Undiminished Prestige

With all dust settled, everyone gathered around Lan Wuying's corpse.

"Thank you all, young heroes, for your help this time."

Old Patriarch Liu also breathed a sigh of relief, the crisis had been resolved.

"Patriarch Liu, there's no need for such formalities. We're just doing our job for the money," Yu Shan of Nine Tripod Mountain said, cupping his hands.

"Indeed. Speaking of which, we have to thank Brother Lu this time. If not for his sharp eyes, we would have still been kept in the dark," Zhou Heng of Seven Fragrance Gate added.

At this, everyone couldn't help but turn their gaze towards Lu Ming again.

They hadn't expected this disciple of Wuji Sect to not only be powerful but also incredibly meticulous. Even before arriving, he had already considered the mission's situation, and his predictions were all accurate, earning their even greater admiration.

"Thank you, Young Hero Lu," Old Patriarch Liu said, bowing deeply to him alone.

"This victory was also thanks to everyone's efforts," Lu Ming replied, cupping his hands in a show of humility.

Actually, after seeing the opponent's Lightness Skill, he was confident he could have easily resolved it alone. However, he only decided not to go all out after hearing Jiang Ruoshui exclaim "Demonic Cult's Lightness Skill." Being out in the open, he didn't know if Lan Wuying had accomplices, so it was better to conceal some of his strength.

"Then how should we divide Lan Wuying?" Yu Shan of Nine Tripod Mountain suddenly asked.

Silence fell for a moment as everyone looked to Lu Ming, wanting him to make the decision.

Lu Ming didn't shy away. After thinking for a moment, he said, "For the mission, Patriarch Liu can write a certificate. As for the valuables on him, they will be divided equally. If there are any Cultivation Methods or Martial Skills, each person will copy them down once."

"Great idea, let's do that," Zhou Heng of Seven Fragrance Gate said, satisfied with the arrangement, finding it very fair. He had initially worried that Lu Ming might claim the spoils for himself based on his contributions and strength, but it turned out he had underestimated Lu Ming. He couldn't help but develop a good impression of him.

The others also gained a new understanding of Lu Ming, realizing he knew when to be assertive and when to be humble.

"Let me see what he has on him," Yu Shan eagerly stepped forward. He had been extremely covetous of the superb Lightness Skill Lan Wuying had just displayed.

However, to their disappointment, there were no martial arts manuals in his Storage Ring or on his person. There were only over a hundred thousand taels in silver notes, about 130 Low-grade Yuan Stones, and some medicinal pills. After the four of them divided the spoils, their gains were not substantial, leaving them somewhat unwilling.

Lu Ming, however, was indifferent.

Afterward, Old Patriarch Liu invited everyone to a banquet, suggesting they rest for the night before returning. Lu Ming, however, declined. He had a bad feeling, and it was better to leave sooner rather than later.

It was worth mentioning that Jiang Ruoshui surprisingly chose to leave with him.

The Liu Family resided in Shattered Stone Town. Night had already fallen, and Lu Ming and Jiang Ruoshui, each on horseback, galloped through the streets. Soon, they left the town and disappeared into the darkness.

"You weren't using your full strength, were you?" In the blink of an eye, the two arrived on a plain. Jiang Ruoshui suddenly turned her head and asked.

"No, but you shouldn't have been either," Lu Ming replied without turning his head.

"I really wasn't, but I only held back about sixty percent of my strength. As for you..." She said, holding the reins in one hand and brushing away the windblown strands of hair from her forehead with the other, "You give me the feeling of being unfathomable. This doesn't seem like someone in the early Zhen Qi Realm."

Lu Ming remained noncommittal. Her insight was indeed sharp; he hadn't even used his most powerful saber technique yet.

"You should also be careful of people from Nine Heavens Sect in the future. You injured one of their disciples this time. Their senior brothers and sisters will definitely seek revenge when they encounter you," Jiang Ruoshui kindly reminded him.

"Thank you for the warning. If I encounter them, I won't be a pushover either," Lu Ming replied.

A person knows their own capabilities. With his current strength, he could at least protect himself within the Zhen Qi Realm. However, if he were to try and defeat those geniuses at the late Zhen Qi Realm, he would likely fall far short.

After all, those individuals weren't lacking in talent either. Their martial arts were basically cultivated to an extremely high level, and coupled with the suppression of their cultivation realm, he had no advantage whatsoever.

However, he was confident that he would break through to the middle Zhen Qi Realm once he returned. At that point, the gap would narrow further.

Afterward, the two of them focused on their journey. It wasn't until they passed a small mountain that Lu Ming suddenly pulled back on the reins.

