At the city gate, a vast crowd of people had gathered. Many eyes, filled with anticipation and curiosity, focused on the two figures standing in the open space. Over this period, Xiao Yan’s reputation had spread throughout the entire Jia Ma Empire. For this legendary figure who dared to challenge the Yunlan Sect with his own strength, many had only heard tales, and now, they were fortunate enough to witness him in action. They were eager to see if the widespread rumors were true. Did this young man, not yet twenty years old, truly have the power to kill a Dou Wang?
Mu Tie, with his arms crossed over his chest, stood like a black iron tower, exuding an overwhelming sense of oppression. His aura clearly surpassed that of Meng Li. According to Xiao Yan’s estimation, this middle-aged man had likely reached the peak of the Dou Ling level. Even with decent cultivation talent, it was still impressive for his age. Naturally, his years of bloody battles on the battlefield, where life and death struggles accelerated one’s growth, played a significant role.
At this moment, Mu Tie observed Xiao Yan, who had drawn out his giant black ruler. This unique weapon had become the young man’s signature, and as a result, many young people in the Jia Ma Empire had started to use similar unconventional weapons. Of course, with Mu Tie’s discerning eye, he knew that no imitation could compare to Xiao Yan’s strange black ruler. When the black ruler appeared, Mu Tie sensed that Xiao Yan’s body slightly sank, indicating the weight of the ruler was considerable.
“Since Deputy Commander Meng Li intends to take matters into his own hands, I, as the highest leader of ‘Zhen Gui Pass,’ should lay down some rules for your match on my territory,” Mu Tie said, glancing at Meng Li, who had drawn a blood-red greatsword from his storage ring. With a laugh, Mu Tie stomped the ground, causing two cracks to spread out and form a large circle, which enclosed Xiao Yan and Meng Li. “Both of you are quite strong, and I wouldn’t want any damage to the surroundings. After all, repairs cost money. So, let this circle be the boundary. Whoever is forced out of the circle loses. But let me remind you, this is not a fight to the death, so there’s no need to kill each other. Otherwise, if Deputy Commander Meng Li were to be disabled by Xiao Yan, where would I find a deputy so quickly? Haha.”
Hearing Mu Tie’s mocking laughter, Meng Li’s lips twitched. He knew that Mu Tie and he were like oil and water in ‘Zhen Gui Pass,’ but he didn’t expect such a public humiliation.
“Hmph.” Meng Li glared coldly at Xiao Yan, his blood-red greatsword tilted slightly, enveloped in a deep yellow battle aura. A faint, bloody smell wafted from the sword.
Ignoring Meng Li’s anger, Mu Tie laughed, “But Xiao Yan, don’t be careless. Deputy Commander Meng Li practices a low-level Xuan-rank earth-attribute cultivation method. And his Blood Slaying Blade technique, also a low-level Xuan-rank, is something even I must handle with caution.”
“Mu Tie, don’t go too far!” Meng Li’s face turned ashen, his fury palpable.
“Ha, alright, I’ll stop talking.” Mu Tie chuckled, shrugging at Xiao Yan, then waved his hand. “Begin.”
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, gripping the handle of the Heavy Ruler tightly, and fixed his gaze on the menacing Meng Li. Just as he was about to move, the voice of Old Pharmacist echoed in his mind, “Let me handle this. Don’t waste time. Leave the Jia Ma Empire as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary complications.”
“Uh… Alright!” Shrugging helplessly, Xiao Yan dismissed the idea of testing the ‘Heavenly Fire Three Mysteries’ and closed his eyes, drawing surprised looks from the crowd.
“Heh, what a arrogant guy,” Meng Li sneered, enraged. Never had someone dared to treat him so lightly. With a grim laugh, a deep yellow battle aura surged from his body.
The city gate was filled with swirling yellow sand, and the fierce aura rising from it made the surrounding mercenaries and soldiers step back in awe. The level of Dou Ling was a dream for many.
As the sand dissipated, Meng Li appeared, his body encased in a yellow battle aura armor. The sharp blade qi shot out from his blood-red greatsword, leaving deep marks on the ground. The bloodied greatsword, energized by the battle aura, became even more vivid. Meng Li’s eyes, locked on the closed-eyed Xiao Yan, suddenly barked a fierce command, breaking the silence. He launched himself at Xiao Yan like a cannonball, his blood-red greatsword swinging down with a massive, bloody slash!
