Under the instruction of Lu Chen, the Anzhou Branch sent Mr. Seiji away unharmed. Everything that had been planned was turned to dust with the agreement between Lu Chen and Young Master Ming.
One agreement led to the Red Robe Sect and the Martial Arts Association, the two largest civilian organizations, reaching a truce, much to the satisfaction of both sides.
Lu Chen's visit to the Southern Seven States was not only to train Zuo Zixiong, the Vice Sect Leader, but he also returned Ye Nanzhai's incomplete soul to him, fulfilling another wish of his.
Afterward, Lu Chen and his companions began making arrangements to leave Anzhou. The large amount of supplies obtained from robbing the Martial Arts Association, along with two kerosene heavy cannons, did not need to be returned.
However, due to the distance from the Eastern Sea Headquarters, these supplies could only be temporarily stored at the Branch and entrusted to the Branch Leader for safekeeping.
Ultimately, everything remained in the hands of the Red Robe Sect, which could be considered a significant gain; it would not be worth traveling such a long distance only to incur losses.
Ye Dajin, the wealthiest businessman in the Southern Seven States, had plenty of money and would likely not mind this loss. After all, it was nothing compared to his precious son, even if it meant spending all his wealth.
Next, Lu Chen led Zuo Zixiong and others out of the Branch's main gate, bidding farewell to the Branch Leader who came to see them off as they prepared to return to the Eastern Sea.
A group of seven or eight fine steeds galloped swiftly along the official road, raising clouds of dust as they quickly reached Anzhou City and smoothly exited through the city gates, continuing their journey eastward.
However, just after leaving Anzhou City and while traversing a quiet countryside road, an unexpected turn of events occurred.
Lu Chen was the first to pull on the reins, signaling everyone to stop because ahead on the empty road stood a figure.
An old man dressed in a long black robe appeared to be in his fifties or sixties. At first glance, he looked like an ordinary elder, but upon closer inspection, Lu Chen was taken aback—it was Yuan Ruyi from Yin Yang Gate.
This person had returned unexpectedly and blocked Lu Chen's path once again. A few nights prior, he had pursued Lu Chen but chose to hold back after encountering Xing Ru Xie from Star Gate in Western Seven States; he did not want any unpleasantness and thus handed Lu Chen over to Xing Ru Xie.
"It seems that Xing Ru Xie indeed did not do anything to you. Hmph, fortunately for me, I am wise enough to anticipate this and have been waiting for you here for quite some time," Yuan Ruyi said ominously.
He clearly anticipated that Xing Ru Xie would not do anything to Lu Chen, yet he was unwilling to accept this and lay in ambush on the only path back to the East Sea, not expecting to actually encounter Lu Chen.
Lu Chen had killed his eldest disciple, Fang Kuan, which left Yuan Ruyi feeling resentful and unwilling to let it go easily.
"It’s a blessing if it’s not a disaster; if it’s a disaster, it can’t be avoided."
Lu Chen sighed. He knew he had too many enemies, and between him and Yuan Ruyi, a great battle was inevitable, hence his sigh.
"Who is that? How dare they block our way?" Zuo Zixiong looked ahead and saw only an ordinary-looking old man.
Ye Xuan, Ye Hui, Ye Zhong, and the other brothers felt the same way; they couldn’t believe someone dared to obstruct the Supreme Leader's path, thinking that person must be tired of living.
However, when Lu Chen faced the old man, his expression was extremely serious. This sight made Zuo Zixiong and the others no longer underestimate the situation; they realized that the visitor was not here for friendly purposes, and a fierce battle was likely unavoidable.
"Yuan Ruyi, it seems necessary for us to settle our grievances. However, this matter does not concern others; I suggest you let them go first," Lu Chen called out loudly to Yuan Ruyi in the distance.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Ruyi merely coldly snorted and did not respond much.
Seeing this, Lu Chen turned to the others and said, "Left Deputy Leader, several Flag Masters, there are many affairs at Headquarters; you should hurry back."
"Leader, what’s so terrifying about this person? Why don’t we join forces? No matter what, capturing him shouldn’t be a problem," Zuo Zixiong suggested.
Ye Xuan and the others also looked astonished; they had never seen Lu Chen with such an expression and felt something was amiss.
Lu Chen shook his head, rejecting Zuo Zixiong's proposal. "This person is unlike anyone I’ve encountered before. You all should leave quickly; staying will only hinder me and prevent me from exerting my full strength. If you escape safely, I will have no worries. Even if I can’t defeat him, he won’t be able to stop me from leaving."
Seeing Lu Chen like this, Zuo Zixiong and the others no longer insisted. They each mounted their horses and took a detour to leave.
In the blink of an eye, only Lu Chen and Yuan Ruyi remained on the scene, about five hundred steps apart, with neither speaking a word.
Suddenly, Lu Chen erupted, leaping high into the air from his horse, transforming into lightning and leaving a long tail of flame in his wake as he soared through the void.
Yuan Ruyi let out a cold snort, waving his sleeve as he also flew high into the air, manifesting as a Yin Yang wheel, pursuing Lu Chen.
Above Nine Above, beneath thick clouds, Lu Chen had just taken flight when he turned to see Yuan Ruyi already approaching.
