Endless Yellow Sand and Blazing Sun hung in the air, casting a golden hue over the landscape, where the temperature was so high that no living creature could survive on the ground.
Five figures dashed under the scorching sun, their movements frantic and disheveled. One figure lagged behind, appearing particularly sluggish, as if injured. Yan Zhen glanced up at the blazing sun overhead and then at his panting disciples behind him. Even the oppressive heat of the desert couldn't diminish the unease in his heart.
Paradise's fury had drawn Taku Mukai's attention, and with his strength, it was clear he was not to be underestimated. After a single strike, the surrounding Cultivators instinctively dispersed, some even warning them of Taku Mukai's identity. However, before they could escape, Taku Mukai's father had already locked onto them.
At that moment, Taku Village felt an anger that could burn through the heavens. His only son had been killed on his own turf. This was not just a slap in the face; it was a kick after the blow. He envisioned capturing those ignorant fools and torturing them for years before he could find any peace.
As soon as they engaged, he realized his opponents were formidable, especially one young monk wielding a long sword. If it weren't for his quick reflexes, he might have suffered a loss in that encounter.
His cultivation level seemed irrelevant against them; in their brief skirmish, he discovered that these five Cultivators were all quite powerful. They fought within their ranks without overstepping boundaries, making it difficult for an ordinary Nascent Soul Cultivator like him to contend with them.
The long chase began. Taku Village not only mobilized his own subordinates but also contacted nearby allied forces to capture these five individuals.
On one hand, he sought revenge for his son; on the other hand, he saw something astonishing in them. If he could seize those abilities for himself, his status in Extreme West Land would rise significantly—if not among the top two, at least within the top five.
Taku Village had ventured into the desolate lands of Extreme West several times; near Paradise it was manageable, but deeper into it lay countless dangers. The five individuals ahead were undoubtedly newcomers to Extreme West Land; otherwise, they wouldn't be charging forward recklessly.
Do Not Delay had already sustained injuries from earlier battles and had taken a hit while trying to block Taku Village's attack. The lingering spiritual energy remained within him; despite several attempts to expel it, he found himself unable to do so. The searing energy continued to erode his own spiritual power.
Yan Zhen gently touched the Great Guardian Sword on his back as the pursuers drew closer behind him. Ahead lay a long journey to meet Zuo Dao at their agreed location. He knew they might not last until then.
Through his Spiritual Awareness, he sensed that their pursuers maintained a safe distance behind them—not because they couldn't catch up but because their intention was clear: to wait until Yan Zhen and his group were exhausted before launching an attack.
In the distance, it seemed more people were closing in on them. The one trailing closely was none other than Taku Mukai's father, Nascent Soul Ancestor Taku Village, who had been struck by Yan Zhen's Sword Slash. Yet Yan Zhen did not regret delivering that blow; anyone who dared insult his disciples was an enemy. He had sworn to protect those dear to him at all costs.
Taku Village pursued relentlessly; soon enough, his target came into view. At that moment, however, he felt no urgency. He relished this feeling as he watched the Five Sons flee desperately ahead of him; satisfaction bubbled within him. His subordinates were on their way; once their stamina waned, he would capture them all in one fell swoop. Everything would belong to him then.
Yan Zhen realized that it was likely his possession of the celestial sword had been exposed. He wasn't worried about losing it but feared that enemies might resort to desperate measures for its sake—putting the lives of the other four sons in even greater danger.
Gradually slowing down, he approached Ping's side.
"Ping, you take Teng Chong and the others ahead. Make sure they reach our junior brother—once we find him, everything will become safe."
"Brother Zhen, what are you planning?" Ping felt an unsettling intuition rising within him.
"Big Brother, are you planning to stay behind alone?" Yan Zi immediately sensed Yan Zhen's intentions.
"No, this is too dangerous. If the senior brother dies, we die together; it's no big deal. After all, we have the junior brother to take revenge for us," Yan Hong said anxiously.
"Let's go," Yan Zhen commanded sternly.
This was the first time Yan Zhen had truly lost his temper, but everyone knew it came from a place of goodwill. Teng Chong felt a deep sense of guilt within.
Yan Zi glanced at Yan Zhen.
"Let's go. Have you forgotten about Dragon Brother?"
She understood that she had to do something at this moment; since the senior brother had made his decision, there would be no changing it.
"Sister..." Yan Hong began to say something but was silenced by a fierce glare from Yan Zi.
Ping looked deeply at Yan Zi before turning to Yan Zhen.
"Zhen Ge, take care. We will wait for you and the junior brother ahead."
"Mm." Yan Zhen's tone softened again. "Yan Zi, keep an eye on them."
"Senior brother..."
Seeing the tears in Yan Hong's eyes, Yan Zhen steeled his heart and turned back to fly away.
Taku Village found it strange; why had the opponent's speed slowed down? Soon, they saw a figure rushing back towards them—it was the sword-wielding Young Monk he had been watching. He quickly realized what was happening and couldn't help but admire the Five Sons ahead. If only his own son had such spirit, perhaps he wouldn't have passed away so early.
The opponent's actions caught Taku Village off guard. They had initially planned to capture everyone at once, but under the current circumstances, that seemed impossible. Frustration grew over the inefficiency of his subordinates.
Well, the existence of the main target gave him some reassurance. If what he suspected was true, this sword-wielding Young Monk posed a significant threat to him as well.
After turning back, Yan Zhen didn't rush far before stopping to await the opponent's arrival. The frantic sprint earlier had consumed much of his spiritual energy, making this an opportune moment to recover. After all, the opponent was a Nascent Soul Great Perfection level Cultivator; their strength was not to be underestimated.
As he watched Taku Village approach, Yan Zhen tightened his grip on the sword behind him and looked up at the blazing sun above.
"It really is bright, radiant, and dazzling!!!"
At that moment, he re-entered the tranquil state of mind characteristic of a Sword Cultivator.
As Taku Village approached Yan Zhen, he kept a close watch on the young Cultivator.
The concept of intent.
This young Cultivator had actually grasped the essence of intent, and a cold glint flashed in Taku Village's eyes. It seemed that this group was not to be underestimated. Initially, he thought it would suffice to deal with this one Cultivator, but now it appeared that he would have to eliminate them all.
Regardless of any potential issues, he could not let a single one escape. He regretted making such a big deal out of this; if these five truly had significant backing, he might have to abandon everything and flee for his life.
As long as he could obtain the sword behind that Sword Cultivator, nothing else would matter. He still vividly remembered the moment when his almost sneak attack struck the sword on the Sword Cultivator's back, that heart-stopping sensation.
This was definitely not caused by a magical artifact; the only explanation was that the sword was a Celestial Artifact or something equivalent to a top-tier Celestial Artifact. Regardless of which it was, it was enough to drive him to take any measures necessary to seize it, especially considering the grudge he held.
The young Sword Cultivator across from him had already reached for the hilt of the sword on his back. In that moment, Yan Zhen fully entered the "Sword Only" state of intent. It was the only way for him to prolong the confrontation with his enemy, buying more time for his junior brothers and sisters.
Fight.
A sword swept across.
Only I wield no sword.
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