"I am the number one on the Genius Ranking, don't think you can become a half-step Emperor-level expert after just a few days of cultivation! Your strength is nowhere near that level!"
Zhou Yan sneered and shook his head.
Xiao Chen took a deep breath, calmed his breathing, and then once again activated his soul power, locking onto Zhou Yan's aura.
Although Zhou Yan's strength was extraordinary, he possessed the treasure of the mysterious space, making escape very easy.
Xiao Chen didn't expect to kill him with a single move; he just wanted to stall for time to adjust his state and recover some stamina.
However, Zhou Yan's attacks never ceased. Wave after wave of attacks bombarded him, and Xiao Chen could only barely defend himself.
Despite this, his strength was still inferior to Zhou Yan's. Soon, he sustained numerous injuries, yet he still endured with great difficulty.
However, his expression remained unfazed by panic.
"Boy, how much longer can you last!" Zhou Yan's face showed a hint of cruel amusement as he saw Xiao Chen's injuries.
"Bang bang bang!"
Unknowingly, he had unleashed thousands of moves. Xiao Chen was completely at a disadvantage, unable to even defend, only able to dodge frantically.
"Haha, boy, you're out of steam, aren't you? Now, I, this young master, will send you on your way!" Zhou Yan snarled.
A wry smile appeared on Xiao Chen's face. He hadn't expected everything to happen so suddenly, leaving him caught off guard.
Although his strength had improved significantly, he was utterly powerless to resist Zhou Yan.
Xiao Chen knew that his end was inevitable and didn't put up any further struggle.
"You little beast, I won't let you off. Rest in peace as you head on your way!" Zhou Yan roared maniacally.
Despair flickered in Xiao Chen's eyes, but he did not close them.
"Swish!"
Suddenly, a black light erupted from his body, engulfing Xiao Chen. Zhou Yan's smile instantly froze.
"What, what is this...?" Zhou Yan was stunned.
Within the black light, a shadowy figure flickered in and out of view, seemingly alive.
Moreover, black mist surged from the black light, enveloping Zhou Yan.
"Not good, it's that devil!" Zhou Yan thought to himself.
This black mist was emitted by the Heart-Devouring Worm within Xiao Chen.
Xiao Chen had awakened the Heart-Devouring Worm, allowing it to control the black mist and release potent toxins, shrouding Zhou Yan within it.
"Roar!"
"Pfft!"
Zhou Yan's expression changed drastically as he felt the toxins within the black mist.
The venomous mist released by the Heart-Devouring Worm inflicted immense damage on Zhou Yan's body.
In just a moment, his body was covered in horrifying wounds, bleeding profusely.
Zhou Yan felt intense pain radiating from his body and cursed, "Damn devil, get away from me, or I'll destroy you!"
"Destroy me then, if you have the guts!" the Heart-Devouring Worm taunted from within the black light.
Zhou Yan's expression was a mixture of anger and uncertainty.
He understood that he had to either destroy Xiao Chen or dispel these devils, otherwise, he would face eternal damnation.
Moreover, the poisonous mist released by this devil was too bizarre, causing him such severe injuries. If he allowed it to continue, his strength would drastically decline before long, and he might even be completely devoured by this devil.
"Boy, remember this, I, this young master, am the number one on the Genius Ranking. I will return to settle this score with you!" Zhou Yan gritted his teeth.
With that, Zhou Yan's figure transformed into a streak of light and vanished into the sky.
He couldn't afford to care about anything else now; he just wanted to leave this place quickly. Otherwise, if the Heart-Devouring Worm fully awakened and corroded his body, it would be too late to regret it.
As Zhou Yan's body left the spot, a trickle of blood emerged from Xiao Chen's lips.
That punch from Zhou Yan had almost inflicted severe injuries upon him.
Although Zhou Yan hadn't killed him, Xiao Chen had expended a tremendous amount of spiritual energy. His internal organs felt as though they had shifted, and the pain caused him to break out in a cold sweat.
...
"Master, are you alright!" Zi Yan's voice echoed.
"Mm!" Zhou Yan nodded slightly.
"Master, that Xiao Chen has escaped. What should we do now?" Zi Yan asked.
"Let's rest for a while and recover from our injuries!" Zhou Yan said.
However, his gaze remained fixed on the distant void, as if waiting for something.
As soon as Zhou Yan's figure vanished, he retracted his gaze, glanced at Zi Yan beside him, and said, "You are safe now. You can leave!"
"Master, I won't go. I will help you protect Xiaoqian!" Zi Yan said firmly.
"I know you are very loyal, but your staying here will only add to my burden. So, please leave. I can take care of myself!" Zhou Yan said, shaking his head.
Hearing Zhou Yan's words, Zi Yan's expression dimmed slightly. After a moment of silence, she lowered her head and said, "Alright. Master, please be careful!"
With that, Zi Yan turned and flew away into the distance.
Seeing Zi Yan depart, Zhou Yan sighed, a hint of helplessness appearing on his face, yet also a touch of relief.
"You've finally grown up. You should be independent and not always cling to me anymore!"
After speaking, Zhou Yan's figure gradually faded into the darkness.
Meanwhile, Xiao Chen had recovered some of his strength and slowly stood up.
"That guy is truly cunning. He took advantage of my unconsciousness to ambush me and even put that woman into my body. It's detestable! I will settle this score with him sooner or later!"
Xiao Chen's face was grim.
He truly hadn't anticipated that Zhou Yan's strength would be so formidable. That palm strike earlier had cost him dearly.
However, he would definitely remember this debt!
...
At this moment, in the distant jungle.
Zhou Yan emerged from the jungle, his body covered in black mist, his face as pale as paper, looking extremely unsightly.
"That damned scoundrel, using the devil's curse against this young master!" Zhou Yan roared in frustration.
"You little slut, if I don't kill you, I swear I won't rest!" Zhou Yan's face contorted increasingly.
"However, for now, I need to find a place to hide!"
With that thought, Zhou Yan's body trembled violently, transforming into a wisp of smoke and vanishing from the spot.
Although Xiao Chen had escaped, the devil within him still remained. He dared not linger in this desolate wilderness, lest he attract trouble.
Therefore, he had to find a place to hide as quickly as possible, otherwise, if those devils got their hands on him, it would be troublesome.