Chapter 113

Chapter 113: Terrifying Killing Intent

Lou Yun completely ignored Xue Lao San’s disparaging words because his entire focus was fixed on the Qi Cai Xue Lian before him.

The seven colors on this Qi Cai Xue Lian were evenly distributed and exceptionally vivid, clearly indicating it was of extremely high quality.

If not for Elder Leng bringing Lou Yun here, Xue Lao San would never have taken out such a high-grade Qi Cai Xue Lian; he might not even have been willing to make an exchange with Lou Yun at all.

Originally, Lou Yun had intended to offer Xue Lao San some items as compensation. However, upon hearing his offensive words, it wasn’t hard to imagine that Xue Lao San was no good person. Thus, Lou Yun dismissed the idea and didn’t stand on ceremony with Xue Lao San either. Reaching out, he took the Qi Cai Xue Lian and directly stored it inside his own ring.

Seeing Lou Yun’s ring, an unmistakable flash of greed crossed Xue Lao San’s eyes. Though his head was lowered, the corner of Lou Yun’s eye caught Xue Lao San’s expression. A cold laugh echoed in Lou Yun’s heart—it seemed this Xue Lao San coveted something he possessed!

Lou Yun lifted his head, pretending he had noticed nothing. Waving towards Xue Lao San, he said, “Thank you!” Then he turned and headed for the exit of the cave. Since he had what he came for, and Xue Lao San was no friend, there was certainly no reason to linger any longer.

Xue Lao San followed Lou Yun out. Leng Cangqiong remained standing there, maintaining his original posture, seemingly not even having blinked his eyes.

Now knowing Leng Cangqiong’s true identity, Lou Yun felt not quite fear, but certainly a great deal more respect and gratitude. Regardless of Leng Cangqiong’s past ruthlessness, he had provided Lou Yun with immense help today. Without him, obtaining the Qi Cai Xue Lian so smoothly would have been impossible.

Lou Yun was about to express his gratitude when Leng Cangqiong, seeing him emerge, instantly turned and walked away without a single word.

Though he hadn’t seen Lou Yun holding the Qi Cai Xue Lian, Leng Cangqiong held absolute confidence that Xue Lao San wouldn’t dare disobey him.

Xue Lao San hastily called out, “Elder Leng, should you have any needs in the future, you are always welcome to return.”

Lou Yun was momentarily stunned, then hurried to follow. Yet Leng Cangqiong had no intention of waiting. His form unfolded as he soared into the air, his speed abruptly increasing. In the blink of an eye, he was already kilometers away.

Startled by Leng Cangqiong’s sudden departure, Lou Yun urgently channeled his spiritual power to give chase. He needed to at least say thank you!

Watching Leng Cangqiong’s rapidly retreating figure shrink to a tiny black dot in the sky, then glancing at Lou Yun just gathering his energy to pursue him, a cunning smile spread across Xue Lao San’s face. Tapping his foot, he unexpectedly trailed after Lou Yun, sprinting down the mountain.

Though Lou Yun was pursuing Leng Cangqiong, he remained attentive to Xue Lao San’s movements. Noticing Xue Lao San following him, another cold laugh resounded in his heart—it seemed Xue Lao San intended to make a move against him!

Xue Lao San’s magical weapon was of a mystery rank one star level, technically placing him stronger than Lou Yun. However, in terms of actual combat power, Lou Yun truly did not fear him.

Lou Yun pretended ignorance and continued his headlong rush down the mountain. Xue Lao San clearly couldn’t match Lou Yun’s speed. Left with no choice, he summoned his magical weapon—an incredibly small cauldron furnace—and leaped onto it!

Seeing this cauldron furnace, Lou Yun finally understood. So this Xue Lao San was also an alchemist! That explained why he guarded this mountain cave, collecting Qi Cai Xue Lian.

In a flash, both reached the foot of the mountain one after the other. By now, Leng Cangqiong had vanished entirely from view in the sky. Lou Yun knew it in his heart—Xue Lao San was likely about to strike!

The thought hadn’t fully formed before Lou Yun heard a cold laugh emanate from Xue Lao San behind him. Immediately after, he felt a wave of scorching heat shooting towards him.

Using fire?

