Chapter 60: Sword Five
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Chen Fei unleashed the Fire Vein Sword, a powerful sword technique that he had perfected through relentless training. However, the disparity in realms between Chen Fei and He Yuanqiu was still evident. A single Fire Vein Sword couldn’t bridge that gap unless it was the complete Immortal Cloud Sword Technique and not just a fragmentary Immortal Way.
Despite their equal mastery over their bodies, thanks to the Clear Heart Formula, Chen Fei and He Yuanqiu were evenly matched for now. However, in terms of strength and endurance, Chen Fei was at a disadvantage and would eventually falter.
With another clash of swords, Chen Fei skillfully utilized the force to drift backward, bringing him closer to Xu Zaichuan. Xu Zaichuan’s eyes widened, not due to any movement he made but because he was completely paralyzed. Any attempt to move would rupture the wound on his neck, leading to instant death. No alternative outcome existed.
“How dare you!” He Yuanqiu exclaimed, astonished by Chen Fei’s audacity. He charged toward Chen Fei, but his movements were visible to Chen Fei. Nervousness about Xu Zaichuan had caused He Yuanqiu to exert excessive strength, distorting his otherwise precise technique.
While the Eagle Snatch Technique had been well-controlled in the past, in Chen Fei’s eyes, it appeared less formidable. Sometimes, applying excessive force didn’t guarantee superiority; proper control was paramount.
Stepping back with his right foot, Chen Fei summoned a flash of sword aura before He Yuanqiu’s eyes. Recognizing the familiar move, He Yuanqiu breathed a sigh of relief, assuming it was Chen Fei’s Three Immortal Swords once again. Though this technique was extraordinary, he was prepared to defend against it. However, he underestimated the situation. This single sword strike was far from enough to conquer the world in a single move.
“Chi chi chi!”
…..
The sound of a sword slicing through flesh and bone reverberated. Chen Fei’s long sword effortlessly pierced through He Yuanqiu’s Eagle Snatch Technique, penetrating all the way to his armpit. It was Sword Five, a technique that harnessed pure strength and speed through the combination of the Clear Heart Formula and Immortal Way.
The immense impact shattered He Yuanqiu’s seemingly invincible metal-like palms. He Yuanqiu stared at his arm in disbelief. Although the technique seemed similar, the difference in power between the two was staggering. Before he could utter a word, Chen Fei swiftly swung his sword across He Yuanqiu’s neck, severing his head. He Yuanqiu’s eyes conveyed bewilderment and regret.
Chen Fei took a deep breath, then went to assist Chi Defeng, helping him to his feet. He cast a glance at Xu Zaichuan, who still stood nearby, then turned his attention back to Chi Defeng.
“No need,” Chi Defeng understood Chen Fei’s intention. Chen Fei was asking if he wanted to exact revenge with his own hands. However, Chi Defeng realized that Xu Zaichuan’s existence was now worse than death itself. Though it seemed as if Xu Zaichuan had a chance to live, his precarious situation left his neck in a delicate balance with no possibility of a cure. Moreover, this state of suffering mirrored the torment Xu Zaichuan had inflicted on others in the past. It was as if retribution had finally caught up with him.
Chen Fei nodded, respecting Chi Defeng’s decision. However, he didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he picked up the longbow from the ground and swiftly fired six arrows in succession, each finding its mark within the hall.
Screams filled the air as no one escaped the relentless onslaught. With the exception of Xu Zaichuan, who remained standing, everyone else had been struck down. Before his departure, Chen Fei searched He Yuanqiu’s garments but found no secret manuals.
However, he did discover some banknotes and silver pieces, which left him somewhat disappointed. As for Xu Zaichuan, he wore only a single layer of clothing and had nothing of value on him. Although Chen Fei entertained the idea of looting the mansion, the risks outweighed the benefits. The commotion caused by their presence had already attracted attention. It was only a matter of time before someone arrived. Chen Fei wasn’t willing to take such a gamble.
Taking Chi Defeng back to the rented courtyard, Chen Fei attended to his injuries. Fortunately, apart from the serious thigh wound, most of Chi Defeng’s injuries were superficial. With some rest and recuperation, he should be able to make a full recovery.
“We need to leave Apricot Fen City immediately. It’s no longer safe here,” Chi Defeng said in a deep voice, taking a deep breath.
“I’ve learned from the market that a merchant group will depart from Apricot Fen City in two days. We’ll leave the city a couple of days beforehand and try to join the group midway to Immortal Cloud City,” Chen Fei proposed.
With the leader of the Shallow Water Gang dead, it shouldn’t pose a significant problem. However, Chen Fei had received information about Xu Zaichuan’s father, Xu Wangliang, an expert in the Visceral Tempering realm. Xu Wangliang wielded tremendous influence in Apricot Fen City and had played a crucial role in Xu Zaichuan establishing the Shallow Water Gang.
It would have been impossible for Xu Zaichuan to form a decent gang in Apricot Fen City with just his cultivation base in the Bone Tempering realm. Furthermore, there was Marrow Tempering realm expert He Yuanqiu working under the gang. Xu Wangliang wasn’t the only powerful figure. By destroying the information-selling network, Chen Fei had also drawn the attention of another influential backer. Considering these circumstances, it was imperative for Chen Fei and Chi Defeng to flee Apricot Fen City.
Upon hearing Chen Fei’s plan, Chi Defeng furrowed his brow. “Leaving the city may not be an issue, but joining the merchant group will be difficult. They might secretly inform Apricot Fen City, resulting in pursuit or detention by the group.”
Chen Fei’s expression changed slightly, realizing the gravity of the situation. Xu Wangliang possessed significant power in Apricot Fen City and would undoubtedly launch a manhunt for Chen Fei and his brother. Attempting to join a caravan for safety carried great risks. Pondering the situation, the two fell into silence, contemplating various potential solutions.
“Wait, it seems we don’t have to leave Apricot Fen City,” Chen Fei raised his head and looked at Chi Defeng. “Both of us are in disguise, which is quite conspicuous. However, if we reveal our true appearances in here, what could possibly happen?”
Chi Defeng was taken aback, but he quickly grasped the meaning. While disguises were convenient, they often drew unwanted attention, particularly in a city where indiscriminate searches were being conducted.
It felt as though there was no place for silver in Apricot Fen City. On the other hand, with their original appearances, they would blend into the crowd more effectively. Numerous foreigners were already present in Xing Fen City, awaiting the Xianyun Merchant Band. The number of outsiders residing there was considerable, making it difficult for Xu Wangliang and his cohorts to conduct a thorough search. This was the advantage of operating under the veil of light.
At Xu Zaichuan’s mansion, a figure leaped over the outer wall. Upon witnessing the scene in the courtyard, their expression changed. Relief washed over them when they saw Xu Zaichuan still standing.
“Young Master is unharmed. Hurry, inform the Elder!” One of them rushed off while the rest anxiously surrounded Xu Zaichuan, keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings.
Satisfied that there were no immediate threats, their attention returned to Xu Zaichuan. However, Xu Zaichuan’s eyes were vacant and bloodshot, his feeble breath almost inaudible. A gentle breeze brushed past, causing blood to spurt from Xu Zaichuan’s neck, splattering those in proximity, drenching them completely in warm, red blood..