Eternal Sacred King Chapter 361 to 370

 Chapter 361: Violent Killing

Chou Wanli’s face was menacing as he held a wine jar in his left hand and a single saber in his right. The blade was snow-white and radiated a cold aura.

With more than 10 other cultivators, Chou Wanli rushed over in a huff.

“I am Ji Chengtian. Fellow Daoist, how can I help you?”

Ji Chengtian was extremely polite and took the initiative to greet with cupped fists first, nodding as he smiled.

If this was back in Tianhuang Mainland, given Ji Chengtian’s polite manners and the fact that they did not have any deep-seated hatred or benefits to gain, it would be difficult for a conflict to break out.

However, this was the ancient battlefield.

They were not faced with kind people – even if they meant no harm, the other side meant harm!

“Ji Chengtian?”

Chou Wanli raised his brow and asked with a fake smile, “What’s your cultivation?”

“Six meridian Foundation Establishment.”

Ji Chengtian hesitated slightly, not hiding anything.

“What about you guys?”

Chou Wanli looked towards Su Zimo and the others before remarking casually, “This is the rules of Xuantian City! If you want to enter the city, you’ll have to report your cultivation realm without hiding any information!”

Upon hearing this, the cultivators in Xuantian City bore strange expressions.

There was no such rule in the city. The reason why Chou Wanli said that was most likely because he wanted to find out the strength of Su Zimo’s group.

After all, there was no way of telling how many spirit meridians a Foundation Establishment Cultivator unlocked by merely using the Spirit Peering Art.

While Chou Wanli looked like a brute, he was experienced in the world and knew that cultivators who could arrive at Xuantian City were far from simple – he was worried that he might accidentally get into trouble.

Su Zimo frowned at the rules mentioned by Chou Wanli.

Even though little fatty and the others were against it, they still confessed honestly.

Four, five meridian Foundation Establishment... and there was even someone at late-stage Foundation Establishment.

After Su Zimo, the last person to speak, was done, the surrounding cultivators shook their heads in silence.

“Venturing into the depths of the ancient battlefield with that level of strength? They truly have a death wish.”

“That’s right. There are few cultivators who are even at five meridian Foundation Establishment in Xuantian City. Any casual person could wipe their entire group out!”

Chou Wanli was also completely at ease. Drinking a mouthful of strong liquor, he looked intoxicated as he burped with his alcohol-like breath onto Ji Chengtian’s face.

Even though Ji Chengtian looked rather terrible, he let out a long breath and endured it.

Snickering, Chou Wanli asked, “It’s been a month since we’ve entered the ancient battlefield. Have you guys obtained any Meridian Unlocking Elixirs?”

Ji Chengtian shook his head without hesitation. “No.”

In reality, each of them had a Meridian Unlocking Elixir in their storage bags.

However, they would definitely get themselves killed if they were to admit to it now!

“Very good.”

Chou Wanli nodded and said expressionlessly, “Hand over your storage bags. I’m going to check through it personally.”

The moment he said that, not only Ji Chengtian, even little fatty and the others were enraged.

He was blatantly bullying them!

Su Zimo remained silent as he stood behind Ji Chengtian and watched on coldly.

Ji Chengtian took a deep breath of air and said in a deep voice, “Fellow Daoist, isn’t that request a little overboard...?”

“Overboard?”

Before Ji Chengtian could finish, Chou Wanli narrowed his gaze and asked with a smile.

Chou Wanli’s eyes shone with a cold glint before he finished his remark. The saber in his hand slashed towards Ji Chengtian’s neck at an extremely fast speed with a chilling aura!

That slash was completely without warning and filled with killing intent!

Ji Chengtian had grown a lot after the month of training and his awareness had increased greatly as well.

Earlier on, he could vaguely sense Chou Wanli’s killing intent.

However, he was thoroughly worn out because of their long journey. As such, he wasn’t in good condition and his reaction was a little slower.

The sharpness of the blade arrived and Ji Chengtian could imagine his throat being sliced as his skin felt a slight sting. He could not help but lament internally, “This is where I die!”

Before he could finish his thought, Ji Chengtian felt a tremendous force yank him backwards.

Chou Wanli’s blade brushed by Ji Chengtian’s throat and slit a bit of his skin as blood seeped out of it – it was an extremely close shave!

If Ji Chengtian was slightly slower, his throat would have been cut by that slash!

Surviving that brush from death had Ji Chengtian breaking out in cold sweat and panting heavily.

He looked towards Su Zimo at his side and was about to express his thanks when his vision blurred as a figure darted by – Su Zimo was already gone.

Boom!

After reaching out to pull Ji Chengtian back from the edge of death, Su Zimo entered the stance of Plow Heaven Stride immediately without saying a word.

In an instant, the stone slab beneath his feet exploded and the ground shook.

The buildings on both sides of the streets trembled, causing countless cultivators to exclaim.

Su Zimo’s gaze was sharp as a knife as he reached out with outstretched fingers and grabbed at Chou Wanli’s head as though he was engulfing it!

Before Chou Wanli could react after missing that attack, a person with a chilling aura appeared behind Ji Chengtian and struck with a killing move right away.

Su Zimo’s massive palm descended and the atmosphere turned so repressive that Chou Wanli felt suffocated!

Without any time to think, Chou Wanli slashed back in reverse at Su Zimo’s wrist before the latter could finish his move.

The blade trembled and three flashes of light shone.

It was a superior-grade spirit saber!

However, Su Zimo’s physique was extremely strong right now and it was too difficult for ordinary superior-grade spirit weapons to be able to hurt him!

In the face of Chou Wanli’s saber, Su Zimo’s stance remained the same as he reached down and grabbed the blade with his bare hands. With a coil and a tremble, he seized the saber to his side.

Leaning in, Su Zimo gripped the saber in his hand tightly and stabbed in reverse!

“Pfft!”

Blood flashed and a bloodied saber protruded out from the back of Chou Wanli’s head.

The moment their figures exchanged positions, Chou Wanli’s head was pierced and he died on the spot!

Right from the beginning, Su Zimo could tell that this man was a nefarious figure. That was the reason why he struck with a killing move immediately without any mercy!

After killing Chou Wanli, Su Zimo took a sidestep and leaned into the arms of another cultivator.

That person had just placed his hand on his storage bag when he felt his vision blur and a throbbing pain in his chest. His body flew uncontrollably as he lost consciousness.

Swash!

Su Zimo’s movements were different as his body swayed, leaving a series of afterimages. Lifting his left arm and using his fist as a seal, it descended onto another person’s head.

Brain juice was splattered!

Yet another person’s corpse fell.

“Audacious!”

“You must have a death wish!”

The 10 odd cultivators that Chou Wanli brought over snapped to their senses and yelled, whipping out a myriad of weapons. Most of them were heavy melee combat weapons.

One of them raised a gigantic hammer and smashed down on Su Zimo’s head as the wind howled.

Neither dodging nor retreating, Su Zimo gave a punch and went against the person’s spirit weapon with his bare hands. The hammer was sent flying into the arms of another cultivator, causing the latter’s ribs to be broken.

The broken bones stabbed into his lungs like spearheads, causing the person to pant heavily and wheeze hoarsely – it was clear that he was not going to survive.

Shadows intertwined on the long street as Su Zimo weaved through the cultivators in a flash and clashing sounds could be heard.

In less than ten breaths, everything went silent, leaving nothing but corpses on the ground.

Chapter 362: Four Mounted Bandits

Everything had happened too quickly.

Not to mention Chou Wanli’s group who were involved in the fight, even the bystanders were stunned as they stood with lost expressions. After a long time, shock passed through their eyes.

As they looked at the green-robed cultivator standing in the bloodbath, three words shot through their minds – decisive to kill!

Chou Wanli never had a chance to strike again after missing his first attack!

“This man’s personality is indeed rather suited for roaming in the ancient battlefield. What a pity...” A cultivator in the crowd shook his head.

“With Chou Wanli dead and the Four Mounted Bandits’ vengeful personality, this group of people are bound to be tormented to death unless they look for some major sect in Xuantian City to back them up.”

