"Looks like everyone's here!"
Zhao Ya's gaze swept over Fu Tingyuan and these Gu Masters of the Refining World Sect, speaking calmly.
Wherever his gaze landed, even Fu Tingyuan felt his scalp tingle and his heart tremble.
Such strong presence.
It seems this young man is not an ordinary half-step Fifth Realm, but a top expert who has dispelled blood poison and internal toxins.
The more it was like this, the more puzzled Fu Tingyuan became.
He considered that he had managed Cyan Bamboo Ridge for many years, though his reputation shook Wuxiang City and the surrounding areas, he always acted very cautiously, never provoking Martial Artists of the Fourth Realm and above without reason.
So who exactly is this young man?
While lost in thought, the Golden Silkworm Gu Master from the Refining World Sect couldn't hold back, asking, "Who exactly are you? Was it you who killed Fu Tingfang and Huo Tianxiao and the others?"
Although the Golden Silkworm Gu Master didn't recognize Zhao Ya, with a little thought, he could guess that this young man was definitely related to the recent events, and quite possibly the mastermind behind them.
Zhao Ya didn't hide it, nodding slightly, "Yes, it was me!"
Upon hearing this, Fu Tingyuan's body shook tremendously, and a fierce light erupted in his eyes.
"Why did you kill my sister?"
"It's simple, because she repeatedly hunted me down before; this was just a mutual retaliation."
Then Zhao Ya smiled at Fu Tingyuan, "Forgot to tell you, my name is Zhao Ya!"
Zhao Ya!
Upon hearing this name, Fu Tingyuan felt it was somewhat familiar. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly remembered that after the chaotic battle between the three families, Zhan Feng returned injured, with even one eye blinded by someone.
At the time, he asked what happened, and Zhan Feng said it was a plot by someone named Zhao Ya.
Back then, Fu Tingyuan had ordered a manhunt for Zhao Ya, but later, as no results came, the matter was dropped.
Later, Fu Tingyuan became absorbed in cultivation, indifferent to external affairs, and the name gradually faded from his memory.
But unexpectedly, this young man reappeared after more than a year, accomplishing so much in secret, even killing his sister.
Thinking of this, Fu Tingyuan was furious.
"Alright, Zhao Ya, is it? I'll remember this name; this vendetta will be avenged!"
With that, Fu Tingyuan retreated instead of advancing, swiftly heading towards the outskirts of Cyan Bamboo Ridge.
He saw it clearly.
The Cyan Bamboo Ridge was certainly doomed, but as long as he remained alive, there was a chance of rising again.
Once he cures the poison within him, it will be the end for these people.
Unfortunately.
As optimistic as he was, reality was rather cruel.
How could Zhao Ya let him leave?
Almost at the moment Fu Tingyuan rose, Zhao Ya, swift as lightning, rushed forward and raised his hand to strike a blow.
The blade struck like the wind, aiming directly at Fu Tingyuan's throat and blocking all his retreat.
Helplessly, Fu Tingyuan had to halt his steps, raise the soft sword in his hand, and fight Zhao Ya.
As the battle began, Zhao Ya realized that Fu Tingyuan's swordsmanship was incredibly skilled, no wonder Fu Tingfang also used a sword, surely taught by him.
But while Fu Tingyuan's swordsmanship was high, Zhao Ya's blade technique was not inferior.
Especially with Fu Tingyuan poisoned, lacking strength; within a few exchanges, Zhao Ya forced him into a difficult situation, unable to defend.
Witnessing this scene, everyone present was astounded.
Fu Tingyuan's strength had left a deep impression in their hearts.
In their view, aside from the Fifth Realm Martial Artists, no one could challenge the Great Village Chief.
Yet now he was being chased sweat-covered, unable to defend against this shockingly young boy.
Even though Fu Tingyuan was poisoned, it was still enough to astonish them.
Meanwhile, the mine slaves who charged out alongside Zhao Ya displayed expressions of joy.
Earlier, many were terrified.
Most acted impulsively, following Zhao Ya out of the mine.
But upon reaching outside and seeing the Refining World Sect and Cyan Bamboo Ridge members who had captured them, their zeal vanished, causing many to feel fearful.
If Zhao Ya hadn't collapsed the mine pit, they might secretly creep back to continue their enslaved life.
Yet seeing Zhao Ya's mighty display, defeating the once-unattainable Great Village Chief of Cyan Bamboo Ridge, relieved their hearts.
Hong Xu watched amidst the crowd.
At this moment, his heart was filled with emotion.
The once ordinary young boy had already grown into someone he could only look up to.
Even his life was saved by him.
Thinking of this, Hong Xu discreetly picked up a knife from a nearby corpse, preparing to face the enemy.
Never mind the mine pit Zhao Ya had bombed; even if he hadn't, he would never return to that dark life.
At worst, he'd die, but Hong Xu was willing to risk it all.
Having resolved to fight to the death, Yang Sansi nearby had a changeable expression, glancing around to make sure no one noticed him, and then quietly retreated to a nearby hillside.
Despite his sons' deaths, Yang Sansi had no desire to perish.
Because he hadn't lived enough yet!
In his view, since they'd already escaped the mine, only a fool would linger; he should quickly escape while unnoticed, rather than truly going to war with Zhao Ya?
No more nonsense!
He still wanted to live a few more years.