"The only thing that exists in this world is science!"
"Science?"
The leader of the secret guards paused, then sneered, "I admit, you know some secret martial arts, and can even cultivate inner energy, which is truly an incredible thing."
"However, don't overestimate science."
"Let me tell you, this stone tablet is a lie detector, used to detect if any descendant of the Zhou family is cultivating martial arts."
"So, you have already cultivated?" Zhou Yan retorted.
"I haven't, but that doesn't mean the Zhou family hasn't."
The leader of the secret guards shook his head, his tone stern, "If you are truly a descendant of the Zhou family, then obediently hand over the secret manual and present it to the family head."
"Otherwise, you will not leave here alive today."
Hearing this, Zhou Yan's brows furrowed.
He hadn't expected the Zhou family to have such a procedure.
As expected of a prominent family!
However, since the pretense had been dropped, he was too lazy to continue it.
"The Zhou family is flourishing with descendants?"
Zhou Yan shook his head and chuckled lightly, "Leader of the secret guards, your Zhou family's descendants are dwindling. Perhaps the problem lies with you, the father."
"Hooligan!"
At these words, the leader of the secret guards flew into a rage, shouting sternly, "Insolent! I am an elder of the Zhou family, how dare you insult me!"
"Oh? Is that so?"
Zhou Yan pouted and said coldly, "Leader of the secret guards, your martial arts are not weak, you should be at the peak of Martial Dao level six."
"However, in front of me, you are still no match for a single blow."
"I will give you two choices now: first, treat me as a Zhou family descendant and obey my commands; second, die by my hand!"
Hearing this, the leader of the secret guards was stunned.
After a moment, he suddenly roared to the sky, "Hahaha, Zhou Yan, you think you can threaten me with a mere secret martial arts manual?"
"Truly childish!"
"Today, even if I have to die in battle, I will eliminate this traitor for the family head."
As his voice fell, the leader of the secret guards drew his sword and thrust it directly at Zhou Yan's throat.
Clang—
In an instant, sparks flew.
Zhou Yan waved his palm, surprisingly catching the treasure sword barehanded!
"How is this possible?"
The leader of the secret guards' eyes widened in horror.
Zhou Yan had just broken through to Martial Dao level five, his strength should be extremely weak.
Yet, he had blocked his full-powered attack with his bare hands.
This was simply unbelievable!
"Hmph, a mere trash at Martial Dao level five, trying to fight me?"
"You're asking for death!"
A cold light flashed in Zhou Yan's eyes, and he spoke indifferently. Then, he fiercely punched out, striking the leader of the secret guards in the face.
This punch was powerful and heavy, carrying the force of thunder.
Bang—
The next moment, the leader of the secret guards was sent flying by Zhou Yan's punch, his entire face caved in. He let out a miserable howl, his face covered in blood.
With a single punch, the leader of the secret guards was severely injured and nearly died!
"Leader of the secret guards, you are defeated." Zhou Yan withdrew his fist, staring coldly at the leader, "I'll give you one last chance: surrender to me, or die!"
At these words, all the secret guards of the Zhou family were in an uproar.
They were utterly shocked and couldn't believe it.
The leader of the secret guards was a dignified Martial Dao level seven expert!
And the result? He was defeated by Zhou Yan in just three moves!
Zhou Yan's strength was simply terrifying.
"You..."
The leader of the secret guards gritted his teeth, struggling to get up. His eyes were filled with killing intent, and he said hatefully, "Good kid, I underestimated you. You've been hiding your strength."
"Since you refuse to bow down, I will send you on your way!"
With that, the leader of the secret guards roared, and a terrifying aura erupted from his body, pouring out like a raging flood.
In an instant, he turned into a streak of light and charged towards Zhou Yan.
"Not bad, you have some skill."
Zhou Yan nodded appreciatively, then extended his hand, forming a claw, and slashed horizontally.
A sound of bone-crushing.
The leader of the secret guards' right arm was directly severed!
*Thump—*
Instantly, the leader of the secret guards grunted and knelt on the ground, his face contorted in pain.
"Now, do you still intend to resist?" Zhou Yan asked indifferently.
"You wish!"
The leader of the secret guards gritted his teeth, endured the pain, and stood up. He took a pill from his怀, his facial muscles twitched, and his appearance instantly returned to normal.
"Hmm? A disguise pill?!" Zhou Yan frowned.
"Zhou Yan, this kind of pill is extremely difficult to concoct and very expensive."
The leader of the secret guards snorted, "However, to eliminate a menace like you, I am willing to sacrifice a precious disguise pill."
"I'll ask you again, will you surrender, or die?"
"Enough nonsense, take your life!" Zhou Yan's eyes shot out with brilliance.
The leader of the secret guards roared, his legs slightly bent, and he suddenly sprang up, rushing towards Zhou Yan like a cannonball.
This strike was swift and unparalleled, comparable to a congenital master.
Zhou Yan's pupils contracted, and a sense of crisis surged within him.
*Bang—*
The next second, Zhou Yan raised his palm and struck out.
This direct confrontation made Zhou Yan's expression change drastically.
He retreated several steps before steadying himself.
"This guy actually has such great strength?" Zhou Yan's eyes trembled.
Although he hadn't used his full strength, a Martial Dao level five martial artist couldn't possibly resist this!
"Heh heh, you're finally tasting some bitterness!"
The leader of the secret guards sneered, "This disguise pill, I obtained it through extreme hardship, after countless difficulties."
"To get this disguise pill, I was once besieged by three Martial Dao level six experts, and only managed to escape by sheer luck."
"It's a pity that I still underestimated its side effects, which caused my cultivation to drop to Martial Dao level five."
"Otherwise, how could I have lost to a junior like you?"
"You little bastard, you not only stole the secret tome, but you are also cruel and bloodthirsty, unforgivable! Today, I will surely kill you."
With that, the leader of the secret guards' figure flickered, and he attacked again.
Swish—
The leader of the secret guards was incredibly fast. In the blink of an eye, he appeared behind Zhou Yan and kicked out.
*Crack!*
With a crisp sound, Zhou Yan lost his balance and fell directly to the ground, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
The leader of the secret guards sneered, "Zhou Yan, I advise you to surrender now and save yourself further physical pain."
"Do you think that's possible?"
Zhou Yan wiped the blood from his mouth and slowly stood up.
"Your strength is great, but unfortunately, your speed is too slow."
Before his words could finish, Zhou Yan stomped on the ground and shot out like a leopard, charging into the leader of the secret guards' embrace.
Zhou Yan unleashed a barrage of left hooks, side kicks, and knee strikes, raining down on the leader of the secret guards, forcing him to retreat continuously, with no power to resist.
The leader of the secret guards let out a miserable wail, his body covered in blood, his clothes stained red, looking utterly disheveled.
"Zhou Yan, I'll fight you to the death!"
Finally, the leader of the secret guards roared and frantically channeled his true energy.
In an instant, his aura surged, becoming as sharp and piercing as an unparalleled blade, as if to tear through the void.
"Oh?"
Zhou Yan's gaze sharpened.
The strength of the leader of the secret guards had increased significantly compared to before!