After the three white-haired elders departed, another golden figure materialized in the sky above the city gate.

It was the man in golden armor!

Even if I have to chase you to Yan Province, I will kill you!

His eyes glinted with an astonishingly cold light.

WHOOSH!

Immediately, he transformed into a divine rainbow and soared into the sky.

At the same time, standing against the wind in the sky above the royal palace, King Pan gazed toward the city gate.

"The desire to avenge my son's death is an irreconcilable grudge!"

"Great Commander, do not disappoint me."

He muttered to himself, his face nearly twisting in rage.

「An hour later.」

Two streaks of light, one chasing the other, entered the Yan Pan Mountains.

Jiang Zhengyi chuckled. "Although most didn't participate in the competition this time, everyone performed admirably. Once we return to Yan Province, we will be generously rewarded."

A wave of excitement spread through the group.

This reward undoubtedly included the Potential Elixir.

It's too early to celebrate, Jia Hei muttered inwardly, a cold light flashing in his eyes.

Upon seeing this, a chill surged through Qin Feiyang's heart.

At this point, he was absolutely certain that Jia Hei was not to be trusted!

White-Eyed Wolf, use your spirit communication and warn Jiang Zhengyi about Jia Hei, Qin Feiyang instructed inwardly.

The White-Eyed Wolf discreetly glanced at Jia Hei and transmitted mentally, "Old man Jiang, beware of Jia Hei. Xiao Qinzi says he harbors malicious intent."

"Oh?"

Jiang Zhengyi, leading at the forefront, raised his eyebrows slightly.

He said nothing and continued onward.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, he still heeded Qin Feiyang's advice.

After all, one could never be too careful.

「Three days later.」

The group was on the verge of entering the central region of the Yan Pan Mountains.

The Fierce Beasts in the area below were now generally as powerful as Martial Ancestors.

Some individual Fierce Beasts even possessed power comparable to a War King!

If Qin Feiyang and the others were to enter the mountains below on their own, they would face almost certain death.

Therefore, despite the presence of three War Emperors providing protection, the group of young people couldn't help but feel a bit tense.

And by now, the cold light in Jia Hei's eyes had become increasingly intense.

However, it was always a fleeting glint; if one didn't pay close attention, it would go unnoticed.

At this moment, the Furious Sun blazed high in the sky.

After another hour of travel, a colossal peak that pierced the clouds came into their view.

"Jiang Zhengyi, it's been a while. I trust you've been well?"

Just as the group prepared to fly past the giant peak, a sinister laugh echoed from its summit.

"That voice…"

"It's Zuo An!"

Jiang Zhengyi's expression changed drastically.

Qin Feiyang and the others were also aghast.

WHOOSH!

A black figure dove from the mountaintop, landing to block their path.

Who else could it be but Zuo An?

His phosphorescent green eyes seemed to hold a terrifying demonic power, capable of ensnaring one's very soul.

Everyone present felt a chill run down their spine!

Jiang Zhengyi shielded the group behind him and said grimly, "Why are you here?"

"For him, of course."

Zuo An looked at Qin Feiyang and sneered, "Kid, I've given it a lot of thought and decided to accept your previous offer."

Qin Feiyang stated firmly, "The offer has expired!"

"Don't be so unreasonable."

"You possess the art of Alchemy, and I have superior strength. If we join forces, what great endeavor could we possibly fail to achieve?"

"As long as you agree, I'll give you the Netherworld Demon Flame."

"Furthermore, I guarantee I'll spare the people with you."

"But if you don't know what's good for you, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

Zuo An chuckled ominously.

"Arrogant!"

Jia Hei shouted angrily, stepping beside Jiang Zhengyi. He addressed Zuo An, "Who do you think you are, daring to try and snatch someone right in front of us!"

Qin Feiyang frowned.

When did this Jia Hei become so righteous?

Something's wrong!

Qin Feiyang's pupils suddenly constricted.

He noticed Jia Hei's hand moving slowly, almost imperceptibly.

