Chapter 91

Xiao Yan pondered for a moment. Gu Xuyao's tone was ambiguous, and given his naturally suspicious nature, he now sensed that Gu Xuyao must be up to something. Thinking about this, he assessed his own strength compared to Gu Xuyao's, gripped the long sword in his hand, and said, "Of course, young brother, listen to me. Don't resist anymore. Let's find a way to resolve this peacefully, okay?"

Most interactions in the world are like this: both parties harbor their own thoughts, but without exception, they always believe that the card they hold is the trump card.

"Very well, Fellow Daoist, what do you think of this: we both slow down. Since your cultivation is deeper than mine, your flying speed is faster. This way, even if I play any tricks, you can still catch up, right?"

If this matter was to be resolved, one of them had to make a concession. Gu Xuyao's conditions were not excessive, and Xiao Yan did not argue, following what Gu Xuyao said.

Gu Xuyao naturally did not play any tricks, and he also slowed down. The shadows of the trees on both sides gradually slowed.

"Good, Fellow Daoist, it seems you are sincere. Then let's gradually slow down until we stop, okay?"

Xiao Yan responded and began to slow down. Gu Xuyao naturally followed his pace until they both stopped flying and faced each other.

"Fellow Daoist, you are indeed trustworthy. I admire you," Gu Xuyao said with a smile, clasping his fists.

The more confident Xiao Yan became, the more suspicious he felt.

"Then what? I've done everything you asked. Now you should come back with me, right?"

At this point, the distance between them was just enough for both to react and take countermeasures, which was considered a safe distance. As long as they focused on each other, they would not be ambushed.

"Ha, of course. But since we are resolving this, could you please put away the long sword in your hand, Fellow Daoist?"

Gu Xuyao did not hold any weapons, while Xiao Yan had been holding his weapon. It's worth noting that this weapon was different from the flying swords of Dao cultivators. Among cultivators, there were those who enjoyed forging, known as Fire Disciples. The magical treasures they forged were divided into Divine Insight Treasures and Immortal Craft Weapons. As the names suggest, Divine Insight Treasures were exquisite and contained the principles of heaven and earth, generally used by Dao cultivators. Immortal Craft Weapons, on the other hand, were solely for killing, and their full power could not be unleashed by Dao cultivators.

Of course, as magical treasures, they had different ranks. Divine Insight Treasures and Immortal Craft Weapons were just general terms for these two types of treasures. The specific power depended on the cultivation level of the Fire Disciple.

"You're right," Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment but still met Gu Xuyao's request. This Immortal Craft Weapon had been with him for many years, and he could draw it out in an instant.

"Good, Fellow Daoist, you are so straightforward. Now I will come over. I will raise my hands high so you can see that I have nothing in my hands."

As he spoke, Gu Xuyao took steps forward, breaking the safe distance.

One step, two steps, Gu Xuyao truly raised his hands high, with nothing threatening in them.

"Fellow Daoist, I must say, when I am beside you, we will return to Liao Wu Manor together. At that time, I will follow your arrangements, but one point: I must remain absolutely free. You cannot bind or restrict me with Dao techniques."

"It should be so."

After saying this, Gu Xuyao continued to advance. Soon, the distance between them was half the safe distance.

At this moment, Gu Xuyao raised his hands high, with no defense. If Xiao Yan suddenly attacked, there was a 70% chance of success. However, Xiao Yan made no move, and Gu Xuyao continued walking.

After a while, Gu Xuyao was only a few feet away from Xiao Yan, and he still made no move.

At this point, Xiao Yan could no longer hold back. He knew Gu Xuyao would not willingly follow him, and it was better to strike first!

The relationship between cultivators and magical treasures was mutually beneficial. Magical treasures needed powerful cultivators to shine, and cultivators could use magical treasures to gain greater strength. But for a cultivator, their own cultivation was the strongest weapon!

Xiao Yan did not hesitate. Yuan energy surged, and his figure flashed. In the next moment, a heavy punch was already in front of Gu Xuyao!

But Xiao Yan's move was entirely within Gu Xuyao's expectations. As soon as he moved, Gu Xuyao immediately leaned back, and at the same time, his raised hands reached for the Rujia's Hundred Treasure Gourd.

The heavy punch missed, and Xiao Yan reacted quickly, drawing out the Immortal Craft Sword and slashing horizontally, about to split Gu Xuyao in two.

But the bloody scene did not unfold. Instead, a loud explosion erupted from where they stood.

