Zhou Baisheng

The plan didn't go as expected. It seemed that convincing Zhou Baisheng was proving to be difficult. Unless Tian Wei resorted to using the Ten Thousand Sword skill, their chances of successful deceiving Zhou Baisheng that they were from the Yang clan appeared slim.

Even assuming Zhou Baisheng recognized the skill, it was uncertain whether he will retreat and not fight. It appeared that Xuan Yi had miscalculated this time.

Nevertheless, Xuan Yi didn't have many options. He had already been labeled as the Yang within the inn and by the Wang family, so he hadn't pushed them into further trouble. He was merely going along with the situation.

"If your skills weren't so mediocre, I might have believed you, but you're just average," Zhou Baisheng remarked dismissively. With a swift motion, he slashed through the air, unleashing a series of energy waves hurtling towards Xuan Yi. Each attack was brutal.

Qing Fu and Xuan Yi were sent flying back several paces, coughing and clutching their chests. Zhou Baisheng's power, about to reach the Tempered Veins phase, rendered Xuan Yi's rattan vines of the energy gathering middle phase ineffective against him.

"Tian Wei, aren't you going to help?" cried Xuan Yi, realizing that the situation had spiraled out of control. Zhou Baisheng posed a serious threat, capable of causing them grave harm. Xuan Yi began to doubt whether they could escape swiftly enough, even if they chose to run.

Tian Wei remained silent. It was Xuan Yi who had personally provoked Zhou Baisheng, and Tian Wei had no desire to involve himself in other people's troubles. He was weakened and lacked strength, needing a place to recover and grow to exact his revenge on the gods. Engaging in constant conflicts would hinder his progress.

Xuan Yi's unwavering attachment to this young Miss Qing was unnecessary in Tian Wei's eyes. It was clear that she had numerous conflicts with various individuals. With such a trouble-prone companion, peaceful nights seemed unlikely.

"I don't believe even he would come to your rescue today. It's best for him not to interfere. My intention is not to kill you, but to take Qing Fu away. Yet, you persistently stand in my way. I must teach you a lesson."

The surrounding air began to whirl rapidly, and Zhou Baisheng's fan emitted a faint glow. The edges of the fan shimmered, resembling the sharpness of a sword. With a powerful wave, the ground seemed to tremble, as a surge of power surged forth, hurtling toward Xuan Yi and Qing Fu.

Their defenses proved insufficient against the previous attack, let alone this one. Tian Wei swiftly stomped his feet, gracefully spinning through the air and positioning himself between the duo and the impending onslaught. His movements were swift and precise.

Raising his hand, he caught the charging fan with his palm. Sparks and sizzles erupted at the point of contact. With a forceful push, a surge of energy was released, causing the fan to recoil at a remarkable speed.

Zhou Baisheng was taken aback, caught off guard by the force with which the fan was sent back. It knocked him back several steps, breaking through the wall of chi defense he hastily erected. The fan struck his abdomen, causing him to be flung through the air before crashing onto the ground. He coughed repeatedly, and though there was no blood, it was evident that he had been wounded by a single strike.

As he quickly regained his footing, Zhou Baisheng gazed at the figure hovering in the air before him. His heart skipped a beat. He had gravely underestimated Tian Wei's strength.

Arrogantly, Zhou Baisheng wiped the saliva from his mouth with the back of his hand, pretending as though nothing had happened. He straightened his back, assuming a regal posture, and waved the fan toward himself as he carefully inspected Tian Wei.

Whispers rustled through the group of people who had gathered at a distance, their voices barely audible.

"Tempered Veins Phase. He has reached the Tempered Veins phase," someone murmured.

"This young man is truly exceptional. He might be a member of the esteemed Yang clan after all," another voice chimed in. Excitement spread through their ranks as each person indulged in their own wild speculations.

With each powerful demonstration, Tian Wei continued to astonish Xuan Yi. The extent of his true strength remained a mystery, leaving Xuan Yi increasingly intrigued.

"You've had your fun, young master Zhou Baisheng. It's time for you to leave. Find another opportune moment to pursue Miss Qing Fu, whatever conflicts you and the Wangs may have with her. For now, she is under our protection," Tian Wei declared with an air of authority and finality.

Xuan Yi and Qing Fu were overwhelmed with a mix of excitement and relief. Tian Wei stood before them, emanating a presence that felt godlike. In that moment, it seemed fitting to regard him as an immortal. Xuan Yi couldn't help but wonder why Tian Wei didn't refer to himself as "this immortal" in front of Zhou Baisheng.

"At first, I thought you had reached the Tempered Veins phase. If I were an ordinary onlooker, I might have been deceived as well. But the true aura is absent. This is nothing more than a petty trick. Don't think that just because you caught me off guard, you are a match for me," Zhou Baisheng retorted arrogantly, gathering his chi once more.

The air crackled with electric energy, and Zhou Baisheng's chi surged through his body. Dust and dry leaves whirled around him, caught in a vortex of his powerful energy.

"Have a taste of the Turning Wind skill of my clan," Zhou Baisheng gritted his teeth and exclaimed.

Like an arrow, he shot into the air, his form resembling a swirling tornado with the fan as its tip. The visible churning and swirling of his chi seemed capable of boring through mountains.

He propelled himself through the air, heading straight toward Tian Wei. The ripple of energy from his intense chi could be felt several miles away, and the ground trembled in the presence of such dense power.