Zhou Fu looked at the figure speaking, a man around thirty years old, with a scar cleaving his face in two. His hair was in a receding hairline, and he sauntered over, wielding two curved sabers.
Zhou Fu swallowed, drawing the Soul Suppressing Stone short sword from his waist, ready to fight. Yet, his fear made the hand holding the sword tremble.
Zhou Fu knew in his heart that he wouldn't last a single round against this opponent.
Just as Zhou Fu prepared for a desperate battle, a hand from behind rested on his shoulder.
Startled, Zhou Fu flinched and turned to look. The newcomer was none other than Yu Daohan, holding the Kang Long Mace.
"Master!" Zhou Fu called out instinctively.
Yu Daohan smiled faintly, pulling Zhou Fu closer with the hand on his shoulder, drawing him behind him. Then, he stepped forward, facing the man ahead, a smile on his face. "Master Xue!"
The martial world was teeming with formidable figures, including many ruthless individuals who had committed countless wicked deeds. If one were to speak of those with the most renowned reputations, it would undoubtedly be these eleven.
The Two Ruthless, the Three Wicked, the Six Arrogant.
The Two Ruthless had been very active in previous years. Anyone who heard their names would give them three points of deference. However, they had rarely appeared in the martial world in recent years.
The Three Wicked referred to Luo Jiangwen, Executioner Li, and Ghost Calculator. These three acted without any regard for rules. If they disliked something, their response was simple: fight!
Their names had become widely known in recent years.
As for the Six Arrogant, this moniker had only emerged within the last three years. Like the first five, they were equally ruthless and wicked.
And this Xue Yao was one of the Six Arrogant, a pervert who found pleasure in dismembering people's limbs.
Their rankings were not in order, but what was most important was that each of them was a seasoned martial artist capable of easily climbing the Heaven Ranking.
However, they disliked being constrained. Their sudden involvement with the Divine Religion caught Yu Daohan somewhat by surprise.
Seeing Yu Daohan, Xue Yao's face lit up with a smile. "Oh, it's Young Master Yu. I was wondering who it was."
Yu Daohan's reputation in the martial world was currently blazing hot. Both the righteous sects and scoundrels like them had heard of Yu Daohan's vengeful nature.
Xue Yao had naturally heard the moniker "Master Yu of Jiangdu." Although he didn't have much interaction with Yu Daohan, they were certainly not enemies.
Yu Daohan wasted no words, getting straight to the point. "Master Xue, this young man is my disciple. I hope you'll give me some face."
Xue Yao looked at Yu Daohan. To be honest, he had a good impression of Yu Daohan – vengeful, defiant, and fearless.
If it weren't for his temporary affiliation with the Divine Religion, he might have enjoyed a few drinks with Yu Daohan.
"Young Master Yu, if this were in the past, letting this boy go wouldn't be a major issue. But I've taken payment to resolve trouble. However, I've long heard of Young Master Yu's exploits in the martial world. How about you spar a few moves with me?" Xue Yao said, tightening his grip on the two curved sabers.
Xue Yao knew in his heart that his assistance to the Divine Religion was only temporary. Offending the current foremost figure of the younger generation in the martial world for the sake of the Divine Religion was not a wise choice.
Yu Daohan grinned. Although Xue Yao hadn't stated it explicitly, his meaning was clear enough. He turned to look at Zhou Fu behind him. "You leave here first!"
Zhou Fu wanted to help but knew his presence would be meaningless. He could only turn and leave.
After Zhou Fu departed, Xue Yao adopted an offensive stance, a wicked smile on his face. "I heard Young Master Yu recently broke into the Heaven Ranking. I've long wanted to exchange pointers, but I never had the chance. Today, I finally do."
Yu Daohan gripped the Kang Long Mace, a smile on his face, but his heart was filled with tension.
Xue Yao's saber techniques ranked among the top three in the martial world, and his strength was more than enough to contend with the top twenty of the Heaven Ranking.
Suddenly, Xue Yao exerted force with his feet, swinging the two curved sabers in his hands towards Yu Daohan's neck.
Xue Yao's speed was astonishing. Yu Daohan raised the Kang Long Mace, barely blocking one of Xue Yao's sabers. Xue Yao's other saber was already slashing towards Yu Daohan's abdomen.
Seeing this, Yu Daohan condensed the Earth Kun Hand with his other hand and grabbed the saber aimed at his abdomen, letting out a sigh of relief.
If he had been grazed by that thing, his intestines might have spilled out.
Xue Yao was slightly surprised that Yu Daohan had managed to block both of his attacks.
The title of peerless prodigy was clearly not without merit.
Yu Daohan suddenly exerted force, pushing Xue Yao back. He swung the Kang Long Mace at Xue Yao while channeling his internal energy into it, letting out a low cry: "Break!"
Seeing Yu Daohan dare to attack proactively, Xue Yao raised his curved sabers to block the incoming Kang Long Mace.
"What!"
Xue Yao was forced back by the impact of Yu Daohan's strike, disbelief etched on his face.
Yu Daohan was also surprised that Xue Yao's weapon had not broken.
With his full-force strike, Xue Yao's curved saber showed no signs of damage.
"As expected of someone who can break into the Heaven Ranking, you indeed have some skill," Xue Yao remarked with a sigh.
Yu Daohan cupped his hands. "Thank you for holding back earlier, Master Xue. Junior concedes."
Yu Daohan's offering of a way out was incredibly obvious. Even though Xue Yao hadn't held back, he had still given him ample respect.
Xue Yao naturally understood the implication and nodded shrewdly. "Since Young Master Yu is so courteous, I'll share a secret with you."