After Zhao Deren drew his sword, the disciples of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect, as if given permission, also drew their long swords. In an instant, the entire dilapidated temple was filled with cold light.

They stared with murderous intent at the enemy gradually revealing himself.

The newcomer was none other than Chen Yuan.

After leaving Qingzhou City, he followed the trail provided by Jiang He, chasing all the way to Changshan Prefecture. At top speed, it didn't even take him two days to arrive here.

His eyes gleamed with azure light, a sign that the Heavenly Eye Pupil Technique was activated. This was his habit; he usually scanned the area with his Heavenly Eye first to see if there were any Sons of Destiny he needed.

Fortunately, he had come to the right place. His guess was correct; these remnants of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect indeed had someone with destiny!

Walking step by step into the dilapidated temple, Chen Yuan's true face was revealed to everyone.

"Chen Yuan!!!"

A disciple sized up the newcomer and suddenly exclaimed in shock.

Most of the disciples in the Azure Cloud Sword Sect had seen Chen Yuan's portrait, and with their photographic memories, they couldn't forget it.

The man before them, clad in a black robe, carrying a long saber, and with a stern face, wasn't he Chen Yuan?

As soon as the name "Chen Yuan" was uttered, an eerie silence fell upon the entire dilapidated temple. The only sound was the heavy breathing of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect disciples.

They looked at Chen Yuan, swallowing nervously, their eyes filled with fear.

It was as if the newcomer was a demon from the abyss.

No...

To them, Chen Yuan was indeed a demon from the abyss.

Outsiders didn't know who had killed the sect leader and the old ancestor, but they were all very clear, thanks to Xiao Qingmu's account, that Chen Yuan was involved!

They had even secretly spread the rumors about Chen Yuan being connected to the deaths of the Yun Family's old ancestor and the Azure Cloud Sword Sect's Azure Cloud Master Ancestor, but unfortunately, no one believed them.

Zhao Deren's sword-wielding hand trembled uncontrollably, as if it would fall at any moment. He was simply too terrified. In his perception, Chen Yuan's aura was as unfathomable as the sect leader's.

Unbeatable!

That was his thought...

Xiao Qingmu wasn't even willing to give him a single medicinal pill or talisman. How could he, with his strength, possibly face the renowned Chen Yuan? He knew that even Gu Hao and Wu Zongxian had died at his hands.

Those elite disciples of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect had also died outside Qingzhou City at his hands a few months ago.

Fighting him was no different from seeking death.

Chen Yuan's gaze fixed on Zhao Deren, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

In his eyes, it was Zhao Deren who was emitting a cyan aura of destiny.

Mid-stage Tongxuan...

Just an ant.

"Where is Xiao Qingmu?"

Chen Yuan spoke slowly, his clear, cold voice resonating in everyone's hearts.

The disciples of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect exchanged glances, but none of them spoke. Although they feared Chen Yuan, they didn't put down their swords. They still faced him with drawn swords.

They also had a blood feud with Chen Yuan. When the Azure Cloud Sword Sect was destroyed, the forces that besieged and divided their territory had killed their families.

Chen Yuan was also responsible for some of those debts.

"Clang..."

A long sword fell to the ground.

The gazes of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect disciples instantly converged on Zhao Deren, their eyes filled with disbelief. Was he the first to surrender?

Zhao Deren abandoned the sword in his hand and knelt down before Chen Yuan with a 'thump'. Ignoring the disdainful gazes of the other disciples, he said with a fawning smile:

"I am willing to reveal Xiao Qingmu's whereabouts, just begging Lord Chen to spare my dog's life..."

"Shut up!"

"You little man!"

"Where's your courage?"

"We were truly blind to have chosen you as our Senior Brother!"

Loud shouts erupted from the mouths of the disciples.

A flash of murderous intent flickered in Zhao Deren's eyes. He turned his head and said coldly:

"A wise man submits to circumstances. Do you want to die?"

"We are swordsmen; what do we fear of death?"

"Zhao Deren, have you forgotten what happened to the Zhao family before? The real culprit was Chen Yuan. How can you kneel to him? How can you face your parents, brothers, family, and sect?"

"That's right!"

"We have wasted our trust in you. You actually knelt to the traitor Chen. Have you forgotten that you always said you would lead us to take revenge?" The Azure Cloud Sword Sect disciples angrily denounced Zhao Deren with impassioned words.

