But…

These few human-shaped creatures are disgusting!

This was the first encounter the middle-aged man had with such human-shaped beasts. Yet, he couldn't help but doubt if they were truly of the Human Race. How did they know to act like humans, pursuing relentlessly and obstinately refusing to show their true forms? Besides, a quick glance at these deliberately concealed figures revealed their malicious intent. This couldn't possibly be just for flesh and blood!

Thus, seeing these figures clinging to his back like a persistent rash, the middle-aged man couldn't help grinding his teeth in anger.

"Damn it, you'd better hope I don't find out who you are, or I'll make you regret it!"

He actually wanted to stop and fight. The key issue was that, aside from being repugnant, they were incredibly cunning. Not to mention their bodies were covered in thick beast fur, obscuring what was within, leaving one unsure if they were human or ghost. Furthermore, their speed was extraordinarily fast. They pursued the middle-aged man without losing any ground, leaving him no opportunity to launch a surprise counterattack.

He couldn't fight them; he couldn't outrun them.

They were more loathsome than the mosquitoes and flies from a ditch, like those curses specifically designed to disgust. Otherwise, the middle-aged man wouldn't have been pursued into such a sorry state; he would have slapped them to death the moment they appeared.

They covered more distance.

Although the man was filled with rage, he couldn't help but ask outright, "Who exactly are you? Why insist on blocking me? If you have any courage, step out and fight me properly! What's the meaning of hiding under a layer of dark fur, only daring to show your eyes?"

At this moment, his gaze grew increasingly stern, and his expression was extremely grim.

However, no one responded.

On the battlefield, apart from the whistling sounds of combat, the collision of fists and feet, and the dust and grit kicked up along the way, not even the slightest clamor of the human world could penetrate. The atmosphere grew increasingly desperate, frenetic, and oppressive.

...

Further back, Wang Zhan was following closely.

However, even though his speed had significantly improved and he was no longer the same as before, he didn't immediately rush to the middle-aged man's side to try and rescue him. Instead, he was carefully pondering, recalling the strange things he had noticed along the way.

What are these things? They look human, but… they have tails!

Yes, Wang Zhan had sensed it. Beneath that layer of hide, there were indeed human-like feet, albeit covered in a thick layer of calluses. However, at the edge of the hide, he had spotted a short tail, kept tightly against the body, not revealed in the slightest.

Could they actually be Monkeys?

Over there.

"Keep chasing, go chase your mother! If you've got the guts, then keep coming! Let's see if I don't finish you all off!"

The middle-aged man clearly couldn't endure it any longer, a ruthless glint in his eyes. His speed, already at its limit, suddenly increased by thirty percent, rapidly widening the distance between him and the few human-shaped creatures.

However, if he could speed up, so could the five human-shaped creatures behind him. Though there was no communication, after their gazes met, their speed also abruptly increased, and they surged forward.

Behind them, Wang Zhan's speed also exploded in an instant. Racing like the wind, his Spiritual Energy was rapidly consumed, a tenth of it vanishing in the blink of an eye. But it replenished quickly too; often, before Wang Zhan even thought of actively restoring it, the Spiritual Energy within his body was already full again.

But just at this moment, the middle-aged man ahead suddenly seemed to hear something and let out a soft "Hmm?"

Instantly, a voice transmission, tinged with inquiry, came directly from ahead. Once permitted, it pierced directly into his mind, resolving into the somewhat hoarse voice of a man.

"Senior, are you the expert who warned me earlier?"

Perhaps because he hadn't received a reply for a long time, or perhaps the middle-aged man's patience had worn thin. After only a few seconds, he asked again, "Senior, are you the expert who warned me earlier?…"

Ahead, the middle-aged man was nearly driven mad.

What's with this person? He could clearly sense the aura of the Human Race, albeit somewhat faint and seemingly ancient. But without a doubt, this was a genuine human.

Could this person also be hunting him? Was today truly the day he was fated to die?

Thinking this, the middle-aged man fiercely bit his lip.

I'll risk it all!

No matter who it was, as long as they were of the Human Race, there was room for negotiation. The worst-case scenario, if he fell into this person's hands, he would just have to pay a higher price. He refused to believe that someone like him—who kept a low profile, always avoided offending others, and cultivated good relations everywhere—would actually fall at the hands of his own kind one day.

If so, then it was fate! In any case, if this chase continued for another quarter of an hour, he wouldn't survive anyway!

Immediately, he decisively transmitted his final words to Wang Zhan.

"Senior, whether you are the one who saved me before or not, please help me! If this succeeds, I am willing to pay the price to redeem my life! Now, please shift 35 degrees to your left and proceed at your current speed. In a quarter of an hour, I will rendezvous with you. I implore you, Senior, for the sake of our shared humanity, save my life… If I survive this calamity, I, Tao Zhu, will definitely do my utmost to repay you!…"

Then, there was no further sound from him; he only focused on fleeing, as if his doomsday had arrived.

