Only when the figures of the three of them disappeared did Zhao Ya finally release the hand that had been holding back Shen Yunshen.
Shen Yunshen was burning with anger, "Ya, why didn’t you let me chase them?"
"Because it’s pointless." Zhao Ya explained, then let out a sigh.
"Elder Shen, I know you’re frustrated, feeling tricked by this Ye Xunhuan, but the thing he’s holding is indeed very formidable. If you rashly chase after him, what if you encounter danger?"
Shen Yunshen was still somewhat unconvinced, "I admit that thing is indeed quite formidable, but it might not necessarily harm me."
"Besides, after he made that move just now, he was inactive for quite a while, which proves that the firing interval of that thing is very long. If we pursue now, maybe we can kill him."
Zhao Ya had actually noticed the point Shen Yunshen made long ago.
Although he didn’t know what kind of "black technology" Ye Xunhuan’s gun used to have such great power.
But its firing interval is evidently very long. Otherwise, just moments ago, he wouldn’t have needed to waste words or flee; he could have just raised the gun and shot.
At that moment, we would have been the ones to flee.
"I understand what you mean, but still, there’s no point!"
"Anyway, the conspiracy of the Separation Tower and North Canglong has already been thwarted. Luo Congkuan is dead; whether to kill Ye Xunhuan or not isn’t worth taking such a big risk for."
Zhao Ya didn’t reveal that he had recruited Wu Bao’Er as an informant.
It’s not that he didn’t trust Shen Yunshen, but the fewer people who know about such matters, the better.
Shen Yunshen also knew that Zhao Ya was telling the truth. He was just annoyed and embarrassed due to Ye Xunhuan’s escape.
"Hmph, he got lucky this time. Next time I see him, I’ll definitely tear his head off." Shen Yunshen said angrily.
Zhao Ya smiled, knowing Elder Shen valued face, and thus agreed.
"Alright, I won’t stop you then."
Finishing up, Zhao Ya didn’t hurry to leave but instead went to the wall.
This wall should be considered the most well-preserved wall in this ruined temple.
There were still exquisite depictions of divine statues on it, just dulled by years of neglect and damage.
But at this moment, there was a large bowl-sized hole in the middle of these images.
Zhao Ya reached out and gently caressed the edge of the large hole, feeling it very smooth and somewhat hot to the touch.
Looking through this hole to the outside, there were obvious marks on a large tree, which made Zhao Ya’s expression become serious.
Because the power of this gun was simply too great.
No matter how much Zhao Ya thought, he couldn’t figure out what kind of gunpowder could achieve such power.
Also considering the similarly powerful Thunder Bomb that Wu Bao’Er had thrown by the river before.
Zhao Ya was deep in thought, then asked Shen Yunshen.
"Have you seen any similar hidden weapons before?"
Zhao Ya didn’t use the word "gun" but referred to it as a hidden weapon.
Shen Yunshen shook his head, "No, there are many hidden weapons made from gunpowder, but most are quite weak. This is the first time I’ve seen one this powerful."
"Do you know if there’s any sect or organization outside the world that specializes in researching gunpowder?" Zhao Ya asked.
Shen Yunshen smiled bitterly, "Didn’t I just say, gunpowder can be used for fireworks, but when made into weapons, it’s usually weak, so no one typically researches it."
"If someone could achieve the power of Ye Xunhuan’s hidden weapon, who would still bother with arduous Martial Dao cultivation? Everyone would be playing with gunpowder."
Zhao Ya smiled bitterly at these words.
It seems that people in this world are yet to realize just how terrifying gunpowder truly is.
But it’s not surprising to have such thoughts, considering that gunpowder now is all primitive black powder, with average ignition and power.
Thinking of this, Zhao Ya glanced again at the large hole in the wall.
So, what kind of gunpowder did Ye Xunhuan’s gun use?
It seems necessary to quickly have Wu Bao’Er investigate the details.
Zhao Ya searched around the ruined temple again, finding no valuable clues, so he and Shen Yunshen returned to the forest.
At this time, under the leadership of Qin Jianji, the disciples had cleaned up the battlefield.
The corpses from the Separation Tower and North Canglong were buried together.
Despite the heavy casualties, for the vast land, it was just a small mound.
Their own fallen were wrapped in clean cloth and respectfully carried back for burial.
The wounded received proper treatment.
Zhao Ya assigned some people to guard the forest.
Although the chances that people from the Separation Tower or North Canglong would strike again soon were slim.
Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry, as caution never harms.
After everything was arranged, Zhao Ya and Shen Yunshen returned to the Azure Dragon Temple.
Guan Xuejiang and the elders staying at the temple had already heard the news, and they all came to the temple gate to welcome them.
When they saw everyone soaked by rain, Guan Xuejiang was quite touched.
"Thank you all for your hard work. Hot water and clean clothes are ready. Please go change and then eat and rest in the dining hall."
Guan Xuejiang knew everyone was exhausted, so he didn’t say a word more than necessary.
Immediately, someone led the disciples inside, where changing clothes was a given.
Zhao Ya, Shen Yunshen, and Qin Jianji went with Guan Xuejiang to the main hall.
Zhao Ya then recounted the events in detail.
Guan Xuejiang listened attentively, even though disciples relayed messages to Azure Dragon Temple throughout, it’s never as detailed as Zhao Ya’s account.
When Zhao Ya mentioned that he decapitated Luo Congkuan with one swift strike, Qin Jianji placed a package on the table, and inside was Luo Congkuan’s head.
Seeing the grimacing, ferocious severed head, Guan Xuejiang could not help but sigh.
"Luo Congkuan, you were a hero all your life. When you rebelled against Azure Dragon Temple, you were so spirited. Who would have thought you’d meet your end here?"
Guo Luming, sitting by the side, took a deep look at Zhao Ya.
He knew Luo Congkuan’s strength, though not as good as Shen Yunshen, it was comparable to Qin Jianji.
The fact that Zhao Ya killed him with one stroke implies his strength now is at least on par with Qin Jianji.
Such growth speed...
Even Guo Luming could not help but be amazed.
Then Zhao Ya continued his account, mentioning how he and Shen Yunshen pursued Ye Xunhuan but he escaped using a firearm.
Guan Xuejiang and Guo Luming exchanged a glance, both looking solemn.
"Senior brother, have you ever heard of such powerful firearms as described by Ya?" Guan Xuejiang asked.
Guo Luming shook his head, "I’ve heard of firearms, of course, but firearms as powerful as what Ya described is something I’ve never heard of."
"It seems this Separation Tower is not simple," Guan Xuejiang sighed, then temporarily put the matter aside.
"Ya, Yunshen, and Jianji, you three have worked hard this time. Go eat something and rest, we’ll talk tomorrow."
"Yes!"
The three left the main hall, changed clothes, and went to the dining hall.
It was very lively there.
The dining hall had been notified and had prepared a sumptuous meal in advance, even bringing out rare good wine.
When Zhao Ya and the others arrived, the place was already full of hustle and bustle, littered with dishes and wine cups.
Tian Yixin was in the center, enthusiastically recounting the day’s battle.
"Hey, you didn’t see it. When Junior Brother Ya seized the mechanical crossbow from the Separation Tower’s assassins, he nearly ended that old bastard Luo Congkuan’s life from a hundred paces."
"Later, Junior Brother Ya charged into the battlefield with a blade, and wherever he went, heads fell along with flashes of his blade."
"When Luo Congkuan saw the tide turning against him and tried to flee, guess what happened!
"What happened?" An impatient disciple asked.
"Haha, Junior Brother Ya leapt after him and took his head with one strike," Tian Yixin said proudly.
Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar.