Supreme Sword Exalt

In a flash, Instructor Yu’s ruthless palm strike landed right in front of Gu Han. Gu Han, whose guard was up, drew his sword and blocked the strike.

Clang!

A metallic ring echoed.

Instructor Yu’s palm landed squarely on the blade. Nevertheless, the immensely powerful spirit power slammed into Gu Han, sending him flying. A mouthful of blood sprayed out as countless of his bones shattered. Moments later, he crashed heavily to the ground.

“Is he dead?”

“Duh! With Instructor Yu’s cultivation level, of course he’s dead!”

By now, the commotion had drawn a crowd. Despite being intimidated by Instructor Yu’s ferocity, they still watched the spectacle from afar.

“That guy... I think I know him!”

“You know him? Who is he?”

“The one who made Liu... ahem Young Master Liu embarrassed!”

“It’s him!”

“What’s his background? How bold of him... First, he offended Young Master Liu, and now Instructor Yu?”

“Huh? He’s not dead!” someone shouted.

The crowd’s eyes snapped to Gu Han. Not far away, Gu Han leaned on his sword, swaying as he stood. He was bloodsoaked and seemed miserable, yet his gaze was unnervingly sharp.

The crowd was stunned.

“Damn!”

“He’s really alive!”

“Instructor Yu is a Spirit Profound expert! How did he survive that strike? This kid’s something else!”

Someone sighed. “What a shame. No matter how talented he is, he won’t survive a second strike!”

“Watch your words! Instructor Yu is still here!”

The murmurs died down under Instructor Yu’s cold gaze.

Instructor Yu’s voice was icy as he advanced step by step. “The young man you killed was the Yu family’s last male heir! Do you know how much effort and resources my elder brother and I poured into raising him? I’ll make you pay for killing him with your life!”

Gu Han wiped the blood from his face. “How am I supposed to know?! He tried to kill me, so I killed him! Only an idiot wouldn’t understand such a basic principle!”

Instructor Yu nodded. “Good. You’ll die here then.”

Gu Han took a deep breath and raised his sword. “Die? Then... today, we fight to the death!”

The crowd felt mixed emotions. Regardless of anything else, facing death without fear, still ready for a desperate fight, just this courage alone put him above 95% of people. What a pity.

“Then I’ll grant your wish!”

Instructor Yu didn’t hesitate. Spirit power surged around him, forming a faint glow over his body.

Hmm?

Suddenly, Gu Han’s eyes lit up as if he’d spotted something. “Manager Murong, you’re here?”

Damn it! Hearing that name, Instructor Yu’s heart skipped a beat. His spirit power faltered as he instinctively turned to look.

Murong Chuan...

The pressure he exuded was far too great. However, there was no one behind him. By the time he turned back, Gu Han had already fled far into the distance, moving with such speed that no one would believe he was on the verge of death.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances.

He... ran?

Isn’t he supposed to be dying?

How is he still so lively? And what happened to the whole “fight to death” act?

This kid is not an honorable man!

Instructor Yu’s face darkened. “You dare to run? Time to die.”

He shot forward in pursuit.

***

On the street, Gu Han moved at an unbelievable speed, nearly leaving afterimages in his wake. Although Instructor Yu’s strike had shattered his bones and ravaged his organs, his bizarre meridians remained unharmed, allowing him to maintain peak combat strength. Of course, pushing his spirit power so recklessly worsened his injuries.

He coughed up blood as he ran, barely holding together. Behind him, Instructor Yu was closing in fast. Gritting his teeth, Gu Han channeled even more power into his legs, speeding up.

His destination was the city gates. As for the inn, there was no way he could return. Whether intentional or not, Instructor Yu had blocked his path back the moment he appeared.

Thank god!

He felt a sliver of relief that he hadn’t brought Ah Sha along. Otherwise, today would’ve been an inescapable death sentence.

Suddenly, someone called out ahead, “Well, well! Brother, it’s only been a few days. How’d you end up in such a sorry state?”

Hmm? Glancing over, Gu Han immediately spotted the extremely conspicuous fatty in the crowd, grinning.

“You!”

The fatty crossed his arms, thoroughly enjoying the sight. “That’s right, it’s me, the fatty! Never thought I’d see the day! Hahaha! The heavens are just. Serves you right. Let’s see how you act tough now—”

Gu Han suddenly screamed. “Fatty! The truth about that day’s out! Run!”

