: We, the Sword Cultivators, Shall Be Tested by Heaven

A cold glint flashed in Han Li's eyes, and the pressure of a Foundation Establishment cultivator instantly spread out, icy and bone-chilling, firmly locking onto the scholar.

Wang Ziling's smile froze instantly, and he felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.

Done!

Forget that he was just a minor Qi Refining stage cultivator.

"According to... according to the information I've received, the Fu family left the market this afternoon. They've arrested people and seem to be in a hurry to return to Fu Family Fortress on Zidao Mountain to present gifts for their ancestor's birthday. Judging by the time, they've probably already traveled over a thousand miles. As for how many people they have, and what their cultivation levels are, I truly have no idea!"

There was no need to urge him at all; the Confucian scholar poured out his entire story like beans spilling out.

The fact that the other party dared to act in this way means that their team must have many Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Even if we chase after them with all our might right now, let alone saving them, it's uncertain whether we can even catch up.

Moreover, with his mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation, how could he possibly confront the Fu family head-on?

This is not saving lives; it's like moths flying into a flame, walking into a trap.

Han Li had already begun to consider retiring.

The so-called restrictions on markets and the rules for monks were rendered meaningless.

In the world of cultivation, strength ultimately reigns supreme.

All order is nothing more than an invisible shackle used to bind the weak.

For the strong, as long as the price is high or they are willing, they can trample on others at any time.

Besides the urgent desire to leave, Han Li also felt a strong sense of urgency.

This is the situation.

As Nangong Wan said, "With your Qi Refining stage cultivation, can you protect me?"

How similar they are.

They are essentially the same.

To prevent Qi Yunxiao from losing control of his emotions, Han Li quickly pulled him away.

They found a secluded place.

Han Li prepared to give them a good talking-to.

Try to persuade them if you can, because things have already come to this point, and with their limited abilities, they are powerless to change anything.

Of course, if Qi Yunxiao really insists on seeking revenge, that is his own choice, and Han Li cannot forcibly interfere.

However, the thought that Qi Yunxiao might act impulsively...

A trace of worry crossed Han Li's mind. What if Qi Yunxiao was captured by the Fu family and his soul was searched and refined? Wouldn't that implicate him?

The moment the thought crossed his mind, a murderous glint appeared in his eyes.

And indeed, the guess was correct.

Qi Yunxiao said, word by word, "I'm going to save Ruyin!"

Han Li was hesitating whether to take action and eliminate this potential threat that might expose him.

Qi Yunxiao took out the "Heart-Rhinoceros" jade talisman.

Without the slightest hesitation, under Han Li's gaze, he exerted force with his five fingers and crushed it on the spot with a "crack".

This is?

Are you preparing to have Lu Jianghe take action?

Such a simple and pure heart.

What price could Qi Yunxiao, a mere Qi Refining stage cultivator, possibly pay to fight against a family with a Core Formation cultivator?

Han Li didn't even need to think about it; Lu Jianghe would absolutely not agree to that.

Moreover.

The other party is right here in this market town.

Instead of crushing the jade talisman, you would be more sincere to go directly to him for help.

Besides.

This dispelled Han Li's murderous intent.

Qi Yunxiao was about to speak.

A condensed, almost transparent pale blue thread fell from the sky without warning.

Before the two could react, a figure suddenly appeared in front of them.

It was Lu Jianghe, dressed in a black robe.

Han Li was the first to come to his senses.

Is this what a Core Formation stage cultivator is like?!

When Lu Jianghe appeared just now, Han Li didn't even detect the slightest trace of his presence.

The difference of just one realm is truly like an insurmountable chasm.

I wonder when I will have the chance to glimpse the threshold of the Core Formation Realm?

As Lu Jianghe arrived, all the chaos around the three of them was invisibly shut out.

The latter looked calmly at Qi Yunxiao and asked, "What happened?"

Qi Yunxiao tore off his disguise, his face already ashen white.

He spoke urgently, recounting in detail how Xin Ruyin had gone out alone and not returned for a long time, and how he learned from Wang Ziling that she was likely kidnapped by the Fu family.

Upon hearing this, Lu Jianghe showed little emotion, as if it were a trivial matter.

But a faint hint of coldness seemed to flash across the depths of his eyes.

"How long have you been gone?"

Han Li was genuinely surprised and casually added from the side, "It's been about half a day already."

Hearing the promise in those words, Qi Yunxiao's face immediately lit up with excitement, and he was about to kowtow and kneel down on the spot.

Seeing that Lu Jianghe hadn't made a move, Qi Yunxiao was frozen in mid-air, unable to move.

"We sword cultivators are destined to be tested by Heaven."

The two felt an invisible, suffocating pressure and began to have difficulty breathing.

In reality, Lu Jianghe didn't do anything at all; he just said it casually.

The chaotic starry sea is the fundamental principle of the Great Way.

Xin Ruyin was a key figure in this process.

Han Li would never have imagined that Lu Jianghe was even more eager to repair the ancient teleportation array than he was.

That's why there's that understated remark.

The Fu family is nothing; let them be killed.

In the struggle for supremacy, all who stand in the way can be slain by the sword.

To his surprise, even without much intervention, the timeline still showed discrepancies.

It seems that the river of time in the mortal world is not fixed and unchanging, but has its own unpredictable variables.

A long sword appeared in front of Lu Jianghe. He placed his hands on the hilt, and the scabbard pressed against the ground.

A wisp of energy rippled outwards from the point of impact, spreading out in layers like waves.

The two felt a gentle breeze, causing their robes to flutter.

"Zidao Mountain, right?"

At this point, Qi Yunxiao stopped saying anything meaningless and instead begged to be taken along.

Lu Jianghe did not answer immediately, but slowly turned around and looked at Han Li.

Han Li spoke quickly, "Brother Lu, I won't be going with you. My cheap master, Li Huayuan, sent me to Xu Kingdom, and I can't get away for the time being."

Lu Jianghe nodded slightly.

Han Li's expression flashed with conflict, then he flipped his hand, and the silk scroll with the ancient teleportation array diagram appeared in his hand.

He originally didn't want to take it out.

But witnessing Lu Jianghe stand up for Qi Yunxiao, his behavior was far beyond what he usually encountered among the cultivators.

Han Li had never truly understood the other party since they met at the Seven Mysteries Sect.

Another crucial consideration is that if Xin Ruyin can be rescued, then no matter how he seeks her out to repair the ancient teleportation array in the future, it seems he will inevitably have to go through Lu Jianghe.

It's better to be proactive now than to be passive in the future.

Ultimately, it's just an external possession.

It's not a priceless treasure like the little green bottle, which is a matter of life and death.

It's not some kind of elixir that can enhance cultivation.

Its value is great, but its main purpose is to provide a way out, without any cost whatsoever.

Moreover, it remains to be seen whether this ancient teleportation array can be successfully repaired.

If it can be successfully repaired in the future.

Then, based on our past relationship, I'll call him Brother Lu again.

The other party will most likely not hesitate to take him along.

If Lu Jianghe is in a good mood, he might give him a few more Shrinking Earth Talismans and a few pills that can restore flesh and bone.