When the group observed them further, they let go of all their apprehension. Seeing that the strongest member of the group was only at the fifth stage of the Golden core formation realm, put their minds at ease.
Coupled with the fact that they had greater numbers, the group of rogue cultivators became utterly confident should a fight break out.
In fact, they even began harboring some strange thoughts toward the group from the War Machine sect. After exchanging glances and seeing the same look in each other's eyes, they silently came to a consensus.
Just as Julian's group was about to continue on their journey, the rogue cultivators suddenly surrounded them.
With their greater numbers, they were able to completely encircle them while releasing their auras to intimidate them.
It was then that the leader of the rogue cultivator group, the seventh-stage Golden Core Formation realm expert, stepped forward and demanded that they hand over their storage rings.
However, what happened next was beyond any of their expectations. Julian's face contorted into a cruel smile before he launched an attack on the burly man.
Caught off guard by the sudden attack, he barely managed to raise his sword to block before the blinding sword light struck him, sending him flying.
However, Julian didn't let up on his attack. Without waiting for the first attack to land, he lunged forward and, with several swings of his sword, immediately overwhelmed the leader of the rogue cultivators.
The other members of his group weren't idle either, as each of them immediately picked an opponent and attacked them fiercely.
Even though they were outnumbered, they didn't back down. After a few breaths, one of the members of the rogue cultivators let out a shrill scream before he collapsed on the ground, dead.
This situation left the members of the rogue cultivators dumbfounded as they couldn't believe how quickly one of them had fallen.
Julian's group took advantage of their momentary lapse in reaction and launched fierce attacks that killed off a few more.
Now the playing field was leveled. They couldn't beat them before when they had the advantage in numbers, so it was even more impossible now that the fight was one-on-one.
As the disciples of the War Machine sect picked off the members one at a time, Julian was busy dealing with the leader.
With a cruel smile plastered on his face, he launched multiple attacks on the already injured man. The rogue cultivator, with his body riddled with sword slashes, felt a profound wave of helplessness.
In his heart, a wave of sorrow bloomed as he regretted ever antagonizing this group. He thought he could subdue these disciples with his superior cultivation, but reality slapped him in his face.
Only now did he realize that the strength of those from the Super Sects was not something a rogue cultivator like him could match.
Just as he was about to plead for his life, a sword light pierced through his heart, causing him to spew out a mouthful of blood.
His eyes widened as he desperately tried to cling to life, but to no avail. His body collapsed to the ground as life slowly faded from his eyes.
The other members of the group, seeing their leader fall, lost all hope of winning. They tried to flee. However, doing so only brought their doom faster.
It was a foolish idea to turn your back on your opponent in a battle, especially against battle-crazed maniacs like the disciples of the War Machine sect.
The disciples hunted them down before swiftly dispatching them. All of this was seen by Adrian, who was watching from afar. This display of prowess made him hesitate on whether he should continue following them or he should quit while he was ahead.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he gritted his teeth and decided to continue following them. He has to grow stronger quickly; therefore, playing it safe wasn't an option.
He continued to follow them on their journey, but this time, he increased the distance between them. This continued for two more days before the group arrived in front of a small valley between two small mountains.
Except for some sparse vegetation growing scantily, there wasn't much to see, except for a cave located at the end of the valley. Normally, no one would even spare it a second glance, as such valleys were present everywhere.
However, a look of joy flashed across Julian's face as he hastily brought out the beast parchment to confirm whether this was the correct location or not.
A smile bloomed on his face, seemingly confirming that they were at the right location. However, before they could celebrate, a low, rumbling noise resounded from within the cave.
The earth shook as the footsteps of a magical beast could be heard; the group immediately tensed up and prepared themselves for a battle.
From the cave, the huge head of a bear peered out before staring straight towards the strongest member of the group, Julian.
"Ironhide bear!" One of the members of Julian's group exclaimed in shock. And for good reason.
The ironhide bear was a species known for their especially tough skin and muscles, hence the name 'ironhide'.
However, they were also considered delicacies by those gourmet enthusiasts. The meat, when cooked properly, was said to be savory and delicious. It was also a good supplement for men who wanted to be more virile.
Unfortunately, such delicacies came at a hefty price tag and could only be found in those high-end restaurants in the center of the city.
Even then, it could only be encountered and not sought after because it wasn't always readily available. Only by personally hunting it down could one guarantee a steady supply of it.
However, with the vast diversity of beasts present in the Misty Mountains, encountering one was only a game of chance.
With a loud roar, the Ironhide bear unleashed its formidable aura, which showcased that it was at the middle stage of rank 4.
A frown creased Julian's eyebrows as he gripped his sword tightly with both hands. However, as a disciple of the War Machine sect, he didn't shy away from danger.
The bear, seeing that its intimidation tactic didn't work, let out a low growl before charging towards the intruders.