don't be afraid, we are disciples of the Tian Yun Sect. He is the Senior Brother of the Main Peak, Wu Huang."
Lin Xian pointed toward Wu Huang, who gave a slight nod as a greeting. Upon hearing their names, the girl's eyes showed a complicated expression for a brief moment.
Wu Huang noticed this immediately and couldn't help but frown. It was evident she held some negative opinion; however, the Tian Yun Sect was recognized as an Orthodox Path sect, possessing impeccable values and little given to committing injustices. In terms of prestige and power, it stood only behind the Tian Jian Sect and the Celestial Palace itself.
The girl gave a deep bow, but before she could say or do anything else, Wu Huang interrupted her with a serene voice:
"There is no need for you to leave. If fate has crossed our paths in this place, I will not be the one to defy its will," he said. In reality, he cared little whether she stayed or went; however, as long as she had some link to the "Child of Destiny," the most sensible thing was to keep her close.
Su Feng approached and, with a kind smile, took the young woman's hands. "Let us help you. This place is too dangerous for a mortal like you."
At the insistence of Wu Huang and Su Feng, the girl finally yielded and lowered her head in respect. "I shall be under your care."
Wu Huang nodded in satisfaction and set off on the path back to the camp, where the rest of their sisters were waiting. "It seems everyone is here," Wu Huang commented upon arrival. "Seeing what happened to our Junior Brother, it is best that we move in a large group."
Everyone nodded gravely. Now that their Junior Brother had nearly died without them even knowing, they knew it was best to remain united and protect one another.
"Will you accompany us, Senior Brother?" Su Feng asked, eyes bright with expectation.
Wu Huang meditated on it for a moment. Accompanying them would be useful; after all, as long as he kept an eye on the protagonist, there shouldn't be any major problems. However, considering that the presence of a "villain" like him in the middle of the protagonist's harem would be quite strange, he decided to decline the offer.
"The sisters should be enough for you to be safe," he replied calmly. "The idea is for you to seek experience and train. With my presence, the dangers would be minimal and there would be no real learning."
Everyone showed a slightly dejected face upon hearing his words, but they quickly composed themselves and set off while chatting amongst themselves.
"Go with them. You might learn something useful or find some treasure," Wu Huang told the young mortal girl. She nodded silently and gave him a deep bow before following after the group.
'Now that the Child of Destiny's party is fully formed, there shouldn't be any major setbacks,' Wu Huang thought with an internal smile. Immediately after, he crossed his legs on the ground and began to meditate, immersing himself in his own cultivation.