The Sky-Splitting Halberd Stops Qingzhu from Leaving; Its Gleam Pierces Layered Peaks and Ridges, Striking Fear into the Sword Hut

"Junior Sister!"

Green Bamboo Sword Urn let out a deep, furious cry, his voice thick with resentment. Even the Sword Qi surging from his body burst outward. "He beat your martial nephew into this state. How can we just let him leave?"

The female elder hurried a step closer and leaned in to whisper by his ear, her tone urgent yet clearheaded. "Have you forgotten Grandmaster's admonition?

With cultivation like his, he still dares to meddle in the conflicts between nations. Sooner or later, he'll reap what he's sown. Why should we wade into this mire and drag the Sword Hut down with us?"

Green Bamboo Sword Urn knitted his brows tighter, still visibly unwilling. But after unconsciously stroking his beard for a moment, he finally relaxed his fingers.

He didn't dare defy Grandmaster's words.

A moment later, he looked up at Zhao Cheng. Pity and contempt mingled in his eyes. "Enough. I'll spare your life today. Take care of yourself."

With that, he swept up the True Essence around him, wrapped it around Jianlongzi, who lay sprawled on the ground, and turned to leave with him.

Zhao Cheng's eyes darkened.

I went to all that trouble to drive Jianlongzi, this bait, to the Sword Hut's mountain gate, and now you're just leaving? Who am I supposed to watch sword techniques from?

"Hold it!"

Before his words had even faded, he abruptly raised the Great Halberd in his hand. A fierce, sky-splitting gleam burst from its tip and crashed down with a boom just before Green Bamboo Sword Urn's toes, blasting open a ditch several feet deep and over a zhang wide. It blocked their path outright.

"Do I need you to spare me?"

His gaze was steely, his tone unyielding. "If you're afraid, turn around and leave right now.