“Although sects of the top factions do not fear the Four Mounted Bandits, there’s no need for them to get on bad terms with the Four Mounted Bandits just for these people. There’s no sect that will want to take them in.”

On the long street, Su Zimo’s expression was calm as he turned around and said softly, “Let’s leave this place first.”

Ji Chengtian and the rest nodded.

By now, they had realized as well.

In the ancient battlefield, in Xuantian City, there was no room for logic or rules – this was a world where the fittest survive!

A cruel place filled with bloodshed!

The streets were filled with bloodstains that were still wet, as though telling everyone that a massacre had just happened.

Battles could happen at any moment and other cultivators would just watch the show with no intention of helping.

Showing weakness at a place as such would only cause their enemies to take advantage of them!

The crowd on the street gave way as the cultivators looked at Su Zimo’s group as though they were looking at dead people.

Right now, the most important thing for Ji Chengtian and the rest was to find a place to settle down for the night so that they could recover their energy and heal their injuries.

The well-preserved buildings in Xuantian City were long taken over by many factions and cultivators, leaving only a few precarious buildings that were on the verge of collapsing.

After walking for a while, Su Zimo’s group found a dilapidated mansion on the street corner.

It was not exactly accurate to call it a mansion.

After all, the walls around the mansion had already collapsed, leaving behind only some broken walls. The courtyard was overgrown with weeds and the few houses remaining were in shambles.

“Let’s rest here for the night.”

Su Zimo knew very well that they would not be able to find a good place even if they were to continue searching. Furthermore, Ji Chengtian, Leng Rou and the others were thoroughly exhausted and it was unsuitable for them to carry on outside.

“Bro, take a rest first. I’ll head out for a stroll and find out more about the background of Xuantian City,” Little fatty closed in and whispered.

“Alright, take care,” Su Zimo nodded.

Little fatty had cultivated body tempering techniques before and was much stronger than Ji Chengtian, Leng Rou and the others in terms of physique.

Furthermore, he looked chubby and friendly. Tactful in his ways and alert, Su Zimo was not worried about little fatty’s safety.

Everyone’s hearts felt heavy in this completely unfamiliar environment.

Even though Xuantian City could ward off the birds, beasts and ancient living beings outside, it could not protect them from the greed in the hearts of cultivators and that was even scarier than the demon beasts outside!

Not wanting to burden Su Zimo, Ji Chengtian and the others wanted to make good use of the time to recover energy and heal their injuries.

Soon, little fatty returned.

“Bro, I’ve asked around.”

Little fatty pursed his lips and said in a deep voice, “There are a few top factions coexisting in Xuantian City. There’s Glass Palace of the immortal sects, Malevolent Earth Sect of the fiend sects, Puppet Sect of the five heretical doctrines and Elixir Yang Sect and Thousand Crane Sect of the four unorthodox groups.”

Ji Chengtian and the others frowned deeply with stern expressions.

Immortal sects, fiend sects, unorthodox groups and heretical doctrines... those were the top factions of Tianhuang Mainland!

If they hadn’t ventured deep into the ancient battlefield, they may never encounter these top factions throughout their lives!

Su Zimo’s heart skipped a beat.

He hadn’t had any interactions with Glass Palace, Puppet Sect, Elixir Yang Sect nor Thousand Crane Sect. However, he dealt with the seven fiend sects a couple of years ago.

Deep underground, Su Zimo encountered a couple of fiend heirs and even killed the heir of Malevolent Earth Sect forcefully despite going against five of them.

To be fair, the Malevolent Earth Sect heir had died unjustly in that fight.

If not for the existence of the spirit lock formation such that the fiend heirs could not unleash their full strength, Su Zimo would have been the one dead!

Now that a few years have passed, Malevolent Earth Sect must have chosen a new fiend heir.

Of course, Su Zimo was not worried of being recognized by those of Malevolent Earth Sect as well.

In that battle back then, the powerful skeleton caused the entire place to collapse with its final gambit. Later on, Demoness Ji mentioned that apart from the two of them, the only ones that survived were the five other fiend heirs.

That meant that no one of Malevolent Earth Sect had seen him before!

Little fatty continued, “Among them, Elixir Yang Sect and Thousand Crane Sects are weaker in terms of strength. Elixir Yang Sect is the largest elixir refinement sect in Tianhuang Mainland with solid roots that trace back to the ancient era. Thousand Crane Sect is the largest talisman sect and they’re the ones that created the most common tool of communication in the cultivation world, spirit cranes.”

Su Xiaoning and Leng Rou’s eyes lit up when they heard the origins of Elixir Yang Sect and Thousand Crane Sect.

If they could join those two sects for cultivation and refinement of elixirs and talismans, they would definitely be able to go further on their cultivation paths!

Ji Chengtian nodded. “Since they’re the unorthodox groups and specialize in elixir refinement as well as talisman making, it’s only natural that they would be comparatively weaker in strength. However, Elixir Refinement Masters and Talisman Masters are bound to be accompanied by strong people.”

Gulping, little fatty said slowly with a stern expression, “Apart from them, there’s another faction in Xuantian City that even those factions would not want to provoke... the Four Mounted Bandits!”

Ji Chengtian and everyone else’s hearts sank when they heard that.

“Are they related to the cultivators at the north gates?” Ji Chengtian asked with a frown.

Little fatty nodded. “The leader of the group of people killed by bro was called Chou Wanli. He’s a competent underling of the Four Mounted Bandits.”

“What’s the background of the Four Mounted Bandits such that even the immortal and fiend sects are not willing to provoke them?” Shi Jian asked.

Little fatty replied, “The strength of the Four Mounted Bandits is definitely weaker than super sects such as Glass Palace and Malevolent Earth Sect. However, it’s said that they are extremely violent and their underlings are all desperadoes.”

“Although Glass Palace and Malevolent Earth Sect can definitely come out victorious in a battle, they would have to suffer huge losses for sure. That’s the reason why the Four Mounted Bandits and the few top factions are currently in harmony.”

When they heard that, Ji Chengtian and the others were flustered and looked terrible.

This meant that there was a high chance that they could be killed at any moment inside Xuantian City for offending such a faction – it was even more dangerous inside the city than outside!

Little fatty remarked, “Bro is not entirely to blame for this matter as well. The Four Mounted Bandits are in the business of killing and robbing others to begin with. For cultivators that pass through the north gates, if they are weak or have no background, it’ll be difficult for them to survive.”

“This is a group of vicious and villainous people who take joy in killing others. Even if you hand over all the treasures in your storage bag, it’s not guaranteed that you will walk out alive!”

At that point, little fatty sighed. “I heard that there has already been a thousand cultivators who have died in the hands of the Four Mounted Bandits over the past month.”

A cold glint flickered through Su Zimo’s narrow gaze.

Chapter 363: Standoff

Su Xiaoning furrowed her brows slightly. “Since the Four Mounted Banditss are so villainous, why aren’t there anyone from the immortal sects coming forth to uphold justice?”

In her mind, those of the immortal sects are obligated to slay evil and uphold justice – how could they stand by the sidelines?

Ji Chengtian shook his head. “There’s no such thing as righteous warriors in the cultivation world and it’s the same for those in the immortal sects. Immortals and fiends merely differ in terms of the Dao they seek.”

“That’s right. None of those warriors get to live a long life,” Little fatty nodded.

Leng Rou added, “The Buddhists live with compassion and speak of purifying the masses. However, look at the number of monks passing through Xuantian City and yet, none of them are coming forth to try and purify the villainous Four Mounted Bandits.”

Suddenly, Su Zimo spoke, “What’s the cultivation of the Four Mounted Bandits?”

Little fatty replied, “Their leader, Chai Li, is at seven meridian Foundation Establishment while the other three, Lang Tan, Hu Meng and Bao Yunfeng are at six meridian Foundation Establishment. It’s said that they grew up drinking the milk of ancient remnant beasts and lived in the jungles for many years, dominating the place while building up their bodies. Every single one of them is immensely strong and is comparable to demon beasts!”

