In the blink of an eye, another three days passed. Even the most oblivious person could clearly sense the increasingly oppressive atmosphere in the city.
Recently, many unfamiliar faces had appeared in the city. Every major inn was filled with outsiders. These people, who would ordinarily have been treated as fat sheep by the local "golden fingers," now had few who dared set their sights on them.
Quite a few people knew why they had come. Yet ever since the two Five-Star Great Dou Masters had been beaten to death in the street by that Baleful Star three days ago, no one had dared to seek out the Baleful Star's trouble again.
Even those living near the Baleful Star had moved away, terrified of being dragged into it for no reason.
That day, a Dou Zhe who had been keeping watch on Mu Chen's courtyard stared in astonishment as five people in white robes patterned with clouds, radiating sharp and powerful auras, passed through the streets without saying a word and headed toward the courtyard that had already lost its gate and walls.
Their undisguised actions left countless onlookers astonished. Someone asked doubtfully, "Who are these people? They seem to belong to the same faction. They're coming so aggressively—they probably aren't good people."
"They're unfamiliar, but they may well be from one of the major factions within the Empire. Then again, once a Heavenly Flame appears, such a treasure of heaven and earth can stir up storms across the land. Even though its authenticity has yet to be confirmed, those big shots would never miss such an opportunity. The Baleful Star is probably finished this time."
An old Dou Master could not help sighing.
"That's right. Even from far away, I can feel the pressure those five are giving off. They should all be Great Dou Masters."
Hearing that, someone sucked in a cold breath. "Hiss, five Great Dou Masters dispatched at once! There probably aren't many factions in the entire Jia Ma Empire capable of such an extravagant lineup, right? The faction behind them must at least have a Dou Wang-level expert overseeing it."
The moment the words "Dou Wang" were spoken, the entire street fell into deathly silence.
No matter where one went, the intimidation brought by a Dou Wang was terrifying. In ordinary times, they were as elusive as divine dragons. At least in Stone Desert City, no one had ever seen an expert of the Dou Wang level.
They were practically legendary beings. Someone had secretly counted them before—the total number of Dou Wangs in the Jia Ma Empire might not even reach twenty. Every one of them was a top-tier expert renowned far and wide.
Even the two colossal powers standing at the Empire's peak, the Jia Ma Imperial Family and the Misty Cloud Sect, would never dare look down on a Dou Wang.
"Tsk, tsk. Over this period, the Baleful Star's name has nearly spread across the entire Eastern Region. Now, it's finally coming to an end."
Someone said gloatingly.
"He can be considered a peerless genius. Even compared to someone like the Misty Cloud Sect Young Master, he would not be much inferior.
Unfortunately, a genius who has not yet grown up is still only a genius. The path from genius to powerhouse is filled with too many uncertainties. It is far too easy to die young."
Others were amazed by the powerful combat strength Mu Chen had displayed and spoke with regretful expressions.
Almost the instant those five ill-looking men in white came within a hundred meters, Mu Chen, who had been cultivating in the courtyard by drawing in the energy of heaven and earth, suddenly opened his eyes.
Mu Chen frowned. He could vaguely sense that all of the newcomers carried Blood Fiend Aura that had lingered on them for a long time. His brow immediately furrowed tightly, and he turned back with some concern to glance at the shut door. Qing Lin should still be cultivating at this time.
Mu Chen could not determine whether these five strangers had come for him or for Qing Lin. The former would be fine—Mu Chen even thought there were not enough of them. But if it was the latter, it would be troublesome. Once fighting broke out, if the five split into two groups, Mu Chen would have a tremendous headache.
Mu Chen did not believe they had come with good intentions. He had only been in this world for a short time and had almost no contact with outsiders. Thus, the identity of the people gradually approaching outside was obvious.
Five enemies! None of them feels weaker than Rob. One of them is even giving me a faint sense of pressure—he's probably at least a high-level Great Dou Master.
Damn it. If I want to win this time, it looks like I'll have to reveal some of my trump cards.
