Chapter 62

Li Tianming’s eyes narrowed. He had suspected Xue Wujian from the start. But since their strength was evenly matched, he didn’t fear him.

Just then, another elder stepped forward.

“Heh… So this is the Grand Elder of Liuyun Sect? You live up to your reputation.”

The old man’s figure was hunched, his breath weak, as if he might die at any moment. To the untrained eye, he looked like a frail, dying elder.

But Li Tianming’s expression changed instantly.

This man… He was a fourth-level Core Formation cultivator!

His face turned grim.

Where did Xue Wujian find someone like this?

Then another thought struck him.

Could it be… Xue Wujian had planned this ambush from the very beginning?

His expression darkened further.

Behind him—

The gathered True Disciples quickly realized what was happening. In an instant, the top disciples from each sect turned pale.

They understood the situation all too well. The Grand Elder of Baiyang Sect, Xue Wujian, had brought along a fourth-level Core Formation cultivator…

It was obvious—they had come to kill.

A fourth-level Core Formation cultivator… That was a mid-stage powerhouse!

Within the Core Formation realm, each level represented a massive leap in strength. Take Yun Hai, for example. Even after breaking through to the first level, he could only barely defeat someone at the second level. To challenge a third-level Core Formation expert, he would’ve needed to use a secret technique with severe side effects— And even then, only by going all out.

But the gap between the third and fourth levels… Was nearly as vast as the gap between the first level of Core Formation and the first level of Condensation Realm. A chasm nearly impossible to cross.

After all, the fourth level marked the beginning of the mid-stage Core Formation realm.

That was exactly what worried Li Tianming. He could handle Xue Wujian. But if they fought, there was no way he could also protect the disciples from that fourth-level elder.

If that man charged into the group of True Disciples… It would be like a wolf among sheep. No one could stop him.

Li Tianming’s expression darkened. He locked his gaze on Xue Wujian and the old man beside him.

“Xue Wujian, are you declaring war on Liuyun Sect?”

He clenched his jaw, eyes burning with fury.

“War?” “How could this be war?” “We of Baiyang Sect are peace-loving people.”

Xue Wujian feigned innocence and spread his hands. Then a cruel glint flashed in his eyes.

“I don’t even know this elder. We’re not together.” “I only came to spar with you, to see which of us is stronger.” “As for what he does… that has nothing to do with Baiyang Sect.”

He grinned.

“If you don’t believe me, feel free to investigate once you return to Liuyun Sect.”

Li Tianming’s face turned ashen.

This bastard…

He’s shameless beyond belief!

He can twist black into white!

And he even had a ready-made excuse. As ridiculous as it sounded, Li Tianming knew Xue Wujian well enough to believe it might be true.

That elder likely wasn’t affiliated with Baiyang Sect— Just someone Xue Wujian had lured with a hefty reward.

And the target…

Li Tianming turned his head toward Gu Yang, who stood nearby, calmly surveying the surroundings.

“Interesting.”

The old man’s gaze shifted and landed on Gu Yang.

“Third-level Condensation Realm.” “You must be the prodigy who can challenge Core Formation cultivators—Gu Yang, right?”

His eyes gleamed like a hawk’s. Then he darted forward, heading straight for Gu Yang.

“Stop!”

Li Tianming moved to intercept, But Xue Wujian unleashed his power and blocked his path.

“We didn’t get to fight properly at Beixue Sect. This time… let’s go all out!”

“Get out of my way!”

Li Tianming roared, unleashing a torrent of true essence. A terrifying force slammed toward Xue Wujian.

“Heh.”

Xue Wujian calmly stepped back, Then raised his hand.

A surge of blood energy exploded from his palm, Colliding with Li Tianming’s attack.

BOOM!

The impact shook the heavens.

Their strength was evenly matched, But the destruction they caused was immense.

Though both emerged unscathed, The surrounding forest was devastated— Dozens of trees toppled in an instant.

Meanwhile, The shadowy elder closed in on Gu Yang, A wicked grin on his face and a murderous gleam in his eyes.

“A genius, huh?” “Good. But to me… a dead genius is the best kind.”

“If I kill you, I’ll get the elixir and extend my life by ten years!”

He licked his cracked lips. His withered hand surged with terrifying true essence as he reached for Gu Yang.

In that moment… A strange force locked Gu Yang in place.

He frowned.

This power isn’t that strong.

He exploded with force, shattering the restraint instantly. Then he raised his fist.

Golden light burst forth. The chanting of Buddhist sutras echoed through the air. He unleashed forty percent of his fist intent.

“Hm?”

The elder looked surprised by the power radiating from Gu Yang’s fist. His clawed hand shifted into a palm, And he released a surge of true essence to meet the blow.

BOOM!

A shockwave erupted from the clash of their fists, Forcing the surrounding True Disciples to retreat and hide in the bushes.

They had no way to intervene in either of the battles.

“What’s going on?” “Can’t you see? This is clearly a Baiyang Sect plot!” “Gu Yang’s talent is too threatening. They’re trying to ambush and kill him on the road!”

Liu Tianxiang’s expression was grim as he spoke.

The disciples around him finally understood.

“I can’t believe Baiyang Sect would go this far!” “Damn it! If I were Core Formation, I could help!” “That’s a fourth-level Core Formation cultivator! Even if you broke through, you might not be a match!” “So what do we do? Just stand here and watch?” “Looks like we have no choice.”

After a round of discussion, silence fell. They all felt utterly powerless.

Meanwhile, After the clash of fist and palm, Gu Yang staggered backward.

The elder, however, stood firm— Completely unaffected.

So this is the power of a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator…

Gu Yang steadied himself after a few steps, his expression turning serious.

That punch had killed Yun Hai outright. It could’ve crushed even a third-level Core Formation expert.

But against a fourth-level…

It didn’t even leave a scratch.

The elder, seeing that Gu Yang had only taken two steps back and remained unharmed, Flew into a rage.

“You little brat… you’re asking for death!”

He, a fourth-level Core Formation cultivator, had failed to kill a mere third-level Condensation Realm disciple with one strike. It was a disgrace.

Furious, he shouted, “I’ll twist your head off!”

He raised his withered hand again. This time, a terrifying power surged forth.

“Xuanming Palm!” “Die!”

Pale white light erupted from his body, Coating his skeletal palm.

He appeared before Gu Yang in a flash, Then struck down.

BOOM BOOM BOOM!

As his palm descended, It felt as if the sky itself were collapsing. The pressure surged like a tidal wave.

If that palm landed— Gu Yang would die without question.

The elder’s eyes gleamed with bloodlust. He had gone all in—no holding back.

Seeing this, The True Disciples hiding in the bushes, led by Liu Tianxiang, Fell into despair.

“It’s over!”