A moment later, the Tianzong disciple who was cultivating on the sect’s grounds received a transmission.

"Didn’t you want the soul-nurturing wood? I thought about it and can exchange it with you. Leave the town, and I’ll wait for you at the pavilion fifty li outside. Remember, this is a trade, and you can’t bring others!"

The disciple was slightly taken aback. The soul-nurturing wood was invaluable to him. Not long ago, while on a sect mission, he encountered people from the Hall of Soul Annihilation. Although he escaped and was healed with his master’s help, his divine soul was injured. Without treatment, he might never surpass the Earth Martial Realm in this life!

Upon hearing the transmission, the Tianzong disciple hesitated. Why did the other party insist he not tell anyone?

Was it really just for the trade?

What if he intended to rob him?

With some doubts, and for safety’s sake, he informed a few close brothers.

In his view, if the other party genuinely wanted to trade, everything would be fine. If not, and intended to rob him, his brother’s help would avert danger!

Unbeknownst to him, everything was orchestrated by Ye Luo!

Whether soul-nurturing wood or anything else, Ye Luo didn’t care.

Ye Luo’s goal was to create discord, particularly among the four factions!

Because Ye Luo’s ultimate aim was to enter the Star Palace relic.

Only by causing distrust and conflict could Ye Luo find an opportunity!

Due to Ye Luo’s unique past experiences, he believed although others couldn’t enter, he might, but for now, he had no chance to approach the relic!

Ye Luo’s many moves were solely aimed at entering the relic!

Currently, Ye Luo, still masked, stood honestly at the pavilion!

This pavilion offered an excellent view, surrounded by flat land, making it hard for anyone to hide nearby!

On the surface, it seemed Ye Luo was showing sincerity, but in truth, he wanted his next actions to be visible!

Ye Luo didn’t believe that after a reminder not to bring anyone, the Tianzong disciple would foolishly come alone.

All was Ye Luo’s plan!

Ye Luo didn’t wait long; the person finally arrived.

It seemed he was alone indeed, but Ye Luo was convinced someone was watching from afar!

Fifty li?

Not far, with their cultivation, they could reach him in mere breaths.

But the distance was precisely calculated by Ye Luo!

If too far, those hiding wouldn’t see Ye Luo’s actions!

...

"I’m here, as you wanted, I didn’t bring anyone, where’s the soul-nurturing wood? I don’t want to waste time, let’s trade directly!"

Ye Luo waved his hand casually, and a piece of black wood floated mid-air—it was the soul-nurturing wood Ye Luo had obtained!

Since it was identical to what the Tianzong disciple had seen earlier at the central market, he had no doubts!

"It’s indeed the soul-nurturing wood! Exchanging a Nine Apertures Flower and a Nine Apertures Seed for it, any issues? If not, let’s trade!"

Ye Luo nodded; in fact, from the start, he hadn’t spoken.

Why?

This time was different; Ye Luo planned for the person to survive, unlike before.

The person saw Ye Luo nod but didn’t suspect.

To be precise, his mind was entirely on the soul-nurturing wood. Behind him, his brothers were secretly in ambush, so he feared nothing!

Thus, he immediately offered the Nine Apertures Flower and Seed, even taking the initiative with Ye Luo.

Ye Luo’s mouth slightly curled; this guy really cooperated!

With a slight wave, Ye Luo took the Nine Apertures Flower and Seed.

But he made no further moves.

"I’ve given you my items. Now, you should hand over the soul-nurturing wood!"

The Tianzong disciple urged, caring deeply about the wood, so he acted first. Seeing no response, he questioned internally!

However, what happened next surprised him!

Ye Luo shouted fiercely, and instantly, a bizarre force exploded, directly hitting his divine soul!

He was already soul-injured, couldn’t react in time, and simultaneously, Ye Luo’s hand erupted with light.

At the same moment, Ye Luo turned and ran without hesitation!

Boom!

A loud noise resonated, as a terrifying attack struck the Tianzong disciple!

Fortunately, he had activated his Spirit Power Shield, for upon seeing Ye Luo activate his, he prepared!

"You dare trick me!"

The man glared at Ye Luo’s fleeing direction, wanting to chase, but his soul’s violent tremors immobilized him!

Instantly, several figures rushed to the Tianzong disciple; they’d been watching closely.

Originally, they thought the trade would occur smoothly; they never expected a real robbery!

"Third Brother!"

Suddenly, a middle-aged man approached the disciple; they shared the same master, closer than typical brothers!

"Second Brother, help me catch that thief. Damn him, he tricked me!"

"Alright!"

Replying, he immediately chased Ye Luo.

Yet, how could they catch up with Ye Luo!

Ye Luo now reached the Earth Martial Realm, albeit First-Order!

Yet, under the Dragon Soaring Nine Heavens and Divine Talisman Characters, Ye Luo’s speed rivaled even fourth rank, short bursts enough to distance himself!

Moreover, Ye Luo wasn’t his real identity; escaping some distance, he removed his mask, unlikely to be recognized!

Both had previous conflicts at the central market; even with mask and formation obscuring them, Ye Luo didn’t doubt their ability to identify each other’s affiliations!

...

Ultimately, the Tianzong disciples didn’t catch Ye Luo, so they could only return with the deceived brother to the Eastern District!