The corners of Chen Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a faint smile.

Internal strife...

He enjoyed watching such dramas the most.

Zhao Deren snorted coldly, "A bunch of useless fools seeking death. Can't you see the truth? That bitch Xiao Qingmu has tricked us!

Do you still want me to die for her?"

Yes, from the moment Chen Yuan appeared, besides fear, the thing Zhao Deren thought about the most was the connection between everything. After putting everything together, he more or less understood.

Why did Xiao Qingmu suddenly leave?

Why did she make them wait for three days?

Why did she tell them not to leave?

It was to make them targets to attract Chen Yuan's attention, while she changed her appearance and left quietly!

So, he abandoned his sword. So, he... wanted to live.

Of course, the most fundamental reason was that he didn't think he could contend with a powerhouse like the number one on the Potential Dragon List. Resistance would only lead to death, while surrender might offer a glimmer of hope.

Living is not shameful!

When the Azure Cloud Sword Sect disciples heard these words, their faces instantly turned pale, as if their spirits had been completely drained. These words were undoubtedly the most effective way to shatter their mental defenses.

"Impossible! You're lying to us!"

Some covered their heads with their hands, some shouted angrily, and some still looked at Chen Yuan with hatred, wanting to attack him.

"Wonderful, wonderful."

Chen Yuan chuckled twice and said to Zhao Deren:

"Truly deep brotherly love. Not bad, but unfortunately, I'm not too interested in watching. Kill them."

Zhao Deren looked up at Chen Yuan and quickly said:

"Then... Lord Chen, can you spare my life?"

"Of course..."

Chen Yuan smiled.

Hearing these words, Zhao Deren was overjoyed and shouted loudly:

"Thank you, Lord Chen, for your kindness!"

After saying that, he leaped up from the ground, summoned with one hand, and the long sword that had fallen to the ground was instantly drawn into his hand. He pointed the sword at his former fellow disciples and said softly:

"Lord Chen's cultivation is unparalleled. Avenge your grudges in your next lives."

"Kill this unfaithful and unfilial traitor!"

Someone shouted in a low voice and stabbed Zhao Deren with his sword, but unfortunately, his cultivation was too weak. Zhao Deren easily destroyed the sword qi he released, and then streaks of sword qi instantly enveloped the dilapidated temple.

In a short moment, the only ones still standing in the dilapidated temple were Zhao Deren and Chen Yuan. The other remnants of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect lay on the ground.

Including the two fellow disciples who had previously pledged allegiance to him.

They had wanted to curry favor with Zhao Deren in order to obtain more resources, but under such deep blood feuds, they would not surrender. Even in death, they would have the face to face the ancestors of the sect and family in the afterlife.

On the ground, crimson blood gathered into puddles, and the heavy stench of blood gradually began to spread, soon filling the entire dilapidated temple.

Zhao Deren looked down at a fellow disciple who had once admired him very much and said in a low voice:

"Don't blame me. I just want to live."

The person on the ground spat out bloody froth, but his eyes were filled with mockery. It was a silent contempt, but he didn't care. He glanced at him.

Then, a streak of sword qi severed his head.

Exhaling a breath of stale air, Zhao Deren turned around, forcing a smile on his face:

"Lord, these damned remnants of the Azure Cloud Sect are all dead."

"Not bad. Now you can tell me Xiao Qingmu's whereabouts." Chen Yuan praised him.

"Lord, will you really spare my life?"

Zhao Deren couldn't help but ask.

"Chen has always kept his word."

"Yes, yes, yes. Lord's reputation for keeping his promises is known throughout the world. Of course, I believe you. Just now it was just..." Zhao Deren said with a forced smile on his face.

"Speak."

Chen Yuan ruthlessly interrupted Zhao Deren's next words of flattery.

Licking his lips, Zhao Deren said in a low voice with flickering eyes:

"That bitch Xiao Qingmu has gone to the capital. She said..."

Zhao Deren repeated all the words Xiao Qingmu had said before, word for word, to Chen Yuan, making him frown. He felt that this woman was indeed a bit clever.

She had actually realized early on that someone had discovered their whereabouts and used these people as targets, just to cover her escape from here.

The capital!

Chen Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly, and he took a deep breath.

A deep murderous intent flashed in his eyes.

This woman must die!

