154

Killing Skeleton, under the command of the Fire Slaughter Demon Lord, was a formidable warrior, an intermediate grandmaster, having slain countless individuals, unknown numbers of martial artists, all becoming nourishment for his cultivation.

His Bone Club was his renowned weapon, an extremely extraordinary treasure.

Seeing the crisis approaching, Killing Skeleton was decisive, immediately employing the Killing Life Secret Technique. His robe shattered, and a blood-red aura surged into the Bone Club.

His body instantly withered.

Confident in his ability, Killing Skeleton believed that by using this secret technique, he could repel Xu Yan and buy himself time to escape!

Even if he couldn't escape, he was prepared to die together. As long as Xu Yan was injured, with his vicious martial arts, he wouldn't be able to recover easily.

Even if he luckily survived, his martial path would undoubtedly be destroyed, becoming a half-disabled person!

His death wouldn't be in vain!

Once surrounded by four or five grandmasters, he had employed this Killing Life Secret Technique. Though the price was high, he managed to escape the encirclement, while those grandmasters who attacked him were heavily injured.

Their strength was almost halved.

With the help of the Demon Lord, he had devoured the blood essence of over a dozen grandmasters and slowly recovered.

Although his strength this time was beyond expectation, Killing Skeleton was confident he could escape.

It would only take some time and the consumption of some martial artists' blood essence to recover slowly.

However, Xu Yan suddenly erupted in anger. The terrifying murderous intent made Killing Skeleton shiver uncontrollably, feeling an icy chill all over his body.

It seemed like his consciousness was being assaulted.

Just as he was about to employ the Killing Life Secret Technique, it slowed down inexplicably at this moment, unable to be executed in an instant.

Mountains and rivers enveloped his vision, with all living beings turning into evil spirits wielding swords to kill him!

Killing Skeleton couldn't understand. He had merely shattered his robe. Why was Xu Yan so enraged?

That was his own clothes, not Xu Yan's!

Spiritual notes?

Were they Xu Yan's spiritual notes?

None of this mattered anymore. At the moment of his death, Killing Skeleton suddenly realized his biggest mistake: he shouldn't have shattered his clothes.

Even worse, he shouldn't have blasted apart the money pouch he carried with him along with his robe.

As a ruthless grandmaster of the Demon Sect, how could he care about carrying spiritual notes? He could just slaughter some people and take them back.

So, he exploded them decisively!

As a result, he thoroughly infuriated Xu Yan. With no money left, Xu Yan naturally had no scruples and attacked in anger!

Under the terrifying sword strike, Killing Skeleton couldn't even execute his Killing Life Secret Technique and was killed by a single sword.

His body shattered, turning into flying ashes.

Only a Bone Club, infused with blood-red aura, remained, dropping to the ground!

Xu Yan was furious, cursing, "You brat from the Demon Sect, you've gone too far! Fire Slaughter Demon Lord, just wait, if you don't compensate me with several million spirit crystals, you're as good as dead!"

Meng Shushu, who was watching nearby, was stunned at this moment, feeling startled. "Senior Brother Xu is furious, it's so terrifying. I can't afford to be lazy anymore. I must strive to find spiritual medicines and buy back what I owe Senior Brother Xu as soon as possible!"

It's too scary.

Originally, Killing Skeleton could still resist a bit. However, because he exploded his robe and lost the money pouch he carried with him, he lost the spiritual notes.

Therefore, he enraged Xu Yan, who angrily struck, terrifyingly.

Under a single sword strike, Killing Skeleton, who had been prepared to fight desperately, couldn't even execute his desperate techniques and was completely killed by a single sword!

After dealing with Killing Skeleton, Meng Shushu breathed a sigh of relief. Although facing a grandmaster's attack, Xu Yan remained invincible as usual and easily dealt with the opponent.

Just as Meng Chong had returned to Xu Yan's side, he heard Xu Yan cursing, "I'm so angry! I've suffered a loss this time. I didn't gain anything from this attack at all.

"This account must be settled with Fire Slaughter Demon Lord. If he doesn't compensate me with several million spirit crystals... No, tens of millions of spirit crystals, or work as a laborer to earn money for me, he won't be able to live!"

Meng Shushu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. He had a gut feeling that Fire Slaughter Demon Lord might have offended Xu Yan because of this, and his outcome might not be good!

"Senior Brother Xu, actually, we didn't gain nothing. Look at that Bone Club. It's not an ordinary treasure. It's quite valuable."

Meng Shushu pointed at the Bone Club lying on the ground.

Xu Yan reached out and retrieved the Bone Club. The blood-red Bone Club looked exceptionally evil, as if it had devoured countless blood essences.

When Killing Skeleton used his technique, the blood-red aura had just infused into the Bone Club, yet it was destroyed before it could be employed. This resulted in the power of that secret technique being contained within the Bone Club.

This greatly increased the value of the Bone Club.

"How much do you think this Bone Club can be sold for?"

