Got it, how is she

Jiang Ningshu couldn't help but remark, "Su Luo, you're truly fortunate to have met Little Yu."

"I think so too," Su Luo agreed without hesitation.

"Actually, meeting Su Luo was my luck," Little Yu echoed the sentiment.

At that moment, Su Luo and Little Yu embraced each other in perfect harmony, savoring the warmth between them.

For a brief moment, Jiang Ningshu felt somewhat like a third wheel.

At the same time, she even had the impulsive thought of joining the hug.

But she quickly dismissed it—after all, this wasn’t the first time she’d seen them like this.

"Alright, alright, we get it. You two are close," Jiang Ningshu grumbled before turning her attention back to scanning the crowd.

"I refuse to believe it."

The more Jiang Ningshu struggled to find someone, the more determined she became to recruit a capable and courageous individual to uphold the dignity of Su Luo’s Heavenly Demon Sect.

Looking back, almost everyone around Jiang Ningshu had betrayed her. Now, apart from Su Luo and Little Yu—with Nangong Xiyun counting as half a friend—she had almost no one left she could truly call a friend.

So, Su Luo, let me help you prop up your Heavenly Demon Sect.

She knew the sect wouldn’t last forever, but at least she could let Su Luo bask in some glory for a while.

......

"Found one! What about her?"

"You're asking me?"

Normally, Su Luo would gladly share her opinion.

But lately, Jiang Ningshu had been trying to prove her own judgment.

"Fine, I’ll decide for myself."

Jiang Ningshu observed from the side as two figures clashed in the distance. Judging by their techniques, both were clearly demonic cultivators.

She was specifically looking for those aligned with the demonic path—after all, who else would join the Heavenly Demon Sect?

Jiang Ningshu had no intention of resorting to coercion. Such methods only bred betrayal.

Su Luo recognized the two fighters.

One was a middle-aged grave robber named Wang Hai, nicknamed "Dirt Rat," who excelled in formations and fist techniques. He specialized in plundering the tombs of powerful figures and had a high success rate.

A rather infamous rogue cultivator.

The other was a young woman, but Su Luo knew her all too well.

Liu Ruwen—a master of deception.

The first time Su Luo had encountered her, she’d been swindled out of everything. A memory she wouldn’t forget.

Back then, Su Luo had thought her experience navigating the treacherous waters of the internet would make her immune to scams.

Yet she’d still fallen for it effortlessly.

Losing money was one thing, but Liu Ruwen was also a girl who took pleasure in killing.

Su Luo had died at her hands before.

After several resets, Su Luo had simply killed her on sight whenever they met. Eventually, she grew tired of it and stopped bothering.

Who’d have thought she’d run into her one last time?

"So, who do you want to pick?" Su Luo asked.

"Obviously the girl. She seems much smarter."

"Oh, she’s definitely smart."

Tsk, tsk. Su Luo shook her head inwardly.

Jiang Ningshu’s judgment really wasn’t the best.

"Maybe we should look for someone else?"

But Jiang Ningshu shook her head. "I’ve never felt so confident about my choice. It’s her."

"Alright, then. What’s your plan?"

Su Luo was certain Jiang Ningshu was about to get scammed.

Still, given her strength, Liu Ruwen wouldn’t be able to harm her. So Su Luo decided to let her try.

"Let’s watch for now."

Meanwhile, Dirt Rat and Liu Ruwen were still locked in combat.

Dirt Rat snarled, "Hand it over, or my Deathwound Fist won’t show mercy!"

"You’re the one stealing from me! I’d rather die than give it to you!"

"You little brat! The more I think about it, the angrier I get. Forget the treasure—I’ll just kill you!"

Liu Ruwen’s tone suddenly shifted. "Wait, wait! I was wrong! I’ll take you to it!"

"I’m not falling for that again."

Dirt Rat swung his fist again, recalling how he’d been played for a fool—cheated and even tricked into helping her count the spoils.

Infuriating.

Dirt Rat’s skills were solid. After all, he frequently ventured into dangerous tombs, giving him plenty of combat experience.

Liu Ruwen, on the other hand, dodged and weaved, even rolling on the ground to escape his blows—utterly disheveled.

But she was feigning weakness, waiting for Dirt Rat to let his guard down so she could strike back.

This was her signature tactic: playing the pitiful victim. With her delicate features and pitiful expression, she could easily soften hearts.

But Dirt Rat had been fooled once before. His resistance was higher now.

Both were at the mid-stage Golden Core realm, making them roughly evenly matched. It all came down to who outmaneuvered the other.

"Her strength is passable," Jiang Ningshu noted, recognizing Liu Ruwen’s strategy.

Well, the more she watched, the less impressed she was—but Liu Ruwen was still better than the previous candidates.

If she kept searching, who knew how long it’d take to find someone suitable? Might as well try recruiting her first.

Dirt Rat wasn’t to be underestimated, though. He was slightly stronger than Liu Ruwen.

Liu Ruwen seized an opening—ambush!

Her dagger plunged into Dirt Rat’s side.

A triumphant smile flashed across her face.

But Dirt Rat grabbed her wrist and sneered, "Let’s see you run now!"

Then he punched her in the head—once, twice, again and again, showing no mercy.

Liu Ruwen tried to fight back, but she was no match for his raw strength.

In the end, she was reduced to a punching bag.

Su Luo, watching from the sidelines, remarked, "Aren’t you going to step in? She’s about to die."

"Not yet. I think he’s toying with her."

Dirt Rat hadn’t gone for the kill immediately, which meant he still wanted his treasure back.

"You’re really going to wait?"

"Rescuing her at the critical moment will make me seem more important. She’ll be overflowing with gratitude afterward."

"Classic move," Su Luo muttered, not knowing what else to say.

Too familiar. The hero never misses the scene—just arrives fashionably late.

Jiang Ningshu said proudly, "See? I told you I’ve learned from my mistakes. This plan’s good, right?"

"Is this really okay?"

"We don’t have time to nurture loyalty slowly. This is the fastest way to win her over."

"Do what you want. It’s your call." Su Luo decided not to comment further.

If it were anyone else, she might’ve objected. But for Liu Ruwen? No harm done.

By now, Liu Ruwen was barely clinging to life. Despite her swollen face, the fear in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Now’s the time."

Jiang Ningshu, still cloaked in black to conceal her identity, made her move.

If her true identity were revealed, bending others to her will would be effortless. Recruiting subordinates would be a breeze.

But that wasn’t what she wanted. Her era with the Heavenly Demon Sect was over.

This was for Su Luo—not for herself.

Dirt Rat was about to stop, but remembering Liu Ruwen’s cunning, he decided on one last punch.

Yet the next instant, a powerful kick sent him flying.

"Are you alright?"

Liu Ruwen barely managed to open her eyes, seeing a tall figure in black robes standing before her.

"Save me!" she pleaded desperately.

Jiang Ningshu remained silent—the very picture of a lofty expert.