When he heard that, Su Zimo’s heart skipped a beat.

Seven meridian Foundation Establishment!

They were finally coming across a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator in the depths of the ancient battlefield!

Su Zimo’s current strength could suppress all six meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators be it through immortality cultivation techniques or melee combat.

However, he had no confidence against seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators without using his power of blood qi.

After all, his cultivation realm was only at four meridian Foundation Establishment and he had yet to achieve lesser mastery of the Orifice Clearing section for the Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness with his mouth and eye orifices yet to be cleared.

The eight meridians are progressively tougher to unlock.

Comparatively, the gap between the later meridians was wider as well.

On the surface, a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator was merely a single meridian above a six meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator. However, the difference in strength was exponential!

Even if dozens of six meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators joined forces, they might not be a match for a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

In the end, if one unlocked all eight meridians, the difference would be even more significant.

If the Four Mounted Bandits had a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator among them with a demon beast-like physique and specialized in melee combat, even Su Zimo would have a tough time dealing with him.

There was a long period of silence in the mansion.

A while later, little fatty continued, “However, I heard that Bao Yunfeng, the number four of the Four Mounted Bandits, is the only one in Xuantian City right now. The other three have gone out and might only return a couple of days later.”

Su Zimo’s group was in a passive position in the current situation.

Now that night had descended, they would be faced with countless ferocious beasts and ancient living beings if they escaped from Xuantian City. Apart from Su Zimo, the rest were most likely doomed.

However, if they were to continue staying in the city, the Four Mounted Bandits would definitely not let them survive the night given the latter’s vengeful nature!

Ta! Ta! Ta!

Suddenly, the ground began to shake uncharacteristically as the sound of galloping rumbled like thunder from far away. It was headed in their direction at an extremely fast speed!

“Get away! They’re from the Four Mounted Bandits!”

“Ah!”

The crowd was in a mess as shrieks could be heard. Some of the cultivators who could not dodge in time were trampled into meat sludge without a corpse left.

“Their leader seems to be Bao Yunfeng!”

“It’s him! Given the ancient remnant beast, Cloud Seeking Leopard, that he’s riding on, there’s no mistake about it!”

Not far away, a dust cloud billowed with the piercing stench of blood. A muscular man, tall with black hair that draped over his shoulders, led the pack with a fierce and violent gaze.

Beneath the man was a massive and ferocious leopard. It had sharp claws and its body was covered in luxuriant fur that had a cloud-like pattern. Shimmering in the darkness, its eyes shone with a cold gleam.

An ancient remnant beast, the Cloud Seeking Leopard!

“What happened? Why are they so angry?”

“Haven’t you heard? Dozens of cultivators under the Four Mounted Bandits were killed by an outsider at the north gate!”

“Huh? Who could be so bold?”

“Those few sitting over there. I heard that the green-robed cultivator was the one who killed them.”

There were some cultivators pointing at the mansion.

A commotion of this size instantly attracted the attention of many cultivators. Even though it was at night, the number of cultivators gathered gradually increased.

In a two-story building not far away, a handsome young man in a white shirt sat by the window. Behind him was an elderly man, standing with his hands down.

The handsome young man held a folding fan and his features were like a painting. With smooth and delicate skin, he had an indescribable bearing of elegance.

At that moment, seeing that it was already late, the white-robed man had just stood up and was about to leave when he caught sight of what was happening. Out of curiosity, he could not help but ask, “Uncle Liang, what’s happening over there?”

The elderly man behind the white-robed man replied, “I heard that the green-robed cultivator killed Chou Wanli.”

“Oh?”

The white-robed man scoffed coldly. “Chou Wanli? Good kill! Someone so villainous should have died a long time ago!”

Even though his tone was cold, the white-robed man’s voice was exceptionally soothing.

“Young master, let’s go. There’s nothing to see here. The few of them are bound to be dead now that Bao Yunfeng has brought so many people with him,” The elderly man bowed.

“It’s alright.”

Waving it off, the white-robed man said, “Let’s take a look first.”

With that, he opened his folding fan and sat down once more. Turning slightly, he revealed his slender and fair neck as his bright gaze was fixed on a delicate face in that broken mansion.

Hundreds of cultivators ran over in the dark with menacing expressions and ferocious auras. The cold gleam of spirit weapons shone disturbingly against the moonlight.

At this moment, Ji Chengtian and the rest had barely rested for the time it takes an incense stick to burn. Their bodies were still aching, but their enemies were already knocking on the door!

“What should we do?”

Everyone looked towards Su Zimo subconsciously.

Su Zimo was in a lotus position, still resting and recuperating.

Night Spirit was sprawled on the ground. Without even lifting its head, its pitch-black eyes were hidden in the night as it took a swift glance at the ancient remnant beast, the Cloud Seeking Leopard.

The moment Bao Yunfeng stepped into the courtyard, Su Zimo suddenly opened his eyes and shot up from the ground.

Bao Yunfeng had led more than a hundred desperadoes for the attack. Their aura was so terrifying that the surrounding cultivators felt chills running down their spines.

However, another monstrous aura exploded the moment Su Zimo opened his eyes and stood up!

It was as though a tempest had been set off, howling and gushing furiously.

Alone, Su Zimo stood motionlessly on the spot and his body looked frail. However, his aura was no weaker than Bao Yunfeng’s group!

The aura of Bao Yunfeng’s group resembled a blood storm.

However, what stood behind Su Zimo resembled mountains of corpses and oceans of blood!

“Eh?”

Not far away, on the second floor, the elderly man called Uncle Liang exclaimed slightly when he saw that.

The white-robed man’s eyes lit up with interest as well.

Chapter 364: Unyielding

Two massive and different auras collided invisibly in the voids, causing the weeds in the courtyard to disintegrate into powder; the air seemed to have gone stale.

A war was about to break out!

Ji Chengtian and the others watched the scene with sweaty palms, feeling as though their hearts were about to stop beating!

The people before them were vastly different from the cultivators at the borders of the ancient battlefield.

These were all desperadoes who were stronger, more violent and fearless! A single clash was enough for them to be wiped out!

No one could imagine the amount of pressure Su Zimo was enduring against such ferocity.

However, nobody, including the cultivators who were watching, could see any traces of fear in Su Zimo’s eyes – he was calm and indifferent.

“To think that he could remain expressionless under such circumstances! That person has a strong heart!”

“So what? That isn’t going to change the outcome. He’s going to die today unless he’s a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator.”

“I heard that he’s only at four meridian Foundation Establishment.”

Bao Yunfeng arrived not far from the mansion riding on his Cloud Seeking Leopard. As he looked down at Su Zimo, the glint in his eyes intensified.

Piak! Piak! Piak!

Suddenly, Bao Yunfeng clapped and nodded repeatedly with glee. “Great, great!”

Everyone was confused, not understanding what Bao Yunfeng meant by that.

A moment later, Bao Yunfeng said, “Green-robed man who looks scholarly, you were the one who killed Chou Wanli?”

“I am.”

Su Zimo admitted to it without hesitation with a calm tone.

“Fufu.”

All of a sudden, Bao Yunfeng laughed and said leisurely, “My motive originally was to capture you alive and torture you slowly. I’ve got countless methods to make a man suffer a fate worse than death. However...”

With a slight pause, Bao Yunfeng changed the topic. “I’ve suddenly changed my mind.”

Everyone was stunned.

Ji Chengtian and the others were stunned as well, not understanding what Bao Yunfeng meant.

On the second floor, the white-bloused man frowned in deep thought.

Su Zimo’s expression was indifferent as he looked at Bao Yunfeng quietly without replying, waiting for the latter to explain.

A look of admiration flashed through Bao Yunfeng’s eyes. “Originally, I thought that you were just a reckless cultivator. Now, I can’t help but admit that you’re quite a character. Chou Wanli didn’t die in vain.”

“I’ll give you a chance. Follow me and I’ll let bygones be bygones!”

When they heard that, a commotion broke out in the crowd.

“What good luck! That person’s life is truly tough for a miracle to appear!”

