Just a mere ranking list, nothing more.

"Kid, even if you kill me, you'll die too! Let me go now, and maybe I'll leave your corpse intact!"

Han Liang grinned, blood trickling from his lips.

Even with his head being stomped on, his eyes remained defiant.

Elder Han Xi, ranked within the top 100 of the Heavenly Rankings!

The 97th strongest martial artist in all of Great Xia—finding someone stronger than him wasn’t easy.

"Are you insane? Either way, I’m dead. What difference does it make if I let you go or not?" An Yi raised an eyebrow.

Had this guy’s brain been replaced with muscle?

Or had he stomped his head too hard?

Feeling the sharp edge of the sword grinding against his neck, Han Liang sobered up a little.

A miserable life was better than a good death!

He was only twenty-five! His father hadn’t even kicked the bucket yet—he hadn’t even inherited the Blood Fiend Sect’s leadership! He couldn’t die so casually!

Han Xi stepped forward, his lean figure radiating overwhelming pressure as he coldly demanded, "I’ll say it again—release the Young Sect Leader!"

"And what if I don’t?" An Yi chuckled.

Why would he let go of such a perfect hostage?

Now, An Yi finally understood why villains in TV shows were always taking hostages.

Because it really was satisfying!

Han Xi sneered, "The man in your hands is the only son of the Blood Fiend Sect’s leader! Kill him, and your entire bloodline will be wiped out!"

"Threatening me?"

An Yi smirked and, with a swift motion, drove his demonic sword into Han Liang’s thigh.

"Ahhh, damn it!"

Han Liang screamed as his leg was pierced through.

"You—!"

Han Xi’s expression turned even colder.

He hadn’t expected his threats to backfire—instead, they only provoked the young man further.

But as a Heavenly Rankings expert, he was used to being untouchable. How could he be manipulated by some twenty-year-old brat?

"Kid, your life is mine!" Han Xi growled, his voice icy.

"Still threatening me?!"

An Yi stabbed Han Liang’s other leg without hesitation.

Han Xi roared, "I’ll tear you to pieces!"

"Then I’ll tear him apart first!"

An Yi plunged his sword into Han Liang’s arm.

Han Liang howled in agony, barely holding on.

This shameless bastard struck without hesitation—no mercy, no second thoughts.

Seeing the Young Sect Leader tortured like this, Han Xi’s eyes burned with fury. "Brat, the Blood Fiend Sect will never rest until you’re dead!"

"Old bastard! Shut the hell up!"

"Stop! Spare him!"

Han Liang, watching An Yi raise his black sword for the killing blow, panicked. "Elder Xi! I—I don’t want to die yet! Just listen to him!"

"Have you lived all these years for nothing?! Can’t even negotiate properly!"

"Two sentences in, and you’re already pushing him to kill me!"

"You get to walk away—I lose my life!"

Han Xi’s face darkened, but he forced himself to hold back.

After all, this brat was the future of the Blood Fiend Sect.

Feeling the cold blade pressing against his throat, Han Liang hurriedly said, "You’re the Night Emperor An Yi, right? I’ve heard of you—boss of Wolf Fang Lin Chen, leader of the Asura Gate."

Nearby, Lin Chen frowned.

Whose boss?!

An Yi grinned. "What, trying to surrender? Too late. Your elder here wants me dead."

"N-no, don’t act rashly! Let’s talk this through. I swear Elder Xi won’t attack you."

Han Liang’s forehead beaded with sweat—he couldn’t stay calm anymore.

Something told him this guy would really kill him.

Eyes didn’t lie.

Uncle Fu’s brows furrowed.

How could they turn this situation around?

Han Xi was a martial fanatic—ruthless, vengeful, and utterly lacking in social skills.

Once he decided to kill An Yi, nothing would stop him.

Not even a brick wall.

Seeing Han Xi’s murderous aura, An Yi grinned.

"Ranked 97th on the Heavenly Rankings? Hah, so what?"

An Yi smirked arrogantly. "Old Lin, it’s your turn!"

Lin Chen: "…?"

"Sorry, I’ve got my hands full holding this hostage. Can’t help you out here!"

An Yi shrugged, his foot still planted on Han Liang’s head.

Lin Chen: "…"

Veins bulged on Lin Chen’s forehead.

Once this was over, if he didn’t beat the crap out of this bastard, he’d change his surname!

His cold gaze locked onto Han Xi, Lin Chen’s fighting spirit surged.

This was his first time facing a top-100 Heavenly Rankings expert.

A perfect chance to test his limits.

"Young brat from the Hidden Dragon Rankings, don’t think you’re invincible."

Han Xi sneered, his bloodthirsty aura thickening like a tangible force.

Lin Chen gripped his Cloud-Splitting Staff and charged. "The Heavenly Rankings? Overrated."

"Overrated?! Such arrogance!"

Han Xi retreated, a ringed blade flashing in his hand as he slashed at Lin Chen!

Whoosh!

A bullet streaked through the air!

Han Xi’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at the rooftop.

A sniper!

Even he couldn’t afford to underestimate specialized bullets like these.

The moment he dodged, a staff shadow whipped toward his face.

"Qilin Staff Technique?!"

Han Xi was momentarily stunned.

This kid knew one of Lantuo Temple’s two ultimate techniques?!

Instantly, he focused completely.

The ringed blade slashed toward Lin Chen, who blocked with his staff.

Clang!

Lin Chen’s arm went numb.

"Decent weapon."

Han Xi vanished, reappearing behind Lin Chen, blade aimed at his neck.

"Old man, come collect your Young Sect Leader’s corpse!"

An Yi’s voice rang out.

"Elder Xi, save me!"

Han Liang’s desperate cry followed.

Han Xi glanced over—An Yi had raised his sword, ready to execute Han Liang.

"Despicable!"

"What kind of martial artist resorts to such tricks?!"

In that split second, Han Xi’s focus shattered, costing him the perfect strike.

"Seven Fiends Fist!"

In a flash, Lin Chen’s skin flushed red, steam rising from his body as his muscles swelled.

He spun, staff meeting Han Xi’s blade again!

The two clashed relentlessly, their shockwaves tearing up the ground.

Uncle Fu narrowed his eyes and ordered the bodyguards, "Fall back! Protect the young mistress!"

This level of combat wasn’t something they could spectate safely.

Lin Chen, now using the Seven Fiends Fist, no longer lost himself to bloodlust—but the strain on his body was immense.

After several exchanges, he forced Han Xi back, panting heavily.

"As expected of a top-100 Heavenly Rankings expert…"

His defense was flawless—Lin Chen hadn’t found a single opening.

"A forbidden technique? Interesting." Han Xi smirked.

"The interesting part’s just starting!"

Lin Chen gasped for breath, sweat drenching his hair as he grinned.

"Then let’s see what else you’ve got!"

"Dragon Binding Art!"

The air trembled violently!

Under Lin Chen’s control, immense pressure bore down on Han Xi!

The ground beneath him shattered, dust and debris flying as a thick haze formed.

Han Xi was trapped—but Lin Chen couldn’t move either.

A stalemate.

"Is this all?!" Han Xi scoffed.

Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine.

A crescent-like sword arc slashed across his back!

Blood sprayed!

An Yi flicked his blade, smirking. "Told you—the interesting part was coming."

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