Damn it, he's going to launch a sneak attack on Jiang Zhengyi!

The Wolf King mentally transmitted a low warning, "Pavilion Master, be careful!"

Just as it sent the warning, Battle Intent surged from Jia Hei's palm as he struck at Jiang Zhengyi's back!

A cruel smirk spread across his old face!

However, he thought his plan was flawless.

Little did he know, he had already been exposed.

"HMPH!"

Jiang Zhengyi snorted.

His hand shot out like lightning.

He grabbed Jia Hei's wrist and whirled around to glare at him, his eyes blazing with intense cold light. "You truly harbored malicious intent!"

Jia Hei was stunned.

The smirk on his face froze, replaced by utter disbelief.

Lo Qingzhu, Ling Yunfei, and the others were also caught off guard by this sudden turn of events.

Jia Hei was actually attacking Jiang Zhengyi?

What was happening?

At the same time, Zuo An, on the opposite side, also narrowed his eyes!

"Master Jiang, this is a misunderstanding…"

"I was accumulating power to launch a surprise attack on Zuo An."

Jia Hei, recovering his wits, hurriedly tried to explain.

"You? Attack me?"

Zuo An looked at him with contempt.

"Even an ant can topple an elephant at times! What gives you the right to be so arrogant?"

Jia Hei retorted fiercely.

"Stop your act."

Jiang Zhengyi sneered, looking at Jia Hei. "Qin Feiyang saw through your true colors long ago. At first, I didn't believe him, but it turns out he was right!"

This little beast truly deserves death! A surge of rage rose in Jia Hei's heart.

But his expression was one of panic as he shook his head. "Master Jiang, this is genuinely a misunderstanding. Qin Feiyang fabricated these lies because he despises me."

At this time, Elder Lin landed in front of Jiang Zhengyi and said, "Master Jiang, although Elder Jia is petty, he certainly wouldn't have the audacity to collude with Zuo An. This might truly be a misunderstanding."

Jia Hei nodded repeatedly. "Exactly, exactly! Zuo An is a vicious criminal whom everyone should unite to eliminate. How could I possibly conspire with him?"

"Huh?"

Qin Feiyang raised an eyebrow.

With Elder Lin's perception, it's impossible he didn't see Jia Hei's intent to assassinate Jiang Zhengyi. Why is he defending Jia Hei now?

Elder Lin continued, "This matter is not to be taken lightly, Pavilion Master. You must reconsider!"

But before he could finish his sentence!

He abruptly thrust out his arm, Battle Intent erupting from his palm as he struck Jiang Zhengyi's chest!

At the same time, Jia Hei gave a hideous grin, raised his other arm, and aimed a blow at Jiang Zhengyi's head!

Furthermore, Zuo An, who had appeared indifferent until now, also lunged at Jiang Zhengyi with lightning speed!

"Pavilion Master, look out!"

Qin Feiyang's expression changed dramatically.

He rushed forward without hesitation, his left hand transforming into an eagle's claw as he grabbed Elder Lin's wrist!

However, the instant he made contact, the terrifying Battle Intent shattered his arm, sending him flying!

Intense pain contorted his features, and an agonized cry escaped him!

But his mind reeled with disbelief!

How could Elder Lin also be colluding with Zuo An?

All of this happened in the blink of an eye!

No one had anticipated such a development.

Including Jiang Zhengyi.

He was momentarily stunned, but upon hearing Qin Feiyang's cry of pain, a terrifying aura erupted from him like a volcano.

But it was a fraction too late!

In that brief moment of hesitation, Jia Hei's fist slammed into his temple.

Elder Lin's palm also struck his chest.

The Battle Intent shredded his clothes; his chest was ripped open, flesh and blood flying everywhere!

His temple was also a mangled ruin of flesh and blood; his head buzzed, and a wave of dizziness washed over him.

Immediately after, Zuo An's attack arrived!

He slammed his palm into Jiang Zhengyi's back, his Battle Intent piercing through Jiang Zhengyi's body like an arrow, leaving a fist-sized bloody hole!

