Chapter 263 (2/2)

The two flowing powers crashed as each attempted to destroy the other; however, neither was able to gain the upperhand. After remaining in a deadlock for more than half an hour, they finally dispersed and released powerful gales of Spiritual Energy.

“Haha, no wonder you’re ranked first in the Northern Heavens Spiritual Academy. It’s not surprising that Yu Yuan fell by your hands. As far as today goes, we’ll let you off. But if we meet again, you won’t be so lucky.”

Mo Longzi focused on the disappearing sword images, then turned to smile at Mu Chen and his friends. Then, he disappeared. In the span of only a few breaths, he’d completely vanished; however, his faint voice still echoed over the forest.

Mo Longzi was very straightforward with his actions; with Shen Cangsheng there, he wouldn’t be able to gain an advantage, forget about killing Mu Chen’s group. Therefore, it’d be better for him to retreat and save his energy.

Shen Cangsheng looked in the direction that Mo Longzi had vanished to, but he didn’t give chase. His fingers twitched and the golden spear disappeared. Then, he turned around to face Mu Chen, who was still hovering in midair. Black flames still blazed around him, showing his cautiousness.

A look of shock flashed across Shen Cangsheng’s face when he finally had a chance to study those black flames wrapped around Mu Chen. He didn’t know why, but something made him feel slightly threatened.

Mu Chen sensed Shen Cangsheng’s gaze. Finally, he allowed the black flames to gradually retreat into his body and revealed a body covered in blood and wounds.

“Many thanks, Senior Brother Shen.”

Mu Chen cupped his hands towards Shen Cangsheng as he made a hard smile. If Shen Cangsheng hadn’t shown himself, Mu Chen might’ve had to endure a savage battle. His wounds would’ve become even graver.

“You killed Bai Xuan?” Shen Cangsheng asked as he looked at Bai Xuan’s corpse on a nearby mountain slope. There was a smear of astonishment in his voice.

Of course, he could tell that Mu Chen’s cultivation was still that of a Heavenly Fusion Stage Middle Phase. There was a wide gap between him and Bai Xuan. But even still, before Shen Cangsheng had shown himself, Mu Chen had dared to stand against Mo Longzi. His courage was commendable.

Mu Chen lightly nodded, but didn’t care to fill in the details. He’d only been able to kill Bai Xuan because of the Great Meru Demonic Pillar’s ominous energy in his body.

“Mu Chen is a freshman who enrolled in our Northern Heavens Spiritual Academy only a few months ago. But don’t underestimate him! If it wasn’t for him, I’m afraid that we wouldn’t have escaped safely.” a soft and gentle voice sounded. Su Xuan and the other three had flown over.

“A freshman?” Shen Cangsheng was stunned as he looked at Mu Chen again. His voice was filled with surprise as he spoke, “I never thought that such an excellent freshman would appear in the Northern Heavens Spiritual Academy. It seems like the future will be lively.”

“I only relied on a few backdoors1,” Mu Chen smiled.

“Having access to backdoors is also a form of power. In a battle of life and death, only the result is of consequence,” Shen Cangsheng said firmly.

Mu Chen felt the same. If he were caught in a life and death battle, of course he’d use every means to survive. It didn’t matter if they were backdoors or not.

Next to him, Guo Xiong stared at Shen Cangsheng with blazing eyes. The very thought of meeting this Ranked 1 excited him.

“Your wounds are grave. Here’s a Profound Life Pellet. It should help your current state.” Shen Cangsheng extended his hand and revealed a tiny, exquisite box resting in the center of his palm. Inside the box was a faintly glowing white medicinal pellet. Circles of light revolved around the pellet as its fragrance permeated the air and drew their attention.

Mu Chen was slightly stunned. This pellet didn’t look like an ordinary one. It would be a great help for any wounded person. However, the gesture felt too heavy and made him hesitate briefly.

But his hesitation didn’t hold out for long before he accepted it and cupped his hands. “Many thanks for the pill. I, Mu Chen, will remember this favor. I will return it when chance arises.”

Right now, Mu Chen desperately needed such a medicinal pellet to help him recover from his injuries. Refusing too hard would be pretentious — he obviously needed it — so why not accept it? At most, he’d owe Shen Cangsheng a favor. All he had to do was return it when he got the chance.

Shen Cangsheng smiled. He was pleased with Mu Chen’s lack of pretentiousness. As for the favor, he could care less. At Mu Chen’s current strength, it’d be hard for him to return it.

“I’ll have to trouble you this time.”

Su Xuan gave Shen Cangsheng a grateful look. If Shen Cangsheng hadn’t reached them in time, then their small party would’ve suffered a considerable loss, given the situation at the time.

They didn’t know what tricks Mu Chen had pulled from his sleeve, but whatever he’d done, he’d paid a high price. She didn’t want to see him suffer for saving them.

Shen Cangsheng shook his head. “I’ve been chasing after Mo Longzi for the past two months. He seemed to have received some sort of message from the Demonic Dragon Palace and rushed over here. I only followed him, and never expected to run into you guys.”

Guo Xiong inwardly smacked his lips. Shen Cangsheng was probably the only student in the Northern Heavens Spiritual Academy who could pursue Mo Longzi.

“What are you going to do next?” Shen Cangsheng asked Su Xuan’s party.

“We’ve accomplished our mission. Now, we’ll be returning to the Northern Heavens Spiritual Academy.” Su Xuan answered. Their journey had been half a month long and filled with danger. Therefore, they should return to the Academy and get a long, good rest.

“I’ll see you guys there. Junior Brother Mu Chen was gravely injured; therefore, your fighting strength should be down by quite a bit. Mo Longzi is vicious, merciless, and unnaturally cunning. Who knows when he might secretly turn back.” Shen Cangsheng muttered.

“Then, we’ll have to thank you again.”

A relieved sigh passed around their small party. With Shen Cangsheng guarding them until they returned, their group would be entirely secure.

Mu Chen also smiled as he looked north. They could return the Academy at last.