The cold gleam of blades and swords flickered outside the door, making the swordsman named Chu Hunan's face appear even paler.
A group of bandits dressed in coarse garments with red bands tied to their arms charged out. The leader, with a malevolent face, first turned his head to observe both sides, then carried his sword and stepped slowly into the earth temple.
"Chu Hunan, you dare steal my Sword Manual. Such audacity! Do not blame me for disregarding brotherly ties."
He looked at Chu Hunan lying on the ground, then stared at Chen Yi and his companions, and asked:
"Are the three of you accomplices to this man?"
Before any of the three could respond...
Chu Hunan suddenly shouted:
"They are merely passersby. This matter has nothing to do with them. Do not drag innocent people into it."
At these words, the sword-bearer's gaze grew warier, as he cast a sharp glance at the trio of Chen Yi and his companions.
Chu Hunan continued:
