Little Stone Temple

Whoosh!

Jiang Dao's body suddenly shot up, moving with extreme speed, exuding a terrifying pressure. It was like a vast shadow was cast down as his Eagle Claw technique immediately clawed fiercely towards Hu Biao's forehead. It was fast, accurate, and ruthless, almost impossible to track.

Hu Biao's expression changed drastically. He couldn't believe his eyes; Jiang Dao seemed completely unaffected!

He quickly moved to counterattack.

But as soon as he made his move, Jiang Dao's Eagle Claw Art instantly shattered his palm. It was an overwhelming force, and with a splat, it landed on his forehead, crushing his skull.

Hu Biao let out a scream. He couldn't even block a single move before Jiang Dao killed him on the spot. Holding his head, Jiang Dao tossed the corpse like trash seven or eight meters away, where it smashed into a large tree.

Fan Hu, who was on the side and about to intervene, saw that the fight was already over. His face turned deathly pale, filled with absolute terror. His body seemed frozen in place as he stared with wide eyes, trembling uncontrollably.

"You... demon... are you a demon?"

He stammered in fear.

He knew Hu Biao's strength all too well.

A peak expert of the Blood Tempering Realm!

Such individuals were rare even in the entire Great Ye Dynasty!

Yet, Jiang Dao had killed him with a single grab, treating him like garbage.

The other accompanying personnel behind them were also petrified with fear, unable to stop themselves from retreating, trembling.

Jiang Dao's figure appeared before Fan Hu. His shoulders were broad, his muscles bulging, his eyes indifferent, like a demon god. He looked down at Fan Hu.

"No one else move. Whoever moves, dies!"

His gaze was icy as he stared at Fan Hu. "Who sent you to deal with me? Was it the Left Guardian?"

"I... I..."

Fan Hu's lips trembled. He suddenly reacted, quickly turning to flee, scrambling backward.

A few others couldn't take it anymore, letting out screams as they rapidly escaped.

Jiang Dao's eyes turned cold. His broad palm suddenly struck out with immense force, stirring up a terrifying gust of wind that roared like rumbling thunder. With a boom, it hit Fan Hu's shoulder.

Fan Hu let out a piercing scream as his entire shoulder exploded, sending blood mist and bone fragments flying. His body was flung heavily into the distance, and he cried out in terror, "Don't kill me!"

After Jiang Dao struck, his burly figure had already moved with incredible speed. His saber was drawn, emitting a terrifying cold light as he charged towards the few fleeing sect members.

Splat splat splat splat!

Gushes of blood appeared, swift as a gale, carrying a dense aura of slaughter.

The Mad Demon Bloodsoul Blade!

In an instant, all those who had fled were killed by Jiang Dao, not a single one surviving.

He sheathed his saber, and his burly body walked towards Fan Hu step by step. He was imposing and tall, emanating an invisible pressure, his eyes gleaming under the moonlight.

Fan Hu was utterly terrified, his entire body covered in crimson blood.

"Don't kill me, it was the Left Guardian! The Left Guardian ordered us to kill you. That was the Golden Wave Poison Mist; inhaling even a trace would cause a swift death..."

"The Left Guardian!"

Jiang Dao's eyes turned cold, his killing intent surging.

Boom!

He raised his hand and brought his palm down, a Wind Thunder Palm striking Fan Hu's head. His entire head was driven into his abdomen, blood splashing everywhere. He was undeniably dead.

So it was him!

Once I become even stronger, I'll crush him directly and eliminate this future threat.

Jiang Dao lifted his shirt, revealing his chest skin, which had turned a scarlet red. Several strange red veins writhed beneath the surface, a clear sign of spreading poison.

The moment he inhaled the Golden Wave Poison Mist, he had sensed something was wrong. But fortunately, his Life Nurturing Art was incredibly profound and could automatically resist poison, allowing him to expel most of it.

Otherwise, he would likely have met his end today.

This also made Jiang Dao realize that he could never underestimate the experts of the Blazing Flame Sect from now on.

Ching!

He drew a dagger, sliced his skin, and began to bleed himself, forcing out the last traces of poison from the wound.

Jiang Dao turned to look at the remaining seven or eight experts. He spoke to them reassuringly, "You don't need to be afraid. Hu Biao and Fan Hu wanted to kill me, and I killed them. This is the cycle of karma. You didn't attack me, so I won't kill you. Just remember to testify for me when you return. Let's go, we should check out the Little Stone Temple!"

