Several days later, the Liu and Gong families dispatched numerous experts to track down Lin Xiao and his group.
During this period, the Shengyuan Academy disciples who had been present were hunted across various locations, some even falling to their pursuers. Even Wang Long, Qingyun, and others were chased, forced to scatter and flee.
However, individuals like Wang Long were exceptionally strong. With the top experts of the two families still recovering, it was nearly impossible to pin them down.
Over these few days, Lin Xiao naturally received word of this. Anger flared within him, but upon learning that Tianmen and Qingyun’s group hadn’t suffered too gravely— and had even killed several pursuers— he felt reassured.
After all, the two families and their forces were primarily after him. They wouldn’t expend excessive effort chasing Tianmen disciples— it was merely incidental, a means to uncover his whereabouts.
This, in a way, served as a trial for them.
As for Lin Xiao himself, he set off with Hu Yue towards the Junzang’s location.
“One more day, and we should reach the Junzang site,” Lin Xiao said, his gaze burning with anticipation as he looked ahead. Over the past few days, they’d encountered several groups.
To avoid revealing their position, some they deliberately evaded, while others they swiftly eliminated, erasing all traces.
“But since the Liu and Gong families are hunting me so relentlessly, wouldn’t it be a shame not to stir up some trouble for them first?” Lin Xiao mused, a smirk tugging at his lips as he glanced towards the Liu family’s direction.
From the last group he’d dispatched, he’d gleaned the locations of both families. This spot was relatively close to the Liu family, and with their top experts still healing and awaiting news of him for a final strike, the timing was ripe.
Hearing Lin Xiao’s words, Hu Yue immediately grinned, her expression gleeful as if craving chaos. She chuckled wickedly, “Heh heh, if we give the Liu family a big ‘gift’ and spread some rumours, might that spark a clash between the two families?”
Lin Xiao caught her meaning and nodded, “Let’s go!”
With that, he grabbed Hu Yue, and they took flight through the jungle, heading straight for the Liu family.
“Flying with control— Lin Xiao, it’s you!” After travelling just a few miles, a shout rang in Lin Xiao’s ears. Moments later, over a dozen figures appeared in his line of sight.
These were all young individuals, their faces strikingly familiar to Lin Xiao.
Especially the handsome youth leading them, clad in a green robe. An air of refined elegance emanated from him, marking him as someone exceptional at first glance.
“Ji Qingshan!” Lin Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly. Blocking their path weren’t members of the two families or the chaotic region’s forces, but the leader and members of the Qing Alliance from Shengyuan Academy’s outer court.
He hadn’t expected to run into Shengyuan Academy disciples at this moment.
“After searching high and low, here you are without any effort— haha!” Spotting Lin Xiao, Ji Qingshan burst into excited laughter.
“Heh heh, various groups have been searching for days, but we’re the ones who found him first,” a youth beside Ji Qingshan chimed in, grinning with greed flickering across his face.
“Lin Xiao, I know you’re a mid-tier third-rank spirit controller— impressive talent, I’ll admit. But in front of me, that’s not enough. If you don’t want to die young, hand over the Junzang map and key,” Ji Qingshan said, extending a hand with a tone dripping with disdain.
Recently, rumours had spread that Lin Xiao was a primary third-rank spirit controller, which Ji Qingshan had doubted. Seeing him fly with control now, he was mildly surprised.
But even with a third-rank spirit controller’s skills paired with eighth-rank Heavenly Martial strength, Ji Qingshan brimmed with pride and confidence in defeating him.
“Exactly! The Junzang belongs to a genius like our alliance leader. A new disciple like you isn’t worthy. If you don’t want to lose your life here, hand it over obediently,” a Qing Alliance disciple echoed.
“So you’ve been hunting me too!” Lin Xiao smirked, amused by their certainty of victory, “I could give it to you— but do you have the lives to take it?”
At those words, the dozen-plus Qing Alliance members’ faces darkened, cold hostility radiating from them.
“Don’t think a bit of talent makes you invincible. Since you’re set on dying, don’t blame me for being merciless. Today, I’ll show you what true talent looks like!”
With that, Ji Qingshan’s aura surged dramatically. A swirl of primal energy gathered beneath his feet, solidifying into a pair of golden wings. A powerful pressure swept forward.
“First-rank Martial King— the top-ranked outer court disciples have all broken through to Martial King, it seems. I’d better catch up soon,” Lin Xiao mused inwardly with a quiet sigh. These top Shengyuan Academy outer court disciples indeed had talent, reaching Martial King at such an age.
It was no small milestone.
But defeating him with just first-rank Martial King strength? That was sheer delusion!
“True talent is strength!” Ji Qingshan declared, charging forward. He drew a green sword and slashed at Lin Xiao.
The casual strike carried immense power, as if cleaving space itself, unleashing a sharp whoosh with unstoppable momentum.
“I agree— true talent is strength!” Lin Xiao nodded approvingly. Thunder primal energy roared within him as he drew his own longsword, raising it with both hands to meet the attack.
“Daring to block a Martial King’s strike head-on— he’s asking for trouble!” the Qing Alliance members thought, smirking with anticipation of Lin Xiao’s humiliated retreat.
But the next moment, their expressions froze.
Clang!
The two swords clashed heavily, erupting in a piercing metallic screech. The forces were evenly matched— Lin Xiao didn’t budge an inch.
More astonishingly, several bolts of lightning burst from Lin Xiao’s sword, striking Ji Qingshan directly. He flinched in pain, trembling.
The thunderbolts, though not lethal, inflicted significant harm. A burnt scent wafted from the impact points.
As the two locked swords in a standoff, Ji Qingshan stood dazed. Lin Xiao shifted his right hand from the sword, landing a punch on Ji Qingshan’s chest.
Bang!
A mouthful of blood sprayed out as Ji Qingshan was sent flying.
Only then did Ji Qingshan snap back to reality, fury igniting within him.
This wasn’t a loss of skill— he’d been caught off guard, injured by Lin Xiao’s bizarre tactics. Coming to his senses, he was already wounded.
“Whoosh!” But Lin Xiao pressed his advantage, darting forward in a flash and swinging another slash.
Ji Qingshan tried to dodge but was too late, forced to raise his sword to parry.
Clang! Boom!
The pattern repeated— lightning blasted forth, striking Ji Qingshan and drawing more blood.
This time, lacking the strength for a full counter, he was knocked back by the impact.
At least he avoided another punch.
Lin Xiao didn’t relent, swiftly channeling his Thunder Sword Technique. Furious Thunder Slash rained down strike after strike, lightning bolts relentlessly hammering Ji Qingshan.
It wasn’t until the fourth blow that Ji Qingshan broke free of the onslaught. His green sword flared with dazzling light, unleashing a terrifying force that slashed out, forcing Lin Xiao back.
