In a flash, Instructor Yuâs ruthless palm strike landed right in front of Gu Han. Gu Han, whose guard was up, drew his sword and blocked the strike.
Clang!
A metallic ring echoed.
Instructor Yuâs palm landed squarely on the blade. Nevertheless, the immensely powerful spirit power slammed into Gu Han, sending him flying. A mouthful of blood sprayed out as countless of his bones shattered. Moments later, he crashed heavily to the ground.
âIs he dead?â
â
Duh!
With Instructor Yuâs cultivation level, of course heâs dead!â
By now, the commotion had drawn a crowd. Despite being intimidated by Instructor Yuâs ferocity, they still watched the spectacle from afar.
âThat guy... I think I know him!â
âYou know him? Who is he?â
âThe one who made Liu...
ahem
Young Master Liu embarrassed!â
âItâs him!â
âWhatâs his background? How bold of him... First, he offended Young Master Liu, and now Instructor Yu?â
â
Huh?
Heâs not dead!â someone shouted.
The crowdâs eyes snapped to Gu Han. Not far away, Gu Han leaned on his sword, swaying as he stood. He was bloodsoaked and seemed miserable, yet his gaze was unnervingly sharp.
The crowd was stunned.
âDamn!â
âHeâs really alive!â
âInstructor Yu is a Spirit Profound expert! How did he survive that strike? This kidâs something else!â
Someone sighed. âWhat a shame. No matter how talented he is, he wonât survive a second strike!â
âWatch your words! Instructor Yu is still here!â
The murmurs died down under Instructor Yuâs cold gaze.
Instructor Yuâs voice was icy as he advanced step by step. âThe young man you killed was the Yu familyâs last male heir! Do you know how much effort and resources my elder brother and I poured into raising him? Iâll make you pay for killing him with your life!â
Gu Han wiped the blood from his face. âHow am I supposed to know?! He tried to kill me, so I killed him! Only an idiot wouldnât understand such a basic principle!â
Instructor Yu nodded. âGood. Youâll die here then.â
Gu Han took a deep breath and raised his sword. âDie? Then... today, we fight to the death!â
The crowd felt mixed emotions. Regardless of anything else, facing death without fear, still ready for a desperate fight, just this courage alone put him above 95% of people.
What a pity.
âThen Iâll grant your wish!â
Instructor Yu didnât hesitate. Spirit power surged around him, forming a faint glow over his body.
Hmm?
Suddenly, Gu Hanâs eyes lit up as if heâd spotted something. âManager Murong, youâre here?â
Damn it!
Hearing that name, Instructor Yuâs heart skipped a beat. His spirit power faltered as he instinctively turned to look.
Murong Chuan...
The pressure he exuded was far too great. However, there was no one behind him. By the time he turned back, Gu Han had already fled far into the distance, moving with such speed that no one would believe he was on the verge of death.
The crowd exchanged bewildered glances.
He... ran?
Isnât he supposed to be dying?
How is he still so lively? And what happened to the whole âfight to deathâ act?
This kid is not an honorable man!
Instructor Yuâs face darkened. âYou dare to run? Time to die.â
He shot forward in pursuit.
***
On the street, Gu Han moved at an unbelievable speed, nearly leaving afterimages in his wake. Although Instructor Yuâs strike had shattered his bones and ravaged his organs, his bizarre meridians remained unharmed, allowing him to maintain peak combat strength. Of course, pushing his spirit power so recklessly worsened his injuries.
He coughed up blood as he ran, barely holding together. Behind him, Instructor Yu was closing in fast. Gritting his teeth, Gu Han channeled even more power into his legs, speeding up.
His destination was the city gates. As for the inn, there was no way he could return. Whether intentional or not, Instructor Yu had blocked his path back the moment he appeared.
Thank god!
He felt a sliver of relief that he hadnât brought Ah Sha along. Otherwise, today wouldâve been an inescapable death sentence.
Suddenly, someone called out ahead, âWell, well! Brother, itâs only been a few days. Howâd you end up in such a sorry state?â
Hmm?
Glancing over, Gu Han immediately spotted the extremely conspicuous fatty in the crowd, grinning.
âYou!â
The fatty crossed his arms, thoroughly enjoying the sight. âThatâs right, itâs me, the fatty! Never thought Iâd see the day!
Hahaha!
The heavens are just. Serves you right. Letâs see how you act tough nowââ
Gu Han suddenly screamed. âFatty! The truth about that dayâs out! Run!â
His voice echoed across half the street, reaching Instructor Yuâs ears.
