Forbidden Ground

The Mad Saber Sect's Forbidden Ground had been untouched for a full ten years. Today marked the first time anyone dared to trespass, leaving the disciples scrambling in disarray. Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Shuo tackled Chen Xian, rescuing Sun Daoming, who was on the brink of death.

The disciples guarding the Forbidden Ground formed a line and advanced. Jiang Shuo, deciding to go all in, dashed towards the Forbidden Ground halfway up the mountain, with Sun Daoming close behind him.

"Chase them!" Chen Xian shouted, enraged and astonished, charging forward at the head of the pack. His speed was incredible, rapidly closing the distance between himself and the two fugitives.

With Jiang Shuo's strength, he shouldn't have been running this slowly. However, burdened by Sun Daoming, a veritable dead weight, he had to deliberately slow his pace to cover the rear. Though displeased with Sun Daoming, Jiang Shuo knew that with a formidable enemy before them, personal grievances had to be set aside for the sake of unity against an external threat.

Sensing the approaching danger from behind, Jiang Shuo's brow furrowed, worry clouding his mind. If things continued like this, they would be caught before they could even reach the Forbidden Ground. Chen Xian's cultivation was profound; if they were indeed caught, the consequences were dire.

The agonizing tension of a sword hanging over their heads filled both their hearts. The critical issue was their inability to escape their predicament, leaving them with no choice but to hope for the best by simply continuing to flee.

Chen Xian gradually drew nearer, reaching a point where escape was impossible. This wasn't working. Jiang Shuo's mind raced, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. Lowering his voice, he urged Sun Daoming anxiously, "I'll lure him away. Use the opening to force him back. Otherwise, we'll be caught eventually."

Sun Daoming was reluctant to obey Jiang Shuo's command, his face showing clear resistance. However, hearing the approaching footsteps and after a moment's thought, he nodded in agreement.

Their brief discussion concluded, they immediately slowed their pace. Chen Xian, who had been relentlessly pursuing them, instantly closed in.

"Stay where you are!" Chen Xian roared, drawing his saber with one hand and holding it horizontally. He swung it in a wide arc, aiming to cleave Jiang Shuo and Sun Daoming in half.

Jiang Shuo was prepared. He pushed off the ground with all his might, launching himself upward like a spring. Mid-air, he spun around, staying close to the saber's edge as he leaped towards Chen Xian.

Jiang Shuo's movements suddenly accelerated. Chen Xian was caught off guard, with the opponent suddenly right in front of him.

"You're seeking death!" Chen Xian reacted swiftly, retracting his saber and whirling it in front of him, creating a shimmering net of cold light. If Jiang Shuo continued his advance, he risked being shredded into pieces before even touching Chen Xian.

At this moment, Jiang Shuo, still airborne, plummeted rapidly. After evading the immediate danger, he didn't stop, instead executing a forward roll to get behind Chen Xian, moving with the agility of an ape.

"Scoundrel!" Chen Xian felt his face burning with shame as his attacks were dodged one after another. Rage surged within his chest, and he spun around fiercely to pursue Jiang Shuo.

As Chen Xian turned, he saw Jiang Shuo standing still, a hint of cunning in his eyes. Then, as if reminding him of something, Jiang Shuo shouted, "Now!"

"Trouble!" Chen Xian's heart lurched as he suddenly remembered the other person accompanying Jiang Shuo. In his haste, he had focused all his attention on dealing with Jiang Shuo, leaving his back completely exposed. An ambush now would be effortless.

He couldn't believe he was falling into a trap set by these two brats. Though he knew it was too late to prevent it, he still channeled his internal energy, turned, and tensed, preparing for a swift counterattack after the expected ambush.

He turned his head, but the fierce strike he anticipated never came. Instead, there was only silence.

"Hmm?" Chen Xian's eyebrow twitched. Sun Daoming was no longer in front of him, and a look of surprise crossed his face. As he pondered this, he heard the rustling sound of branches being swept aside not far away. Looking up, he saw Sun Daoming had already made considerable distance.

Seeing this, Jiang Shuo was stunned. Not long ago, he had saved Sun Daoming's life. He never imagined the man would betray him.

The pursuing Mad Saber Sect disciples also arrived, surrounding Jiang Shuo layer upon layer. Just as they were about to attack, Chen Xian yelled, "You go after that person. He's mine."

"Yes, Senior Brother." As the Mad Saber Sect disciples dispersed to chase Sun Daoming, Chen Xian slowly turned back, his gaze fixed on Jiang Shuo. His eyes burned like torches, his face ashen, and he was utterly furious, his entire body trembling slightly. "I never imagined that I, the dignified Second Senior Brother of the Mad Saber Sect, would be fooled by a mere brat today. Ha, hehe, you've done quite well."

In his mind, he interpreted everything that had just happened as Jiang Shuo's meticulously planned scheme. He, on the other hand, had not only placed Sun Daoming in the Forbidden Ground but had also been completely outmaneuvered by Jiang Shuo.

Jiang Shuo maintained a stern expression, cautiously watching Chen Xian without uttering a word.

Their positions were inherently adversarial. Even if this misunderstanding were cleared up, Chen Xian's intention to kill him wouldn't change.

Furthermore, the probability of revealing his identity and hoping Chen Xian would show mercy was extremely slim. Having caused trouble within the Mad Saber Sect and even trespassed into their Forbidden Ground, his death would be considered just. Martial artists would deem it natural.