“Seems like Bao Yunfeng truly holds this man in high regards. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made this decision. Seems like Chou Wanli died for nothing.”

This was a change that many cultivators have not expected.

Initially, all of them thought that Su Zimo was dead for sure. None of them expected Bao Yunfeng to take a liking to Su Zimo and wanted to take the latter as an underling.

“You’ve changed your mind?” Suddenly, Su Zimo asked.

Stunned momentarily, Bao Yunfeng nodded right after. “That’s right! Since you’re new to Xuantian City, let me enlighten you. I am one of the Four Mounted Bandits! In Xuantian City...”

Before Bao Yunfeng could finish, Su Zimo interrupted him, “But, I haven’t changed my mind.”

“Hmm?”

Bao Yunfeng narrowed his gaze on Su Zimo. “What do you mean?”

Raising his head slightly, Su Zimo looked at Bao Yunfeng expressionlessly and said in an indifferent tone, “Earlier on, I was prepared to kill you. I still am. Therefore... prepare to die.”

The moment he said that, an uproar broke out!

“Is that man crazy?!”

“He’s really asking to die!”

Ji Chengtian and the others were silent.

No matter what, they would support Su Zimo’s decision.

Even though they were not righteous warriors, none of them wanted to be the underlings of villains such as the Four Mounted Bandits.

However, if they were the ones in this life and death situation, they might choose to submit and endure.

They wouldn’t be able to stay true to their hearts and not back down like Su Zimo!

He possessed a fearless spirit!

On the second floor, the white-robed man’s eyes shone brightly as he looked at the green-robed cultivator below, wanting to see through the latter.

...

In the courtyard.

After hearing that, Bao Yunfeng was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter that grew louder and louder.

“Fufu, hahaha!”

Even though Bao Yunfeng was laughing, the killing intent in his eyes was intensifying and was almost corporeal!

As one of the Four Mounted Bandits, he was almost unstoppable in Xuantian City and no one dared to provoke him. However, there was now a person who popped out of nowhere boasting of killing him!

“Indeed, I wasn’t wrong about you.”

Bao Yunfeng’s gaze was cold as he leaped down from the Cloud Seeking Leopard and strode slowly towards Su Zimo. Six spirit meridians shone beneath his robes as spirit energy gushed fervently!

Six meridian Foundation Establishment!

“Nobody interfere.”

Bao Yunfeng shouted before smirking menacingly at Su Zimo. “I’m going to kill you personally!”

Before he was done speaking, two shadows shot out in opposite directions.

Shaking his hands, two cold daggers slid out from Bao Yunfeng’s sleeves! They were extremely sharp and shone with four spirit lights!

Supreme-grade spirit weapons!

None of the cultivators at the borders of the ancient battlefield possessed supreme-grade spirit weapons. However, in Xuantian City, Bao Yunfeng revealed two of them right away!

Swash!

Intertwining his hands, Bao Yunfeng stabbed both daggers towards Su Zimo’s throat at an extremely fast speed!

The strangulation of the two daggers had even vaguely sealed all of Su Zimo’s attack angles!

Melee combat was the most dangerous and any misstep could cause one’s death.

The sharpness of supreme-grade spirit weapons were enough to threaten Su Zimo.

Not daring to be careless, Su Zimo did not reach out head-on with his bare hands. He slid his feet for a sidestep to dodge the two incoming daggers.

In truth, Su Zimo could have summoned Blood Quencher for a head-on fight.

However, Blood Quencher was a perfect spirit weapon after all and it was easy for other cultivators to covet it, leading to endless battles.

Unless he had no other choice, Su Zimo was not going to use it casually within Xuantian City.

His sidestep evaded Bao Yunfeng’s killing move and in a flash, a series of afterimages were left behind as he attacked with his palm at an even faster speed!

That palm carried immense might as his outstretched fingers encompassed everything as though it wanted to rip the world apart!

Ground-rupturing Palm!

Bao Yunfeng’s eyelids twitched in shock as he noticed Su Zimo’s speed and sensed the power of his palm strike.

This guy was too fast and powerful!

Instantly, Bao Yunfeng realized that if he was not in possession of those two supreme-grade spirit weapons, he would not be a match for Su Zimo in terms of strength!

In a flash, Bao Yunfeng composed himself as he yelled with a cold gaze, “Good strike!”

Raising his dagger, Bao Yunfeng stabbed towards Su Zimo’s palm while thrusting his other dagger cleanly towards Su Zimo’s heart.

The stab was extremely obscure but it was a killing move!

If Su Zimo were to advance a half-step more, it would be equivalent to sending his chest into Bao Yunfeng’s dagger!

If it was anyone else, dodging Bao Yunfeng’s counterattack in time would already be considered fortuitous.

However, this was Su Zimo who possessed spirit perception and an unparalleled physique!

Su Zimo who had never suffered a single defeat in a melee fight yet!

Chapter 365: Strangulation!

The surrounding cultivators held their breaths and looked at the two figures fluttering on the battlefield without batting an eyelid.

The two of them fought with swiftness and their shadows intersected at a dizzying rate – victory could be decided within a single blink!

The Four Mounted Bandits were all body tempered cultivators and specialized in melee combat.

Among them, Bao Yunfeng’s specialty was his speed and agility. In his hands, the sharp dagger was like his finger and it was extremely difficult to deal with as it came from tricky angles.

Countless cultivators had died under his dagger.

On the battlefield.

The speed of Divine Steed Fleeting was extremely fast. Just as he was about to slam into Bao Yunfeng’s dagger, Su Zimo’s eyes lit up and he changed moves, entering the stance of Plow Heaven Stride. With a single step, he stomped onto the ground and halted his figure!

Boom!

Su Zimo’s feet landed on the ground and the stone slabs on the long street split open, creating a massive ravine. Dust clouds flew into the air and the entire place quaked.

With the Plow Heaven Stride, Su Zimo’s aura intensified as though he wanted to tear the sky apart!

Caught off guard, Bao Yunfeng’s knee buckled and he lost his balance as his pupils constricted.

Crackle!

Su Zimo’s tendons and bones were ringing as his body expanded. Like an ancient god, he reached out with his huge hands that looked soft and weak, lunging towards the two incoming daggers!

A coil and a tremble!

“Ah!”

Bao Yunfeng shrieked as his palm cracked open. Blood was dripping from his hands and both daggers flew away.

Everyone was shocked when they saw that.

How strong was that man’s physique to be able to send both Bao Yunfeng’s supreme-grade spirit weapons flying with his bare hands?!

“Not good!”

Bao Yunfeng was alarmed and thought to himself.

However, his reaction was extremely fast as he retreated immediately. Retrieving a protection talisman from his storage bag, he crushed it on the spot and turned to flee!

“Trying to flee?”

Su Zimo harrumphed coldly as killing intent surged in his eyes.

If he allowed Bao Yunfeng to escape into the crowd, Su Zimo would not be able to kill this man if he was blocked by the hundred odd desperadoes.

With a flicker of his body, Su Zimo’s feet sank into the mud before bursting forth!

He covered ten feet with a single stride and caught up with Bao Yunfeng in a few steps, launching a punch to the latter’s skull!

“Boom!”

The veins on his fist were exposed and swelled up to twice their size. It was like a huge green-black seal that emitted a blood stench as it descended with a mighty aura.

“Roar!”

The Cloud Seeking Leopard reacted faster than cultivators. The moment it sensed its master’s crisis, it roared in rage as its fur stood on end. Emitting a thick demonic qi, it bared its fangs and lunged towards Su Zimo ferociously!

The strength of an ancient remnant beast at the peak of Foundation Establishment was enough to pose a threat to Su Zimo.

If he was struck, Su Zimo’s physique would not be able to deal with it as well and he would be injured or even dead!

However, Su Zimo’s expression was unchanged as he had already seen a black shadow darting over. He continued punching towards Bao Yunfeng’s head using his fist like a stamp.

Just as the Cloud Seeking Leopard’s claws were about to reach Su Zimo, a muscular shadow rammed over at an even faster speed!

Bang!

Bang!

