Peaks upon Peaks, Hard to Land

Gu Qingfeng exchanged a few pleasantries with Zhao Shilong before excusing himself, citing urgent matters from his sect, and took his leave.

Once he departed, Gu Qingfeng immediately employed the Earth Evasion Technique, swiftly darting out of Sunset City and arriving at a desolate wilderness. However, he remained underground, his aura completely concealed, not daring to surface.

The reason? That black-robed fool was nearby.

Thanks to the tracking mark he had left, Gu Qingfeng had long since locked onto the man’s location, though he didn’t get too close.

This fool wasn’t entirely brainless—he knew he was being followed, so he had bolted the moment the auction ended.

But with his speed, how could he possibly outrun a Diyuan Realm disciple of the Profound Cloud Sect?

Before long, the fool was cornered in the wilderness by the Profound Cloud Sect disciple.

Though Gu Qingfeng was far away and still underground, his keen perception allowed him to see everything clearly.

The moment the two met, not a single word was wasted—the Diyuan Realm disciple lunged forward, immediately unleashing a lethal strike.

Clearly, he wasn’t stupid. He knew he couldn’t let the black-robed man activate the Heavenly Thunder Pearl, so he aimed to end the fight swiftly.

Activating the Heavenly Thunder Pearl required time, and against an opponent a full major realm above him, that delay was fatal.

The enemy wouldn’t give him even a sliver of opportunity.

It was much like those scenes in TV dramas—one person holding a gun, the other a martial artist with bare hands.

The two stood just seven paces apart. Within seven paces, the unarmed fighter could subdue the gunman before he could even draw and fire.

Of course, that was just TV logic—outside seven paces, the gun was faster; inside seven paces, fists were quicker.

But in reality? Outside seven paces, the gun was faster. Inside seven paces? The gun was both faster and more accurate.

Right now, the Profound Cloud Sect disciple’s approach was similar—he simply wouldn’t let the black-robed man use the Heavenly Thunder Pearl.

Yet, the black-robed man remained utterly unfazed by the disciple’s lightning-fast assault. He didn’t even move, standing perfectly still.

Swish!

The Profound Cloud Sect disciple’s sword slashed toward the black-robed man’s neck like a streak of light, its blade erupting with dazzling radiance.

Clang!

A deafening metallic clang rang out!

A translucent barrier, seemingly as thin as paper, materialized half a meter in front of the black-robed man, effortlessly blocking the Diyuan Realm strike.

The disciple’s expression twisted in shock. "A top-grade defensive divine artifact?! How does a mere Renyuan Realm cultivator possess such a treasure?! Who the hell are you?!"

The black-robed man didn’t answer. Instead, he leisurely retrieved the Heavenly Thunder Pearl, holding it in his palm as he rasped, "I’d rather not waste one of these. So, scram."

The Profound Cloud Sect disciples’ faces darkened instantly, their eyes filled with dread as they stared at the pearl.

They knew—their chance was gone.

Even if the top-grade defensive artifact was wielded by a Renyuan Realm cultivator, they couldn’t break through it quickly. But if they got bogged down in a stalemate, the black-robed man would have more than enough time to activate the Heavenly Thunder Pearl.

If that happened, they’d all be annihilated. Their best option now was to flee.

The Diyuan Realm leader, though unwilling, had no choice.

"This time, we admit defeat. But dare you leave your name? Next time—"

The disciple, unwilling to lose face, tried to throw out a threat.

But before he could finish, the black-robed man suddenly raised the Heavenly Thunder Pearl, aiming it at them as if preparing to hurl it.

Terrified, they swallowed their words, transforming into streaks of light as they fled, vanishing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

The black-robed man chuckled softly, then stowed the pearl away and continued on his way.

Hidden underground, Gu Qingfeng watched everything unfold, amused. This fool’s got some sass to him.

Wonder if he’ll still be so cheeky in a bit.

Gu Qingfeng tailed the man from a distance, following for about half an hour until he deemed the location remote enough. It was time.

Just then, the black-robed man seemed to relax, slowing his flight. Seeing no one around, he removed his cloak.

What was revealed was the face of a stunningly beautiful young woman, no older than seventeen or eighteen, with a graceful figure.

Her long, silky black hair cascaded over her shoulders, with loose bangs framing her forehead. Her skin was as flawless as a freshly peeled egg, and her large, bright eyes sparkled as if they could speak. Her small, rosy lips stood out vividly against her fair complexion.

A pair of delicate dimples appeared on her cheeks when she smiled, adding to her ethereal charm.

Unbeknownst to her, Gu Qingfeng had already shrunk himself and was stealthily approaching. The girl remained completely unaware.

She seemed lost in the joy of having outwitted the Profound Cloud Sect disciples, muttering to herself, "Those cowards! Serves them right! Hahaha! When I get back, I’m so telling my senior brothers and sisters how I tricked a Diyuan Realm cultivator! Let’s see if they still treat me like a kid! Hmph!"

Damn, these mountains and valleys are way harder to land on than the flat plains earlier!

Gu Qingfeng grumbled inwardly as he drew closer.

He had no intention of harming the girl—given her wealth and the defensive artifact she carried, she was clearly from a powerful background, likely backed by an influential sect.

Plus, this little fool had done him a solid by bidding on all the treasures he wanted. A man ought to be grateful.

So he’d just take her Qiankun Ring and call it even.

In an instant, Gu Qingfeng landed silently on her sleeve, catching a whiff of her delicate fragrance—though he paid it no mind. His focus was solely on the prize.

Inch by inch, he crept toward the ring on her slender finger, then—

Whoosh!

The ring vanished from her hand without a trace.

Without hesitation, Gu Qingfeng bolted, putting as much distance between them as possible.

The girl, still mid-flight, suddenly froze as she felt her hand lighten.

She stared blankly at her now-empty palm for several seconds before reality dawned on her.

"AAAAAHHHHH!!!"

A piercing, ear-splitting shriek tore through the sky.

"WHAT LITTLE THIEF DARES STEAL THIS LADY’S QIANKUN RING?!"