As Jiang Hao looked at the group of more than ten people approaching, he couldn't help but let out a sigh.
How could it be such a coincidence?
He had paused here for a moment just to avoid running into them, yet ironically, it was his momentary stop that led to this encounter.
At this time, Jiang Hao's crescent moon blade was in his hand, ready for action at any moment. He truly wished to avoid any conflict, not wanting to engage with these individuals if possible.
After all, anyone who had made it through the Lawless Heaven Tower was not simple. Moreover, if things went wrong, it would bring a lot of trouble afterwards.
Shangguan Wen and the others eyed Jiang Hao cautiously, prepared to draw their weapons at any moment. They had not anticipated running into Jiang Hao here, either. The atmosphere grew tense, as if anything could spark a confrontation.
But just as Shangguan Wen and Bei Xue were about to take action, Situ Jian walked in. Upon seeing Jiang Hao, he was taken aback and quickly stopped the two who were ready to fight.
With a smile, he said, "Daoist Brother Jiang, what a coincidence. We plan to pass through here and won't trouble you any further. I hope you'll make way for us."
After speaking, Situ Jian motioned for the others to cross the lava. He walked at the back, his gaze meeting Jiang Hao's briefly.
Since they wanted to leave, Jiang Hao naturally had no intention of stopping them. As long as there was no conflict, everything could be resolved peacefully.
After all, fighting would benefit no one, especially since neither side knew what was happening outside.
Jiang Hao didn’t dare to take risks; it was best to leave as soon as possible. Particularly after the earlier confrontation with Yan Hua, he wasn’t at his best.
Thus, Jiang Hao watched as the group of more than ten people crossed the lava.
"Thank you, Daoist Brother. If there is a chance in the future, I will surely bring you a gift of thanks," Situ Jian expressed his gratitude before leaping to catch up with his group.
Once everyone disappeared down the path, Jiang Hao slowly exhaled, planning to make his move after a brief wait.
Their choice of path indicated that there was heavy fighting outside. If the Heavenly Sound Sect had the upper hand, these people would surely face trouble upon their exit.
Conversely, if the Profound Heaven Sect and others had the advantage, Jiang Hao would find himself in great danger if he ventured out too soon. It was wiser to wait a while, as it would be more advantageous.
Eventually, the Heavenly Sound Sect would catch on.
—
Up ahead in the passageway, Situ Jian and his group traveled for quite some time before Jing Ru hesitated and said, "The outside situation is indeed unfavorable for us. What if Jiang Hao seeks out others to chase us down?"
"Don't worry about it; let's leave here as soon as possible. We have time," Situ Jian replied.
"But the ones managing the mines are not easy to deal with. If he encounters one and they pursue us, escape will be difficult," Jing Ru said, glancing at the others. "What do you all think?"
Ren Shuang wanted to suggest going back to kill Jiang Hao, but didn't dare to speak up. One word could lead to being abandoned by Situ Jian.
"I also think it's too dangerous to let him live. He's only at the mid-stage Foundation Establishment. I could solve it quickly if I return," Shangguan Wen hesitated but felt it would be prudent to eliminate the potential threat.
"I'll go with you. I still feel that person shouldn't be left alive," Jing Ru added.
Situ Jian couldn’t stop them.
Bei Xue remained silent, not voicing an opinion.
The two then turned around, heading back the way they came.
As they left, Situ Jian immediately urged everyone else to pick up the pace, warning, "Anyone proposes a different plan, and I'll leave them behind."
After saying this, he hastened his pace, leading the others away.
Despite any discontent, nobody dared to say anything against him.
Only Bei Xue sent a voice transmission to Situ Jian: "Is he really this dangerous?"
"I'm not sure," Situ Jian simply shook his head. "But my instincts tell me to avoid making him an enemy, even though he is just at the mid-stage Foundation Establishment.
Shangguan and the others probably felt something similar, which is why they went back to eliminate him. Maybe they wanted to dispel their unease.
But for me, to ensure safety, I choose the optimal plan, which means leaving them behind.
They can either return by activating a teleportation array outside or they might never come back. Waiting for them means betting alongside them, and that's unnecessary."
Bei Xue said no more, choosing instead to quickly move towards the outside.
Though they had a lot of people with them, they were well-prepared, so it didn’t impact their speed significantly.
With rapid pace, the exit appeared in front of them.
At this time, Situ Jian sent a voice transmission to Ren Shuang: "If they don’t come back, I advise you to watch your words carefully. A single sentence could bring disaster upon the entire sect. Take my advice seriously."
—
Jiang Hao waited a bit before stepping over the lava. Instantly, he sensed an unexpected danger.
A short blade came at his throat with alarming speed and strength.
The crescent moon blade blocked it with a clang, wrapped in purple qi.
Without hesitation, Jiang Hao pivoted, kicking behind him.
With a thud, both retreated.
Not pausing for a moment, Jiang Hao swung his Heavenly Blade in its first form, Moon Slash.
The moonlit slash forced the opponent back, revealing Shangguan Wen from the Profound Heaven Sect.
Realizing who Jiang Hao was, a look of disbelief crossed Shangguan Wen's face. In a flash, Jiang Hao closed in, his crescent blade slicing through the opponent's neck.
Blood spilled swiftly, leaving Shangguan Wen with no chance to react.
He stared at Jiang Hao in disbelief. He had contemplated many scenarios, but never imagined the person before him to be of mid-stage Golden Core cultivation, and certainly not an ordinary one.
He didn't even finish the thought before he fell, lifeless.
Having dealt with Shangguan Wen, Jiang Hao turned to see a woman readying for battle.
It was Jing Ru of the Wind Thunder Sect.
But she appeared baffled and terrified, with a desire to flee.
Noticing her intentions, Jiang Hao gripped his Heavenly Blade tighter, his aura locking onto Jing Ru.
Unable to escape, she was forced to fight back.
Though both at the mid-stage Golden Core, Jiang Hao overpowered her with swift and mighty force.
The Heavenly Blade descended, slicing down.
Feeling the overwhelming strength, Jing Ru was stunned.
She had just been about to assist Shangguan Wen when she realized how formidable Jiang Hao was—so formidable that he killed Shangguan Wen in the blink of an eye.
With a crash, the Heavenly Blade passed through. Jing Ru lost all ability to think.
"Was it necessary?"
Those were the last words she heard.