In truth, Tao Zhu hadn't wanted things to turn out this way. He originally had a great opportunity: to flee in the direction of the expert who had warned him. But who could have foreseen that the three Martial Kings would pursue him so fiercely, their momentum so savage, ultimately leaving him only a path that led in the exact opposite direction of safety.

One's destiny could only be grasped by one's own hands.

So, even if Tao Zhu harbored some fantasies, what choice did he have but to proceed in the direction apath preordained for him by the three Martial Kings?

Besides these fellows who are as difficult to get rid of as clinging ghosts, the others will probably catch up soon, right?

Fortunately, the appearance of the mysterious figure behind him finally gave Tao Zhu a glimmer of hope that he could deviate from his current path. His heart was a mix of worry and joy. After all, who would choose the path to death if deviation meant survival?

Tao Zhu, who had never expected to find himself in such a predicament, began to silently steel himself. Damn it, if I ever run into that kid again! I'll definitely string him up and give him a beating!

If it weren't for creating a distraction to rescue Wang Zhan, would he, the dignified and suave Tao Zhu of the Federation, have been reduced to such a state of desperate, panicked flight?

…

But while Tao Zhu was forming a plan in his heart, Wang Zhan was… utterly dumbfounded.

When did he discover me? Was this Martial King's mental energy so powerful? If so, wouldn't he discover my identity, see my clone, and expose my secrets? Such a dilemma! I originally thought I might be able to save this senior, but now… he should be buried quickly. Just thinking about him is terrifying. Worst case scenario, I'll offer a few more sticks of incense at his grave!

However…

He… he probably hasn't found out, right?

Wang Zhan continued moving, heading in the direction Tao Zhu had indicated, preparing to meet him, all the while feeling somewhat apprehensive.

Actually, it wasn't that Wang Zhan hadn't wanted to respond to Tao Zhu's question earlier; it was purely because…

Ahem, Wang Zhan was likely, probably, perhaps, just a minor Grandmaster Realm shy of being able to communicate telepathically.

Although killing a Grandmaster was as easy as chopping vegetables for him, it couldn't be denied that only those who reached the Grandmaster Realm were truly qualified, powerful Martial Artists. Only then could they possess more wondrous means and begin to break free from the constraints of mortals.

In other words, regardless of Wang Zhan's current state—even if he, as a Martial General, could slay a Grandmaster or even contend with a Martial King—he was still just a mortal.

The dividing line between the mortal and transcendent realms was like a bride awaiting her wedding night; she sat there, serene and demure, yet Wang Zhan lacked the key to open the door.

Wang Zhan's face twitched slightly. This comparison is quite apt.

He then shook his head.

Forget it. Whether he knows or not, for now, I'll proceed as if he doesn't. But before that, I need to alter my height and appearance so no one can see through my disguise…

After all, the essence of this clone was just a mass of energy. Like clay, Wang Zhan could mold it however he wished, so he wasn't bothered in the slightest.

He immediately wiped his hand across his face, smoothing out his facial features, and shifted the position of his eyes slightly to make them asymmetrical…

At the same time, Wang Zhan multitasked, calculating the distance to the meeting point based on his speed and confirming its approximate location.

After about three minutes of careful preparation, everything was ready.

Three minutes later, he arrived at the rendezvous point Tao Zhu had designated and waited quietly.

Compared to Tao Zhu's estimated travel time, Wang Zhan had arrived in nearly half the expected time.

Therefore, after quickly calculating his own speed, Wang Zhan immediately realized, It seems the maximum speed of my Bat Wings at full throttle is twice that of a Martial King… With this kind of speed, who needs a pet?

Wang Zhan found it somewhat incredible.

It's simply outrageous!

Just a single martial arts skill could allow Wang Zhan's already swift speed to advance so rapidly, effectively doubling it.

Could this be the secret of ancient martial arts, the root of their enduring, far-reaching legacy? No matter how times changed, if the right circumstances or opportunity arose, they would eventually see the light of day again.

Similarly, having suddenly grasped the value of these ancient martial arts, Wang Zhan began to gradually revise some of his previous plans.

In that case, I can shed many of my reservations and much of my caution, even charge straight to this mission's destination, and then complete my task in the shortest possible time…

Originally, Wang Zhan had planned to spend at least two weeks finding the group called the White Phoenix. Who would have thought that his preparations along the way, like unintentionally planting a willow that then flourished while intentionally planted flowers failed to bloom, would result in such a heaven-sent, unexpected boon.

Just then.

RUMBLE!

"Senior, save me!"

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