"Whoa..."

Due to the sudden stop, the horse spun around several times before finally stabilizing.

"What's wrong?"

Jiang Ruoshui also stopped and came up beside him.

Lu Ming looked at the figure on the mountaintop with a grave expression. The thing he feared had happened.

Lan Wuying indeed had an accomplice, and their cultivation wasn't low. Judging by their aura, they were likely in the Gang Qi Realm.

Following Lu Ming's gaze, Jiang Ruoshui also saw the figure. Her expression changed drastically. She had naturally guessed that Lan Wuying might have an accomplice.

That's why she had left with Lu Ming.

She just hadn't expected that this accomplice would be coming for them, and moreover, be a Gang Qi Realm expert.

"What should we do?"

She turned to ask.

Lu Ming shook his head. For now, all they could do was fight with all their might. Relying on his nascent Saber Intent, there might be a sliver of hope for survival.

As for failure, he could only lament his bad luck.

However, accepting fate was out of the question.

"Who are you, sir?"

Lu Ming tightened his grip on the reins, calming his somewhat restless horse, and called out loudly.

"You killed my disciple, and you ask who I am?"

A voice drifted over lightly.

"Xiao Zan!"

Jiang Ruoshui beside him exclaimed in surprise. Lu Ming's heart grew heavier. This person had been famous decades ago. He was likely more than just an early Gang Qi Realm cultivator.

This made his chances of survival even slimmer.

"More than one person killed your disciple. Why are you specifically targeting us?"

Lu Ming was somewhat confused. He had tried his best to keep a low profile.

"Hmph!"

Instantly, it was as if a thunderclap exploded in Lu Ming's ears. "Although more than one person killed my disciple, the main culprit is you."

Lu Ming poked his ear and suddenly turned his head, smiling. "You're lucky. He's here for me. You should go first."

Jiang Ruoshui was stunned, then understood his meaning. Her heart was filled with emotion, but could she leave now?

She wasn't sure. "Perhaps not. Today might just be my fate."

She sighed and refused with a shake of her head.

Lu Ming had no choice but to draw his Wraith Blade, focusing all his attention.

"What a thoughtful person. However, I like killing people like you the most. Die!"

Suddenly, the figure on the mountaintop moved. With his back to the bright moon, he resembled a bat with its wings spread. All that could be seen was a dark shadow, heading towards him.

Before he even arrived, the fierce Gang Qi wind blew, making it difficult to stand steady.

"Is this the might of the Gang Qi Realm?"

Lu Ming held his breath, trying his best to gather information about the opponent. Just then, another deep voice suddenly echoed.

"Hmph, a disciple of my Wuji Sect, and you, a remnant of the Demonic Cult, can lay a hand on them?"

Then, with a cracking sound, a purple light descended from the sky, striking a black shadow.

The black shadow was forced to reveal itself, showing a strange appearance: white hair and beard, yet skin as delicate as an infant's.

He exclaimed in surprise, "Purple Sun Divine Skill? Could you be the Wuji Sect Master Li Ansheng?"

"Good eyes. It is I!"

Opposite the black shadow, another figure appeared. He was around forty years old, dressed in a white robe, exuding an air of refinement.

Confirming the newcomer, Xiao Zan's expression turned solemn. He clearly knew how formidable the other party was.

However, he quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice, "Why are you not staying in the Wuji Sect and appearing here?"

Li Ansheng snorted coldly, "Of course, I'm here for you. Did you think your movements were very discreet? Let me tell you, the moment you stepped into the Zhao Kingdom, we noticed you."

Xiao Zan's face darkened. He had once again underestimated the control those sects had over the Zhao Kingdom.

He hadn't intended to kill all the disciples of the sects responsible for his disciple's death before, as that would have stirred up a hornet's nest.

So, he came for Lu Ming.

And now he had been discovered.

"Enough talk, today I will experience your Demonic Cult's ultimate techniques!"

With that, purple energy surged across Li Ansheng's face, emitting waves of heat as it scorched the air.

"Take this Purple Sun Palm!"

In an instant, he suddenly raised his palm and struck out. An extremely condensed purple palm strike shot towards Xiao Zan at incredible speed.

Xiao Zan's expression changed, and he immediately retreated, flying into the air. He didn't linger and left directly.

RUMBLE!

Although the purple palm strike didn't hit its target, it still shattered a small mountain, sending rocks flying everywhere.

"Hmph, where do you think you're going!"

Li Ansheng had no intention of letting him go and immediately gave chase. However, before leaving, he said to Lu Ming:

"You're good. You haven't disgraced the reputation of my Wuji Sect. Go back for now."

With that, he disappeared.