Without hesitation, Lu Chen raised his hand and unleashed two Imperial Auras that sliced through the air toward Yuan Ruyi.
The Imperial Auras hissed as they powerfully cut through the air, aimed directly at Yuan Ruyi.
Yuan Ruyi's eyes narrowed, and with both hands he summoned a blood-red Yin Yang Gate wheel, pushing it forward to instantly nullify Lu Chen's Imperial Auras, reducing them to nothing.
With a cold snort, Yuan Ruyi stood firm in the sky, gazing at Lu Chen with disdain. "A mere trickster dares to show off before me. Since we have deep-seated enmity between us, I might as well finish you off in one move. Let me show you the Twelve Zodiac of the Yin Yang Gate."
As he spoke, Yuan Ruyi formed hand seals with a serious expression, mysterious energy fluctuations emanating from his body.
Seeing this, Lu Chen felt unable to discern Yuan Ruyi's movements; the aura released from him was overwhelmingly powerful. He had never encountered such strength before, making him feel blind.
Lu Chen stumbled back three steps, nearly falling to the ground. Before he could react, he saw phantom images of the Zodiac charging toward him.
These phantoms were the Twelve Zodiac: Tiger, Divine Dragon, Rooster, Python—each baring their teeth and looking fierce, roaring as if they were ready to devour him.
Lu Chen dared not be careless and quickly opened the Jun Bell to release the divine beast.
A familiar roar of a primordial giant beast echoed in his ears as a towering figure leaped in front of Lu Chen to block the onslaught of the Twelve Zodiac.
The Treasure Guardian Beast gasped and lamented, "Lu Chen, who is this person? So powerful that even I suffered a loss from enduring his attack." The tone of the Treasure Guardian Beast carried a hint of reproach.
Lu Chen forced a smile and replied, "If this person were that easy to deal with, I wouldn't need to call on you. Don't you understand my character?"
After saying this, Lu Chen jumped forward to stand alongside the Treasure Guardian Beast, ready to fight side by side.
After Yuan Ruyi unleashed the Twelve Zodiac, he discovered that a mysterious force had blocked his attack, meaning that his previous move had not harmed Lu Chen at all, rendering it a waste.
Yuan Ruyi narrowed his eyes and focused on the mysterious figure standing next to Lu Chen, suddenly taken aback. He thought to himself, "A divine beast? Or a Void Immortal? Where did this mixed-breed come from? Why is there always someone protecting him?"
Yuan Ruyi couldn't comprehend it; he felt that Lu Chen was incredibly lucky, having help twice in a row, and both helpers were formidable.
The divine beast before him was unfathomable, its cultivation above that of a Void Immortal, capable of fighting him evenly. Even if he could slightly surpass it, he still had to be wary of Lu Chen. It seemed the situation was not looking good.
Yuan Ruyi ceased his attack and calmed himself to think. He was cautious; although he hated Lu Chen deeply, he had not yet lost his rationality.
Realizing his precarious position, he began to consider retreating. After all, there would be plenty of opportunities to deal with Lu Chen later. For now, he decided to let him go.
Yuan Ruyi feared that while he was locked in a fierce battle with the divine beast, Lu Chen might take advantage and launch a sneak attack. He couldn't allow that brat to benefit from the situation.
With his mind made up, Yuan Ruyi snorted coldly and then transformed into a stream of light, escaping from the scene.
Seeing Yuan Ruyi flee, Lu Chen was somewhat astonished. Originally, this person had come with great momentum to confront him; he thought things wouldn't end easily. But now Yuan Ruyi was retreating on his own—how could this not surprise him?
In a brief moment, Lu Chen weighed the pros and cons and thought to himself that he already had enough enemies in Central Plains. Since Yuan Ruyi was alone now, it would be better to kill him; after all, they would eventually have a life-and-death struggle.
With this in mind, Lu Chen shouted loudly, "We can't let him escape! Should we pursue?"
Lu Chen rode on the back of the Treasure Guardian Beast, running through the sky in pursuit of Yuan Ruyi.
The Treasure Guardian Beast's limbs moved swiftly in the air, flying at a speed comparable to Lu Chen's.
However, Yuan Ruyi was even faster, leaving Lu Chen and the Treasure Guardian Beast far behind. Yet, it seemed that he had reached his limit; no matter how fast he went, he could not shake off Lu Chen.
This direction was east, and Lu Chen couldn't figure out where Yuan Ruyi was trying to escape to. He thought to himself that it better not be a trick.
The location of the Yin Yang Gate's mountain entrance was known only to its disciples; outsiders had never heard of the Yin Yang Gate being in the east.
After chasing for about half a moment, they estimated they were almost over the sea.
Lu Chen and the Treasure Guardian Beast slowed down, just in time to see Yuan Ruyi pull out a mirror-like object from his bosom. With a gentle swipe in the air, a large crack suddenly appeared.
From within that crack, the originally gloomy sky brightened up, revealing celestial birds and cranes flying everywhere. Below were lush green mountains and waters, with dozens of waterfalls scattered around, their waters flowing with a loud rush.
Not far away on a mountain, there were pavilions and towers, ancient trees and old pines. Some elderly men with an air of immortality could even be seen playing chess in one of the pavilions.
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