Two bangs sounded at almost the same time.

The Cloud Seeking Leopard was sent flying by the black shadow and dust clouds billowed when the two mighty bodies landed on the ground.

The Cloud Seeking Leopard let out a sad cry.

The black shadow stood up and its cold, shimmering claws extended silently – they have already punctured a few holes on the Cloud Seeking Leopard’s body and blood was gushing out!

This was none other than Night Spirit who was sprawled at the side!

Under the guise of the night, Night Spirit’s scales shone with a cold luster. Its eyes were dark and mysterious, emitting a murderous aura that sent chills down one’s spine!

The Cloud Seeking Leopard struggled and wanted to stand up as it opened its mouth and bit towards Night Spirit’s throat.

This was an ancient remnant beast after all – there was still strength for a final attack despite its massive injuries!

Night Spirit’s tail wagged.

A black shadow darted by.

Poof!

Like a pitch-black spear, Night Spirit’s tail stabbed through the Cloud Seeking Leopard’s head, entering from the mouth and exiting from the back of its head!

An ancient remnant beast, the Cloud Seeking Leopard, just died on the spot!

At the same time, on the other side, Su Zimo’s gigantic green-black stamp descended and crushed Bao Yunfeng’s protection talisman, landing on the latter’s back with its remaining momentum.

Buzz!

Four spirit lights shone from Bao Yunfeng’s back as a burning inner armor was revealed.

Four spirit patterns, it was a supreme-grade defensive spirit weapon!

Although the power of Su Zimo’s punch was great, more than half of it was reduced because of the protection talisman.

Right after, it was blocked by the supreme-grade defensive spirit weapon and Bao Yunfeng received almost no damage as he seized the opportunity to flee forward.

“Heh!”

Bao Yunfeng laughed and yelled, “You’re that bit away from killing me!”

He did not hear Su Zimo’s reply after saying that. Instead, the killing intent behind him intensified, as if a terrifying ferocious beast was chasing him!

Instinctively, Bao Yunfeng turned and glanced behind.

That single glanced scared him out of his wits.

Su Zimo used Divine Steed Fleeting and a series of afterimages appeared in the void behind him; the distance between them had decreased rapidly and Su Zimo was almost reaching him!

“Go!”

The desperadoes that Bao Yunfeng had brought with him realized what was happening as they hurriedly summoned their flying swords and stabbed towards Su Zimo.

Instantly, sword qi filled the air and spirit lights shone brightly.

Pang! Pang! Pang!

Lowering his body, Su Zimo was almost sprawled on the ground as he slithered forward. The bones and tendons in his body rang together with a trembling sound. When he stretched out his arms, his body elongated and resembled an anaconda!

Su Zimo’s arms landed on Bao Yunfeng’s waist and he coiled around it weakly.

All the flying swords missed!

At that moment, Su Zimo was almost entirely plastered on Bao Yunfeng’s body. Weak and boneless, he coiled around the latter’s body with cold eyes.

On the second floor, the white-robed man closed his eyes subconsciously.

It was as though he was witnessing an anaconda wrapping itself around Bao Yunfeng’s body. Inhaling deeply, the anaconda’s tendons pulsated and its flesh expanded at a visible speed.

Psst!

The white-robed man took a deep breath and looked down again.

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Bao Yunfeng’s hands were bound as he stood rooted to the ground with the sound of bones cracking ringing from his squeezed body.

Even though the supreme-grade defensive spirit weapon could defend against the sharpness of weapons and soften impacts, it could not withstand this sort of compressional strangulation!

Anaconda Strangle!

Bao Yunfeng’s eyes were bloodshot and bulged as his tongue stretched out, turning into a terrifying shade of purple. From the depths of his throat, he croaked.

The hundred odd desperadoes were shocked at the sight and froze on the spot.

At that moment, Su Zimo and Bao Yunfeng were entangled together.

If they were to attack, there was a high chance that they might injure Bao Yunfeng instead of save him.

Splash!

The sound of bloodline rumbling echoed from Su Zimo’s body like a terrifying tsunami.

“Die!”

He hollered and his body expanded once more as his muscles swelled. Bursting forth with immense strength, Bao Yunfeng was squeezed into a blood mist!

One of the Four Mounted Bandits had died in Xuantian City!

Chapter 366: Reap

There were at least thousands of cultivators gathered by now.

However, at the moment, it was entirely silent outside the courtyard, as though everyone was strangled and could not breathe.

What happened was way too tragic!

The Four Mounted Bandits were renowned for their physiques and melee combat capabilities. Among them, Bao Yunfeng was extremely fast and agile. He was practically invincible among six meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators and could only be taken down by seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

If they hadn’t witnessed it personally, nobody would have believed that Bao Yunfeng would have been killed by strangulation in melee combat by a four meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator, dying without a corpse!

More than that, no one could believe that someone would dare kill Bao Yunfeng in Xuantian City!

This was big!

Bao Yunfeng’s death was not important. The issue was that many innocent cultivators might be implicated by the rage of the other three violent Mounted Bandits.

On the second floor, the white-robed man put away his fan and suddenly asked with sparkling eyes, “Uncle Liang, what do you think of this person?”

“He’s very strong in melee combat, ruthless and decisive in killing.”

Uncle Liang replied in a low voice, “However, that kid is brash and does not know how to hold back. While he’s straightforward, there is now no room to back off against the Four Mounted Bandits and he’s bound to die.”

“I’m actually rather interested in him,” The white-robed man smiled gently and said.

Frowning, Uncle Liang asked, “You intend to recruit him, young master?”

“Indeed,” The white-robed man nodded.

Uncle Liang continued, “Recruiting him now would be equivalent to offending the Four Mounted Bandits. That’s irrational. The reason why we entered the ancient battlefield this time round is for the ruins of Elixir Pool Sect. It’s inconvenient for us to make such strong enemies.”

Pausing for a moment, Uncle Liang added, “Right now, Glass Palace, Malevolent Earth Sect and some of the other strong factions are lingering around Xuantian City. It’s quite likely that they’re all here for the ruins of Elixir Pool Sect. Compared to Glass Palace and Malevolent Earth Sect, we’re lacking in top experts and are at a disadvantage. We must be careful, young master.”

“Top experts?”

The white-robed man smiled and turned his beautiful eyes, looking at the green-robed cultivator in the courtyard. “There’s one right there, isn’t it?”

“Him?”

Uncle Liang laughed. “Although I’m old, I’m not at the age where my eyes are failing me. While that person is strong in melee combat, I don’t think he’s quite at the level of a top expert, right?”

The white-robed man smiled without replying.

...

In the courtyard.

After killing Bao Yunfeng with Anaconda Strangle, Su Zimo stood in a puddle of blood, his green robes stained blood-red. Exuding a murderous aura, his gaze was razor-sharp and carried a lethal killing intent!

“Kill!”

Instead of retreating after Bao Yunfeng’s death, the hundred odd desperadoes cried out in rage and charged towards Su Zimo wielding chilling curved sabers!

This was the nature of the desperadoes – none of them feared death.

The fierce horses that they rode were all spirit demons at Foundation Establishment realm. With bloodshot eyes and terrifying strength, cultivators were bound to be torn apart if they were rammed by those horses!

Dust billowed as the hundred odd cultivators charged with menacing intent.

If it was anyone else present, they would dodge right away when faced with such an army, afraid that they would be crushed to sludge.

However, Su Zimo did not retreat nor dodge; his eyes lit up as his bloodline churned with the furious sound of tsunamis mixed with rumbling thunder.

His strength increased massively with the churning of his bloodline!

“Bang!”

Exhaling, Su Zimo extended a pair of gigantic palms and pushed against the heads of two furious horses that were charging over.

Instantly, his sleeves exploded, revealing two ripped arms where his muscles were knotted together inch by inch. Like molten steel, they exuded the feeling of immense strength!

The momentum of charging, galloping horses was intense.

Cultivators aside, even in the jungle, few spirit demons would dare go against it head-on.

However, the two horses were pressed on the spot by Su Zimo’s palms and could not advance a single inch!

