Liang Tian led the group successfully out of the ruins, and as they looked back at the dust-filled remains, relief washed over their faces. However, before they could catch their breath, Liang Tian's keen senses detected something unusual.
“Everyone, don’t let your guard down just yet. I feel like we’re being followed,” Liang Tian said in a low voice, his expression serious. The others immediately became alert; Xiao Zhan quickly scanned their surroundings, instinctively reaching for the weapon at his waist. “Brother, are you sure? Could it be that some sect from the ruins is unwilling to let us go?”
Chen Xue instinctively moved closer to Liang Tian, concern evident in her eyes. “Liang Tian, could it be because of the Treasure you’re holding?” Liang Tian nodded slightly. “It’s very possible. This Treasure is powerful, and it’s only natural for someone to covet it.”
The Ling Xiao Sect Elder frowned and said, “We shouldn’t linger here. Let’s leave this place and find somewhere safe to plan our next move.” Liang Tian agreed with a nod, and the group pretended to act nonchalant as they quickened their pace.
As they traveled, Liang Tian utilized the perception techniques passed down from the celestial realm to stay alert to their surroundings. He noticed that the mysterious force kept a consistent distance behind them—neither closing in nor losing track—like a hidden snake waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
To shake off their pursuers, Liang Tian led the group on a deliberate detour through the forest, choosing rugged paths that were difficult to traverse. Yet, it seemed that the mysterious force was well aware of their movements; no matter how they twisted and turned, they could not escape.
“This isn’t working. They clearly came prepared,” Xiao Zhan said anxiously. Liang Tian thought for a moment before responding, “Brother Xiao, don’t worry. Let’s find a defensible spot first and then take the initiative to see what this mysterious force is really after.”
Under Liang Tian's guidance, they arrived at a valley. The steep cliffs on either side provided only a narrow passage for entry and exit—a perfect defensive location. Liang Tian instructed everyone to find suitable hiding spots and prepare for an ambush against their pursuers.
Before long, faint footsteps echoed in the air. Liang Tian peered through the gaps in the grass and saw a group of people dressed in black attire cautiously making their way toward the valley. Their faces were masked, revealing only cold eyes that emanated a chilling aura.
“These people are definitely not good news; by their appearance, they must be after the Treasure,” Liang Tian whispered to Xiao Zhan beside him. Xiao Zhan clenched his fists. “Brother, let them get a little closer before we show them what we’re made of.”
As the black-clad figures entered the valley, Liang Tian gave the signal, and everyone surged out from all directions. “Who are you? Why are you following us?” Liang Tian shouted loudly, his voice echoing through the valley. The black-clad figures showed no signs of panic upon being discovered; the leader sneered and said, “Hand over the Treasure, and we’ll spare your lives.”
Liang Tian’s heart sank; it was clear that they had indeed come for the Treasure. “If you want the Treasure, let’s see if you have what it takes!” Liang Tian replied fearlessly.
The man in black ceased his chatter and waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to pounce on Liang Tian and the others like phantoms. An intense battle erupted in an instant; the black-clad figures displayed impressive strength and coordinated seamlessly. In no time, the valley was filled with surging spiritual energy, accompanied by shouts of battle.
Xiao Zhan and the King of the Broadsword, Wang Meng, were at the forefront, engaging in close combat with the men in black. Xiao Zhan's punches were fierce and powerful, each strike carrying immense force, while Wang Meng wielded his large blade with a ferocity that sent gusts of wind swirling around him. The flashes of his sword illuminated the scene as several black-clad fighters fell under their assault.
Meanwhile, the disciples of Lingxiao Sect positioned themselves at the back, casting spells that shot beams of light towards the men in black, disrupting their formation. Although Chen Xue was not skilled in combat, she cheered on her companions from the sidelines, keeping a watchful eye on the battlefield and ready to assist anyone who might be injured.
Liang Tian understood well that these men in black had come prepared; achieving victory would not be easy. Gripping his treasure tightly, he unleashed a powerful spell from the celestial realm. Multicolored radiance burst forth from the treasure, illuminating the entire valley. With the enhanced power of the treasure backing him, Liang Tian's spells grew significantly stronger, causing the men in black to struggle against his onslaught.
However, just as the battle reached a fever pitch, the men in black suddenly changed their tactics. No longer fighting individually, they quickly regrouped into a tight defensive formation. This seemingly simple arrangement concealed formidable strength; Liang Tian and his companions' attacks struck it like a drop in the ocean, easily dissipated.
"This is bad; they intend to trap us," Liang Tian realized their intentions and began to devise a counter-strategy in his mind. At this critical moment, whether Liang Tian could lead everyone to break through the encirclement of the men in black and protect the treasure remained uncertain…
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