Deep within a forest thick with towering trees, branches spread out like an enormous spider web, shrouding the entire woodland. Under the cover of these colossal trees, even the sunlight above the sky struggled to penetrate, making the light within the forest appear somewhat dim. A beam of light, squeezing through the dense gaps in the trees, transformed into a half-foot-wide column that shone down and illuminated a group of figures resting cross-legged in the forest.
This group consisted of about fifteen to sixteen individuals, each exuding a deep and profound aura, clearly no weaklings. The few in the center emitted a subtle and elusive presence, their true strength difficult to gauge. However, the respect on the faces of the surrounding people indicated that these central figures were the core of the group.
“Bang!” Suddenly, a muffled sound came from the quiet forest, followed by the sound of bodies falling. A few minutes later, several figures emerged from the dense forest, landing on the clearing and kneeling before a black-robed youth, “Chief, the ones who were following closely behind have been eliminated by us.”
Hearing this, the black-robed youth slowly opened his tightly closed eyes, revealing a pair of pitch-black pupils. He nodded slightly, a cold smile forming on his lips, “These guys really don’t know when to quit… Grand Elder, how much longer until we reach the Gan Nan Academy?”
“If there are no unforeseen circumstances, we should arrive by noon the day after tomorrow,” an old man with white hair, standing beside the black-robed youth, replied with a smile. “It’s fortunate that we have a good number of people here. Otherwise, those pesky flies would have made it impossible for us to rest peacefully.”
The black-robed youth also smiled faintly, raising his head slightly to reveal a familiar young face in the warm sunlight. It was none other than Xiao Yan. This group naturally consisted of the people from Black Emperor City’s Xiao Sect and the Gan Nan Academy.
Almost two days had passed since the great battle. During these days, Xiao Yan and his companions had pushed forward towards the Gan Nan Academy with all their might. Despite their speed, a constant stream of greedy individuals had followed them like hungry wolves, lurking at a distance, ready to strike. Although many had been dealt with by the elites of the Xiao Sect and the Gan Nan Academy, more continued to come, drawn by the scent of blood.
No matter how secluded the routes they chose, these followers always managed to locate and follow them. It became clear that someone powerful was orchestrating this pursuit. Only a select few had the ability to do so.
Though constantly watched, Xiao Yan and his companions were fortunate to have strong support from the Xiao Sect and the Gan Nan Academy, sparing them from handling everything themselves. Without this help, the journey would have been exhausting, both physically and mentally.
“Among those following, there are some skilled fighters, but thankfully, there’s no one as powerful as Han Feng. So, although it’s a bit troublesome, we can still manage,” Little Healer Immortal said softly.
“The old man won’t give up easily. He’s determined to get the Puti Corporeal Sap. Therefore…” Xiao Yan shook his head, his fingers lightly tapping his storage ring, a strange look flitting across his eyes before vanishing. He then turned to a burly man attentively watching the forest’s edge, “Alright, let’s continue. Yao Da, take a few capable Xiao Sect members and bring up the rear. If anyone gets too close, deal with them directly. If you encounter an unmatchable foe, retreat immediately.”
“Yes, Chief!” Yao Da nodded emphatically.
After giving his instructions, Xiao Yan exchanged a glance with Su Qian and others, then quickly rose, waving his hand. The group darted out of the forest like leopards, followed by Yao Da and a few Xiao Sect experts, ever vigilant.
As the journey continued, the gap between the pursuers and Xiao Yan’s group shortened. The Black-Corner Domain pursuers grew increasingly restless, knowing they were getting closer to the Gan Nan Academy. Desperation set in; if Xiao Yan and his group entered the Academy, any chance of taking the treasure would be lost. Thus, more and more greed-driven individuals began to launch attacks. However, these ended in heavy casualties, and in one ambush, three Battle Emperor fighters teamed up but only one corpse remained, while the other two, seriously injured, fled in disgrace. Fighting against two genuine Battle Sect fighters was no easy task.
After this defeat, many of the greedy individuals finally sobered up, realizing that the group ahead included two genuine Battle Sect experts. The fear of such formidable opponents made them retreat quietly.
Under the cover of the dark night, the vast mountains echoed with the low growls of beasts. The soft moonlight did little to dispel the darkness in the forest. A fire flickered in the woods, illuminating a group of ragged figures sitting cross-legged around it. Fatigue was evident on their faces, and bloodstains marked their bodies, signs of fierce battles along the way.
Despite their weary appearance, many still showed a spirited demeanor, hopeful that reaching the Gan Nan Academy the next day would bring them security. Sitting by the fire, Xiao Yan gazed at the exhausted group and smiled, flicking his fingers. A dozen round pills floated out, landing in front of the surprised group.
“These past few days have been tough. Take these pills; they will benefit you,” Xiao Yan said softly.
Pleased, the group quickly took the pills and bowed in gratitude, fully aware of Xiao Yan’s alchemist status and the value of what he provided.
Watching the group consume the pills and begin cultivation, Xiao Yan, Su Qian, and Little Healer Immortal exchanged smiles.
“Tomorrow, we’ll be back at the Gan Nan Academy…” Xiao Yan muttered, lightly stroking his storage ring.
“Indeed, these days have been grueling. My old bones can hardly take it anymore…” Su Qian stretched and chuckled.
“Grand Elder, your help has been invaluable,” Xiao Yan bowed, but Su Qian waved him off, closing his eyes for a brief nap.
“Watch over them. I’ll find a quiet spot to study that new technique,” Xiao Yan said to Little Healer Immortal, then stood up and walked into the forest.
In the dim forest, a clear stream appeared. Xiao Yan moved to a large rock beside it, glanced around, and sat down, pulling out the scroll of the Six Transformations Body Technique from the auction. Breathing in the cool air, he slowly unfurled the scroll, his focus intensifying.
By the stream, all was quiet except for the gentle flow of water. The moonlight bathed the black-robed youth in a cool glow. His mind sank into the scroll, oblivious to the outside world.
As the night waned, about an hour passed, and a strange light suddenly flashed from Xiao Yan’s finger. A jade box flew out of the storage ring, enveloped in a faint energy. As the box emerged, the energy morphed into an elderly figure.
“Hah, Chief Xiao, thank you for the escort. I bid you farewell!” The ghostly old man cackled at Xiao Yan, then vanished into the darkness, holding the jade box.
With incredible speed, the old figure darted through the forest. Just as he was about to vanish, a voice called out ominously, “Elder Eagle Mountain, you couldn’t resist, could you?”
At the sound, the old figure froze.
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