Chapter 201: Chapter 104: Hall Master Liu’s Contingency

The other three were no slouches, either. Though the fluctuations of their Inner Strength were a notch below, they were all bona fide Dark Energy masters. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

’What a powerful lineup.’

Yang Jing was inwardly shocked.

The strength of these four was actually a cut above the Flying Horse Thieves escorting the silver. The leader, in particular, had an even more potent aura than the bearded chief of the Flying Horse Thieves.

’Who are these people?’

’Are they the Flying Horse Thieves’ backup?’

’Sent to guard against anyone trying to snatch the silver midway?’

As Yang Jing grew wary, he saw the group staring fixedly at the Flying Horse Thieves’ convoy on the mountain path, their eyes filled with undisguised coldness and their fingers creeping toward their weapons in a clear show of hostility.

Yang Jing’s heart stirred. His taut nerves relaxed slightly, and a faint glimmer of joy even sparked within him.

It seemed these people weren’t accomplices of the Flying Horse Thieves.

Though he didn’t know their origins, at least they weren’t his enemies.

At a time like this, having another force capable of tying down the Flying Horse Thieves was undoubtedly a good thing for him. They might even become an unexpected source of help.

He subtly shifted his position, keeping an eye on the group without losing track of the Flying Horse Thieves’ convoy.

Watching the four people to his front-left who were also tracking the Flying Horse Thieves, Yang Jing pondered.

’When exactly did they start tailing them?’

’Did they start from the Black Wind Valley Entrance, or did they only pick up the trail midway?’

Judging by their posture in hiding and their method of concealing their auras, they were clearly quite experienced. Yet, from start to finish, they hadn’t detected him.

Yang Jing glanced down at the fallen leaves under his feet. Not a single one had moved.

Ever since his leg technique broke through to the Dark Energy realm, his Inner Strength could merge with the surrounding airflow as it circulated. His steps were solid, yet it felt as if he were treading on clouds. Not only had his speed increased severalfold, but his ability to conceal his aura had also improved considerably.

If not for this, with the perceptive abilities of the man at the Peak of Dark Energy leading that group, he likely would have been discovered already.

He continued to sneak forward using the trees for cover, his gaze constantly shifting between the Flying Horse Thieves’ convoy and the mysterious group.

He saw the man at the Peak of Dark Energy gripping the iron truncheon at his waist, his knuckles turning white from the force. His eyes were glued to the silver carts on the path, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. He was clearly tempted.

Twice, a wiry man beside him had already drawn the short blade from his waist, waiting only for the command to charge. But both times, the leader slowly shook his head, forcefully restraining the impulse.

Yang Jing’s confusion deepened.

’Just what are their origins?’

If they held a grudge against the Flying Horse Thieves, now would be the perfect time to strike.

The Flying Horse Thieves were encumbered by the heavy silver carts, and their movements were restricted. With four Dark Energy masters, this group had the advantage in strength. A surprise attack would have a high chance of success.

Yet they hesitated, clearly holding back for some reason.

’Could it be a case of greed? Did they see the seven carts filled with silver ingots and decide to rob the robbers?’

’Or... could they be the help Hall Master Liu hired?’

The thought flashed through Yang Jing’s mind.

It was perfectly reasonable for Hall Master Liu to seek help from all quarters to save his son.

However, judging by their attire and aura, they seemed more like rugged wanderers of the Jianghu—completely different from the merchants and martial artists the Liu Family Medical Hall usually dealt with.

Yang Jing frowned, temporarily pushing aside his speculations.

No matter their origins, as long as they posed no threat to him, he could ignore them for now.

The priority was to follow the convoy to the Flying Horse Thieves’ lair and confirm Senior Brother Liu’s safety.

He took a deep breath, his figure once again blurring into an afterimage as he shot forward without a sound.

Suddenly, Yang Jing’s figure came to an abrupt halt. He looked ahead on the mountain path, and his expression changed drastically.