Xu Yan felt slightly relieved, knowing that he hadn't returned empty-handed.

"I'm not entirely sure, but it's definitely valuable," Meng Shushu shook his head.

Xu Yan examined the Bone Club thoughtfully, saying, "This Bone Club contains Killing Skeleton's secret technique. If unleashed, it's equivalent to a full-force attack from a grandmaster.

"It's quite valuable. It will likely fetch several million spirit crystals, right?"

Meng Chong seemed to have an idea and suggested, "Senior Brother, wouldn't it be better to give this Bone Club to Senior Sister? Perhaps she could make use of it?"

Xu Yan found the suggestion reasonable. Senior Sister was both an alchemist and a martial artist, skilled in crafting medicinal pills. The power of the Bone Club, imbued with the hellfire essence, might be useful to her.

Moreover, even if she couldn't use it, it could serve as her protection.

"After all, the Bone Club contains the power of a grandmaster's secret technique."

"In that case, let's give it to Senior Sister!" Xu Yan nodded.

However, Meng Shushu interjected, "Senior Brother, actually, the three major countries and some other major powers have placed bounties on Killing Skeleton. Anyone who kills him can claim the reward."

Xu Yan's spirits lifted instantly, and he hurriedly asked, "How much is the bounty?"

"Altogether, it should amount to two or three million spirit crystals. Killing Skeleton has killed many people in the past, and various major powers have suffered losses. The bounty has always been there.

"But no one has been able to claim it. Since Senior Brother has killed him, you should be able to claim the reward with proof," Meng Shushu explained after some thought.

"Proof of Killing Skeleton's identity?" Xu Yan looked at the Bone Club. Naturally, it was the best proof, but it wouldn't be suitable as a gift for Senior Sister.

His gaze swept the ground and fell upon the shattered fragments of the robe.

He reached out and picked up a piece, on which was embroidered a damaged pattern.

"Could this serve as proof?" Meng Shushu hesitated to suggest. How could this be used as proof? No one would believe it!

"I've got it!" Xu Yan patted Meng Shushu's shoulder and said, "I'll give you a task. Spread the news that I, the Sword God Xu Yan, have eradicated Killing Skeleton on behalf of those powers offering bounties, despite risking the ire of the Fire Slaughter Demon Lord.

"Do you understand? I killed Killing Skeleton for them. They've offered bounties, so I can't go back on my word, can I?

"I, Xu Yan, worked hard for their bounty, risking the wrath of the Fire Slaughter Demon Lord. They can't back out now, can they?"

"Rest assured, Senior Brother Xu. I'll handle this matter and let the entire Inner Domain know that you risked offending the Fire Slaughter Demon Lord to eliminate this menace for those powers," Meng Shushu hastily agreed.

"Tell them that I will visit each of them personally in the future."

Xu Yan showed an excited smile. This time, his efforts hadn't been in vain either.

The three continued on their journey and arrived at Lanping County. After arranging a means of contact, Meng Shushu disguised himself and departed, while Xu Yan and Meng Chong headed to Tieshan County. To avoid being tracked, they concealed their presence and avoided populated areas.

They encountered no further attacks along the way and safely returned to Tieshan County.

"Junior Brother, you go back first and tell Master and Senior Sister that I'll be back within a month. I'll go to claim the bounty, retrieve the stored medicinal herbs, and purchase the medicinal herbs on Senior Sister's list."

When it was time to part ways, Xu Yan instructed Meng Chong.

"Senior Brother, don't worry. Once Senior Sister has refined the pills, I'll take them to Uncle and Aunt," Meng Chong nodded.

"Thank you, Junior Brother. You may go back now. I'll stay here and keep watch in case someone tracks us."

Xu Yan nodded.

"Got it!"

Meng Chong carried a large bag of medicinal herbs, while the Heaven's Drip Marrow and the other sixth-grade spiritual herbs were packed in a small parcel hanging from his chest. He carried a sword at his waist and held the Bone Club in his other hand.

With a flicker, he disappeared into the endless mountains, returning to the Border Wasteland.

Xu Yan sat down on a big tree and waited silently, wary of anyone tracking them.

Three days later, no one came to track them. Xu Yan glanced back in the direction of the Border Wasteland, then left without looking back. His next destination was to claim the bounty for Killing Skeleton.

In the Inner Domain, the martial world was in turmoil.

The infamous and murderous Demon Sect grandmaster, Killing Skeleton, had been slain!

The killer was none other than Xu Yan, known as the Sword God, the unparalleled genius who had shaken the Seven-Star Academy!

Rumors had it that he had seen the bounties offered by the three major countries and many other powers, and enraged by Killing Skeleton's brutality, he dared to risk the wrath of the Fire Slaughter Demon Lord. He tracked down Killing Skeleton and eradicated him.

According to an unnamed individual who was fortunate enough to witness the great battle, the conflict was extremely intense. The Sword God, Xu Yan, harbored deep hatred for Killing Skeleton's brutality. In his fury, he unleashed his unparalleled sword technique, and with one strike, he reduced Killing Skeleton to ashes.

Only a fragment of the robe worn by Killing Skeleton remained, with a damaged emblem of the Fire Slaughter Demon Lord's faction, deliberately left behind by Xu Yan as proof.

Numerous geniuses and grandmasters were astounded. Wasn't the Sword God, Xu Yan, afraid of the Fire Slaughter Demon Lord? Could it be that he was so fearless because he was a peerless genius nurtured by the Jianzun Cliff, thus unafraid of the Demon Sect?

The story of Xu Yan slaying Killing Skeleton spread far and wide, and Xu Yan himself had already embarked on the road to claim the bounty. He arrived at the first sect where he could claim the reward.

At the Seven-Star Academy, in a small courtyard.

Du Yuying was in the midst of cultivation. Her aura had become somewhat unusual, emitting a faint white light that gave her a holy radiance. And her strength had advanced to the First Grade.

At her age, possessing such strength made her truly a peerless genius.

At a certain moment, Du Yuying coughed lightly, her complexion paling slightly. With a slight frown, she gradually stopped her cultivation, opening her eyes.

She wore a pensive expression. "There are still some issues with my body. Breaking through to the Grandmaster level is still a distant goal."

Sighing inwardly, her mind involuntarily conjured the image of that handsome and spirited young man, causing her heart to flutter.

As she stepped out of the practice room, her maid, Cui'er, ran over, her face flushed with excitement.

"Miss, Miss, Killing Skeleton is dead, killed by Master Xu. It's all over the news. Master Xu couldn't bear Killing Skeleton's brutality, so he killed him.

"But I think Master Xu might have done it for you. After all, back then, it was Killing Skeleton who was involved in the affairs of the Houwang Mansion secretly."

Du Yuying's eyes brightened momentarily, then dimmed again, bitterly saying, "Cui'er, how could it be for me? When Master Xu escorted me, it was simply for the sake of spiritual herbs and crystals."

At that time, Xu Yan was truly just a novice, very poor!

"I still think Master Xu did it for you. He used Master Xie Lingfeng's name to deter those people. Now that his identity is revealed, he must be afraid that those people will trouble you again.

"So he took action, killed Killing Skeleton, and intimidated those petty individuals.

"Master Xu is a man of his word. Since he has already escorted you, he definitely doesn't want any trouble for you because of his revealed identity."

Cui'er said firmly.

Du Yuying's eyes lit up, feeling that Cui'er's words were not unreasonable. With such thoughts, her heart swelled with joy. Her face flushed, saying, "Cui'er, I want to open a trading firm to earn crystals and spiritual herbs, and strive to buy a storage bag for Master Xu as soon as possible!"

She remembered that Xu Yan really liked storage bags.

"Miss, you can do it for sure!"

Excitedly, Cui'er nodded.

At that moment, Du Yuying's eyes were firm, revealing the light of determination. For the figure in her heart, she was determined to become a person of wealth and status!

In the Supreme Pavilion, on the top floor.

A woman in plain clothes sat by the stream, her delicate white feet kicking the water as she looked at her master beside her. "Master, now you should know how wise it was for me to advise you not to take action back then, right?"

The Supreme Grandmaster's expression was extremely solemn. Although her strength was superior to Killing Skeleton's, killing him was no easy task. After all, at his level, even if he couldn't win, he had the means to escape. What's more frightening was the incident where Xu Yan shattered a Grandmaster's palm at the Seven-Star Academy.

That was a Grandmaster, even if only an apprentice, still very powerful, yet he was shattered by a single palm?

Even she wouldn't be able to do that.

"Good disciple, Master suddenly feels a bit tempted by Xu Yan. What do you think we should do?"

The Supreme Grandmaster squinted.

The woman in plain clothes seemed like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, jumping up and down, "Master, how old are you? Your face is so thick, aren't you embarrassed?"

The Supreme Grandmaster teased, "Oh, oh, little girl, are you jealous of Master? You're saying you're not yearning for love, but you've lent your jade token to someone. Is it because you want to see him again when he returns the jade token?"

The woman in plain clothes snorted, turned her head away, clearly sulking.

The Supreme Grandmaster sighed and said, "Little girl, you can't control that boy. He came to the Supreme Pavilion to temper his state of mind. I think he's purely devoted to martial arts and has no interest in romance."

The woman in plain clothes smiled knowingly. "Master, you don't understand. He likes crystals and spiritual herbs. I have them here. He doesn't need to have feelings for me; he just needs to be interested in crystals and spiritual herbs.

"And, he also likes storage bags. I'll find a way to get him one."

The Supreme Grandmaster was dumbfounded. Suddenly, she felt that her disciple seemed to have turned into a certain type of infatuated person, commonly known as... a puppy in love?!

(End of this chapter)