"Since you wish to make an enemy of the Hu family, then today you shall not blame me for being ruthless!"
Hu Xian'er's expression was cold. In that instant, she had immobilized Gui Ying, and before Gui Ying could react, she grabbed his throat, rendering him unable to move.
Seeing what was happening before him, Gui Ying's face instantly turned ashen. He had never imagined that Hu Xian'er's strength would be so formidable, and that she could control him so unexpectedly.
"You have captured my sister, and I have captured your subordinate. If you don't want your subordinate to die, it's best not to act rashly!" Hu Xian'er said coldly, "Otherwise, I cannot guarantee his survival!"
"Are you threatening me?"
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, a faint murderous intent emanating from him. Indeed, the methods of the ancient aristocratic families were extremely potent. He had not expected Gui Ying to be subdued in such a short span of time.
"Hall Master, you don't need to worry about me. I am but a lowly life. How can I compare to someone from an ancient aristocratic family!" Gui Ying spoke.
"You brat, with your strength, how could you have been captured by him!" Lu Fan shot him a look, "And now you're talking about a hostage exchange. Isn't that just a waste of the opportunity!"
After speaking, Lu Fan turned his gaze to Hu Xian'er, "Rest assured, I will not harm your sister. We will release them simultaneously. If anyone dares to play any tricks, the consequences will be apparent!"
In response to these words, Lu Fan nodded slightly and then released Hu Yu. He was certain that Hu Xian'er was no match for him, so releasing Hu Yu would pose no problem.
Hu Xian'er grabbed Hu Yu with one hand and immediately struck Gui Ying with a palm before taking Hu Yu and fleeing into the distance.
*Poof...*
Gui Ying spat out a mouthful of blood, his face extremely grim. He had not expected Hu Xian'er to be so dishonorable, striking him even as she was leaving, and it was no light blow.
"Are you alright?"
Lu Fan looked at Gui Ying, frowning. He had not expected Hu Xian'er to dare to do such a thing, which displeased him further.
"Thank you for saving me, Hall Master. However, these people from the Hu family are truly cunning. I think I've sustained internal injuries."
Gui Ying forced a wry smile, "If I had known this, I should have struck that little girl with a palm!"
"You really hit hard. I can see your back has caved in!" Lu Fan shook his head. "However, they have already entered Zhongzhou, and it will take some time to pursue them!"
"I think Hall Master isn't truly intending to deal with them, otherwise, you wouldn't have let them escape!" Gui Ying smiled faintly, "Could it be that Hall Master took pity on them because they are beautiful? Truly, a hero cannot overcome the temptation of a beautiful woman."
"Don't talk nonsense!"
Lu Fan shot him a look. "I simply believe I have no enmity with the Hu family and do not wish to provoke them. However, since they have dealt such a heavy blow to you, I must return this blow!"
Gui Ying was slightly taken aback, and a sense of warmth surged within him upon hearing Lu Fan's words.
However, at this very moment, Lu Fan led Gui Ying towards the Zhongzhou barrier. They had already wasted considerable time and naturally needed to enter Zhongzhou as soon as possible. After all, they did not know the exact date of the Zhongzhou Academy's opening, and missing it would be a complete waste of their journey.
Meanwhile, at the border of Zhongzhou, Hu Yu steadied herself and looked at Hu Xian'er, "Eldest Sister, why did you run? With your strength, it shouldn't be difficult to deal with them!"
"What do you know!"
Hu Xian'er's face was grim. "He is no ordinary person. Even the Grand Elders of the Holy Lands might not be able to subdue him. How could I possibly have the strength to show off in front of him!"
"How is that possible? Is he truly that strong?" Hu Yu looked astonished. She had never imagined Lu Fan's strength to be so terrifying. If that were truly the case, would they not have courted great disaster?
"The King of Assassins, Hao Tian, holding off numerous Holy Lands by himself, is not just empty boasting!"
Hu Xian'er said with genuine seriousness, her eyes filled with gravity. After all, Lu Fan's methods were not something ordinary people could achieve.
"But he also relied on the Assassin Dynasty, not on his own luck," Hu Yu said with some confusion.
"There are some things you don't understand. Even if I told you, you wouldn't comprehend them!"
Hu Xian'er shook her head, her expression becoming even more solemn. She took this matter extremely seriously.
"If I'm not mistaken, the King of Assassins Hao Tian has come to Zhongzhou with the intention of entering Zhongzhou Academy. If that's the case, you must be careful on this journey. Encountering them will surely not end well." Hu Xian'er's expression was serious.
In response to these words, Hu Yu nodded slightly but felt a pang of worry in her heart. If Hu Xian'er's words were true, it would likely not be good news for them.
Within the Zhongzhou barrier, as Lu Fan and Gui Ying arrived in Zhongzhou, they felt a surge of dense spiritual energy washing over them. This spiritual energy gave them an unprecedented sense of invigoration, and their bodies even began to absorb it frantically.
"No wonder there are so many experts in Zhongzhou; it turns out the spiritual energy here is so abundant!" Gui Ying said, "If we had such potent spiritual energy, we wouldn't have been in such a predicament!"
"The spiritual energy in Zhongzhou is indeed extraordinary!" Lu Fan nodded slightly. "We must cultivate well during our time in Zhongzhou. When we return to the Assassin Dynasty in the future, we can lead the members of the Assassin Dynasty to challenge the various Holy Lands!"
"That is something I have long anticipated!" Gui Ying nodded, his gaze becoming serious. Lu Fan's words filled him with an even greater fighting spirit.
After passing through the barrier, Lu Fan and his companions arrived at a colossal city. The city seemed to house millions of inhabitants, and every household pulsed with spiritual energy, suggesting that even the common folk here were cultivators.
"I never expected everyone in Zhongzhou to be an immortal!"
Gui Ying chuckled lightly, "No wonder Zhongzhou can produce so many powerhouses. After all, with such a large population, the best results are naturally obtained."
Upon reaching the city, Lu Fan did not rush. Instead, he asked an old man by the roadside, "Old sir, do you know where Zhongzhou Academy is located?"
"I don't know, but you can go to Wanbao Pavilion. They have a place specifically for buying maps!" the old man replied, appearing very approachable.
Lu Fan nodded slightly and then led Gui Ying towards Wanbao Pavilion. They moved with decisive action. Their purpose in coming to Zhongzhou was to improve their strength, so they would not delay, especially considering the opportunity at Zhongzhou Academy, which was not available to everyone.