“This guy’s Blood Slaying Blade technique has become more refined. Such a display, even a common four-star Dou Ling would struggle to withstand,” Mu Tie muttered, watching the intense pressure of Meng Li’s sword. His gaze shifted to Xiao Yan, still seemingly unaware. “What is he up to? His aura seems to be only around the level of a Da Dou Shi. Is this his true strength?”
A sharp wind cut through the air above Xiao Yan’s head as he opened his eyes, revealing one green and one white flame flickering in his pupils. Meng Li’s murderous gaze froze, but his greatsword continued to swing down at Xiao Yan’s head without hesitation.
*Clang!*
Xiao Yan raised his hand, the Heavy Ruler shifting upward to block the fierce blow, sparks flying and a visible wave of energy rippling out, sending yellow sand swirling.
With one hand, Meng Li pressed the greatsword onto the ruler, but no matter how much force he exerted, the ruler remained immobile. Meng Li, red-faced and panting, compared to the calm Xiao Yan, whose breathing was steady, seemed to be at opposite ends of the spectrum.
“Wow, incredible strength… It surges out of nowhere. Xiao Yan’s method of concealing his strength is quite unusual. Judging by his aura, anyone would think he’s just a Da Dou Shi,” Mu Tie exclaimed, impressed by Xiao Yan’s composure.
Around the city gate, the mercenaries and soldiers watched in shock as Meng Li, a powerful figure, was blocked by Xiao Yan’s casual defense. In ‘Zhen Gui Pass,’ Meng Li’s strength ranked in the top five. During bandit raids, his blood-red greatsword had felled countless foes, but today, a single strike from a young man stopped him.
“Leave, with such meager strength, you dare to show your face?” Xiao Yan slowly lifted his head, the two flames in his eyes flickering. With a sneer, his left hand, swift as lightning, struck Meng Li’s chest. His palm curved, releasing a burst of force.
*Bam!*
Meng Li’s eyes widened as he felt a thousand-pound stone smashing into his chest. He spat out a mouthful of blood, flying backward and crashing into the city wall. He fell, spitting out another gush of blood, his body curling up like a cocoon, his battle aura armor shattered to pieces.
Wiping the blood from his mouth, Meng Li’s face contorted in disbelief. “Didn’t the old sect leader say this guy’s strength had dropped? Why… why is he still so strong?”
Silence!
At the city gate, everyone watched as Meng Li was forced out of the circle, stunned. Only after a long while did someone groan softly. A Dou Ling, defeated in one move, was shocking. This youth, not yet twenty, was truly terrifying.
Those who had been tempted by the bounty on Xiao Yan’s head lost their resolve. Seeing Xiao Yan’s ruthless move, they believed the rumor about him killing Yun Shan was true. A person who could kill a Dou Wang, even with the full strength of a mercenary group, would be hard-pressed to defeat.
“Phew… Indeed, very strong. No wonder the clan leader sent word to me, asking me to give Xiao Yan a favor if I could. This strength is worth it!” Mu Tie exhaled, observing Xiao Yan, who now stood with his hand retracted.
Xiao Yan turned, the dual flames in his eyes fading. Just as he regained control of his body, Old Pharmacist’s voice rang in his mind, “Xiao Yan, leave here immediately. No more delays!”
Startled, Xiao Yan’s expression changed, his heart racing. He detected a hint of… panic in Old Pharmacist’s voice?
His throat dry, Xiao Yan hesitated, not daring to ask more. Storing the Heavy Ruler in his storage ring, he turned to Mu Tie. “Commander Mu Tie, may I leave now?”
“Of course, I said if you could defeat Meng Li, you’re free to come and go in ‘Zhen Gui Pass.'” Mu Tie grinned.
“Thank you.” Xiao Yan smiled, then walked towards the city, stopping before entering the dark passage.
As the main character, the crowd’s whispers quieted, and all eyes were on the lean, young figure. Some women gazed at him with adoration.
“Commander Mu Tie, I will repay this favor to the Mu family someday.” Xiao Yan said, turning to a slightly surprised Mu Tie.
Smiling, Mu Tie nodded. “Also, Deputy Commander Meng Li…” He looked at Meng Li, now being supported by Meng La, his face flushed. Xiao Yan’s gaze swept over the hundreds of people at the city gate, then he turned, disappearing into the darkness, his voice drifting out.
“Please tell Yun Shan, in two to five years, I, Xiao Yan, will return. When that time comes, tell him to keep his neck clean, for I will take his life and settle this debt.”
Hearing the soft, confident voice, even Mu Tie was dumbfounded. To challenge a Battle Sect to keep his neck clean, such boldness… in the Jia Ma Empire, this young man was the first!
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