"Boom!"

The explosion was powerful, causing the ground to tremble. It was clear how much energy it contained. But this sudden explosion was not the end. Amidst the smoke, muffled sounds came from within, and soon, a figure was thrown backward, crashing through five trees before stopping!

The person thrown was none other than Xiao Yan, the cultivator with ill intentions who had tried to ambush Gu Xuyao. Now, he was covered in dust, his once neat blue robe tattered, and his body full of injuries. The most severe was the large, charred mark on his left shoulder, clearly caused by lightning!

The dust settled, and the Dizhang Marsh returned to tranquility. Gu Xuyao, though injured, had indeed gained peace. However, his injuries were no less severe than Xiao Yan's.

Knowing his strength was inferior to Xiao Yan's, Gu Xuyao understood that to escape, he had to be ruthless with himself. If he hesitated, he would only put himself at a greater disadvantage. A decisive attack that would leave both of them injured might be his only way out.

This time, Gu Xuyao truly succeeded. The magical treasures in the Dizhang Marsh were not abundant, and Liao Wu Manor's inventory was limited. Gu Xuyao knew this well, so he did not ask for much. Besides the flash talisman and flying sword he had used, he requested explosive talismans, which Liao Wu Manor had in ample supply.

Explosive talismans also had different ranks, but Gu Xuyao was not picky. He took all the explosive talismans. Generally, explosive talismans were rarely used because cultivators had their own Yuan energy. Why use talismans to attack?

So, explosive talismans were usually used for feints or other purposes, but their power was undeniable. Though not overwhelming, they could cause significant damage in large numbers.

Gu Xuyao had planned to expose all his weaknesses and vulnerabilities to lure Xiao Yan into attacking. With the Constant Speed Technique, he was not afraid of sudden speed changes. He had already recited the spell to maintain his speed, and when Xiao Yan attacked, Gu Xuyao reacted immediately.

At that moment, Gu Xuyao detonated all the explosive talismans. Before the explosion, he had summoned the Thunder Armor.

Everything happened in an instant. By the time Xiao Yan reacted, Gu Xuyao's forced attack, despite his own injuries, was already in front of him.

Xiao Yan, who had never faced such a dire situation, was ambushed by Gu Xuyao, whose cultivation was only slightly lower. He could only勉强 resist, and ultimately, he was no match for Gu Xuyao, who sent him flying. This was a reasonable outcome.

"Hiss..." But Gu Xuyao was not in a better state. He was the first to be injured by the explosive talismans, with a large wound on his abdomen, bleeding profusely. Even applying ointment could not stop the bleeding immediately.

But Gu Xuyao could not stop flying. The commotion would surely attract the two cultivators searching for him. Although he had set up five different paths along the way, he would be in danger as long as he remained in the Dizhang Marsh.

Fortunately, luck seemed to be on Gu Xuyao's side. After outsmarting Xiao Yan, there were no more pursuers. As the sun rose and set, Gu Xuyao found himself at the edge of the Dizhang Marsh.

Stopping his flight technique, Gu Xuyao landed on the ground. Beyond the low trees, the ground was no longer a marsh. One more step, and he would leave the Dizhang Marsh.

Taking a deep breath, Gu Xuyao turned back, gazing at the path he had fled, and the Liao Wu Manor, which he could no longer see. He had spent nearly six years there, met many people, and even fell in love with someone.

But from today, everything would start anew. Gu Xuyao did not know if he would ever see Rujia again. The kiss in the morning light might be forever etched in his memory, but it might never be found again.

His head lowered slightly, and he clenched his teeth. Everything he did was for Rujia. He knew he had to leave, but he did not want Rujia to leave the Dizhang Marsh. In the outside world, who knew what she might encounter? And as long as Ruchangming's shadow loomed, Liao Wu Manor would never be at peace. Now, Gu Xuyao had taken on all the sins and injured a cultivator from Lvyanshan Manor. The other side would not dare to touch Liao Wu Manor.

The memories finally faded. The wounds on Gu Xuyao's body had scabbed over and stopped bleeding. He turned and looked at the path ahead, once again using his flight technique to hover in the air. The morning light was warm and comforting.

"Whoosh!"

Just as Gu Xuyao was about to leave the Dizhang Marsh, a whistling sound came from behind. He felt a sudden pain in his neck, which had already healed, and a stream of blood spurted out. At the same time, a rope tightly bound him, immobilizing him!