CHAPTER 45: : PARTY TRICKS

Xuan, Fang Yuan, and the tracker all leaped down from a tree, perfectly landing in front of a cave.

After Xuan had given the tracker the name, it didn’t take more than twenty minutes to get the exact location, although they haven’t seen Zhao Lan yet.

But the tracker was a hundred percent certain she was inside the cave.

Xuan attempted going inside himself, but Fang Yuan did not allow that and suggested the three of them go in.

"Shit, this is why I hate working for rich people," the tracker expressed his frustration, because if he had his way, he wouldn’t be going into that dark, scary cave just to save someone’s lover.

But that wasn’t the case now, and Fang Yuan was his boss here.

Seeing the cave was dark, Fang Yuan’s palm created a ball of fire leading the way. However, as they kept going in, they saw crystals creating a much better light.

That wasn’t the only noticeable thing. Two caves were now in front of them. The three of them stared at each other.

"You two stay close, I’ll take the left cave," Xuan said. But Fang Yuan did not agree.

"No, Xuan will come with me. You can handle the left cave, right?" Fang Yuan asked the frowning tracker.

He didn’t reply and just accepted the fate of walking into a demon or anything, as long as he got paid.

So, Fang Yuan and Xuan took the right cave.

"Xuan, don’t lie to me," was the first thing Fang Yuan said the minute they entered the right mini cave. Xuan nodded.

"Did you cripple your uncle and the Son of Heaven’s daughter?"

The question wasn’t one Xuan would linger on, trying to think of answers, so he quickly replied. "Yes, I did that to them."

Fang Yuan sensed the little anger in those words. It seemed as if crippling them wasn’t enough. "Why did you do that? I also lost my guards too, you know. I initially sought your location because I wanted to kill you, but I remembered you once saved my life."

Xuan sighed. "Uncle Han isn’t a good man, and Li Zhi, she wasn’t any better. I did that to them because they deserved it for maltreating a cripple, and once the twenty years are up, I’ll go back and kill them."

Fang Yuan was shocked hearing Xuan’s reply, but he was calm. He understood the position Xuan was judging from, and it was now he screamed.

"Wait, whaaaaaat!!! You can walk?" Fang Yuan yelled. He just realized Xuan wasn’t using support sticks.

"Hahaha... Yeah."

"How? I thought your meridian was broken."

But the conversation was cut short as two figures walked from the dark in front of them. Xuan stumbled backward, seeing who it was.

Tae Lei and Mei Long. Seeing her reminded Xuan about their time, and now Xuan felt like she must be thinking he just used and dumped her.

"Mei Long," Xuan muttered.

But this wasn’t the same girl who admired him. Mei Long was pissed off. All of a sudden, a loud scream was heard, echoing around the cave walls.

It wasn’t from their cave but the other, and the voice undoubtedly belonged to the tracker.

"Hmph, guess Sang Woo is doing a major number on that guy. Hey yo, Xuan, this is the wrong cave. Zhao Lan ain’t in here, but it’s a good thing you came, right Mei Long?" Tae Lei teased.

Overall, Xuan and Mei Long kept their eyes locked on each other, emotions getting the best of them. "Zhao Lan isn’t here," Xuan muttered.

"Don’t fret, you can go. I’ll handle these two," Fang Yuan assured Xuan with a smile. But he didn’t know why Xuan hesitated while looking at the lady in front of them.

"Please don’t kill the girl," was the last thing Xuan said.

In the end, Xuan ran off, increasing the rage Mei Long felt for him. "Tsk, there he goes again, leaving you, haha." Tae Lei teasing her pissed her off even more.

"Have respect. I’m your opponent now," said Fang Yuan. Something about him changed.

---

Xuan ran to the other cave and saw blood leading towards the tracker resting against a crystal. He looked bloodied.

But he was still breathing. Whoever did this toyed with him, Xuan could tell by the little stabs around his body.

He coughed out blood, faking a smile to mask the pain he was feeling. But it was obvious this guy was only a step away from dying.

"I tried impressing your wife," he said weakly, accompanied with blood dripping beside his lips. "She’s really beautiful, you know."

Xuan smiled, properly resting the tracker, and faced Sang Woo walking towards him with Zhao Lan, who looked unhappy to see Xuan.

"Eerr? I don’t sense a fracture of strength added to your previous strength, fool... Hahaha, you’ve come to die?" Sang Woo mocked Xuan.

He was right. Even though Xuan had practiced naked martial art with Yun Xi, it wasn’t supposed to increase his cultivation rank.

It just boosted his physical attacks. "You know, I planned on toying with you like you did to me before," said Xuan. Then he looked at the tracker.

"But seeing how you’ve toyed with him, I’ll kill you, Sang Woo," Xuan added. "If you can stop me before I reach Zhao Lan, I’ll surrender."

Zhao Lan’s eyes widened in fear mixed with surprise. She wanted to say something but couldn’t.

"Bwehehe, now this is gon’ be easy... bahaha," Sang Woo laughed menacingly like the Joker. And as Xuan started walking towards Zhao Lan, he dashed towards Xuan.

Boom’

To the naked eye, Sang Woo was charging at Xuan head-on. However, that wasn’t the case. Bang’, their daggers connected with a spark.

It was an effortless block from behind Xuan. Of course, Sang Woo had disappeared from the naked eye, but to Xuan, that already happened five seconds ago.

Sang Woo jumped backwards, surprised Xuan blocked that attack. Xuan, who was almost reaching Zhao Lan, spoke.

"And if I get to her before you stop me, you’re dead."

"What? You arrogant little bastaaaaard!!!"

Kaboom’

Faster than before, Sang Woo dashed towards Xuan, and as he reached, he leaped in front of Xuan and dashed forward again with his dagger.

However, Xuan dodged it by walking past Sang Woo. Well, to the ordinary eye, that was what happened.

But if explained, Xuan simply paused everyone and just started walking past the attack.

Sang Woo was furious, confused. Xuan was just a step away from Zhao Lan. No, Xuan had already reached the beautiful girl who wouldn’t stop staring at him in awe.

Xuan turned to look at the confused Sang Woo. "Like hell I’m playing that game. You’re gonna die, and she’s coming with meeee!"

"What?" Zhao Lan could have sworn Xuan was just with her, but then again, who was placing a dagger at Sang Woo’s throat?

Sang Woo gulped. "This fight is boring," Xuan said with a smile. "You were never stronger than I am, Sang Woo... I just needed a way to use my party tricks."

Slit’