However, the old man clearly had no intention of backing off. He calmly watched Yang Yan, with a very clear plan in mind. Since he could not retreat entirely, why not complete the mission in his hands.
It's better than coming out empty-handed on both fronts.
While Yang Yan's plan was successful, it also blocked off his escape route.
After being momentarily deterred by Li Piaoqing, the old man caught up again.
Yang Yan knew he couldn't hold on much longer. The old man was almost upon him. In a split moment, after he turned a corner and went out of everyone's sight, he swiftly turned back and swung his knife again.
But this time, his blade lost its magic in front of the old man. The old man fell to the ground and slid towards him like a snake, raising his foot to kick Yang Yan's knife-wielding wrist.
Yang Yan released his True Qi upward, just barely saving his wrist from being broken, but his knife was kicked away and stuck in the roof after making a high arc.