Lou Yun almost laughed out loud. Xue Lao San was using flames against him? He’d really picked the right target!

Putting aside Xiao Huo perched on his shoulder, a creature specialized in consuming all kinds of Heavenly Fires, and ignoring the ice crystal jade weapon he carried which could deflect numerous fires, Lou Yun himself harbored the Heavenly Fire Fusang within his body. Ordinary human flames simply could not harm him.

Originally, Xue Lao San aimed to exploit his status as an alchemist. He planned to use the flames he cultivated to burn Lou Yun to death, leaving not a single trace. This way, it would happen silently and undetected. Even if Leng Cangqiong came back looking for him, Xue Lao San could simply say Lou Yun had left and he had no idea where he’d gone!

A mass of flame, accompanied by a howling roar, slammed into Lou Yun’s back. Instantly, the fire flared up, completely engulfing Lou Yun’s entire body.

Witnessing such immediate success, an expression of smug satisfaction spread across Xue Lao San’s face. He thought to himself: I expected this to require more effort, yet it turned out so effortlessly easy! Once this kid is burnt to ashes… that ring on him will be mine!

Thinking this, Xue Lao San came to a halt and stood to the side, arms crossed, patiently waiting for Lou Yun to be consumed by the flames.

Enveloped by the fire, Lou Yun naturally felt nothing. Xiao Huo didn’t even blink, continuing to laze indolently upon Lou Yun’s shoulder, evidently even less interested.

Seeing Xue Lao San’s proud expression, Lou Yun sneered coldly. Suddenly, he raised his hand and flung a mass of flames straight towards Xue Lao San.

Xue Lao San stood there waiting for Lou Yun to burn, utterly unprepared for Lou Yun to retaliate. All he saw was a blur before his eyes, and a ball of fire engulfed him with a roar.

However, Xue Lao San didn’t panic. After a brief moment of stunned silence, he burst into loud laughter. “So you’ve cultivated flames too, kid! Impressive indeed! But it’s useless against me!”

The reason why Xue Lao San was still so composed at that time wasn’t that he truly feared flames no more; it was because Lou Yun hadn’t yet increased the temperature of Fusang Fire.

Lou Yun smiled slightly, gave his body a gentle shake, and the flames surrounding him magically went out. Then, folding his arms, he looked at Xue Lao San with a beaming face.

Seeing that Lou Yun had actually put out his flames instantly, Xue Lao San finally sensed something wrong. In haste, he threw out his magical weapon, the cauldron, while roaring, "Draw Fire!"

Lou Yun watched with some curiosity, wondering if Xue Lao San still had some formidable secret move hidden.

The cauldron floated in the air, tilting slowly until its opening faced Xue Lao San. Then, clearly visible to the naked eye, a small whirlwind formed inside it, making the flames on Xue Lao San’s body waver faintly.

After careful thought, Lou Yun understood immediately—Xue Lao San’s magical weapon could produce suction to absorb the flames!

"Hah, how could Fusang Fire be absorbed by a magical weapon like yours?" Lou Yun was now purely in a mood to enjoy the spectacle, standing aside and watching Xue Lao San’s actions with keen interest.

Indeed, no matter how hard Xue Lao San urged his weapon spirit power, even turning red-faced with effort, the flames on his body remained completely unaffected by the suction from the cauldron and kept burning steadily.

Lou Yun watched for a while, and seeing that Xue Lao San had no other moves left, shook his head and said, "Is that all you’ve got? Alright, time to let you feel the power of heavenly fire!"

At the fall of Lou Yun’s words, the temperature of Fusang Fire soared suddenly. Instantly, Xue Lao San’s hair, beard, and clothes caught fire completely. Immediately, a thick, charred smell filled the air, along with Xue Lao San’s pig-slaughtering-like shrieks of pain.

With a "thud," Xue Lao San knelt on the ground, then collapsed. Rolling frantically to put out the flames, he pleaded to Lou Yun between gasps, "Ah, Elder, I was wrong, Elder, I was wrong! I was blind not to recognize your greatness—please forgive me!"

Actually, at its current heat, Lou Yun’s Fusang Fire couldn’t kill Xue Lao San; it merely burned away his hair and clothes, at most causing skin injuries without severe danger.

