Just as the master and disciple were talking and laughing with cold expressions, a middle-aged man suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the sky not far away, interrupting their conversation. Almost instantly, two cold gazes fell on the middle-aged man, and a mocking sneer appeared on his lips again. The young man involuntarily licked his lips, as if he had spotted prey.
Upon seeing this, the middle-aged man's expression became slightly uneasy, and he felt a chill run down his spine. A bad premonition quickly rose from the bottom of his heart. Without daring to hesitate any longer, he cupped his hands in greeting to the two of them and prepared to leave.
"Haha, since you've asked so politely, I should reply. I was just a little hungry earlier, I hope I didn't scare you?"
However, just as the middle-aged man turned around, the young man appeared before him like a ghost, with a warm smile on his face and no trace of coldness in his eyes, completely different from the man a moment ago.
Not only that, the middle-aged man was also utterly horrified by the young man's bizarre movement technique. This seemingly young man in black robes was able to flash in front of him in the blink of an eye. This scene was truly astonishing!
The middle-aged man didn't consider his Five Star Origin King cultivation to be too formidable, but the young man before him was truly beyond his comprehension. Such speed was probably comparable to that of Xiao Yan, who was still resting in his family!
The man before me was yet another monstrous genius whose cultivation talent was practically heaven-defying!
"Hehe, you jest, sir. I acted impulsively just now, which is why I disturbed you. If I have offended you, please forgive me!"
When the middle-aged man came to his senses, his expression quickly changed. He chuckled dryly, cold sweat appearing on his forehead, before bowing respectfully to the young man before him.
This world ultimately belongs to the strong. Those with sufficient power, even the most arrogant, will obediently bow down. Seeing the middle-aged man's demeanor, the young man couldn't help but show a hint of smugness, then waved his hand dismissively and laughed:
"It's alright. Since you asked if this is the Woeful Mountain Range, then I'll tell you that this is indeed the Woeful Mountain Range, and it's the territory of the Tribulation Crossing Sect. May I ask what brings you to the Tribulation Crossing Sect?"
"This..."
Although he had confirmed his doubts, the young man's words still left him somewhat at a loss. After all, it was a task assigned by the patriarch, but now standing in front of him was a Origin Emperor expert whose cultivation was no weaker than Xiao Yan's. Under such pressure, the middle-aged man had no choice but to hesitate.
"Hehe, no need to worry. I am indeed a member of the Tribulation Crossing Sect. My Xu Zhen, and I am a disciple of the Tribulation Crossing Sect. If you have any questions or anything else, you can tell me, and I will pass on your message. If you don't believe me, I can also take you inside."
Xu Zhen had a warm smile on his face. When the middle-aged man saw this, his worries naturally lessened. Although he still had some hesitation, he eventually told Xu Zhen the purpose of his trip.
Upon hearing Xiao Yan's name from the middle-aged man, Xu Zhen's previously calm face instantly darkened, and a bloodthirsty killing intent surged uncontrollably from his eyes. He completely ignored the middle-aged man's subsequent words, and only after a long while did he slowly say in a low, hoarse voice:
"Alright, alright, alright, Xiao Yan... you're coming to the Central Region, aren't you? It's time to settle our score!"
Seeing the sudden change in Xu Zhen's expression, the middle-aged man felt a chill run down his spine. As his internal Origin Qi quietly circulated, he subtly retreated. He could vaguely sense that Xu Zhen's emotions were deteriorating rapidly, and if he lingered any longer, he might only bring trouble upon himself.
"My lord, we hope you will not forget the demands of my Futu Clan. We will..."
"Pfft!"
However, before the middle-aged man could finish speaking, a bloodstained hand pierced his chest in an instant. Then, a purplish-black poisonous mist rapidly condensed within the palm, forming a vortex. A powerful suction force surged from it, and the middle-aged man's body twisted uncontrollably at that moment, emitting a miserable and painful scream. The poisonous mist spread, and as it enveloped his entire body, the screams gradually subsided. Finally, the poisonous mist, along with his entire being, merged into the palm of the hand, becoming a part of Xu Zhen.
"Call..."
After a long while, when Xu Zhen opened his eyes again, a faint light flashed in his eyes, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips. His cultivation had finally been completely stabilized at the Six-Star Origin Emperor level. With the help of that power, his strength was now probably approaching the mid-stage of the Six-Star Origin Emperor level. Now, it was time to leave this place.
" Xiao Yan... and that legendary Holy Maiden, hehehe... Master, perhaps this disciple knows what to do."
As the laughter subsided, Xu Zhen slowly stood up, a warm smile on his face, and looked at the graceful young girl who was walking carefully with light steps not far behind him. A clear laugh followed.
"You silly girl, instead of cultivating properly, you're trying to trick me. Even when you're still a hundred feet away, I already spotted you."
Xu Zhen chuckled, while the girl blushed slightly and stuck out her tongue. Xu Zhen stepped forward, gently patted the girl's delicate head with his large hand, and then pulled her up with one hand, heading down the mountain.
"Let's go, it's time to go back. If the sect leader finds out you snuck out again for me, he'll probably punish you."
Xu Zhen chuckled, acting like a warm-hearted older brother. The girl followed closely behind him, but upon hearing Xu Zhen's words, she playfully pouted and retorted:
"I didn't sneak out. I came out through the side door openly and honestly. Besides, my dad can't control me. If he punishes me, you'll definitely stand up for me, right?"
The girl took two steps forward, leaned her delicate body against Xu Zhen's arm, and said in a sweet voice with an expectant look on her face.
The latter turned his head slightly to look at the girl to one side, paused for a moment, and then put his arm around the girl's delicate shoulder, chuckling softly:
"Of course! No matter what, I will always be on your side. Anyone who tries to take you away from me will pay a terrible price!"
As he spoke, Xu Zhen turned around, a sharp glint in his eyes. The girl in his arms looked blissful, as if she had found the most precious person in her life.