The seven or eight experts, their faces pale and trembling, finally felt a sliver of relief.

One of them quickly spoke up, "Hall Master Jiang, I have some wound-healing powder here. If you don't mind, you can use it."

He quickly approached and handed a white porcelain bottle to Jiang Dao.

Jiang Dao took the bottle, uncorked it, and took a gentle sniff. He glanced at the man before sprinkling the powder inside directly onto his wound. He then took out a strip of cloth and wrapped it around the injury.

"What's your name?"

Jiang Dao asked.

"This humble one's name is Du Feng, a squad leader from the Flying Leopard Hall."

The man quickly said.

"Your Hall Master is dead. From now on, if you come to our Flying Eagle Hall, I'll give you a manager position."

Jiang Dao spoke.

"This humble one thanks the Hall Master!"

The man was overjoyed and quickly replied.

From squad leader to manager was clearly a huge promotion. From now on, he would be in charge of many businesses and have plenty of opportunities for illicit gains.

The others were also surprised, and then they completely relaxed.

Since Jiang Dao could promote someone he had never met to manager, he naturally wouldn't continue to kill them.

The group set off again, heading into the distance.

Since all their horses had been killed by the poisonous gas, they could only travel on foot.

After Jiang Dao sprinkled the medicinal powder, his injuries healed rapidly.

The Life Nurturing Art circulated repeatedly, making him appear as if he hadn't been injured at all, without the slightest abnormality.

Mountain shadows were hazy.

The night was silent.

Half an hour later.

A huge temple came into view.

In front was a wide ground paved with bluestone slabs, with stone carved railings around the edges. An ancient, rust-spotted cauldron sat on the ground.

It was the temple's incense burner.

Although weeds had long grown between the cracks of the stone slabs, one could still see the past prosperity through the plaza.

Suddenly, Jiang Dao frowned and scanned forward.

He saw a group of figures in front of the temple, densely packed, more than ten people in total. They were all dressed as martial artists, each carrying knives and swords, wearing bamboo hats, and knocking on the temple doors.

Among them was a man dressed as a merchant, around fifty years old, wearing a felt hat, but sporting a pair of black official boots.

"Hall Master, there are people!"

Du Feng, on the side, quickly whispered.

Jiang Dao glanced at them and whispered, "Don't mind them!"

The group walked towards the front of the temple.

As they noticed the group, the group clearly also noticed Jiang Dao and his companions.

The martial artists all tightly gripped their knives and swords, their eyes sharp, staring at Jiang Dao and his group without blinking.

"Don't be rash, they might not be enemies."

The leader of the group whispered.

The group remained fully alert, not daring to relax in the slightest.

Finally, Jiang Dao's group also arrived in front of the temple.

Du Feng quickly stepped forward, pulled the door knocker, and began to knock.

The two groups remained silent, both looking at each other solemnly.

Bang bang bang!

The dull sounds echoed in the silent night.

It was evident that this group had likely only arrived recently, otherwise, they wouldn't be outside the door.

After knocking for a full five or six minutes, Jiang Dao finally heard rustling footsteps from within the courtyard.

A moment later, the sound of a door bolt moving could be heard.

The two thick doors were slowly opened from the inside, revealing a crack. A young monk, carrying a paper lantern, peered out cautiously, "Where are you all from? Why are you visiting at night?"

He did not open the temple gate completely; there was still a bolt connecting them, in case of any unexpected changes.

Du Feng immediately smiled, "Little Master, please be accommodating. We are all travelers who rushed here late at night. Because the night is deep, we cannot continue our journey. Coupled with a day of exhaustion, we wish to seek shelter here for the night. We hope the little master will show mercy."

"Little Master, we are also travelers, we implore you to let us stay the night!"

One person from the group of martial artists also quickly spoke.

"Stay the night?"

The young monk hesitated slightly and said, "Then please wait, I need to ask the senior monk."

He carried the lantern and ran back into the depths of the temple again.

At this moment, the leader of the group opposite finally spoke, looking at Jiang Dao and his companions, "Everyone, you are likely from the martial world as well, aren't you? I am Li San, may I know how you address yourselves?"

"Jiang Da!"

Jiang Dao replied calmly.