Forged in Blood and Shadow

"Zoe Loni is working with a Demonic cultivator named Master Mu Jin, at the late stage of Foundation Forging, about to break through to Golden Core," John stated.

Zoe Karen was visibly shocked upon hearing the name of the Demonic cultivator. John, observing her reaction, said, "You look shocked to hear his name."

"Master Mu Jin," Zoe Karen said, her voice trembling slightly, "is the name of a Demonic cultivator who, three years ago, drained the life essence from an entire village. He was hunted by the disciples from the Mount Hua Sect and was severely injured, but managed to escape."

She continued, "I don't really know all the details, since I only heard stories about him. But if it's the same Master Mu Jin, then having more than just a few guards at the late stage is only right." Zoe Karen then said, "Thank you for the information, Warrior Jo Lee."

"No need to thank me," John replied. "We made a deal."

"But I do wonder how you gained such information about Zoe Loni's plans," Zoe Karen said, her eyes narrowing slightly.

John smiled. "So you suspect that I'm secretly working with Zoe Loni?"

Zoe Karen looked at him. "No, Warrior Jo Lee, it's not that. I'm just interested in how you got such information."

"I have my ways," John said, "but it doesn't hurt to be suspicious." He smiled, looking at her. "But you should also keep in mind that I'm only working with you because I promised to help you, and I'm not able to work with Zoe Loni."

Zoe Karen looked at him, thinking, That's true. He did promise to help me. He also cut off the hand of Zoe Loni. If the information is true and Zoe Loni is working with Master Mu Jin, Zoe Loni is most likely going to kill him.

John said, "You should be careful. I won't be able to help you, since the secret realm is going to be opening tomorrow. So you have to make sure to stay alive, no matter what."

Zoe Karen blushed slightly. "You should also be careful as well," she said. "Zoe Loni is surely going to try to kill you for cutting off his hand."

John walked to the window. "Don't worry about me," he said. "I can probably escape if they come after me." He reached the window and said, "You have to make sure to..." He jumped out the window without finishing his sentence.

Zoe Karen blushed and smiled. Why does he care?

John, falling from the window, thought, If you die, I won't be able to get my pills. He quickly used his Shadow God technique in midair and disappeared into the shadows.