"They're here! So fast!"
Shen Xiuyong hauled on the reins. Tread Snow reared up with a shrill neigh.
When Gang Jin experts sprinted at full force, their speed over short distances truly surpassed that of ordinary fine horses.
"Martial Nephew, go first!"
Shen Xiuyong made his decision at once and sharply wheeled his horse around. "I'll deal with Yu He! I may have only recently entered the Gang Jin realm, but it won't be so easy for him to keep me here! That old fellow Qiao Hongyun should be arriving soon. The two of us have our own way of rendezvousing!"
Warmth rose in Chen Qing's heart. This was the first time someone had stepped forward to cover his retreat.
He knew full well that this was no time for empty sentiment. Staying behind would not only be of no help, but might instead become Shen Xiuyong's burden.
He nodded heavily and clasped his fists. "Uncle Shen, be careful! Take care of yourself!"
"You go first! If you encounter anyone from the Earth Origin Sect, show no mercy."
"The higher sects expressly forbid anyone from wantonly provoking wars between sects. Let's see just how much nerve the Earth Origin Sect has!"
Shen Xiuyong abruptly waved a hand, his gaze blazing as he locked onto the figure at the end of the forest path, wrapped in earthy-yellow Gang Qi and rapidly closing in.
Chen Qing hesitated no longer and charged forward with all his strength.
Almost the instant Chen Qing vanished into the shade ahead, Yu He descended like a speeding meteor, crashing down in the middle of the official road and blocking Shen Xiuyong's path.
The sheer force of his aura made the surrounding trees rustle wildly, while the ground trembled faintly.
Li Fire True Gang quietly circulated around Shen