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Xia Bing didn't believe Qi Yuan's words for a second. How could those two men possibly be casual cultivators, hardened by the bitter cold winds and frost of life on the road? It was clear they were trying to deceive him — an old man with enough experience to see through their act.
He chuckled to himself.
Since he's so young, I'll play along and see if I can get some useful information out of him.
Yet to his frustration, no matter how the conversation shifted, Qi Yuan's responses remained smooth and effortless. He spoke freely about various topics, but none of his words revealed anything useful.
Xia Bing felt irritated. This young man, barely of age, was as slippery as a loach.
Meanwhile, Qi Yuan sat calmly, thinking to himself. No matter how much Xia Bing pried, the story of him being a casual cultivator had to stick. Whether Xia Bing believed it or not didn't matter — he'd have to accept it.
After all, you don't just reveal where you live to strangers.
Realizing he was getting nowhere, Xia Bing gave up and closed his eyes, waiting for the Chen family to arrive. With his cultivation level at the late stage of foundation building, he believed this would be his moment to shine — a chance to show Qi Yuan his true strength.
Chen Wang, the Chen family's ancestor, had grown up alongside Xia Bing. The two had crossed paths before, yet their battles never revealed the full extent of each other's abilities. Xia Bing wasn't certain he could defeat him, but he had promised to protect Xin Ruyin's life — that was all that mattered.
He'd only agreed to help once. Whatever came after wasn't his concern.
Xia Bing knew the Chen family had traded resources for forming a pill with the righteous sects. If the opportunity arose to kill Chen Wang and claim those resources, he'd take it without hesitation. A ruthless strike would be necessary to avoid any vengeful counterattack.
His years since reaching the foundation-building stage had taken a toll. His lifespan was nearing its end, and without longevity elixirs or pill-forming resources, his future seemed grim.
If I fail to form the pill, my days are numbered. But if I succeed, I could extend my life for centuries — enough time to achieve far more.
Perhaps I could even join a major sect and catch a glimpse of the Nascent Soul stage...
That thought had lingered in his mind for years.
Fighting the Chen family's ancestor alone seemed risky, but with Xin Ruyin's two allies assisting him, the odds felt manageable. As long as he secured those pill-forming resources, Qi Yuan's true identity — whatever it was — wouldn't matter.
In cultivation, everyone was a potential enemy. There was no need to show mercy.
Strength was all that counted.
Xia Bing kept his mind focused on those precious resources.
Qi Yuan was thinking the same. When Xin Ruyin mentioned the Chen family's pill-forming resources the night before, he'd already started plotting.
If I get the chance, I'll steal it. Why waste spirit stones buying what I can take by force?
Judging by Xia Bing's reputation, Qi Yuan knew he wouldn't pass up that opportunity either.
I'd sooner believe he's a eunuch than believe he'd ignore a chance to form a pill.
Moments later, Xia Bing's voice echoed in Qi Yuan's mind.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang, Chen Wang has been at the late stage of foundation building for years. His magic power is formidable, and I'm not sure these old bones can defeat him. Why don't we join forces? Together, we can kill him and give Miss Xin some lasting peace."
Qi Yuan kept his expression calm.
Old fox... You just want me as cannon fodder.
Feigning concern, Qi Yuan replied via voice transmission, "My magic power isn't strong enough. Facing Chen Wang head-on could cost me my life. Perhaps you should lead the charge. I'll create a diversion and cover you from hidden threats."
Xia Bing sneered silently.
"Fellow Daoist Zhang," he continued, "don't play dumb. You burned down the Chen family estate and killed his children a year ago. Do you really think Chen Wang will just let you go? If you join me, we can put an end to him once and for all."
Qi Yuan sighed and pretended to hesitate.
"I didn't expect you to know about that. Since this might resolve my troubles, I'll agree."
"Glad to hear it," Xia Bing chuckled. "We'll make a good team."
Qi Yuan only nodded slightly in response.
About half an incense stick later, the ground rumbled. The thick fog outside twisted violently, and flashes of light flickered through the haze.
"They're here," Xia Bing muttered.
Both men exchanged a look, then darted outside as streaks of light. Yan Ruyan followed close behind.
Xin Ruyin projected a light screen, revealing the scene outside.
The Chen family had arrived, led by their ancestor and flanked by a group of disciples. They assaulted the defensive formation with magic weapons and talismans.
Xin Ruyin activated her formation plate, channeling her magic into it.
The formation shifted into a battalion of armored warriors, their bows drawn as they rained arrows down on the Chen family's forces. Several disciples collapsed, injured by the attack.
Chen Wang's palm glowed with blue light as he summoned several streaks of energy to pierce the cloud-formed warriors. Before they could strike, a sudden flash of gray light tore through his attack, shattering the blue streaks.
Chen Wang narrowed his eyes at the object in the gray light — a snake-headed crutch. Memories from years past surfaced in his mind.
"Brother Xia," he growled. "Are you really so determined to avenge your brother's death?"
Once, they had called each other brothers. But time had worn away whatever bond they once had.
Xia Bing smiled coldly.
"I've been asked to protect someone today. If you still value our past, why not come back another day? I won't stop you."
He reached out and caught the returning snake-head crutch.
Qi Yuan and Yan Ruyan appeared at his side.
Chen Wang's eyes hardened.
"There's blood between us, and you expect me to walk away? Don't think our old ties will stop me."
With a furious shout, he signaled his disciples to attack. Their eyes locked on Qi Yuan, filled with murderous intent.
Yan Ruyan glanced at Qi Yuan, curious about what he'd done to anger the Chen family so badly. Could it be some scandal involving a Chen family woman? Had he killed one of their heirs?
"Since there's no room for compromise," Xia Bing said coldly, "let's fight."
He slammed his crutch down, and the snake's eyes glowed green. Twin beams shot out, striking two Chen family disciples.
"Kill him!" Chen Wang roared.
Enraged by Xia Bing's attack on his younger disciples, Chen Wang charged toward Qi Yuan.
Qi Yuan vanished in a blur, leaving Chen Wang swiping at empty air. When Qi Yuan reappeared, his face was grim. The pressure of the battle was building fast.
Xia Bing smirked. With Qi Yuan forced to take the brunt of Chen Wang's fury, his own burden had lightened.
If Qi Yuan survives, so be it. If not, it doesn't matter — as long as I get those pill resources.
"Zhang Tie, die!" Chen Wang bellowed.
He struck out again, but Qi Yuan easily dodged. Frustration darkened Chen Wang's expression.
"Fellow Daoist Xia," Qi Yuan called out, "if you keep standing there watching, do you really think you'll have a chance to kill Chen Wang later?"
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