Chapter 297: Chapter 171: Body Forging, Auction, The Virtue of a Gentleman

Xiao Chen soon passed by a valley.

He clearly sensed a massive surge of Spiritual Qi from within—a clear sign of a battle between Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

At first, he was a little curious about who was fighting.

However, a sweep of his Divine Sense revealed a maddened Foundation Establishment Spirit Beast and a female Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

Both were at the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment, but it was clear the female cultivator was outmatched and losing ground.

In reality, to make her performance more convincing...

Han Ziyan had deliberately taken three of the Black-backed Ape’s smashing blows head-on, even though she could have easily dodged them. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

As a result, her Qi Blood was in turmoil, her Spiritual Power was chaotic, her breathing was ragged, and her face was pale.

From a distance, her act looked more genuine than gold.

This was a trap she had laid specifically for Xiao Chen.

A beautiful, graceful woman being attacked by a crazed Demon Beast—her situation looked perilous.

She believed that any decent Cultivator would be willing to lend a hand.

Of course, there was always the risk of someone trying to take advantage of the crisis, but according to their intelligence, Xiao Chen wasn’t that kind of person.

And indeed, he was just about to step in and save her.

Dealing with the Black-backed Ape would only take a single swing of his sword. He could chalk it up as his good deed for the day.

However, just as Xiao Chen was about to act, another figure suddenly shot out from the side.

The figure rushed into the valley ahead of him, planting himself in front of Han Ziyan.

"Don’t be afraid, miss! I’m here to save you!"

?

Han Ziyan was completely stunned. ’Who the hell are you?!’

’Wait, where are my partners?’

’Wasn’t anyone supposed to stop you?’

A plan like this naturally required accomplices working in the shadows. They were stationed along the paths leading to both sides of the valley, their job being to delay any Cultivators capable of intervening.

However, the Divine Fire Sect’s manpower was limited.

Therefore, their list of targets to intercept didn’t include seventh-level Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

The reasoning was simple: a normal seventh-level Foundation Establishment Cultivator wouldn’t dare interfere in a battle between those at the Great Perfection stage, even if they happened to pass by.

There was nothing wrong with their logic, of course.

But the problem was, there really was a reckless youth who dared to face a berserk Black-backed Ape with only the strength of the seventh level of Foundation Establishment.

Han Ziyan had estimated that Xiao Chen should be passing by at any moment.

She quickly urged, "Fellow Cultivator, get back! Don’t be reckless!"

But his reply was a calm smile in the face of danger and a resolute declaration. "Don’t you worry, miss. As long as I’m here, I’ll keep you safe!"

As he spoke, he raised his Magic Shield to block the Black-backed Ape’s fist.

The immense force sent him flying backward, but he immediately charged forward again.

Han Ziyan was exasperated. "You... you don’t have to push yourself like this just to help me."

But her only answer was the sight of his determined back. "No. As long as I, Ye Fei, am here, no one will be able to harm you."

That’s right. The newcomer was none other than Ye Fei, who hadn’t been seen in a long time.

He had heard that an auction was being held at Xianghe Market, and as it happened, he had quite a few items he needed to sell.

So, he had rushed over three days prior and had even acquired a new Spiritual Object at the auction.

However, due to the competition, he had also offended a nearby Foundation Establishment family.

He had therefore stayed an extra day in the Marketplace, using its "no fighting" rule to pull off a clean getaway.

To ensure no one was tailing him, he had even taken a different route, planning to detour around Elemental Magnetic Peak on his way back to the front lines.

He hadn’t expected that along the way, he would see a beautiful damsel in distress.

At a time like this, Ye Fei, the Flower Guardian, couldn’t possibly stand idly by.

Without a second thought, he let out a great shout and leaped out, ready to play the hero saving the damsel.

Upon seeing Ye Fei appear, Xiao Chen decisively sheathed his already-drawn Flying Sword.

’This is a done deal.’

Unlike Han Ziyan, who looked frantic with worry, Xiao Chen had complete faith in Ye Fei’s strength.

’That Black-backed Ape might seem to be in a high Realm, but it’s all empty power. Useless.’

’Since Junior Brother Ye has stepped up, there’s no need for me to steal his thunder.’

’A gentleman helps others fulfill their wishes.’

’Gotta help Ye Fei create an opportunity, right?’

Xiao Chen offered a silent blessing in his heart and quietly departed, leaving not so much as a cloud behind.