His voice echoed across half the street, reaching Instructor Yu’s ears.

Holy shit... Although the fatty didn’t understand the situation, a bad premonition gripped his heart.

Sure enough, Instructor Yu’s murderous gaze locked onto him. “You helped kill my nephew as well?”

The fatty’s face paled as he hurried to explain, “Don’t listen to his nonsense! I don’t even know your nephew—”

Gu Han’s voice carried over again. “Fatty, Stop lying! Run for your life! He’s already investigated everything! Someone saw us that day!”

Upon hearing this, the fatty’s heart sank. He wanted to slap himself. Why did I have to provoke this black-hearted bastard while watching the show? I’m screwed!

Instructor Yu’s killing intent fixated on the fatty. “If you’re involved, then you’ll die too!”

Fearing collateral damage, the spectators scattered instantly, leaving the fatty alone.

The fatty tested his luck one last time. “Y-you’re not seriously buying this, are you?”

“Better to kill the wrong than let one go!”

The fatty exploded. “Motherfucker! Are you braindead?! You’ll believe anything he says? If he called me your daddy, would you believe that too?”

Instructor Yu’s response was a full-powered strike.

“Damn it!” Seeing no escape, the fatty gritted his teeth. His spirit power surged as a faint golden light enveloped his body. “I will fight you to the—AAH!”

Mid-sentence, he let out a bloodcurdling scream as he was sent flying. Whether due to his bulk, or the golden light, when he hit the ground, he even bounced a couple of times.

Before Instructor Yu could strike again, the fatty sprang up like nothing happened and bolted after Gu Han.

The crowd was dumbfounded. Again? How?!

They stole glances at Instructor Yu. Could it be... his Spirit Profound realm is fake?

Instructor Yu’s expression grew even uglier. At his stage, a full-power strike should’ve turned a Meridian Opening cultivator into paste. However, not only were Gu Han and the fatty alive, they were outrunning him. Sure, it was partly because Murong Chuan injured him a few days ago, but he still couldn’t accept this outcome.

Not only did his nephew’s death remain unavenged, his dignity was also trampled. Either reason alone fueled his killing intent to new heights. Without hesitation, he vanished in a series of afterimages, leaving only a chilling threat behind.

“I won’t let any of you go.”

***

Meanwhile, outside the city gates...

Looking at the familiar city walls, the seventh prince, Jiang Feng, couldn’t hide his excitement.

“I’m back! I have returned!”

When he’d left, he’d been afflicted with Extreme Cold Disease. His days were numbered, his spirit was broken. In fact, that was the reason he’d fled the imperial capital for Tianwu City.

Now, after returning, he’d officially stepped onto the path of cultivation. He was progressing rapidly and even gained a special physique that others envied. His future was limitless. Due to the stark contrast, even his usually composed self became emotional.

Beside him, Chief Steward Li smiled warmly. He’d watched Jiang Feng grow up. For over twenty years, the prince had been somber, rarely smiling. It was nothing like the joy and ease he showed today.

“Given time, Your Highness will surely become the top genius among Great Qi’s younger generation!”

Jiang Feng laughed. “Top genius? With him around, how could that title ever be mine? And let’s not forget Brother Gu!”

For once, Chief Steward Li didn’t argue. Gu Han had casually handed over a Heaven-tier technique—a testament to his incredible fortune and talent. Moreover, Jiang Feng’s newfound vigor was all thanks to him. The steward’s resentment toward him had lessened considerably.

Jiang Feng frowned slightly. “Speaking of which, Brother Gu left before us. He might’ve run into that beast riot earlier. I hope he’s alright.”

Chief Steward Li coughed. “Your Highness need not worry. That... ahem Young Master Gu is... ahem resourceful and formidable. He’ll be fine.”

Honestly, if he wasn’t afraid of how Jiang Feng would react, he’d say “shameless” and “cunning.”

Jiang Feng chuckled. “True. I was overthinking. Brother Gu acts with wisdom beyond his years. How could he possibly be in danger?”

Suddenly, Chief Steward Li’s expression twisted as if he’d seen something unbelievable. “Y-Your Highness, I... think I see him!”

His cultivation level far surpassed Jiang Feng’s, so he could make out the distant commotion.

Jiang Feng was confused. “Who? Brother Gu? What a coincidence! It really is him! Hahaha! It really is Brother Gu! What’s he doing here? Is he leaving the city?”

Chief Steward Li’s lips twitched. “He... he’s being chased...”