The moment Huang Mei slipped into the Starry Sky Ring, the hazy golden mist rushed in after him, and the world cleared.
The Black-robed Old Man and the other two moved at once, surrounding Xu Yi.
"You must have gone to considerable trouble to find me here. All three of you are powerful Ghost Immortals at the first level, yet you've come after one Dao Integration Realm cultivator. Aren't you worried people will laugh at you if word gets out?"
Xu Yi didn't attack immediately. He wanted to probe their background, and every extra moment of rest gave him more time to regulate his breathing.
The black-clad middle-aged man gave a cold snort. "If word got out, it would certainly be shameful. But who do you think would spread it—you, or us? Hahaha! Boy, to cultivate the Ice Muscle Jade Bone is to steal fortune from Heaven itself. Even the heavens won't tolerate you, so they've sent down this calamity. Accept your fate."
As he spoke, he glanced at the Black-robed Old Man and sent him a thought. "Brother Zang, why haven't you acted yet? What are you waiting for?" Clearly, the Black-robed Old Man was the one calling the shots among them.
But the Black-robed Old Man didn't answer him. Instead, he stared at Xu Yi. "Five Incense Spirit Essence Beads in exchange for your life."
As soon as he spoke, the black-clad middle-aged man's expression changed. The hooded man's face was hidden beneath his heavy cloak, but he clearly raised his head.
Almost simultaneously, the two of them sent thoughts to the Black-robed Old Man.
"Old Zang, they want him dead. Why are you wasting your breath with him?"
"Brother Zang, don't presume to act on your own. If you won't do it, I will. He's just a