As soon as Xu Zhen uttered these words, the expressions on the faces of the three old men froze instantly. They stared at Xu Zhen in disbelief, unable to recover for a long time.
You mean... the Origin Emperor?!
" The Origin Emperor can kill the Yuan Zong? How is that possible!"
"And he's only at the Early-Stage Origin Emperor! Xu Zhen, even if it's an excuse, you should at least come up with something more plausible. How could a mere Origin Emperor possibly kill Yuan Zong level expert, let alone a Four-Star Yuan Zong? Even experts of the same level might not be able to kill him!"
In response to Xu Zhen's words, the three were not only shocked, but also suspicious, and even somewhat disdainful. Since they began cultivating, they had never heard of Yuan Zong level expert being killed by a mere Source Origin Emperor. Moreover, the difference in cultivation between the so-called Xiao Yan and Tang Long was enormous. How could the former alone create such an amazing record!
"Three elders, while Xiao Yan's combat strength is only average, he possesses an extremely powerful Dou Technique. It was because he used that Dou Technique that the Third Elder perished. Xiao Yan is now severely injured, and our sect's Holy Maiden is currently following him. If we were to pursue him now..."
Xu Zhen changed the subject, focusing his attention on the pursuit of Xiao Yan and the Holy Maiden. After all, spending too much energy on Tang Long's death would not be a good thing for him.
Upon hearing the mention of the Holy Maiden, the three elders immediately refocused their attention. Now was not the time to dwell on whether the matter was true or false; their main task was to find the Holy Maiden as soon as possible and bring her back to the sect. As for Xiao Yan, they would find out his cultivation level upon meeting him.
Following Xu Zhen's guidance, the four of them flew swiftly northward. The three elders, eager to find the Holy Maiden, moved much faster, shaking off Xu Zhen first. In just a few breaths, the three disappeared into the horizon. Afterward, Xu Zhen watched their disappearing figures, a cold smile slowly curving his lips.
"Hey, thankfully they didn't dwell on Tang Long's issue, otherwise it would have been really troublesome. But thankfully, Xiao Yan solved the problem for us. Teacher, this time, Xiao Yan is doomed!"
"Hehe, don't be impatient. Xiao Yan is also at his limit. They're carrying a seriously injured person, so they can't get very far. We should hurry up and catch up. After all, the Heavenly Flames in Xiao Yan's possession is very useful to you. If we can get our hands on it, that would be the best outcome."
The master and disciple exchanged a few words in their hearts, and then Xu Zhen revealed his true strength, quickly chasing after the northern horizon at an astonishing speed.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan, severely injured, was carried by Xiao Yi Xian and the others, and they hurried towards the Heavenly Cloud Manor. Although it was still uncertain whether there would be any experts from the Tribulation Crossing Sect chasing after them, it was best to get to the Heavenly Cloud Manor first. That way, their troubles would be greatly reduced, and at least they could find a safe place for Xiao Yan to recover.
However, at their current speed, it will likely take them quite some time to reach Heavenly Cloud Manor. And who knows what might happen during that time? For instance... what if the experts from the Tribulation Crossing Sect catch up...?
Xiao Yi Xian and the others dared not think too much about it and could only speed up, hoping to reach Heavenly Cloud Manor before trouble arrived.
Half a day later.
In a secluded clearing amidst the vast forest, Xiao Yi Xian and her companions sat cross-legged. Except for Bai Hua, everyone else had completely concealed their auras, resting quietly. Not far away, on the trunk of a towering ancient tree, Bai Hua cautiously surveyed the surroundings, his Spiritual Strength spreading out to carefully probe the environment. After a moment, he leaped down and returned to the group, nodding slightly to the others.
In the middle of the group, Xiao Yan sat cross-legged, his face ashen, his lips twitching slightly from time to time. Within his body, gentle medicinal power continuously flowed into his limbs and bones, repairing his damaged meridians. No matter how gentle the medicinal power was, the injuries within his body still caused Xiao Yan to feel a sharp pain.
This battle with Tang Long was Xiao Yan's greatest opponent since the battle in Burning Flame Valley. Four-Star Yuan Zong was indeed not to be underestimated. If it weren't for his own physical strength, the protection of his Heavenly Flames, the Ancient Dragon Phoenix Armor, and the assistance of various pills, Xiao Yan would probably have paid a much higher price than Tang Long. Fortunately, he survived. However, the crisis was not over.
As for Tang Long, Xiao Yan could already understand that the Tribulation Crossing Sect seemed to value the Woeful Poison Body particularly. Even he was willing to risk serious injury to bring Lian'er back, not to mention the attitude of the other Tribulation Crossing Sect experts. If he didn't find a safe place as soon as possible, he probably wouldn't be able to leave even the border of the Central Region, let alone reach the Xiao Clan.
"Call..."
Slowly exhaling, Xiao Yan endured the waves of pain in his body and swallowed another pill. Then, with a thought, a vast and boundless Spiritual Strength, as large as the sea, rapidly spread out from between his brows like a tide. With his immense soul perception, Xiao Yan was able to more clearly perceive the situation around him, and even further afield.
However, just as Xiao Yan's soul perception spread out, his slightly closed eyes suddenly opened a moment later. His pale face instantly turned ugly. Enduring the excruciating pain in his body, he quickly looked at Bai Hua and said urgently:
"Get out of here quickly! Someone's chasing us!"
Upon hearing Xiao Yan's words, the expressions of everyone present immediately changed. Their hearts, which had just calmed down, were instantly on edge. They naturally had no doubt about Xiao Yan Xiao Yan, and judging from his expression, the newcomer's cultivation was probably quite strong. So now, they probably had to find another place to go.
"Damn it, these guys got here really fast!"
Bai Hua carried Xiao Yan on his back, about to leap into the void. Xiao Yi Xian's fair face was also filled with worry. Her beautiful eyes lingered on Xiao Yan for a moment, then she grabbed Lian'er and leaped into the air. However, Li Bingrui hesitated, glancing at the four people before her. After a slight hesitation, she changed the subject:
"Why don't you leave first, and I'll distract them?"
Having said that, he was about to set off.
"No, we're friends, we'll go together!"
Immediately afterward, Bai Hua grabbed her wrist, his determined gaze fixed on Li Bingrui, who chuckled and said:
"Friends? Don't forget, I'm going to kill Xiao Yan. Would you still call someone who wants to kill him a friend?"
As soon as she finished speaking, a chilling aura suddenly appeared on Li Bingrui's slender wrist. Bai Hua's hand trembled violently, and he involuntarily released his grip and took two steps back. Li Bingrui, on the other hand, leaped into the air, intending to fly south. Just then, Xiao Yan, who was on Bai Hua's back, suddenly spoke up and shouted:
" Li Bingrui, have you forgotten the letter your master left you? She told you to come with me, not to send you to your death at a time like this!"
"I never said I was going to my death, and I forbid you to mention my master. If it weren't for your serious injuries, I would have killed you long ago, even before they came after us!"
Upon hearing Xiao Yan's reprimand, Li Bingrui's expression suddenly turned cold. Her beautiful eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, filled with killing intent. Seeing this, Bai Hua frowned, and the Origin Qi within his body involuntarily began to circulate. Lian'er, who was standing beside Xiao Yi Xian, bit her red lips tightly, her pretty face showing a struggle. Finally, she took two steps forward and said in a soft voice:
"They want me, or maybe they'll let me..."
However, this time, before Lian'er could finish speaking, the four people in front of her suddenly turned around and shouted in unison:
"No!"