Katherine's body was cloaked in a black miasma, a clear sign of just how furious she was.
The torment she had endured during training had pushed her to the brink, and now, her intuition about Veronica was momentarily forgotten as she was blinded by rage at this time.
"I don't even need a weapon to deal with you, girl," Veronica said coolly, her voice carrying a dangerous edge.
She stood her ground, her demeanor unchanging, but the suffocating killing intent she released sent chills down Katherine's spine.
"Nascent Soul Realm, 9th stage!" Katherine gasped, realizing Veronica's cultivation level.
She herself was only at the 3rd stage, a glaring disadvantage that made her grip her staff tighter.
"Stop."
A single word cut through the tension like a blade.
Both Katherine and Veronica felt an abrupt disconnect from their powers as the chaotic convergence of qi dissipated.
They turned toward Riley, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.
