With that, the Xiongnu general's eyes widened in disbelief. He hadn't expected the enemy to be so close.
As he parried the attack, he roared, "Didn't you run off, kid? Why are you back?"
The moment the words left his mouth, he understood. "You scoundrel! So you left just to trick us. Your intentions are truly wicked."
He declared indignantly.
Having roamed the martial world for so many years, he had never been so deceived. His spirit surged, bursting forth.
The two immediately engaged in a fierce battle. Despite being tricked, Jin Lun showed no signs of defeat.
"I, Jin Lun, have long admired Elder Huo Qing. It is a supreme honor to cross swords with you today. However, Elder, you must hold on; do not let me kill you."
Upon hearing this, Huo Qing burst into laughter. "You talk a big game, but your skills are lacking. Defeat me first, then brag."
With that, Huo Qing channeled his powerful spiritual energy, launching wave after wave of fierce attacks at Jin Lun.
However, Jin Lun wielded his large, heavy metal wheels as weapons, and coupled with his already formidable cultivation, he fought Huo Qing to a standstill.
Chu Chen naturally seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Jin Lun.
Yet, Jin Lun's combat prowess was incredibly fierce, and he managed to evade every attempt.
On two occasions, Jin Lun even successfully counterattacked Chu Chen, nearly slicing him in half!
Fortunately, Chu Chen's reflexes were sharp, and he dodged the incoming blows. Otherwise, he might not have had a chance to recover this time.
Chu Chen unleashed all the spiritual energy he had after consuming the Ascending Dragon Pill, then became a weakened cultivator, standing aside and observing the battle, hoping to learn something.
"Old God of War, this kid is no match for you. Find a way to avoid his weapon and fight him, and you'll have a chance to capture him alive."
Hearing this, Jin Lun was furious.
"Kid, you're dreaming if you think you can capture me alive. Even if I'm no match for Elder Huo Qing, escaping is entirely possible."
"When I return, I will lead the Xiongnu army to raze the capital of Yun Yue Kingdom. By then, you, Chu Chen, will be another soul beneath my hooves."
Chu Chen chuckled at this. "Very well, I'll see whether you become a soul now, or if I become a soul beneath your feet in the future."
Huo Qing launched another fierce assault, his speed increasing, making it difficult for Jin Lun to catch his breath.
"Huo Qing, if you surrender to my Xiongnu, our Grand Preceptor will surely keep your position for you. You would be the undisputed Grand Preceptor."
Seeing that Huo Qing was difficult to deal with, Jin Lun immediately changed his strategy, attempting to bribe him.
Although he knew the chances of success were slim, as long as he could disrupt Huo Qing's focus and affect his attacks, his strategy would be considered a success.
However, Huo Qing rejected his offer without much hesitation, a cold laugh escaping his lips.
"Jin Lun, you are indeed cunning, trying to incite me. Don't you think about it? If I cared so much about fame and fortune, why would I be wandering around the imperial city every day? I'm not that old, why wouldn't I still be in court?"
Chu Chen nodded in agreement. He had long seen that the Old God of War had no interest in staying in court and was a man of integrity, worthy of friendship.
If it were other masters, those who had reached such a level of cultivation, he would truly not dare to invite them to act.
Thinking of this, Chu Chen couldn't help but blush slightly and continued to focus on Jin Lun.
Jin Lun, however, was not overly angered and continued to parley. "Even if you don't wish to betray Yun Yue Kingdom, we don't have to be so confrontational."
"If I kill Chu Chen, it will benefit you. You will thank me."
Upon hearing this, not only Chu Chen but even Huo Qing found it somewhat strange.
"How would it benefit me if you killed him?"
The Old God of War looked utterly speechless. Was this guy treating him like an idiot?
Jin Lun said calmly, "Elder Huo, think about it. Your Empress must surely want to kill Chu Chen now. Chu Chen's achievements are too great; he overshadows the ruler. If he continues to achieve such merits, eventually the entire Yun Yue Kingdom will only know of Chu Chen and not her Empress."
Hearing this, Huo Qing immediately shook his head. "That's impossible."
"The Empress's strength is undeniable. No matter how strong Chu Chen is, he cannot overturn the Empress's position."
"Moreover, I received the Empress's decree to protect Chu Chen this time. Our interests are intertwined. So, do not try to sow discord between us."
With that, the Old God of War launched another fierce attack, his speed at least double that of before.
Jin Lun then realized that the Old God of War had not even used his full strength when dealing with him earlier.
He immediately felt immense pressure. Continuing like this was not an option.
While fending off Huo Qing's attacks, Jin Lun considered retreating.
Fortunately, the area was quite open, making retreat relatively easy.
However, it would be troublesome to take his subordinates with him.
Seeing Jin Lun's eyes flickering, Huo Qing sneered, "Jin Lun, thinking of running? Can you still run?"
Chu Chen nodded and looked at the several immobilized cultivators, smiling. "Jin Lun, you run. After you're gone, I'll kill these guys and have them as a side dish."
The cultivators heard this and immediately cried out, "Boss, please don't abandon us! We want to go with you."
"Yes, boss, don't abandon us. We've gone through thick and thin with you. If we don't have merit, we at least have hard work."
"Boss, you must take us with you. We are still useful to you, don't abandon us."
Jin Lun gritted his teeth and wanted to save his subordinates, but Huo Qing blocked his path, continuing his attack and preventing him from having any chance to rescue them.
Jin Lun struggled for a few more breaths and finally determined that rescuing them was hopeless. He sighed and said, "I am struggling to protect myself now. Deal with your own matters."
The several cultivators were immediately dejected. "Boss doesn't want us anymore? How can the boss be so heartless?"
"Boss, don't abandon us. I know I was wrong. Boss, from now on, whatever orders you have, I will carry them out without fail."
"What's the point of begging? The boss threw us away like toilet paper. This ungrateful wretch, I curse him to be captured by these two scoundrels and suffer like us. That would be truly satisfying."