Lifting his head, Chen Yuan stared at Zhao Deren and said indifferently:

"Is there anything else you're missing?"

"No... no more."

Being stared at by Chen Yuan's eyes, Zhao Deren's heart instantly trembled. He felt a bad premonition, but he didn't dare to lie at this moment.

Because he knew that Chen Yuan would definitely be dissatisfied with his answer.

But...

He really didn't know Xiao Qingmu's specific whereabouts. The other party had always been vague, only saying to find a noble person, but no matter how he inquired, Xiao Qingmu didn't reveal who the noble person was.

As for deceiving Chen Yuan, he had this idea in his mind, but after weighing it, he decided to be honest. What if Chen Yuan took him to find Xiao Qingmu,

wouldn't he die miserably in the end?

Chen Yuan nodded. The next moment, a terrifying aura instantly enveloped Zhao Deren. The other party's figure instantly froze, and just as he was about to move,

a hand directly grabbed his neck, pinching it tightly, making him unable to breathe.

Zhao Deren felt like a mountain was pressing down on him, his face filled with horror, begging for mercy:

"Lord... Lord Chen... you said... promised... to spare... my life."

"What Chen promised has nothing to do with Chen Yuan." Chen Yuan stared at him expressionlessly and continued:

"If you have any grievances, go down and find Xiao Yun Sheng. Don't worry, it won't be long before Xiao Qingmu comes to find you."

"Crack."

With a soft sound, the vitality in Zhao Deren's body began to gradually disappear. The light in his bright eyes gradually faded, and his head lost its support, drooping slightly.

But there was still a trace of unwillingness on his face.

From the moment he possessed destiny, he was already destined to die, without any exceptions.

Azure light flickered in Chen Yuan's eyes, and a stream of azure light, like a swimming dragon, slowly surged from Zhao Deren's body, quickly flowing into Chen Yuan's mind.

Deep in his consciousness, the Destiny Altar slowly rotated, and a new guidance surged into his heart.

"The Third and First Market opens in October, a wind comes from the north of Changshan. A beggar in rags is like a noble, a wisp of Yin and Yang is hidden in his pendant!"

Opening his eyes, Chen Yuan nodded slightly.

Fortunately, this time's opportunity was not far away. It was in Changshan Prefecture City. He only needed to wait until tomorrow. Speaking of which, he had indeed arrived at the right time. Tomorrow was October 31st.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind. If he killed Zhao Deren tomorrow or the day after, would the guidance of this opportunity change?

Unfortunately, there was no 'what if'. Unless there were special circumstances, he would not keep Zhao Deren alive until tomorrow.

Breathing out a breath of stale air, Chen Yuan turned around and left, looking at the corpses on the ground. A fire instantly burned within the dilapidated temple, appearing extremely bright in the dark night.

This trip could be considered worthwhile. He had found the Son of Destiny he needed. The only regret was that Xiao Qingmu had actually escaped in advance.

He still had to expend his energy to find her...

But at the same time, he was also curious. Would Xiao Qingmu be able to provide him with a Son of Destiny next time they met? If so, would it be feasible to raise her like livestock?

This thought flashed and disappeared. Chen Yuan shook his head and chuckled. What was he thinking?

He actually had such thoughts, which were absolutely undesirable.

Enemies were best off dead.

......

......

After the dilapidated temple was completely burned to ashes, Chen Yuan left this place and headed towards Changshan Prefecture City. Next, he was going to retrieve his treasure of opportunity.

Hopefully, it would increase his cultivation.

Although his strength was improving quickly, Chen Yuan still wanted to be faster. Who would嫌 (xián - dislike, resent) their strength being stronger? In this world, everything was fake,

only strength was real!

He didn't choose to enter the city. Instead, he casually found a place outside the city to meditate and breathe for a night. When the first ray of sunlight shone on his face, Chen Yuan slowly stood up.

He stretched his body lightly and entered Changshan Prefecture City through the air.

Located within Zhong Prefecture, the martial artists and government here were indeed much stronger than ordinary prefectures, but Nascent Soul Grandmasters were not rampant. After some investigation, he only sensed two Nascent Soul aura.

Chen Yuan didn't immediately go to the north of the city. According to his experience, the market probably hadn't opened when it was just dawn. Even if he went, it wouldn't be of any use.

So, he found a breakfast shop and had some food.

With his cultivation, he could actually already abstain from grains, but he still occasionally ate some food that interested him. In his opinion, only when he was full could he feel at ease.

