Chapter 98: Doorstep Alliance, Crescent Blade Art Bestowed

Chapter 98: Doorstep Alliance, Crescent Blade Art Bestowed

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The tremendous impact sent Tao Dingfang reeling backward in rapid succession. He gritted his teeth, suppressing a groan as he forcibly steadied himself.

“Hyah!”

Clippity-clop! Clippity-clop!

To his shock, after regaining his footing, Su Chen suddenly vaulted onto a horse and galloped away.

“Damn it!”

This unexpected escape enraged Tao, who couldn’t help but feel a twinge of alarm at Su Chen’s formidable prowess.

The previous clash had been evenly matched, but for Tao, failing to capture Su Chen meant defeat.

“Sir!”

By the time the Imperial Guards arrived, the horse had already been ridden off. Tao stood rooted in place, his subordinates awaiting orders.

“They’ll return,” he said coolly, halting their pursuit.

“Aye!”

…

Spurring their mounts, Su Chen soon caught up to Hong Ming and the others. Seeing him unharmed, they exhaled in relief—though their expressions turned odd when they noticed the horse beneath him. Had he actually stolen Tao Dingfang’s steed?

Without explanation, Su Chen ordered, “Avoid the temple ruins. Let’s go elsewhere.”

He suspected Tao would send pursuers, so altering their route was prudent.

Hong Ming and the others raised no objections. At a loss for better options, they followed Liu Fang, who knew of a secluded hideout a few miles away.

Half an hour later, they arrived at a dilapidated shack. Inside, signs of previous visitors were evident.

“These are traces left by our Merchant Caravan. Few others know of this place. We’ll be safe here for the night,” Liu Fang explained.

Dismounting, the group rested. Hong Ming’s trio bore injuries, their bodies still weakened by the lingering effects of Softbone Powder. Su Chen, unfazed, tidied their surroundings and gestured for them to sit.

Silence hung heavy. The three injured men sat mutely, their minds churning. Hong Ming mourned Wei Ping’s death—ten disciples reduced to three, the rest slain or captured. Li Mo and Liu Fang wrestled with uncertainty. Having escaped, what of their families? Would Tao target them? Especially Li Mo, newlywed, his anxiety palpable.

Su Chen observed their distress but found no words to console them. Returning home meant walking into Tao’s trap; staying meant enduring unbearable guilt.

“Who’s there?”

Su Chen’s head snapped toward the door. Faint footsteps approached, sharpening the group’s focus.

“Haha, impressive! You sensed me even before I entered,” a voice chuckled.

Sun Yun strode in, his gaze settling on Su Chen.

The latter’s eyes narrowed. He’d tailed Sun into Tao Manor earlier but lost track after rescuing Hong Ming. Now here he was.

“Relax. The City Authorities aren’t following. I’m not here to fight you,” Sun reassured.

“Not following?” Liu Fang echoed, skeptical.

Sun nodded, then frowned at Su Chen. “You’re quick to resort to poison, aren’t you? I said I’m not your enemy. Must you attack on sight?”

He sighed. If not for his expertise in antidotes, he’d be poisoned already.

Hong Ming’s group turned to Su Chen, who remained impassive.

“State your purpose,” Su said flatly.

Sun’s presence and words reeked of ulterior motives. No need for pleasantries.

“My proposal: ally with me to eliminate Tao Dingfang!” Sun declared.

The trio stiffened. As a Pure Land Sect member, partnering with him meant aligning with rebels. Yet his offer was specifically for Su Chen. Their eyes flicked between them.

Su Chen held his gaze.

“Together, we can take Tao down. Kill him, and your fugitive days end,” Sun pressed. His eyes shifted to Li Mo and Liu Fang. “You fled, but what of your families? Tao’s not chasing you because he knows you’ll return—your kin are his leverage. Su Chen, help me kill Tao, and I’ll rescue your senior brothers’ families. A mutual gain.”

He’d witnessed Su’s strength in Tao Manor and at the city gate—clearly, Su rivaled him. Alone, he had 70% confidence in defeating Tao. With Su? Perhaps 80%, if Tao underestimated them.

Su Chen’s gaze lingered on Li and Liu. Sun’s words struck a chord, stirring hope in both. Even Hong Ming’s eyes gleamed with vengeful resolve for Wei Ping and Qin Hao.

Sun studied their reactions. He’d gauged Su’s gratitude-driven nature—90% certainty of acceptance.

“You have my agreement,” Su said finally. “But…”

“But?” Sun leaned in.

“After facing Tao, I know his power. My skills may falter in a prolonged battle. Do you have any Secret Manuals to offer? A temporary boost would help.”

Sun blinked. Expecting a steeper demand, he’d braced for sacrifice. Now, he smirked inwardly. Su’s cultivation couldn’t advance significantly in mere days.

“Fine,” Sun relented, retrieving a manual. “I only have Crescent Blade Art. Will that suffice?”

Su feigned reluctance. “I suppose I’ll accept it grudgingly.”

Sun tossed the manual, lips twitching. Let Su squander effort on futile progress.

“Then let’s move,” Sun said. “Tao won’t grant us time.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end