But Xue Lao San naturally didn’t know that. The agony of his searing skin and the constant smell of burning overwhelmed him, scaring him senseless so he only knew to beg desperately.

Lou Yun checked the time and realized it was enough. If delayed further, Xue Lao San might notice the truth and fight back desperately. Though Lou Yun was unafraid, it would be troublesome. So he sneered, "Do you still want to kill me?"

Xue Lao San quickly replied, "No, no, Elder! I was wrong, I was wrong! As long as you let me go, I’ll do whatever you ask!"

Lou Yun pretended to ponder a moment and said, "Alright then, since you gave me Qi Cai Xue Lian, I’ll spare you this once!"

As he spoke, Lou Yun raised his hand and withdrew the Fusang Fire from Xue Lao San’s body. Xue Lao San felt he’d saved his life, lying panting heavily on the snow. Once he caught his breath with effort, he scrambled up and knelt again with a "thud" before Lou Yun, saying, "Elder, earlier this lowly one was blind not to know Mount Tai—I offended deeply!"

Lou Yun had no real intent to end his life. Nodding, he said, "Enough. Since it’s your first mistake, I’ll forgive you once. Now go!"

At those words, Xue Lao San jerked his head up, a look of shock on his face, "Me leave? Just like that, you’re letting me go?"

Perplexed, Lou Yun said, "What else would I do? I can’t have you trailing after me!"

"But, but…" Xue Lao San hesitated for a long while without finishing.

In his mind, if someone defeated a would-be killer, they’d never let them off so easily. Unfamiliar with Lou Yun’s character, he found the mercy utterly bewildering.

Seeing Xue Lao San had nothing else to add, Lou Yun shrugged his shoulders, turned, and left hastily. He was eager to catch up to Leng Cangqiong and thank him.

Xue Lao San watched as Lou Yun’s dark silhouette faded against the white horizon until it vanished. A strange feeling surged in his heart, and he bowed respectfully three times toward the direction Lou Yun had disappeared.

Perhaps Xue Lao San was a villain, but after Lou Yun spared his life that day, it changed some long-held beliefs in him. It didn’t turn him good instantly, but later he truly saved Lou Yun’s life, repaying the debt of kindness.

Unaware that his casual act had altered a destiny, Lou Yun sprinted with all his strength toward the mountain where Leng Cangqiong resided.

After a desperate dash, Lou Yun stood once more before the common weapon still deeply stuck in the earth. But this time, he didn’t dare cross over recklessly; he stayed put, imbued weapon spirit power into his voice, and sent it far: "Elder Leng, Junior Lou Yun thanks you for your help!"

The words had barely faded when Leng Cangqiong appeared ghost-quick before Lou Yun, startling him. Lou Yun hastily spoke respectfully, "Elder Leng, I’m here to thank you for your aid!"

Leng Cangqiong, face icy as ever, looked at Lou Yun and said, "I didn’t help you at all, nor should you thank me. Leave! Do not return! Remember, treat your younger sister well!"

With that, Leng Cangqiong turned to depart, but Lou Yun froze at the last words. Thoughts raced through his mind: "He aided me earlier because I said I’d save my sister. Now he stresses treating her well? Does he have a sister too? And some sorrow he’d rather not share?"

Moved by curiosity and kindness, Lou Yun gathered courage and asked, "Elder Leng, may I ask if your sister has met with misfortune?"

Before the words fully left his mouth, Lou Yun abruptly felt a crushing terror of killing intent envelop him instantly.

Xiao Huo, most sensitive of all, instantly buried its head deep in its body, not daring to look.

Lou Yun’s heart skipped—apparently, he’d touched a forbidden topic in Leng Cangqiong’s mind, rousing such murderous rage!

Yet even knowing this, he could do nothing. That killing intent alone bound his limbs like invisible ropes, leaving him unable to stir.

Inside him, Chang Xiang showed no reaction either. Lou Yun felt cold sweat seep from every layer of his skin.

More terrifyingly, Leng Cangqiong still had his back turned!

Slowly, though, Leng Cangqiong faced him. His once messy hair fluttered behind, revealing his whole face—features gauntly elegant, yet deathly pale under the surge of murderous air.

Staring rigidly at Lou Yun, Leng Cangqiong asked coldly, "What did you say?"