The cultivator running towards them was fast, but the female cultivator chasing after him was even faster.
Gao Xian didn't want to get involved in this commotion. He quickly stepped back, gripping his sword in his right hand while his left hand had already retrieved a thick earth shield talisman from his sleeve.
He was ready to activate it as soon as the opponent approached, but judging by the speed, the opponent wouldn't have a chance to reach him.
Master-level Thunder Dragon Hand and True Yang Spear heightened his senses, making his divine consciousness sharp. In this aspect, he was slightly stronger than Zhu Qiuniang.
Despite the fast movements on both sides, Gao Xian could still discern many details.
The woman chasing from behind must have used Wind Control Technique. Her movements were subtle yet powerful, leaping over twenty feet with a gentle push of her feet.
In just two steps, the woman caught up to the male cultivator.
Realizing this, the male cultivator knew he couldn't rely on Gao Xian to block the pursuer.
He chanted a spell to activate the thick earth shield talisman, and flames flickered on the talisman, transforming into a thick, earthy shield.
The Thick Earth Shield was the strongest defensive low-level spell, with the shield condensed with powerful magic, appearing even thicker and sturdier than a real shield.
However, the magic condensed in the Thick Earth Shield was too heavy and cumbersome to control, leading to rapid consumption.
While a Wood Shield talisman could last for the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, the Thick Earth Shield talisman only lasted a third of that time.
After activating the Thick Earth Shield, the male cultivator quickly turned around, raising the shield high to completely cover himself.
The shield was six feet high and three feet wide, completely blocking him from view.
Gao Xian noticed a red light flashing on the man's right hand, indicating he was about to unleash a Flame Burst.
At this distance, using Flame Burst would harm the user as well due to the explosion. Only with the protection of the Thick Earth Shield would the cultivator dare to use such a violent spell.
Gao Xian cautiously retreated to a safe distance, curious about how the female cultivator would handle the situation.
Although the female cultivator's swordsmanship was fierce, she couldn't fully display it against the Thick Earth Shield. The cultivator's spells and techniques were indeed superior to swordsmanship.
However, due to the low level of the cultivators, lack of resources, the mainstream method of combat was still using swords and knives.
To Gao Xian's surprise, the female cultivator didn't slow down or show any intention of using spells.
She raised her shining azure sword and fiercely slashed towards the thick earth shield.
Gao Xian noticed a strange light in the woman's eyes, silently chanting something. The azure light on her sword became even brighter, indicating she had activated some kind of rune.
The azure sword light, accompanied by a sharp whistle, cut through the air and silently split the earthy shield into two.
As the shield broke, the male cultivator behind it also split in half, his internal organs spilling out along with blood.
Despite such a severe injury, the cultivator didn't die on the spot. He lay on the ground, writhing in pain.
The female cultivator looked at him expressionlessly, while Gao Xian could see a cruel satisfaction in her eyes, sending a chill down his spine. This woman was truly ruthless!
Although the woman's appearance was decent, resembling Qingping in some features, her entire demeanor exuded a fierce and ruthless aura, lacking Qingping's charm.
Sensing Gao Xian's gaze, the female cultivator coldly glanced at him.
In the past, Gao Xian would have avoided eye contact with her. After more than twenty days of practical training, he had gained confidence and no longer feared combat.
Although the female cultivator was in the later stage of Qi cultivation and wielded a powerful sword, she was still several levels below Zhu Qiuniang.
Gao Xian knew he might not win against her, but at least he was much faster in speed.
If he couldn't win, he could always run.
With this assurance, Gao Xian calmly met the female cultivator's gaze.
The female cultivator was surprised to see Gao Xian's unwavering gaze, indicating he wasn't afraid or backing down.
While her killing intent was strong, she would have taken advantage if he showed any sign of retreat.
As for whether Gao Xian was associated with the group, it didn't matter to her. But judging by Gao Xian's demeanor, he wasn't someone easy to deal with.
As the female cultivator hesitated, Gao Xian took a few steps back, signaling that he meant no harm.