Su Zimo’s feet sank deep into the mud as he stood like an ancient god with a deep and unwavering gaze!

Caught off guard, the two desperadoes riding on the horses were sent flying.

Little fatty and Shi Jian were wielding their gigantic axe and steel rod respectively. Seizing the opportunity, they ended the lives of the two men that were sent flying into the air in a momentary daze.

There was no way the two horses could endure the shock of the collision between two massive forces as they whimpered and died on the spots, their bodies crushed and their tendons and bones shattered.

The riders behind them could not stop in time and all of them fell to the ground in a mess.

On his side, a horse charged towards Su Zimo’s chest.

“Heh!”

Sneering, Su Zimo strode forward and raised his knee, ramming over like a horse as well!

Bang!

The gigantic spirit demon horse was sent flying by a seemingly tiny human and exploded in midair, turning into a mist of blood.

“Roar!”

Right then, Night Spirit lowered its front limbs and head in an offensive stance, suddenly letting out a deafening roar from the depths of its throat!

The spirit demon horses that were initially murderous and filled with fighting spirit were instantly scared out of their wits as boundless fear shone in their eyes.

None of those spirit demons recognized Night Spirit.

However, there was a deep-rooted fear that came from the depths of their bloodline in response to that roar!

Some of the horses shivered and buckled to the ground, peeing and shitting themselves in incontinence.

Some of the horses seemed to have gone insane as they threw the cultivators on their backs off. Pushing the crowd away, they fled into the distance at an extremely fast speed.

In the blink of an eye, all the desperadoes were in chaos.

The surrounding cultivators were shocked as their impressions of Night Spirit changed gradually.

Although they were not part of the conflict, they felt a sense of fear the moment Night Spirit roared and almost turned to flee themselves.

Su Zimo slapped his storage bag and 18 flying swords floated in front of him.

Buzz!

Quivering at the same time with a resounding buzz, the 18 flying swords shone endlessly in a bedazzling manner.

“Ah!”

“Supreme-grade flying swords! All of them are supreme-grade flying swords!”

“How many people must he have killed to be able to amass 18 supreme-grade flying swords?”

Cries of surprises came from the crowd.

On the second floor, the white-robed man and Uncle Liang exclaimed softly at the same time.

Uncle Liang frowned tightly with an odd expression as he shook his head. “Something isn’t right. Those 18 flying swords are identical in terms of length, width, thickness and even their spirit patterns. They don’t seem to have been mixed. Instead, they should have originated from the same Weapon Refinement Master...”

“As expected, he should be a Sword Formation Master,” Suddenly, the white-robed man said.

Before the white-robed man finished his sentence, Su Zimo waved his hands in the courtyard and the 18 flying swords intertwined in the void, leaving sword scars in their wake.

Whoosh!

A formation light shone brightly and illuminated the night skies!

Right after, the 18 flying swords gathered together with their tips pointing outwards in unison, forming a gigantic sword-shaped circular disk. 18 rays of sword qi were released like a blazing sun and was extremely dazzling!

It was the Candlelight Sword Formation!

“Go!”

Su Zimo pointed forward.

The sword-shaped circular disk charged into the crowd, circling around the desperadoes. Boundless blood qi was released and a blood mist formed as limbs were sent flying.

Chapter 367: Elixir Yang Sect

“Sword Formation Master! He’s a Sword Formation Master!”

“No wonder he is able to reach Xuantian City despite only being at four meridian Foundation Establishment. So, that’s his secret.”

Sword Formation Masters were extremely rare in the cultivation world and everyone was shocked.

On the second floor, Uncle Liang took a deep breath. His expression changed slightly as he whispered, “The killing power of that sword formation is so strong!”

“Do you recognize it, Uncle Liang?” The white-robed man asked.

After a long while, Uncle Liang shook his head. “I’ve never seen it before. The might of that sword formation isn’t weaker than those of Ancient Array Sect.”

The four unorthodox groups were Elixir Yang Sect, Thousand Crane Sect, Hundred Refinement Sect and Ancient Array Sect. Gathering all the top Elixir, Weapon, Talisman and Formation Masters of Tianhuang Mainland, those were the havens for these types of cultivators.

All the renowned Sword Formation Masters of the cultivation world were mostly from Ancient Array Sect.

Uncle Liang shook his head again. “It’s a pity that his cultivation realm is too low. If he was at seven meridian Foundation Establishment, he would definitely be able to hold out against the legacy disciples of Glass Palace and Malevolent Earth Sect with just that sword formation alone!”

“Let’s head down and take a look.”

The white-robed man rose and led the way.

Uncle Liang persuaded him, “Young master, that man isn’t going to live for long despite his immense potential. He’ll be dead the moment the other three Mounted Bandits return to Xuantian City. It’s truly not a wise choice to recruit him now.”

“Not necessarily.”

The white-robed man smiled meaningfully.

...

In the courtyard.

All the desperadoes were six meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivators. If they worked in unison against Su Zimo, they would definitely be a force not to be reckoned with and might even be able to break the Candlelight Sword Formation.

But now, their formation was scattered into chaos by Su Zimo and Night Spirit and were in a mess – there’s no way they could deal with the killing power of the Candlelight Sword Formation at this point.

Clang! Clang!

The sounds of swords ringing rang incessantly, accompanied by tragic shrieks. Lives were being reaped mercilessly like grass as the desperadoes truly lost their lives!

The dilapidated mansion was dyed with blood.

Flesh aside, even superior-grade spirit weapons would be shattered if they were sucked in by the Candlelight Sword Formation!

The air was filled with the thick stench of blood.

At this moment, even desperadoes could not take it any longer as they scattered and fled in all directions.

In the blink of an eye, the courtyard was left with nothing but corpses that were still warm.

The surrounding cultivators were shocked. To them, the red-stained figure standing in the pool of blood resembled an Asura that had just walked out of Hell!

“Now that Bao Yunfeng is dead, that man is definitely doomed when the other three Mounted Bandits return.”

“Maybe not. They’ll definitely leave this place tomorrow morning and flee far away. They might be able to escape this calamity.”

“Fufu.”

The person who spoke at the start sneered, “Do you think the three Mounted Bandits are fools? They have survived in the jungles for many years and specialize in tracking people down. Nobody will be able to hide from them!”

Su Zimo put away his 18 flying swords as well as the storage bags of Bao Yunfeng and the others. He was calm as usual, indifferent towards the gossips at the sidelines.

Ji Chengtian and the others heaved a sigh of relief.

The crowd gradually dispersed.

Sensing something, Su Zimo glanced sideways and caught sight of a white-robed man walking over.

The white-robed man was extremely handsome and could be described as ‘perfect’. At first glance, he seemed to be even more beautiful than a woman.

However, what shocked Su Zimo was the fact that an elderly man with a long beard was following behind the white-robed man.

Even though there was no age restriction for the ancient battlefield, the people that entered were typically geniuses and talents of the current generation. The sudden appearance of an elderly man was particularly striking.

Furthermore, Su Zimo’s spirit perception told him that the elderly man was extremely dangerous!

After entering the ancient battlefield, Su Zimo had been through a number of battles. However, he had never experienced such an aura from another cultivator.

It was so terrifying that it made one’s heart palpitate!

Su Zimo gazed deeply at the elderly man before focusing his attention on the white-robed man again.

The white-robed man waved and held his folding fan behind him while cupping his other hand with a smile. “I am Tang Yu. How do I address you, fellow Daoist?”

“Su Zimo.”

Su Zimo’s gaze was fixed on the sect badge on the man’s waist as he replied expressionlessly.

Anyone who dared to display their sect badges in the ancient battlefield were mostly from major sects or factions.

While Ethereal Peak was one of the five major sects within the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty, it was nothing much in Tianhuang Mainland. Su Zimo and the others hung nothing but a storage bag around their waists.

Although Su Zimo could guess that the white-robed man’s background was far from simple, he could not identify the sect badge nor motive of the latter.

