Wang Zhan smirked as he looked at the little miss before him, who seemed more adept at causing trouble than achieving anything significant. Of course, if he were to be precise about their ages, Wang Zhan might even have to call this girl 'older sister,' but that was out of the question.

Therefore, Wang Zhan replied directly, "Would you believe me if I said this is just a coincidence? Let's go! It's too dangerous here; you'd better not stay."

When he said this, Wang Zhan spoke particularly softly, mainly to prevent any information from leaking. As for this little miss thinking he had appeared just to play the hero and save the damsel in distress... Am I really that shallow a person?

Ouyang Yue's expression faltered, the light in her eyes dimming. "Oh..."

Was it because I did something to upset Wang Zhan? Is that why he's in a bad mood and said those things? But... this is so unfair to me! Even if you don't like me, can't you offer a little comfort?

However, the Martial King who was about to lead her away—the youngest disciple among them—instantly expressed his gratitude to Wang Zhan. "Brother, thanks! We'll take our leave then. Until we meet again, bye!"

Then, he continued without missing a beat, not even bothering with his senior martial brothers and sisters, carrying his junior martial sister, Ouyang Yue, as he fled into the night. Subsequently, he vanished in the blink of an eye at the exit of the Ming State Underground City!

Only the monster, after feeling Wang Zhan's half-smiling gaze, retreated frantically, as if abandoning everything. Clearly, he had sensed something was wrong. So even though his face still bore that terrifying sneer, his heart plummeted, yet he didn't dare to stop. The monster's speed was so great that even the Martial Kings couldn't intercept him in time!

There was no other reason. To the monster, the threat Wang Zhan now posed was immense, even pushing past some of his own limits.

He still has a trump card... the monster pondered deeply. This time, he decided to retreat first; after all, he was a monster, not a madman. Madmen fought recklessly; monsters cherished their lives.

Therefore, while he hid his shadow behind others, ever ready to devour someone to restore his strength, he remained extremely wary and vigilant towards Wang Zhan, giving him no opportunity whatsoever. He knew very well that, especially under the current circumstances, the moment something seemed off, he would be swarmed by everyone, trapped with no way to advance or retreat! By then, escape would be impossible.

At the same time, Wang Zhan didn't even glance at the fleeing monster. Instead, he regarded the Martial Kings who had followed Ouyang Yue here with a faint smile. This left them somewhat at a loss. After all, by conventional reasoning, they were older than Wang Zhan and, by rights, should have treated him as a junior. But in reality, Wang Zhan's strength had long surpassed theirs. Instead, they felt an unease in his presence, as if facing certain elders.

What is this guy trying to do? they thought. Can he stop smiling? It's kind of creepy! Who on earth taught him? He looks sunny and bright, but getting close reveals a chilling aura. No wonder his strength is so astonishing! This fellow is clearly not normal; his brain definitely has a few screws loose.

Finally, the young man leading them, Li Ji, spoke, forcing himself to appear calm. "Fellow student Wang Zhan... I... I am Yueyue's senior martial brother, Li Ji. But, are you... sure you don't want to chase him? Heh, we're just passing by and mean no harm! So... if you need help, we're willing to lend a hand."

Regrettably, the moment he opened his mouth, his lack of confidence was apparent.

However, Wang Zhan didn't mind, chuckling as he replied, "It's alright. As long as he's still in the Ming State Underground City, he can't escape. Besides, now that he wants to run, so what if he manages to escape the Ming State Underground City?"

As he spoke, Wang Zhan gave Li Ji a profound look. Anyone else hearing this would probably think Wang Zhan was arrogant and conceited. In short, that he had let his success go to his head!

But who was Li Ji? He was a Martial King serving the Federation. He was not only experienced and quick-witted, having navigated countless perilous situations, but his reactions were also swift. So, the moment Wang Zhan spoke, Li Ji's mind raced.

Could it be that Wang Zhan has another plan? Or is trouble brewing here?

Of course, he quickly realized these two were essentially the same thing.

Alas, after Wang Zhan's nonchalant remark, he headed straight towards the monster's direction. "You all should leave. Since you are Ouyang Yue's friends, and I consider myself one of her friends too, I won't make things difficult for you."

During this, he then cast that same profound gaze upon several individuals in the area who were clearly in mortal danger. But this time, Wang Zhan offered no kind words of advice, nor did he try to stop the monster.

His demeanor was ice-cold. After all, he wasn't their father. These people were blinded by greed; not even deities could save them. On the other hand, the monster needed a glimmer of hope to be drawn into another confrontation. Otherwise, where would Wang Zhan find his Domain Spirit? Was he supposed to just watch it escape?