Considering they were in Feima City with patrol teams around, and this young man seemed capable, she ultimately refrained from attacking.
After her two subordinates collected the belongings and spirit stones from the body, the female cultivator hurriedly left with her group.
Once they left, other cultivators who had been watching the scene approached.
Ignoring the blood, they scavenged through the bodies.
The female cultivator only took the spirit stones, magical tools, and talismans, leaving behind clothes, shoes, and personal items untouched.
Other cultivators frantically looted the bodies, resembling a group of vultures fighting over carrion.
This sight made Gao Xian uncomfortable, but he couldn't judge them as he had also scavenged bodies during this period. He had no right to look down on others.
Gao Xian bypassed the group of cultivators, sighing inwardly. The female cultivator must have come from the mountains, evident from her fierce and ruthless aura distinct from ordinary cultivators.
Qiniang and Yuling were right; these people would cause trouble as soon as they returned.
Committing public murders in broad daylight, and killing so many, was a direct challenge to the patrol teams.
In the past half year, Gao Xian had never heard of such incidents.
Gao Xian reached Chang Street and saw ten members of the patrol team heading towards the scene.
The patrol team wore identical black robes, making them easily recognizable.
Gao Xian had seen the patrol team a few times; they mainly patrolled Chang Street. Beyond that, their presence was scarce.
The team moved at a leisurely pace, showing little enthusiasm for pursuing the culprits.
Shaking his head, Gao Xian found them unreliable and realized he had to rely on himself.
He navigated his way to Cloud Cloth Shop and met the slightly plump middle-aged owner inside.
"You're here again..." the middle-aged owner asked indifferently, "What do you want this time?"
Clearly, he remembered Gao Xian's previous aggressive bargaining tactics, which didn't leave a good impression.
Contrary to the owner's demeanor, Gao Xian was pleased. The fact that the owner wasn't happy meant he hadn't been at a loss last time. Boldly, he said, "Boss, give me a good robe this time!"
The middle-aged owner perked up; robes were a lucrative business.
He immediately smiled, "Robes, we have all kinds here. What are you looking for?"
"Show me everything," Gao Xian, confident with money in his pocket, demanded.
"Alright."
The owner opened a large iron cabinet under the counter, displaying over ten robes on the counter.
"The blue one is the Ripple Robe, with Feather Flight Technique and Water Separation Technique. It can split water and travel within it. Made of Ice Silkworm Silk, it can resist water, fire, and blades. A lower-grade Tier 1, priced at 120 spirit stones.
"The black one is the Blackwater Robe, with Water Shield and Wind Control Technique. A middle-grade Tier 1, priced at 260 spirit stones.
"This green robe is the Azure Cloud Robe, a middle-grade Tier 1. It comes with the Azure Cloud Veil, Spring Breeze Technique, Wind Control Technique, and two specially designed pockets in the sleeves. Priced at 400 spirit stones.
"The Azure Cloud Veil is an extremely special protective spell. When activated, a faint azure aura envelops the body, providing stronger protection than the Thick Earth Shield.
"It can shield from all directions and filter out poisonous gases. The Azure Cloud Veil also enhances agility like a bird..."
Listening to the owner's introduction, Gao Xian was amazed by the unique properties of the Azure Cloud Robe.
However, he couldn't see any magical aura emanating from the robe, making it seem less like a magical garment.
Running his hands over the Azure Cloud Robe, he felt its smoothness like silk yet firm like cotton. He casually asked, "Why doesn't it have a magical aura?"
The middle-aged owner proudly explained, "The Azure Cloud Robe is made of Cloud Silkworm Silk and Thousand-Year Green Lotus Leaf Fiber.
"Not only is the robe exceptionally tough and durable, but it also conceals the magical aura within, even when activating spells. It can be said to have a natural Concealment Technique..."
Gao Xian was greatly tempted by the robe's characteristics, perfect for his use, but the price was exorbitant!
Summoning his courage, he called out a price, "200 spirit stones."
The middle-aged owner remained silent, pointing towards the door, indicating that Gao Xian should leave...
(End of Chapter)