Tang Yu flicked his folding fan open with his slender wrist and waved it gently. “Fellow Daoist, you’ve just arrived in Xuantian City so I think you might not have much of an understanding towards the Four Mounted Bandits. However, I do know some stuff about them.”

“I’m willing to hear it in detail,” Su Zimo nodded.

“The so-called Four Mounted Bandits are arranged based on the dhole, wolf, tiger and leopard. Each of them rides on a different ancient remnant beast that is extremely strong. Among them, the leader, Chai Li, is at seven meridian Foundation Establishment. The others are all at peak six meridian Foundation Establishment and can advance to seven meridian Foundation Establishment at any moment.”

Tang Yu continued, “In Xuantian City, the Four Mounted Bandits are not the strongest. However, the reason why the other top factions are not willing to go against them is because of the existence of a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator among the Four Mounted Bandits.”

“Now that Bao Yunfeng is dead, you’ve sowed a deep feud with the other three Mounted Bandits and there’s no room for negotiation. Even if you escape from Xuantian City, they will hunt you down and a battle will be inevitable.”

Tang Yu spoke confidently and Su Zimo remained silent, looking at him quietly.

After a moment, Su Zimo asked, “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“I can help you,” Tang Yu’s statement was surprising.

“Oh?”

Su Zimo raised his brow.

No one was on his side now that he had offended the Four Mounted Bandits – he had not expected that anyone in Xuantian City would offer to help him.

Tang Yu added, “Of course, by help, I don’t mean that I’m on your side entirely to go head-on against the Four Mounted Bandits. That’s not going to benefit me. However...”

Changing the topic, Tang Yu continued, “I can take away any burdens you have.”

“What do you mean?” Su Zimo raised his brow slightly.

Tang Yu’s gaze darted past Ji Chengtian and the rest before landing on Su Xiaoning. After pondering for a while, he suddenly said, “This girl here is an Elixir Refinement Master, right?”

Su Zimo did not reply and was expressionless.

However, Su Xiaoning was stunned and shock flashed through her eyes.

Right from the beginning, she had not revealed anything related to elixir refinement. Yet, the handsome man in front of her saw through her identity immediately – how could she not be surprised.

When he caught sight of Su Xiaoning’s reaction, Tang Yu smiled gently and nodded. “Seems like I was right.”

He continued, “This girl will not be of much help once the battle with the Four Mounted Bandits begins since her cultivation realm is too low. Instead, she will become a burden. However, I can ensure her safety.”

If a massive battle were to break out and everything was chaotic, even Night Spirit might not be able to protect Xiaoning from harm.

Tang Yu continued, “If she’s talented in elixir refinement, I can even offer her a chance to join my sect.”

“What sect are you from?” Su Zimo asked instead.

Proudly, Tang Yu declared, “One of the four unorthodox groups, Elixir Yang Sect!”

Chapter 368: Young Master Tang?

On Tianhuang Mainland, nine major factions ruled over the place.

Nine immortal sects, eight demon races, seven fiend sects, six Buddhist monasteries, five heretical doctrines, four unorthodox groups, three aristocratic families, two islands and one palace.

Elixir Yang Sect belonged to one of the four unorthodox groups and had a deep foundation – it was said that the sect’s history traced back to the ancient era.

Most of the renowned Elixir Refinement Masters of the cultivation world originated from Elixir Yang Sect.

The strength of Elixir Yang Sect was naturally lesser than the other sects. However, due to their capabilities in elixir refinement, they were well connected with the other major factions and there was no lack of powerful beings from the cultivation world that joined them.

Elixirs were essential consumables. Be it for cultivation or in the battlefield, they were extremely important.

Elixir Yang Sect was one of the major factions within Xuantian City.

As a legacy disciple of Elixir Yang Sect, Tang Yu was indeed qualified to make his claims.

Su Xiaoning was very moved upon hearing the words ‘Elixir Yang Sect’ as her eyes lit up. She looked at Su Zimo expectantly but kept quiet obediently.

Su Zimo remained silent and undecided.

Suddenly, Tang Yu’s eyes were filled with resolve and he said, “If, and I mean if, you’re able to survive 15 minutes against the attacks of the other three Mounted Bandits, Elixir Yang Sect will come forth to your aid!”

“Young Master!”

Uncle Liang frowned and could not help but remind.

To Uncle Liang, it was not enough of a reason for Elixir Yang Sect to step forth even if Su Zimo could survive 15 minutes against the other three Mounted Bandits.

The moment they did so, it would mean becoming enemies with the three Mounted Bandits and if they didn’t handle that well, it would result in a bloody battle!

“That’s too risky! Even though this man has great potential, he’s not worth it,” Uncle Liang whispered.

Tang Yu shook his head with a resolute expression as he looked at Su Zimo, awaiting the latter’s response.

“Why are you helping me?” Su Zimo looked at Tang Yu and asked calmly.

Admiration flickered through Uncle Liang’s eyes when he saw Su Zimo’s reaction.

Although he did not recommend Tang Yu helping Su Zimo, he acknowledged the fact that this green-robed cultivator was indeed a talent as well.

If it was anybody else, they would have agreed to such a sweet free deal immediately. However, this man was still rational and did not agree to it readily!

Everything else, his calmness alone was far superior to the other disciples of the younger generation.

Tang Yu smiled. “There’s two reasons why I want to help you. First, it’s naturally out of selfish reasons. I value your potential.”

Su Zimo was much less guarded when he saw how honest Tang Yu was. Nodding, he gestured for the latter to continue.

Tang Yu added, “Second, it’s quite a pleasure seeing someone reject Bao Yunfeng’s advances in Xuantian City and kill him instead. I’m impressed.”

“There’s nothing to be impressed about. I merely don’t want to be in the same league as the Four Mounted Bandits,” Su Zimo replied casually.

“That’s the point.”

Waving his folding fan, Tang Yu pointed at the crowd that was gradually fading away. “I guarantee that most cultivators in Xuantian City would not want to be in the same league as the Four Mounted Bandits. However, none of them would dare provoke the Four Mounted Bandits, much less resist them.”

“At the beginning, every cultivator might have aspired to be a just and righteous person. However, as time passes, their resolve fades as well as they eventually bow down in the face of the cruel reality. In fact, they might even turn into the type of people that they have once looked down on.”

“However, you are different.”

Tang Yu’s gaze landed on Su Zimo eventually as he said with a bright tone, “I can still see your resolve, your conviction! There are not many people who can stay true to their hearts and push forth courageously in the cultivation world. You are one of them.”

Ji Chengtian and the others were the most emotional over Tang Yu’s words.

As Tang Yu had mentioned, all of them hated the Four Mounted Bandits and did not want to be in the same league as them.

However, when Bao Yunfeng came forth to recruit them, they felt a heavy load on their shoulders and went against their hearts, bearing intentions of bowing down.

Smacking his lips, Su Zimo said in a self-deprecating manner, “Most people like me don’t live long lives.”

“And that is why I’m here to help,” Tang Yu smiled.

Su Zimo was slightly dazed when he met with the sparkle in Tang Yu’s eyes as he felt a strange sensation surging in his heart. Hurriedly, he changed the topic and asked, “You said that you value my potential. Is there something that you want me to do?”

“That’s right.”

Tang Yu nodded. “Right now, there are many powerful figures gathered within Xuantian City all for the sake of the ruins of an ancient sect. At that time, I hope that you’ll be on the side of Elixir Yang Sect.”

Ancient sect ruins!

Ji Chengtian and the others were excited at the sound of that.

The opportunities and treasures within the ruins of an ancient sect were much more than a Golden Core’s cave abode!

Furthermore, if even cultivators of Glass Palace, Malevolent Earth Sect and the unorthodox groups were gathered here, it was proof that the ruins were not ordinary.

Suddenly, Uncle Liang said, “That’s for the future. We’ll talk about it if you manage to survive.”

Su Zimo pondered for a moment before saying, “I’ll give you an answer tomorrow morning.”

“Alright.”

Tang Yu nodded. Just as he was about to turn and leave, Xiaoning stepped forth and asked with a slightly blushed face, “Y-Young Master Tang, how did you manage to identify that I was an Elixir Refinement Master?”