As for whether these people would survive? Heh, that depended on whether they could withdraw quickly enough after the Military Department intervened.

Of course, the Lu Family, whom Wang Zhan had long since factored into his plans and provided with sufficient incentive, had earned a sliver of his goodwill. Or perhaps it wasn't the Lu Family, but Lu Jade!

Because, with a sudden WHOOSH, a clone materialized before everyone, slowly approaching Lu Family's Old Ninth. Wang Zhan's clone then looked at Lu Jade, who showed no fear and even dared to meet his gaze, causing him to raise an eyebrow slightly.

Wang Zhan smiled. "You're not afraid of me?"

Although Lu Family's Old Ninth was on high alert, Wang Zhan clearly didn't take him seriously. This made Lu Family's Old Ninth feel incredibly stifled! He too was a Martial King, a level 9 Martial King at that! On what grounds did Wang Zhan dare to slight him so?

However, just as Lu Family's Old Ninth was about to erupt in anger, Wang Zhan shot him a dismissive glance, and all his fury subsided.

Ah, it's nothing, Lu Family's Old Ninth consoled himself. We're all people of the Federation, and both in Jing State... It's like fellow countrymen meeting fellow countrymen!

It couldn't be helped. While their fists might be smaller, metaphorically speaking, if their fists were knives, Wang Zhan's was a gun. Therefore, if Wang Zhan targeted him, it would be akin to a dimension-lowering strike!

Meanwhile, Wang Zhan's true body leisurely trailed the monster, unhurried.

Over here, Lu Jade finally looked up. She bravely met the eyes of her idol—Wang Zhan, the young hero of the Federation, not much older than herself—and said, "I'm not afraid of you! You are a good person!"

Wang Zhan's mouth twitched. A corner of it then lifted into a hearty laugh.

He truly hadn't expected it. To think that even here, in the Underground City—a veritable Hell on earth where evil ran rampant and slaughter was commonplace—he could still receive a 'good person card'. He wondered what expressions those who had suffered countless losses at his hands would make if they knew. For instance, Tian Qi, the overlord of the Quan State Underground City, or its former overlord, Snakehead. Or the Tang Family, Xu family, and Li Family from Jing State, and even the Royal Martial Arts Academy. As for the Lu Family, that went without saying. Hadn't one seen the look on Lu Family Ninth Master's face? Upon hearing Lu Jade's words, he looked utterly constipated.

Wang Zhan, however, paid it no mind. So, he gently stroked Lu Jade's head and, smiling, said to her, "I don't know if you'll regret this when you learn the truth later. But for now, I think it's best you leave with your grandfather. After all, there are many bad people here, and it's very dangerous. Wouldn't you agree?"

Following this rather disjointed speech, Wang Zhan's gaze immediately fell upon Lu Family Ninth Master.

Lu Family Ninth Master's heart clenched. But he immediately met Wang Zhan's gaze—an inquisitive, or rather, a coercively fierce look. So, after a long, stifled silence filled with frustration, Lu Family Ninth Master finally nodded. "Yes! Lu Jade, let's go first."

Before Lu Jade could even process what was happening, Lu Family Ninth Master swept her into his arms and departed swiftly. He paid no heed to the astonished stares from their surroundings. Though people didn't recognize this old man, ranked ninth in his family, his formidable strength was undeniable. Why would such a person leave?

Afterward, both Lu Jade and everyone else present could only see Wang Zhan's clone remaining in place, waving to Lu Jade and her grandfather with a radiant smile, as if bidding them farewell.

But Lu Jade looked at Wang Zhan and asked her Ninth Grandpa in confusion, "Ninth Grandpa, why are we leaving? Didn't we come to find Brother Hero?"

Lu Family Ninth Master met her gaze, his face a mask of complexity. Was that young man still a hero? No, perhaps from the moment he left Jing State and entered the sights of those people, he had already become a formidable hegemon.

But now, he had to find an answer for Lu Jade, and one for himself as well. So... Lu Family Ninth Master asked, "I don't know either. But Lu Jade, do you trust your Brother Hero?"

Lu Jade nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I believe him!!"

"That's right. Since you believe him, then we leave..."

That was the fundamental reason Lu Family Ninth Master had nodded in agreement with Wang Zhan. Whatever Wang Zhan's reasons for not wanting to see them, even personally driving them away... But seeing that Wang Zhan had singled out only the two of them with his words here... Ninth Master Lu knew. Something is wrong! Everything is wrong!

Therefore, the shrewd and cunning Lu Family Ninth Master understood almost instantly.

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