Holy shit...
Although the fatty didnât understand the situation, a bad premonition gripped his heart.
Sure enough, Instructor Yuâs murderous gaze locked onto him. âYou helped kill my nephew as well?â
The fattyâs face paled as he hurried to explain, âDonât listen to his nonsense! I donât even know your nephewââ
Gu Hanâs voice carried over again. âFatty, Stop lying! Run for your life! Heâs already investigated everything! Someone saw us that day!â
Upon hearing this, the fattyâs heart sank. He wanted to slap himself.
Why did I have to provoke this black-hearted bastard while watching the show? Iâm screwed!
Instructor Yuâs killing intent fixated on the fatty. âIf youâre involved, then youâll die too!â
Fearing collateral damage, the spectators scattered instantly, leaving the fatty alone.
The fatty tested his luck one last time. âY-youâre not seriously buying this, are you?â
âBetter to kill the wrong than let one go!â
The fatty exploded. âMotherfucker! Are you braindead?! Youâll believe anything he says? If he called me your daddy, would you believe that too?â
Instructor Yuâs response was a full-powered strike.
âDamn it!â Seeing no escape, the fatty gritted his teeth. His spirit power surged as a faint golden light enveloped his body. âI will fight you to theâ
AAH!
â
Mid-sentence, he let out a bloodcurdling scream as he was sent flying. Whether due to his bulk, or the golden light, when he hit the ground, he even bounced a couple of times.
Before Instructor Yu could strike again, the fatty sprang up like nothing happened and bolted after Gu Han.
The crowd was dumbfounded.
Again? How?!
They stole glances at Instructor Yu.
Could it be... his Spirit Profound realm is fake?
Instructor Yuâs expression grew even uglier. At his stage, a full-power strike shouldâve turned a Meridian Opening cultivator into paste. However, not only were Gu Han and the fatty alive, they were outrunning him. Sure, it was partly because Murong Chuan injured him a few days ago, but he still couldnât accept this outcome.
Not only did his nephewâs death remain unavenged, his dignity was also trampled. Either reason alone fueled his killing intent to new heights. Without hesitation, he vanished in a series of afterimages, leaving only a chilling threat behind.
âI wonât let any of you go.â
***
Meanwhile, outside the city gates...
Looking at the familiar city walls, the seventh prince, Jiang Feng, couldnât hide his excitement.
âIâm back! I have returned!â
When heâd left, heâd been afflicted with Extreme Cold Disease. His days were numbered, his spirit was broken. In fact, that was the reason heâd fled the imperial capital for Tianwu City.
Now, after returning, heâd officially stepped onto the path of cultivation. He was progressing rapidly and even gained a special physique that others envied. His future was limitless. Due to the stark contrast, even his usually composed self became emotional.
Beside him, Chief Steward Li smiled warmly. Heâd watched Jiang Feng grow up. For over twenty years, the prince had been somber, rarely smiling. It was nothing like the joy and ease he showed today.
âGiven time, Your Highness will surely become the top genius among Great Qiâs younger generation!â
Jiang Feng laughed. âTop genius? With him around, how could that title ever be mine? And letâs not forget Brother Gu!â
For once, Chief Steward Li didnât argue. Gu Han had casually handed over a Heaven-tier techniqueâa testament to his incredible fortune and talent. Moreover, Jiang Fengâs newfound vigor was all thanks to him. The stewardâs resentment toward him had lessened considerably.
Jiang Feng frowned slightly. âSpeaking of which, Brother Gu left before us. He mightâve run into that beast riot earlier. I hope heâs alright.â
Chief Steward Li coughed. âYour Highness need not worry. That...
ahem
Young Master Gu is...
ahem
resourceful and formidable. Heâll be fine.â
Honestly, if he wasnât afraid of how Jiang Feng would react, heâd say âshamelessâ and âcunning.â
Jiang Feng chuckled. âTrue. I was overthinking. Brother Gu acts with wisdom beyond his years. How could he possibly be in danger?â
Suddenly, Chief Steward Liâs expression twisted as if heâd seen something unbelievable. âY-Your Highness, I... think I see him!â
His cultivation level far surpassed Jiang Fengâs, so he could make out the distant commotion.
Jiang Feng was confused. âWho? Brother Gu? What a coincidence! It really is him!
Hahaha!
It really is Brother Gu! Whatâs he doing here? Is he leaving the city?â
Chief Steward Liâs lips twitched. âHe... heâs being chased...â