When he was but a single step from the Fifth Hall Master, the Dragon Slaying Sword in Chen Ping’s hand thrust out like lightning, aiming straight for the Fifth Hall Master’s throat.
The Fifth Hall Master’s eyes widened in shock. He had not anticipated that Chen Ping could still launch an attack under such intense pressure.
He hastily dodged to the side, but it was too late.
Chen Ping’s Dragon Slaying Sword pierced his shoulder, sending a gush of blood spraying forth.
“Ah!”
The Fifth Hall Master let out a agonised cry as his body staggered backwards.
Chen Ping pressed the advantage, his Dragon Slaying Sword swinging relentlessly. Streaks of razor-sharp sword qi shot towards the Fifth Hall Master.
The Fifth Hall Master hurriedly channelled his remaining immortal energy to defend himself, but his reserves were nearly depleted, rendering him unable to block the sword qi fully.
One streak pierced his arm, while another grazed his cheek, carving a deep gash.
The Fifth Hall Master’s body swayed unsteadily. He knew he was no longer a match for Chen Ping.
“You win this time, but our Divine Temple will not let you off!”
The Fifth Hall Master said through gritted teeth, his eyes brimming with hatred. With that, he turned and fled towards the outside of the hall.
Chen Ping watched the Fifth Hall Master’s retreating figure but did not give chase.
He knew that although he had defeated the Fifth Hall Master today, the forces under the Third Hall Master of the Divine Temple were vast, and more troubles would surely arise in the future.
Yet Chen Ping harboured no fear. He believed that as long as he continued to enhance his strength, he could overcome any foe.
“Chen Ping, are you alright?”
Hu Mazi hurried over, asking with concern.
Chen Ping shook his head and said, “I am fine; these minor injuries are nothing. Let us go after that Sixth Hall Master.”
“Very well!” Hu Mazi nodded.
Chen Ping and Hu Mazi sped off in the direction the Sixth Hall Master Jin Fu had fled, their figures weaving through the mountain woods at breakneck speed, like two bolts of lightning cleaving the night sky.
Soon, they spotted the Sixth Hall Master Jin Fu fleeing in disarray ahead, along with his few loyal yet evidently panicked subordinates.
Chen Ping’s eyes narrowed sharply. He bellowed, “Halt!”
The voice boomed like a great bell, carrying an aura of unyielding authority.
The Sixth Hall Master’s subordinates trembled at the command.
Glancing back and seeing Chen Ping’s face etched with killing intent, terror flooded their hearts like a tidal wave.
One of them, voice quavering, said, “Hall Master, this… this man is too powerful. We stand no chance; let us flee for our lives first!”
Without awaiting the Sixth Hall Master Jin Fu’s reply, he turned and bolted into the nearby thicket. The others followed suit in an instant, abandoning their leader and vanishing into the woods.
The Sixth Hall Master Jin Fu watched his men desert him, a mix of shock and fury surging within. He shouted hoarsely, “You useless lot, come back here!”
Yet all that answered him was the echo of his cries through the woods and the fading footsteps of his subordinates.
Chen Ping and Hu Mazi swiftly closed in, surrounding the Sixth Hall Master Jin Fu.
Gazing at Chen Ping’s eyes, which burned with murderous resolve, the Sixth Hall Master Jin Fu’s legs buckled, nearly collapsing him to the ground.
Propping himself up with effort, he forced a smile more wretched than tears onto his face and said, “Chen… Chen Ping, you… do not act rashly. Let us talk this out properly.”
Chen Ping regarded him coldly, his gaze laced with contempt and killing intent. He said, “Sixth Hall Master, you fled quite swiftly just now. What, have you lost the will to run?”
The Sixth Hall Master Jin Fu waved his hands frantically and said, “Chen Ping, I… I know I was wrong. I am willing to offer all my immortal stones; I only beg you to spare my life.”
“These immortal stones were all prepared for delivery to the Third Hall, and everything I have done to you was at the Third Hall Master’s command. I was merely following orders.”
