Dusk fell; Qingrong City lit its lanterns, noise not pausing with nightfall, corners becoming more active. Xiao Qi and Liu Yun, carrying simple packs, crossed the still-crowded streets, heading toward the north city gate where the caravan awaited.
They deliberately avoided main roads, choosing, pace unhurried yet spiritual sense like an spider web, vigilantly perceiving surroundings. The auction's storm wasn't settled; Shadow Snake Pavilion's threat hung like—they couldn't be careless.
However, just as they were about to pass through a short alley connecting two main streets, Xiao Qi's, his gaze, grabbing Liu Yun beside him.
Something's wrong. He lowered his voice; spiritual sense firmly locked onto something on the alley entrance opposite wall.
Liu Yun followed his gaze—on that wall, someone had pasted a striking black notice. The notice material was special, faintly emanating spiritual fluctuations; its words,, outlined a simple profile, though lines, its spirit similar to Xiao Qi! Below the portrait,:
Kill Order: This villain 'Qingmu' maliciously disrupted the auction, forming deadly enmity with our pavilion. Those providing exact whereabouts: ten thousand superior spirit stones reward! Those taking his life, verifying identity: one hundred thousand superior spirit stones, plus a Mystery-rank superior technique!
The seal—no name, just a, serpent eyes, emanating cold malice—Shadow Snake Pavilion's emblem!
Shadow Snake Pavilion actually issued a kill order against Xiao Qi (Qingmu) so quickly, so brazenly!
Ten thousand spirit stones for information; one hundred thousand plus a Mystery-rank technique for his life! This enormous reward!
Occasional cultivators passing the alley entrance saw the black notice,, discussing in low voices, then either hurrying away or eyes darting around—evidently this kill order had spread within a certain.
They actually... Liu Yun,. How dare they?!
The auction—I competed with them at the end, and when they were about to succeed they were intercepted by Tianjizi predecessor—they definitely charged this to my account. Moreover... Xiao Qi's gaze was icy cold. I suspect they may have faintly sensed my spiritual interference, just couldn't confirm, so they're following the.
His heart grew heavy. Shadow Snake Pavilion's move was extremely vicious. They might not be able to confirm Xiao Qi's true identity and background, but this huge bounty immediately placed him in opposition to all Qingrong City's rogue cultivators! From now on, they not only had to guard against Shadow Snake Pavilion's own pursuit, but also constantly every stranger's spying and attacks!
We must leave immediately! Liu Yun, hand already on sword hilt.
Right. Xiao Qi nodded, gaze sweeping that kill order, killing intent surging yet forcibly suppressed. Now wasn't the time for entanglement.
The two stopped taking side streets, instead merging into the denser crowd on main streets, accelerating toward the north gate. However, Shadow Snake Pavilion's movements were faster than they imagined.
Barely two streets away, Xiao Qi acutely sensed spiritual senses, like, them from different directions. These spiritual sense owners' cultivation varied—late Qi Refining stage to early Foundation Establishment—all eyes full of greed and.
Clearly, they'd been recognized! Perhaps the fat innkeeper, perhaps cultivators who'd seen them outside the auction—stimulated by the huge bounty, they sold their whereabouts.
We've been marked. Xiao Qi transmitted to Liu Yun,.
Liu Yun's gaze turned sharp; sword intent rose,: Several trash—dare come deliver themselves to death!
Don't fight recklessly! Xiao Qi. Once engaged, attracting more people, even Shadow Snake Pavilion experts—we won't escape! Accelerate—break through!
Before finishing, both,,, rushing toward the gate.
They want to run!
Stop them! The bounty is ours!
From concealment came several shouts; those their spiritual sense owners immediately appeared—seven or eight people, some leaping from rooftops, some dashing from corners, forming, eyes!
The leader was a scarred, cultivation at peak early Foundation Establishment, holding a ghost-head blade,: Little 'Qingmu,' wise to surrender obediently—grandpa gives you a quick death! Otherwise...
Before finishing, Xiao Qi's eyes,, finger like,,,,!
That sword energy was too fast; the scarred only managed, then clang! He,,, the ghost-head blade even!
One strike! Just one,!
Other surrounding cultivators,. They finally realized— this 'Qingmu' on the kill order was!
Anyone else want to die? Xiao Qi's ice-cold gaze swept across them; Foundation Establishment late stage spiritual pressure unleashed,, mixed with purification source's unique, making those Qi Refining cultivators' legs, even those early Foundation Establishment,.
Seizing this gap, Xiao Qi and Liu Yun moved again, speed, several flashes leaving those cultivators far behind.
But this disturbance had attracted more attention. Streets both sides,—curiosity, shock, more hidden malicious spiritual senses them.
Shadow Snake Pavilion's kill order, like a boulder dropped into Qingrong City, ripples. From now on, every step might face.
Quick! The gate is just ahead! Liu Yun pointed to the gate's familiar outline ahead.
The two, leaving afterimages on the street. Along the way, two more groups of stupid cultivators attempted interception—all crushed by Xiao Qi,,. In such times, was.
Brutal methods temporarily, but Xiao Qi knew—true danger was likely yet to come. Shadow Snake Pavilion would definitely not kill order.
Finally, the north gate was near. Just needed to exit, enter, tracking difficulty would greatly increase.
But just as they were from the gate,, suddenly rose from the gate direction, firmly both!
,, appeared at the gate tunnel's shadow, blocking their path.
Icy killing intent,,.
Silver-Faced Envoy! He actually came personally!