"Fourth Junior Sister, were you scared?"
Ye Ling'er's body stiffened slightly. She raised her head to meet Liu Ruyan's eyes, which were still warm and peaceful.
In them, there was no hostility after the killing, no evil after devouring cultivation, only the familiar concern and a trace of faint helplessness.
"Senior Sister... I..." Ye Ling'er opened her mouth, not knowing what to say.
"Do you think Senior Sister's methods resemble evil arts?" Liu Ruyan pointed it out directly, her tone calm and frank.
Ye Ling'er blushed and did not deny it, but hurriedly shook her head:
"No, I know Senior Sister did it to save us..."
"It does not matter." Liu Ruyan gently patted the back of her hand, her gaze sweeping over the Junior Brothers and Junior Sisters who were busy but still pricking up their ears, and her voice clearly reached everyone's ears.
"This Divine Ability is called 'Samsara: Seize', and it is a secret technique within the Cultivation Technique I practice."
"It can indeed temporarily seize a portion of the enemy's cultivation and Origin of life to use for myself."
Watching the suspicion on the faces of her fellow Disciples, Liu Ruyan continued to say calmly:
"When I first realized this method, I also hesitated, feeling that its nature was close to 'Demonic'."
"It was Master who enlightened me."
She briefly recounted the words Gu Han had said to her back then.
"...Cultivation Technique and Divine Ability are just tools. If used for right, they are right; if used for evil, they are evil."
"Today, if they had not harbored murderous intent and pressed us step by step, I would not have used this technique."
Liu Ruyan's gaze became sharp:
"Since they initiated the intent to kill, they must bear the consequences. I used this technique to counter-kill them, seized their cultivation to replenish my own consumption, and protected my fellow Disciples; I have a clear conscience."
Her voice was not loud, but it carried a resolute firmness and a calmness born from complete agreement with her Master's philosophy.
Listening to her words, the suspicion and hidden fear on everyone's faces gradually dissipated, replaced by realization, understanding, and even a trace of shame.
Yes, if not for Senior Sister Liu turning the tide, they would already be cold corpses on the ground by now. To be merciful to the enemy is to be cruel to oneself.
If the Palace Master and Senior Sister both say so, then it must be right!
Zhao Linger was the first to react, saying loudly:
"Senior Sister Liu is right! They were the ones who wanted to kill us first! If Senior Sister hadn't arrived, we would have died long ago!"
"That's right! Senior Sister did it to save us!" Wang Zhaojun also softly echoed.
"What evil arts or not, any technique that can kill enemies and protect oneself is a good technique!" Liu Lie said in a muffled voice, his eyes full of admiration.
The other Disciples also nodded one after another, the looks they directed at Liu Ruyan once again filled with gratitude and trust.
The slight resentment and chill in Ye Ling'er's heart also dissipated under Liu Ruyan's frank gaze and clear explanation. Replacing them was a deeper understanding and respect for their Master.
"Senior Sister, I understand now." Ye Ling'er said softly, her ice-blue eyes becoming clear and firm once again, "It was my shallow knowledge."
Liu Ruyan smiled slightly:
"You have only just stepped into Cultivation, so it is normal to have doubts. Just remember Master's words."
At this moment, the battlefield had been cleaned up. The captured Storage Pouch and Magical Artifact piled up into a small hill.
The belongings of the three Golden Core Cultivators alone were worth a fortune. Not to mention the assets of dozens of Foundation Establishment Disciples. This was undoubtedly a huge windfall.
"Pack these things up; we will distribute them uniformly after we return." Liu Ruyan ordered.
"Yes!" The group agreed and quickly classified and packed the spoils of war.
Liu Ruyan sensed again through her identity jade plaque.
"Luoli and the others seem to be approaching in our direction, and... it seems they have gathered quite a few fellow Disciples." A trace of joy flashed in her eyes.
"Let us move toward them first. Everyone, stay alert, move at full speed!"
"Yes!"
With Senior Sister Liu Ruyan, a true Disciple whose strength had soared to the Middle Stage of the Golden Core, presiding over them, everyone felt greatly reassured. Those with heavier injuries were being supported, and the team moved quickly and orderly toward Gu Luoli's direction.
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