Outside Starshine City's east gate.
A black-clad man in a loose black robe, his face covered, held a short gray blade and carried an enormous bundle on his back as he scanned the air in alarm and suspicion.
When he saw the middle-aged man in white brocade robes, holding a ten-foot-long Mo Dao yet bearing a refined air.
The black-clad man's pupils contracted, and a hoarse cry escaped his lips.
"Fan Yue, it's you!"
Fan Yue fixed his gaze on the black-clad man, then glanced at the bundle on his back.
Light flickered where blade energy had torn it open, and Heaven and Earth Origin Power and spiritual energy spilled out.
Then he sensed the piercing, utterly intimidating might held in check within the other man.
His eyes flickered, and he snorted coldly.
"Old Sect Master Xie, weren't you in secluded cultivation?
"Why are you leaving the city dressed like this in the dead of night, and wantonly killing Starshine City's gate guards?"
At this, the black-clad man narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Heh heh... so the rumors spreading through the city these past few days and tonight's battle were all a trap City Lord Fan laid to lure the snake out of its hole.
"What impressive methods. You have my admiration!"
The black-clad man did not admit his identity. As he spoke.
Platinum light gathered and contracted along the short gray sword in his hand, like a venomous snake flicking its tongue.
Sensing an astonishing aura soaring rapidly within that thin, withered body.
Fan Yue's eyes grew grave, and the mountain-mighty Heaven and Earth Origin Power within him began to surge.
His gaze was resolute and cold.
"Old Sect Master Xie, will you hand over the immortal tree yourself, or must I take it?"
"Heh heh... I've long heard of