Xu Nian''s Gale Dragon Step, after being modified by Emperor Ye Tian, had been upgraded from Yellow-level Top Grade to Xuan Level Top Grade, directly doubling Xu Nian''s speed.

    In fact, it wasn''t that Emperor Ye Tian couldn''t upgrade the combat skill''s grade even higher, but according to Xu Nian''s cultivation, the Xuan Level Top Grade was the most suitable.

    Not only that, but the Ling Feng Thirteen Swords had also reached the Xuan Level Top Grade under the modifications made by Emperor Ye Tian, which was why Xu Nian was able to kill Qin Dian with a single strike.

    Even though Xu Nian''s body skill level had significantly increased, his own cultivation was still a bit lacking.

    Only with the dual assistance of spiritual energy and Gang Qi was he able to barely avoid being caught by Qin Shan and the others.

    Xu Nian, like a fleeing serpent, swiftly burrowed deeper into the Demon Beast Forest.

    With Emperor Ye Tian''s detection, he avoided every demon beast as much as possible, even though those low-level demon beasts probably couldn''t pose the slightest threat to him, but they could still hinder him.

    If he were obstructed, he might be caught up by Qin Shan and the others behind him.

    "Damn it, how can this guy be so fast?" Qin Lei cursed inwardly as he speedily weaved through the terrain.

    "It seems we were misinformed, Xu Nian''s strength should be around the peak of Five-star Peak Warrior, and it''s clear his body technique is exceptional, that''s why he can match our speed," said Qin Feng, analyzing aloud with narrowed eyes and a grave expression.

    "How could his strength have increased so quickly? He''s been away from the Qin Family for less than three months, and he managed to go from a Four-star Warrior to the strength of a Five-star Warrior. Even with Emperor Level talent, that should be impossible, right?" Qin Yu also asked in amazement.

    They were thoroughly shocked by the strength Xu Nian had demonstrated.

    "If my guess is correct, he must have encountered some extraordinary fortune; otherwise, it''s not possible for his strength to have increased so fast. And think about it, wasn''t the sudden recovery of his dantian due to some extraordinary fortune?" Qin Feng analyzed once again.

    "Extraordinary fortune?" Qin Shan, who had been silent up to that point, narrowed his eyes, a glint of greed flashing deep within them.

    If he could obtain such a fortune, his status within the Qin Family would undoubtedly rise even higher. At that point, apart from Qin Tian, no one among the younger generation of the Qin Family would be able to compare with him; he might even surpass Qin Tian and gain preeminence over the whole East Field County.

    "I must get my hands on this fortune!" Qin Shan vowed inwardly, then he said to Qin Feng and the others beside him: "He''s trying to enter deep into the Demon Beast Forest. Once he gets inside, it will be even harder to kill him. I''ll chase him down first, you guys follow up later."

    After saying this, he stepped onto a tree trunk and burst forth, his speed soaring once again as he pursued Xu Nian ahead.

    Xu Nian glared back, saying nothing in response to Qin Shan''s words, but inside, he was scheming his escape.

    He knew that Qin Feng and the others must be on their way. He couldn''t delay any longer; once Qin Feng and the rest caught up, escape would be impossible.

    "Xu Nian, hand over the fortune you''ve found, and I may grant you a swift end. Otherwise, I will make you wish you were dead," Qin Shan demanded again coldly, his eyes exuding an unquestionable authority.

    "Fortune?" Xu Nian was momentarily stunned, then quickly came to a realization.

    So Qin Shan had pursued him alone, not just to kill him but also to monopolize the fortune Xu Nian carried.

    The fortunes Xu Nian held included his mentor who taught him the Divine Demon Refining Body Technique, the Jade Pendant of Emperor Ye Tian, and, beyond that, his own natural constitution and extraordinary aptitude.

    But how could he possibly surrender these things?

    However, he could use this opportunity to trick Qin Shan.

    "You want the fortune on me? Alright then, follow me," Xu Nian said to Qin Shan, then turned as if to leave.

    "Stop! You think I don''t know you''re trying to deceive me and use this chance to flee," Qin Shan bellowed, his sharp sword pointing at Xu Nian.

    Xu Nian merely sneered, scoffing, "Believe it or not, but this is your only chance. I discovered an ancient cave in the Demon Beast Forest. Why else would I leave the safety of the Academy and venture here? Moreover, if you don''t hurry, Qin Feng and the others will arrive soon. Do you really want to share my fortune with them?"

    At these words, Qin Shan''s expression wavered, clearly hesitating over whether Xu Nian''s claim was true or not.

    Upon seeing this, Xu Nian sneered again and headed straight into the depths of the Demon Beast Forest without looking back.

    "Fine. If I find out you''re lying, I''ll make you understand what ''worse than death'' truly means," Qin Shan said with a cold snort, quickly pursuing Xu Nian.

    He was aware that Xu Nian might be deceiving him, but his suspicious nature drove him to give it a try. If he actually found a strong warrior''s cave as Xu Nian suggested, the profit would be immense.

    Moreover, he believed that with absolute strength on his side, there was no way Xu Nian could slip away from him.

    As Xu Nian saw Qin Shan following, a disdainful smirk appeared on his face, hidden from Qin Shan''s view.