"I never expected this woman to have such innate talent."
Xu Chuan's emotions were complex.
On one hand, he was annoyed by the obvious disparity between people.
On the other hand, the opportunities surrounding this woman were incredibly enticing.
Just from the introduction, he knew how powerful this opportunity was: the Phoenix Legacy.
Even if he couldn't obtain the legacy, simply befriending this woman would bring him blessings of fortune and the favor of the heavens.
Not to mention, she possessed the Ice Muscle Jade Bone physique, which would further enhance his cultivation speed if they became Dao companions.
He had previously cultivated the Xuan Yang Art, transforming his own physique into the Great Sun physique, filled with potent Yang energy.
While not an overwhelmingly powerful physique, it was precisely the pure Yang constitution needed for the Ice Muscle Jade Bone.
"It seems I have no choice but to intervene this time."
Initially, Xu Chuan hadn't wanted to get involved in this mess. However, upon seeing the woman's information, he knew he had to help.
Furthermore, she was the only way for him to enter the Phoenix Secret Realm.
Gently adjusting the woman in his arms, Xu Chuan spoke to her, "Don't worry, I'm here!"
He then moved Su Miaoyin behind him, facing the pursuers alone.
Gazing at Xu Chuan's tall, protective silhouette, Su Miaoyin's face flushed. She was overjoyed, believing she had encountered a kind soul and feeling fortunate for her good luck.
But in the next moment, she sensed Xu Chuan's cultivation level and her expression changed.
"Young master, you should leave quickly. You are no match for them!"
She looked at Xu Chuan with concern and said.
After all, the individuals pursuing her were disciples of martial arts families, possessing terrifying strength.
There was no way the young man before her could contend with them!
Just then, the pursuers caught up.
Seeing Xu Chuan standing protectively in front of Su Miaoyin, they immediately taunted him.
"Who's this idiot? Don't get in the way of our Lin family's business."
"Get lost, and we'll pretend we didn't see you. Otherwise, we might have to add another soul to our swords today."
Several Lin family disciples jeered, completely disregarding Xu Chuan.
They could sense his cultivation: merely at the second level of Qi Gathering.
With three cultivators at the third level of Qi Gathering, and practicing top-tier martial arts and techniques, why would they fear a mere boy at the second level?
It was laughable.
Xu Chuan shook his head, pointed at Su Miaoyin, and declared, "This woman, I will protect. You will not take her today."
Su Miaoyin was bewildered and surprised by Xu Chuan's actions.
She didn't understand why Xu Chuan would help her, facing three individuals with higher cultivation levels at the second level of Qi Gathering.
Such an act was akin to striking a rock with an egg, courting his own demise.
However.
She had to admit that Xu Chuan's actions moved her.
When one is in despair and someone extends a helping hand, it is the most touching feeling.
Yet, the last flicker of tenderness in her heart prevented her from watching Xu Chuan rush to his death.
"Young master, they are all at the third level of Qi Gathering. You cannot defeat them. Please, don't mind me. They won't kill me."
Su Miaoyin said softly, trying to dissuade Xu Chuan.
Xu Chuan remained still. Three individuals at the third level of Qi Gathering? He hadn't killed any before.
"You're truly seeking death. If you don't take the road to heaven, then today you shall die here!"
Seeing Xu Chuan refuse to back down, the three Lin family disciples wasted no more words. Drawing their swords, they lunged at Xu Chuan.
The fierce sword winds made Xu Chuan's clothes flutter, yet he made no move, simply standing his ground.
"No!"
Su Miaoyin cried out in alarm, unable to bear watching as the three swords were about to strike Xu Chuan.
Just as the sword tips were less than an inch from Xu Chuan's heart, he struck.
Mountain Splitting Fist!
This was a boxing technique Xu Chuan had learned during his Body Tempering stage.
It appeared ordinary, but combined with Xu Chuan's immense strength of ten thousand jin and his Great Sun Yuan Qi.
This punch was like thunderclap from a clear sky.
It directly shattered the incoming long swords and continued its momentum forward.
"Boom!"
With an explosive sound, the Lin family disciple struck by Xu Chuan was sent flying backward.
A fist-sized hole had been blasted through his chest, his heart pulverized into dust. He didn't even have time to cry out before he died on the spot.
The remaining two froze, their swords stopping mid-air.
Their expressions were blank, as if they had seen a ghost.
Third level Qi Gathering, instantly killed by someone at the second level?
Were they dreaming?
Even Su Miaoyin stood frozen.
In her imagination, even if Xu Chuan survived a three-on-one fight, he would surely be injured.
She had never expected him to not only be unharmed but to kill one of them.
A surge of joy followed. The stronger Xu Chuan was, the greater her chance of escaping today!
Though she didn't know why he was helping her, as long as he wasn't allied with the Lin family, that was enough.
While they were stunned, Xu Chuan attacked again.
He wouldn't give them a chance. Since he had already killed one, he would finish them all.
Otherwise, if the younger ones were dealt with, the elders might appear, causing more trouble.
Another forceful punch.
"Bang—"
A muffled thud, and another Lin family disciple flew out like a kite with a snapped string.
He fell to the ground, spitting blood, and after only a few struggles, breathed his last.
The last remaining Lin family disciple, witnessing this scene, was so terrified he could no longer hold his sword, dropping it to the ground.
Two punches!
In just two punches!
He had instantly killed two opponents at the third level of Qi Gathering.
It was like crushing rotten wood.
The enemies had no chance to retaliate.
"Don't kill me! I'm from the Lin family. If you kill me, my Lin family will hunt you down."
The Lin family disciple's legs went weak from fear. He trembled as he uttered a threat, hoping to deter Xu Chuan from continuing his assault.
He had never encountered such a situation before.
Where did this young monster come from? Not only could he fight opponents of a higher level, but his attacks were so vicious; one touch meant death.
It was simply too terrifying.
Xu Chuan was not afraid of his threat. He had already killed some; what was one more?
Moreover, the principle of "cutting grass by the roots" was clear to him.
He threw another punch, and in the other's disbelieving eyes, directly pierced through him.
"Hiss—"
Su Miaoyin, who had witnessed everything, couldn't help but gasp, her face filled with shock and horror.
She looked at Xu Chuan as if he were a monster.
His combat record was simply too astonishing.
Su Miaoyin vowed she had never seen such a brutal person.
He fought without any hesitation, decisively dispatching three Lin family disciples with swift efficiency.
She couldn't help but wonder, had she just escaped a tiger's maw only to fall into a wolf's den?
Turning around, Xu Chuan's expression was calm, as if he had just killed three flies, not three martial cultivators at the third level of Qi Gathering.
Seeing Xu Chuan look at her, Su Miaoyin's face turned pale. She swallowed nervously a few times, forcing a shaky smile and stammering, "Thank you, young master, for saving me."