Run!

Jiang Nanxing came from a prestigious sect in the Great Dagan Dynasty and had grown up being praised as a genius since childhood.

This had fostered in him a personality of arrogance and overbearing pride.

When someone else appeared in his world who surpassed him in every aspect, his jealousy would swell uncontrollably.

Yes, his hostility toward Li Xian stemmed from the envy deep in his heart.

Originally, he only wanted to humiliate Li Xian a little to regain some face.

But the man brought up Jiang Beinian, making him look foolish in public again.

I, a dignified Commander of the Demon Suppressing Division in Baihua City, equal in rank to a Prefect, a figure standing above the clouds—how could I possibly lose to some minor Hall Master of the Cao Gang?

Jealousy burned away Jiang Nanxing's reason.

He decided to take matters into his own hands and teach this arrogant young man a proper lesson.

One day later, nightfall.

On the Grand Canal, at the border waters between Baihua City and Yangzhou City, inside a dense thicket of reeds.

A group of people, all dressed in black clothes with black cloth wrapped tightly around their heads, hid there.

"Boss, they're coming."

"Are you sure it's their boat?"

"Positive, it's definitely their boat!"

"Alright, move in. Sink the ship!"

At the boss's command, the men behind him plunged into the water one after another.

This was a band of water bandits active in the nearby river region, making a living by robbing homes, killing people, and stealing goods.

Yesterday, the Water Bandit Leader received orders from above to target a passing Grain Ship.

The bandits naturally dared not defy orders from higher up.

So they lay in ambush here, waiting for the Grain Ship to arrive before striking.

Only, they had no idea who they were targeting.

By the time they found out, it was too late.

"Ah..."

A sharp scream rang out over the canal in the dark night.

It was the cry of the water bandits.

"Damn it, they're from the Cao Gang!"

As soon as they clashed underwater, the bandits snapped awake and began shouting in panic.

"Hahaha, you little bastards, you dared to sink a Cao Gang ship?"

The Boat Captain stood on deck, laughing smugly.

On the entire Grand Canal, when it came to water skills, aside from the Demonic Evils born in the water, what force dared claim to be a match for the Cao Gang?

The Cao Bang Leader was called the Dragon King of the Canal—did they think that title was just thrown around?

It was earned, step by step, by trampling over countless corpses to forge the Cao Gang's status as kings of the canal.

"Ah... help!"

"Don't kill me, don't kill me... I had dinner with one of your Cao Gang stewards just two days ago!"

"Ah..."

Amid the tragic cries, this band of water bandits failed to cause any damage to the Grain Ship and were quickly wiped out.

A dozen corpses floated on the River Surface, blood staining a wide area—who knew which Demonic Evils would benefit from it.

"Hehe... Hall Master Li, just a bunch of petty thieves. Didn't even need you to lift a finger—we handled it."

The Boat Captain boasted proudly, seeking credit.

"Mm." Li Xian nodded with a faint expression.

If this was all the commotion Jiang Nanxing could muster, he would be truly disappointing.

But surely, there was more to come.

Deeper in the reeds, Jiang Nanxing hid with his trusted men.

"Young master, Boss Ma and his men failed."

"Mm, as expected." Jiang Nanxing said leisurely.

"Then, Uncle Yang, I'll trouble you to make your move!"

Uncle Yang was not a member of the Demon Suppressing Division.

Everyone present tonight, aside from Jiang Nanxing himself, was not from the Demon Suppressing Division.

These were all experts sent down by their families to protect him.

Uncle Yang had already been a Mid-fourth Grade Martialist five years ago. Although he was advanced in years and had no hope of stepping into the Upper Three Ranks, his strength among Mid-fourth Grade Martialists was absolutely top-tier.

With him making a move, no matter how talented Li Xian was, he would be no match for Uncle Yang.

"Young Master, please rest assured. I will not let you down."

Uncle Yang bowed respectfully, then turned and led several people leaping toward the grain ship.

Several dark figures skimmed across the river surface, their movements exceptionally smooth.

"Hm?"

Li Xian's heart jolted. When he turned his head to look, those dark figures were already standing on the gunwale of the grain ship.

"Oh, that's some fine lightness skill."

Li Xian couldn't help but clap in praise.

"Who goes there!"

The Boat Captain and the others were startled. They immediately drew their weapons and aimed them at the black-clothed men on the gunwale.

These men said not a word. Together, they fixed their gazes on Li Xian on the deck, their whole bodies radiating a cold, killing intent. They were clearly not comparable to the rabble from before.

"Now this is more like it."

Li Xian tilted his head and asked with a smile, "Are you Jiang Nanxing's men?"

The leader pointed a finger at Li Xian.

"We only want your life. The rest of you, stand down!"

Brother Xin, the Boat Captain, and the others stood resolutely behind Li Xian, not taking a single step back.

Li Xian smiled and waved his hand, signaling them to move back.

"All of you, get farther away. Standing so close, I can't really spread out."

Only then did they retreat, clearing a space.

"Alright, now you can make your move!" Li Xian spread his hands and said with a smile.

The leader waved his hand and said coldly, "Kill him!"

Under the night, the black-clothed men leaped up. Their silhouettes spread out like hawks, charging swiftly at Li Xian.

"Heh..."

The corners of Li Xian's mouth curled up, revealing a cruel and delighted smile.

Amid the laughter, a pale Sword Light danced beneath the night.

An icy Sword Intent swept out, freezing the black-clothed men's figures in place.

Chii!!!

A harsh tearing sound rang out as the Sword Light flashed across their silhouettes.

And then...

Plop, plop...

Several bodies, severed in two, fell onto the deck!

What!?

Uncle Yang stared wide-eyed at the scene before him, feeling his guts split and his body turn cold.

He knew best what strength these men possessed. And yet, they were instantly killed in a single exchange?

Looking at Li Xian's impossibly young face, Uncle Yang felt nothing but absurdity.

How old was he? How could he possibly possess such overwhelming strength?

With skill like this, which Mid-fourth Grade Martialist could be his match?

I'm afraid even I...

Thinking this, Uncle Yang's heart suddenly bred thoughts of retreat.

Just then, a playful laugh rang in his ears.

"What are you thinking about?"

It's over!

That voice was right beside his ear.

While he was distracted, that man had already come to his side.

Uncle Yang's heart filled with despair. He knew he wouldn't escape this time.

There was only one thing left he could do.

He turned his head and shouted with all his might toward a direction on the canal.

"Run!"

Click!

Li Xian moved like lightning, grabbing him by the neck.

With a slight twist, he snapped his neck.

Then, holding Uncle Yang's head in one hand, he let the blood drip like rain onto the deck.

He looked in that direction, a delighted smile spreading across his face.

"Jiang Nanxing, so there you are!"

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