His words carried an air of authority that brooked no argument. Coupled with his fearsome reputation, the crowd sullenly dispersed. Soon, the area around the tea shed quieted down.

Xiang Jiarem then pulled his granddaughter, Xiang Xiaoling, forward to once again bid a solemn farewell to Chen Qing. "Chief Chen, words cannot express my gratitude. I must take my granddaughter to Lin’an Prefecture to visit a friend, so we will take our leave. If you ever have need of me in the future, you can leave a message at Huichun Hall in Lin’an Prefecture."

Xiang Xiaoling also bowed politely again.

Chen Qing clasped his fists in return and smiled faintly. "Safe travels."

As he watched the figures of the Xiang Family pair disappear at the end of the mountain path, the smile on Miao Zhicheng’s face grew even more enthusiastic. He took a few steps forward, his voice earnest. "Brother Chen, it’s true that we wouldn’t have known each other if we hadn’t fought. After our exchange just now, I am truly impressed! I have other matters to attend to today, so I’ll take my leave. Until we meet again."

His tone was effusive, as if he truly felt they were kindred spirits who had met too late.

But to Chen Qing’s eyes, the whole act seemed far too amateurish.

’I’ll add this to my list and deal with it later.’

Chen Qing sneered inwardly, but his expression remained gentle as he nodded along. "Alright. Until we meet again."

Miao Zhicheng turned and left. He forced himself to walk until he was out of Chen Qing’s line of sight. The moment he rounded a mountain ridge, the feigned, hearty smile on his face vanished without a trace.

"Cough... PTOO!"

He could no longer hold it in. With a sharp cough, he spat out a small mouthful of congealed blood, his face growing even paler.

He quickly pressed several acupoints to suppress his injuries, but he couldn’t hide the shocked anger and lingering fear in his eyes.

’What terrifying Spear Technique! What immense Power!’

He recalled their final, direct clash, and his arm still tingled with numbness. ’That Spear Technique is truly unfathomable! And his Horizontal Training... he actually withstood my Soul Shriek... This Chen Qing, he’s hidden his abilities so well!’

He didn’t dare linger for a moment, let alone return the way he came.

Miao Zhicheng was naturally suspicious and cautious. Though he had verbally conceded defeat, he refused to believe Chen Qing would let him leave so easily. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

He suspected Chen Qing was merely feigning magnanimity and would secretly tail him, find a secluded place, and kill him to steal his treasure.

After all, if he were in Chen Qing’s shoes, that’s very likely what he would do.

’I have to guard against him giving chase!’

Enduring the sharp pain, Miao Zhicheng abruptly changed direction. He abandoned the relatively easy-to-travel main road and plunged without hesitation into the dense, overgrown mountain forest at its side.

He used the forest’s complex terrain and vegetation to cover his tracks and bloodstains, deliberately picking difficult trails and even trackless, steep slopes. He didn’t hesitate to expend what little True Qi he had left to use his Light Body Technique.

He raced onward until he was deep in the heart of the mountain forest. Only after confirming there were absolutely no signs of anyone tracking him did he finally lean against an ancient tree, panting heavily.

’A direct confrontation is definitely not a good idea...’

He calmly assessed the situation, arriving at a conclusion that was bitter but undeniable. ’I’m not his match right now.’

’But just let it go like this?’

’Absolutely not!’

’If I can’t repay today’s humiliation a hundredfold!’

’How will I, Miao Zhicheng, ever be able to show my face in Lin’an Prefecture again?’

’This unresolved grievance could even affect my future progress in Martial Arts!’

’Chen Qing!’

A venomous glint flashed in Miao Zhicheng’s eyes. ’Once I advance my strength and break through to the Astral Force realm, I’ll eliminate that kid in secret.’

.....

Seeing Miao Zhicheng depart, Luo Wei strode forward, clasped his fists, and said with a laugh, "Chief Chen, your Cultivation is profound. It was a real eye-opener. I’m truly impressed!"

With his veteran eyes, he had seen long ago that Miao Zhicheng was no match for Chen Qing. Their recent bout was simply the other man’s way of retreating after realizing he was outmatched.

Chen Qing smiled faintly and returned the salute. "Luo the Leader of the Escort, you flatter me. It was just a stroke of luck."

Luo Wei lowered his voice. "Chief Chen, you must be here hunting the remnants of the Zhu Family as well. As it happens, I’ve gotten my hands on some news."

Chen Qing’s interest was piqued. As the Chief of the Escort Agency for the Debao Escort Agency, Luo Wei had traveled the Jianghu for years; the intelligence he possessed was bound to be more comprehensive than what Chen Qing had from just following a few leads.

He kept his expression impassive and nodded. "Chief Luo, please continue."

Seeing his chance, Luo Wei immediately lowered his voice. "Chief Chen, according to a reliable source I have, that old fox Zhu Yi going to Lin’an Prefecture is just a diversion! He’s long since used a Secret Technique to disguise his face and may have even used bone-shrinking to alter his build. His true intention is to take the southern waterway from Black Water Pier and head east!"

"East?"

Chen Qing frowned slightly.

Fenghua Path bordered the sea to the east. The waters were vast and dotted with islands, trade was brisk, and the sea routes were innumerable. Once someone took to the sea, tracking them would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

"That’s right!"

Luo Wei affirmed. "And what’s more, rumor has it that in addition to his family’s accumulated fortune and the partial manuscript of the Thick Earth Treasure Technique, the old fellow is also carrying another treasure—an Earth Essence Marrow Pearl!"

"An Earth Essence Marrow Pearl?"

Chen Qing’s eyes narrowed.

He had heard of this item. It was said to be an Exotic Treasure formed from the condensation of Earth Essence Qi, containing incredibly pure Earth Element Elemental Power. For a Martial Artist who practices an Earth Attribute Technique, it was a priceless treasure.

If worn for a long time, it could not only accelerate one’s Cultivation but also subtly purify their True Qi and solidify their foundation. Its value was inestimable.

"Once the news got out, we weren’t the only ones to hear the call. As far as I know, plenty of masters are already on their way to Black Water Pier," Luo Wei added, his expression growing serious.

Chen Qing glanced at him, his tone even. "Chief Luo, why are you sharing this information with me?"

’There’s no such thing as a free lunch. For Luo Wei to be this helpful, he must be after something.’

Luo Wei straightened up slightly, a worldly look on his face. "Chief Chen is a straightforward man, so I won’t beat around the bush. The waves of the Jianghu are treacherous; it’s always better to build a bridge than a wall. After witnessing your strength and character today, Chief Chen, I sincerely wish to foster a good relationship."

"My Debao Escort Agency travels all over, relying on having many friends and timely information. I’m telling you this today, Chief Chen, in the hopes that when my Escort Agency passes through Yunlin Prefecture in the future, you or your faction might offer us some convenience. Looking out for each other is much better than crossing blades, wouldn’t you agree?"

Chen Qing nodded. The Leader of the Escort’s words were practical.

’Forging a good relationship with him today could certainly be useful in the future.’

Chen Qing said calmly, "What you say, Chief Luo, is reasonable."

Seeing Chen Qing’s attitude soften, Luo Wei’s smile broadened. He then clasped his fists in a more formal manner. "In that case, I won’t stay any longer. There are still matters at the Escort Agency that need my attention. Chief Chen, should you ever have goods that need the Debao Escort Agency’s protection, or have any other use for me, you can find me at our agency in the Prefecture City. Farewell!"

He exchanged a few more pleasantries with Chen Qing, then clasped his fists in farewell and quickly vanished down the road.

......