"Father!"

"Pavilion Master!"

Lo Qingzhu and Ling Yunfei screamed, their faces ashen.

What on earth was happening?

Why was Elder Lin also in league with Zuo An?

...

Jia Hei and Elder Lin's strength was far inferior to Jiang Zhengyi's; they couldn't inflict a fatal blow on him.

But Zuo An was an Eight-star War Emperor, and it had been a sneak attack.

That strike had nearly cost Jiang Zhengyi his life!

However, Jiang Zhengyi didn't even utter a groan.

His gaze was grim.

Without engaging the three assailants, he swept up the Wolf King, Lo Qingzhu, and the others, transforming into a streak of light and chasing after Qin Feiyang without a backward glance.

"Jiang Zhengyi, you're already a spent force! Let's see where you can run!"

Zuo An cackled ruthlessly and swiftly gave chase.

"The real show is yet to come!"

Jia Hei and Elder Lin exchanged a look, their faces set in chilling sneers, and followed closely behind.

...

Qin Feiyang had completely lost control of his body.

His consciousness was rapidly being devoured by darkness, to the point where he couldn't even form the slightest thought.

Ahead, a colossal peak, thousands of feet high, loomed directly in his path. If he crashed into it, he would undoubtedly die today.

But just at that moment, Jiang Zhengyi caught up, grabbed Qin Feiyang's right arm, and yelled, "Qin Feiyang, you can't pass out now! Wake up!"

His voice, like a great bell, resonated in Qin Feiyang's ears.

Qin Feiyang jolted, his fading consciousness swiftly returning.

When he saw the bloody hole in Jiang Zhengyi's chest, his expression changed instantly.

Without a moment's hesitation, he prepared to move everyone into the ancient castle.

But another sudden twist occurred!

The Eldest Prince suddenly reached out and grabbed Qin Feiyang.

At some point, a dagger had appeared in his hand, which he quickly pressed to Qin Feiyang's throat. "If you dare enter that castle, I'll kill you immediately!" he shouted.

Moreover, at the same instant, Lin Hao also sprang into action. He grabbed Lo Qingzhu and pressed a cold, gleaming dagger to her throat.

He looked at Jiang Zhengyi and threatened sinisterly, "Stop right now, or I'll kill her!"

Zhao Shuang'er and the others looked on in stunned disbelief.

Including the Wolf King.

One or two sudden betrayals were within the realm of what they could process.

But now, with one shocking development unfolding after another, even Qin Feiyang's mind was a vortex of chaos.

Jiang Zhengyi halted in mid-air, his face growing increasingly pale.

His aura was also rapidly weakening.

SWOOSH!!!

Zuo An and the other two caught up, forming a triangular encirclement, trapping the group in the center.

"Jiang Zhengyi, you never imagined you'd fall into my hands today, did you?"

Zuo An laughed sinisterly.

Jiang Zhengyi's heart sank.

His gaze swept over Zuo An, Jia Hei, and Elder Lin, one by one.

Finally, his eyes came to rest on the Eldest Prince and Lin Hao.

The Eldest Prince smiled. "Master Jiang, my apologies. Qin Feiyang forced my hand in all this. I actually didn't want this to happen."

Jiang Zhengyi said grimly, "Has your father also allied with Zuo An?"

The Eldest Prince shook his head. "No, no, no. My royal father knows nothing of this. Even my third brother here only learned of it just now."

The Third Prince, Wei Tai, trembled. "Eldest Brother, why are you doing this? Don't you realize the consequences will be severe if Father finds out you've sided with Zuo An?"

"Shut up! You'll be the first one I kill later!"

The Eldest Prince smiled cruelly.

Wei Tai's face turned deathly pale.

The Eldest Prince's lips curled slightly as he gently slid the dagger across Qin Feiyang's neck, taunting, "Qin Feiyang, your mind must be in a terrible mess right now, mustn't it? Would you like me to explain things for you?"

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