Besides, the food in this world wasn't as bad as he had imagined.

Although it wasn't as rich and varied as in his previous life, it had a unique flavor. It was still very tasty to eat occasionally.

After having breakfast, the sky completely brightened, and the sparse streets gradually began to have bustling crowds. Chen Yuan also began to walk towards the north of the city.

Similar to the prefectures he had experienced before, the people living in the north of the city were basically ordinary commoners, and their lives were relatively difficult. However, this was Zhong Prefecture after all, and the lives of the people were still better than those in Qing Prefecture.

At least along the way, he had seen very few ragged beggars. The reason he was paying so much attention was, of course, because of the guidance of the opportunity.

So, he was paying special attention to beggars today, fearing that he would miss it...

But after thinking about it carefully, it seemed very normal. After all, this was the foundation of the Sima Imperial Family. Even if the upper echelons were昏聩 (hūn kuì - muddle-headed and fatuous), overall, it was still stronger than other prefectures.

When Chen Yuan arrived at the market, it was already gathering a lot of people, with a strong atmosphere of everyday life.

To be honest, he sometimes liked this kind of atmosphere, but now he already had a huge class gap with these ordinary people.

Although he had disguised his face and completely suppressed his aura, there was still an invisible temperament about him that showed his difference.

When the surrounding people saw him, they basically took the initiative to avoid him, fearing that they would cause trouble.

The road in the north of the city was very wide, and both sides were lined with stalls selling goods. Chen Yuan's eyes looked straight ahead, and from time to time, a trace of cyan light flashed in the depths of his eyes, searching for his target.

Unfortunately, after walking for a quarter of an hour, he had already visited most of the market, but he still hadn't found anything.

Frowning slightly, Chen Yuan decided to speed up. If he still couldn't find it, then he would have to search the entire north of the city!

The gathering was bustling and crowded, and the most crowded place was a storytelling area. An old man in gray clothes rolled his eyes and loudly told legends.

He was telling it with great emotion. As the saying goes, if God closes a door for you, he will definitely open a window for you. At least in Chen Yuan's opinion,

this was the most flavorful storytelling he had ever heard.

If he didn't have important things to do, Chen Yuan would definitely listen here. But even as he passed by, he still heard something.

It seemed to be telling the story of the Spear God of Changshan, whose spear had charged in and out of the enemy ranks seven times, killing the Northern Barbarians so that they threw away their armor and wailed like babies.

He didn't know how much artistic embellishment there was in it.

Anyway, the legends about him in Tangshan had reached an outrageous level, as if the whole world would collapse without him.

But he didn't pay too much attention to the name of that Spear God.

It was something Zhao, wasn't it?

Without thinking too much, Chen Yuan continued to move forward. At his speed, he quickly passed through the entire market, but there was no trace of the opportunity, which made his eyes narrow.

Just as he was about to prepare to search again through the air, suddenly, a thin figure walked from the distance of the market. It was a young man, with patches on his clothes, like a beggar. He was carrying a big bag on his back, but his expression was very firm.

But that wasn't the most important thing. What was important was that the Heavenly Eye reacted. A cyan light of opportunity shone on the young man's body. The opportunity had come.

Chen Yuan stopped and didn't move. The young man walked to the edge of the market and stopped, exhaled a breath of relief, and put the bag on the ground and opened it, revealing the things inside.

They were pairs of brand-new straw sandals.

Staring at him, Chen Yuan slowly stepped forward, walked to the young man, and said with a faint smile:

"Little brother, are these straw sandals sturdy?"

The little beggar sized up Chen Yuan. Although he was curious that this man in gorgeous clothes would actually come up and ask about straw sandals, he still told the truth:

"Look at what you're saying. My straw sandals are definitely the only ones in Tangshan Prefecture..."

"What big words. What's your name, little brother?"

The little beggar pondered for a moment, not sure what the other party's purpose was. After thinking about it, he still didn't hide it:

"The friends in the city call me Stone. You can call me that."

"Stone?"

Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow. This name was quite casual. He casually said:

"Don't you have a given name?"

The little beggar frowned, forced a smile, and said:

"Do you ask for names when you buy straw sandals?"

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Checking in for monthly tickets!!!

It's Qixi Festival, and only this miserable person is still coding late into the night. Everyone must support me with monthly tickets, right?