Suddenly, Su Zimo spoke, “Fellow Daoist, although your male disguise is superb, there are still some flaws.”

Male disguise?

Ji Chengtian and the others were slightly stunned and turned to look at Tang Yu instinctively.

Even though Tang Yu was extremely good-looking with eyes like a painting, there was an Adam’s apple and his chest was flat – how was he a woman?

Instinctively, Tang Yu asked, “What flaws?”

“Although the fragrance you emit is very faint, you can’t hide it from me.”

By cultivating the Mystic Classic of the Twelve Demon Kings of the Great Wilderness, Su Zimo had already cleared his nose orifice and he was much more sensitive towards scents compared to others!

Chapter 369: Separate Ways

Ji Chengtian and the others came to a realization when they saw Tang Yu’s reaction as well as two pink spots flushing on the latter’s cheeks.

Initially, Tang Yu merely wanted to tease Xiaoning out of playfulness – yet, she ended up as the one teased.

Everyone held back their laughter as they looked back and forth at Tang Yu and Su Zimo.

Even though she was disguised as a male, Tang Yu was a woman after all and was easily embarrassed. There was no way she could handle the playful gazes that everyone was casting her as she raised her head and turned to leave in a huff.

Xiaoning looked at Tang Yu’s back view in a dazed manner for a long time.

“Xiaoning, don’t harp on it.”

Su Zimo coughed gently and patted Xiaoning’s shoulders.

Turning to look at Su Zimo, Xiaoning raised her brows slightly. Still somewhat unwilling to accept the truth, she asked, “Young Master Tang is really a woman?”

Su Zimo nodded.

“Hais.”

Xiaoning sighed and could not conceal her disappointment.

Su Zimo smiled bitterly in secret. Xiaoning was at the age where a maiden’s heart was blossoming – to think that her first taste of love would come from a woman.

Fortunately, the two of them had not interacted for long and there was nothing left after things were exposed.

Not long after, Xiaoning recovered and came before Su Zimo, saying sternly, “Brother, I want to join Elixir Yang Sect.”

“Why?”

Although Su Zimo could vaguely guess the reason, he still asked.

“If there’s an elixir recipe for increasing one’s lifespan in Tianhuang Mainland, it has to be in Elixir Yang Sect! I want to give it a shot!”

Indeed, it was as Su Zimo had expected.

In truth, the greatest motivation and reason why Xiaoning became an Elixir Refinement Master was because she wanted to learn how to refine an elixir to increase one’s lifespan.”

Their eldest brother, Su Hong, was only a mortal. With no way to cultivate, his lifespan was a 100 hundred at most.

The reason why Xiaoning became an Elixir Refinement Master was because she wanted to increase her eldest brother’s lifespan and have him live as long as possible.

However, the rarest elixirs in the cultivation world were those that could increase longevity.

Those elixirs and recipes had never appeared in the territories of the Great Zhou Dynasty, much less Azure Frost Sect.

This was an extremely rare opportunity that Xiaoning did not want to give up.

In reality, Su Zimo hoped that Xiaoning could join Elixir Yang Sect as well.

First, he had a deep feud with Blood Crow Palace and it was highly likely that he would experience a great calamity of life and death upon returning to the sect. If Xiaoning could join Elixir Yang Sect, she could avoid the calamity.

Second, Elixir Yang Sect was one of the four unorthodox groups and had a deep foundation and decent strength. It was far superior to the likes of Azure Frost Sect and would suit Xiaoning’s path of cultivation.

Su Zimo said, “Alright, I’ll have Night Spirit accompany you there when the time comes.”

After all, he did not have much of an understanding towards Elixir Yang Sect and could only feel more relieved if Night Spirit was by Xiaoning’s side.

Turning around, Su Zimo looked at Ji Chengtian and the others. He pondered for a moment before saying in a deep voice, “I’ll stay in Xuantian City for the time being. You guys rest a while to recover your energy and leave this place as soon as possible.”

Little fatty frowned and shouted, “Bro, we’ll either leave or stay together!”

“That’s right,” Ji Chengtian nodded as well.

Su Zimo waved it off. “I’m the target of the three Mounted Bandits. If I leave with you guys, none of us will be able to escape. My strength is enough to protect myself but if you guys stay in the city, you’ll only be sacrificing your lives for nothing. There’s no need to act on impulse.”

Ji Chengtian and the others were silent.

They knew that Su Zimo was stating the facts.

There was a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator among the three Mounted Bandits and they had hundreds of six meridian Foundation Establishment desperadoes.

Given the strength of Ji Chengtian and the rest, they would not be able to survive against the attacks of hundreds of desperadoes even if they were in peak condition.

Right now, the help that they could provide Su Zimo was almost negligible and they might even be a burden for him.

Leaving Su Zimo and Xuantian City was perhaps the best option for them.

...

In reality, Su Zimo wasn’t entirely helpless against a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

As long as he released his blood qi, his strength would climb to another level with the aid of his demonic qi and he could definitely contend with a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

However, if he did that, he would become a mass target and might attract even stronger foes or be surrounded by all the cultivators of Xuantian City!

However, if he had to hide his demonic qi and merely work with his bloodline, Su Zimo would most likely be able to match a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator at the most with the aid of Blood Quencher.

It would be extremely difficult for him to defeat or even kill a seven meridian Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

The exception to that was if he could unlock his mouth, eyes and all seven orifices to attain lesser mastery of the Orifice Clearing section.

However, that was unrealistic.

In other words, Su Zimo’s only chance was to hold out for 15 minutes against the attacks of the three Mounted Bandits and wait for the assistance of Elixir Yang Sect!

“15 minutes...”

Su Zimo murmured softly. A cold glint flickered through his eyes as he began cultivating.

The next morning, Tang Yu did not appear. Instead, a disciple of Elixir Yang Sect came forward and asked Su Zimo about his decision.

“I’ll stay.”

Su Zimo said before turning to look at Su Xiaoning. “Xiaoning will return with you. Please tell Young Master Tang that I hope that he will take good care of her.”

The disciple of Elixir Yang Sect smiled gently. “Our Young Master has already expected this, so he told me in advance to inform you not to worry and that he will definitely protect Xiaoning well.”

“Also, these are some healing elixirs courtesy of senior brother. Hopefully, they’ll be of use to you guys.”

Before leaving, the Elixir Yang Sect disciple handed Su Zimo a storage bag containing many jade bottles of various elixirs.

Su Zimo took a quick glance and did not spot any perfect elixirs. He then passed everything to Ji Chengtian and the rest.

With Night Spirit’s company, Xiaoning left with the Elixir Yang Sect disciple.

Su Zimo continued cultivating.

Under such a pressing situation, the fifth spirit meridian in his body also appeared and there was a chance he could unlock it within the next few days!

With the help of the healing elixirs gifted by Tang Yu, Ji Chengtian and the others recovered swiftly and were mostly healed by the next day.

This morning, Su Zimo said in a deep voice, “Senior Brother Ji, you guys should leave today. The three Mounted Bandits are going to return anytime now. If we drag on, things might change and it might be too late to leave.”

“Alright.”

Ji Chengtian and the others nodded without hesitating.

Leng Rou, little fatty and Shi Jian got up one after another as well, bidding farewell to Su Zimo.

On the way, all three of them were silent, deep in their own thoughts.

After exiting Xuantian City, little fatty suddenly came to a stop at the north gates. He turned and said, “Senior Brother Ji, Sister Leng Rou and Silly Jian, I intend to explore the ancient battlefield myself. Let’s bid farewell here.”

“I’m not silly,” Shi Jian murmured.

Leng Rou nodded with a cold expression. “Alright.”

Ji Chengtian smiled. “That’s my intention as well. I don’t know when we’re going to meet again after separating today. Everyone... please take care.”

“Take care!”

Everyone bid farewell with cupped fists and Ji Chengtian, Leng Rou and little fatty split into three directions on their flying swords. They disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving Shi Jian the only one remaining.

Scratching his head, he picked a random direction and sprinted with huge strides.