Still, that's fine. There hasn't been any "wool" to shear lately, and there are only seven days left before the mission activation deadline. Once I finish this batch, it'll be time to run.
A dangerous glint flashed in Mu Chen's eyes. He stood up and dusted off the corner of his clothes. His expression was somewhat grave, but he did not turn around. Instead, he simply called into the air, "Little Qing Lin, stay inside. Don't come out."
Clang! Clang!
Mu Chen raised both swords, shifted his feet slightly, and assumed a fighting stance. The sunlight reflected from the blades shone directly onto the faces of the five slowly approaching men.
The two Ink Shadow Swords slowly lowered. The scorching wind rushing toward them struck the sharp blades, erupting into a series of chilling sword cries.
The leader of the five was a middle-aged man who appeared to be in his forties or fifties. His features were exceedingly ordinary, the sort one would never be able to pick out after tossing him into a crowd.
A savage sword scar slashed diagonally from his left forehead to his right jaw. His severed nose seemed to have been treated with medicinal pills and was tightly joined together, yet it still looked deeply unnatural.
His hands were covered in thick calluses. Mu Chen's gaze lingered on them for quite some time as he silently judged him to be a very strong opponent, likely above the level of a Seven-Star Great Dou Master.
His gaze shifted, and the other four were considerably younger. Their auras were about on par with Rob's, hovering around the four- or five-star Great Dou Master level.
The scar-faced middle-aged man looked over Mu Chen, whose aura was not weak, with slight surprise. His attention first settled on the sharp swords in Mu Chen's hands. At a glance, they were clearly extremely keen weapons.
Although he was somewhat surprised that Mu Chen possessed such divine weapons, the middle-aged man was well traveled. Those two swords might be sharp, but they did not even have Magic Cores embedded in them, so they were likely nothing special.
"A Seven-Star Dou Master? Boy, with only this little strength, how did you kill a Great Dou Master?" The scar-faced man frowned, clearly deeply skeptical of Mu Chen's impressive record.
"Forget it. I'm not interested in hearing about your glorious exploits. Be sensible and come with us." The scar-faced man glanced at Mu Chen, a trace of contempt flashing through his eyes as he spoke in an almost commanding tone.
Whether Mu Chen truly possessed the strength of a Great Dou Master or not, he had absolute confidence that he could crush him with ease. That confidence came from his peak Great Dou Master strength.
If not for the severe injuries he had suffered during an accidental encounter while traveling, he would have advanced to the Dou Ling realm already with his foundation.
"Tch, I was tense for nothing. So you came for me." Mu Chen smiled and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Since these people were targeting him, he did not need to worry about them splitting into two groups from the very beginning. Moreover, judging by the scar-faced man's disdainful expression, he clearly did not take Mu Chen seriously.
An enemy's contempt was his opportunity.
Seeing that Mu Chen remained unmoved, the scar-faced man's expression immediately darkened. Then he sneered and said viciously, "It seems you have no intention of cooperating. Fine. The Great Elder ordered us to bring you back, but he never said we had to be polite to you.
Young people like you always think too highly of yourselves. You have to be beaten to your knees before you can cast aside that so-called genius pride.
Using swords? I hate people who use swords the most. Tear off this brat's arms, beat him into a dead dog, spare his life, and bring him back." The scar-faced man touched the sword scar on his face and spoke cruelly.
At his words, the four men standing to either side of the scar-faced man exchanged glances. In the end, the man on the far left stepped out with a ferocious grin.
He gave the expressionless Mu Chen a contemptuous glance, then shook his head and mocked, "The information says you are not even twenty years old. To possess the strength of a Seven-Star Dou Master at such a young age, you really are a rare genius.
They say you have a Heavenly Flame on you, but that is probably just a rumor. How violent and terrifying are Heavenly Flames, treasures of heaven and earth? How could a mere Dou Master like you possibly subdue one?
Boy, you are definitely going to suffer. Be sensible and chop off your own hands. Otherwise, if I have to do it myself, I won't mind tearing off your legs as well."
Before you continue