The cross-dressing man held his long spear in disbelief. He had given his full strength in that strike, but he was unable to defeat this mid-stage cultivator.

How is this possible?

Watching Shu Han split into three, he brushed the hair behind his ear. Despite having the face of a stunning beauty, his aura was immensely masculine. He gripped his spear engulfed in the fierce Earth Dragon Fire.

Before he could strike, Shu Han's Green Thunder Tribulation Formation was ready. The flag of summoning thunder rustled loudly, and the lightning flowing in the fiery clouds, like streams of water, poured into it.

Crack!

A thunderous explosion sounded.

"Thunder Python Descending!"

A Thunder Python emerged and slithered down from the three thunder-summoning flags.

The man exclaimed, "Green Thunder Tribulation Formation?!" Then, scoffing coldly, he stood proud with his spear. "So what if it's the Green Thunder Tribulation Formation! If it were formed by three late-stage cultivators from the Green Thunder Sect, I might be wary. But an outsider like you? I can take you down with my spear alone!"

Suddenly, his spear moved like a silver dragon, accompanied by the brilliance of the Earth Dragon Fire, charging towards the Thunder Python. However, the moment he made contact, his graceful brows furrowed, his entire body's spiritual power erupted once again, and with a roar, the Earth Dragon Fire on the spear's tip bit and shattered the Thunder Python, soaring skyward.

"Dragon-Tiger Tribulation Descends!"

An even more formidable Dragon-Tiger Thunder Tribulation stormed down.

This time, he didn't underestimate it. His silver spear danced around him, and each swing created shockwaves in the air, gradually infusing more of the Earth Dragon Fire's essence into the spear.

Shu Han, with his Clear Bright Spiritual Eye, observed closely. He noticed that the man seemed to be integrating the "Instantaneous Blink Technique" with the "Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art". Each time he swung the spear, he was using the method of the "Instantaneous Blink Technique" to compress the Earth Dragon Fire. The compressed Earth Dragon Fire accumulated an increasingly devastating explosive power!

To think that the Heavenly Fire could be used in such a manner! The top three in the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard were truly formidable!

As expected, after only seven swings of his spear, the amassed force easily turned the Dragon-Tiger Tribulation into ashes. The spear soared to the skies, a fire dragon piercing heaven and earth, aiming straight for Shu Han's head.

Stunned by this technique, Shu Han channeled all his spiritual power and unleashed the most terrifying Chaos Thunder Tribulation.

The blue lightning gradually turned white, as the vast power of chaos thundered down.

"Kill!"

The man channeled all his spiritual power and Heavenly Fire into his spear, which rose up to become a roaring fire dragon, charging towards the Chaos Thunder Tribulation. When these mighty forces collided, all the surrounding spiritual energy was swept away, momentarily creating a vacuum environment.

Both were astonished, realizing they couldn't overpower each other, at least for the moment.

The Chaos Thunder Tribulation was already beyond the capabilities of ordinary False-Core cultivators. Yet, it was suppressed by this man's spear. A sense of retreat began to sprout in Shu Han's heart. His attack had failed, and with his spiritual power drained, he was no longer a match for this opponent. He prepared to flee, clutching over a hundred Thunder Tribulation talismans.

However, the man below shouted, "Enough! Let's both stop! Since neither of us can overcome the other, this kind of confrontation is pointless."

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Shu Han dared not withdraw his spiritual power. He was the weaker party. If the man went back on his word, he wouldn't have a backup plan.

Seeing Shu Han's reluctance, the man gritted his teeth, and with a loud bang, he forcefully redirected the tip of his spear, dodging the Chaos Thunder Tribulation with all his might.

Damn! Dressed as a woman, yet so fierce! It's best to flee!

Thinking thus, Shu Han turned, preparing to use the 'Shrinking Earth into Inches' technique to escape.

"Brother, wait! Let's discuss terms!"

From a distance, Shu Han shouted back, "Discuss what terms? You attacked with the intent to kill right from the start, and now you want to negotiate?"

The man's face showed a hint of distress. If he were truly a woman, this expression would undoubtedly earn him endless affection. Sadly, he was a man.

With a mournful sigh, he said, "Please understand, Brother. No one else has ever seen me in this guise. I implore you to keep this a secret. I'll be sure to reward you handsomely!"

Oh! He was afraid that the secret of his cross-dressing would be exposed. But was it necessary? To clash to the death over such a trivial matter!

Annoyed, Shu Han deliberately snorted, "You're one of the top three on the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard, yet you shamelessly cross-dress. We, the cultivators of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect, prize masculinity, yet you go against this principle. I intend to publicize tonight's events, splitting it into six chapters and twenty-four sections! Let's see how you show your face in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect then!"

"You!" The man trembled with rage, gritting his teeth, "If you don't let me live in peace, I won't let you either!"

Feeling the overwhelming murderous intent from the man, Shu Han was taken aback. Was it really that serious?

"Alright, alright! What's the big deal about dressing up? Why make it a life-and-death situation? I won't speak of it, but..."

Shu Han's eyes twinkled mischievously. Thinking to himself, this fellow values his reputation so much and is among the top three of the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard. Why not seize this opportunity to make a handsome profit?

"There should be a fee to keep my mouth shut!"

The man, seeming both relieved and eager, was apparently waiting for Shu Han to make such a proposal. He quickly replied, "Agreed! Whatever you ask for, just name it!"

Shu Han held up two fingers, saying, "Easy, I have two conditions. First, it seems you've infiltrated the Fiery Cloud Onsen. I want to know how you did it."

The man nodded, replying, "That's not difficult. I can teach you how to bypass the formation and enter the Fiery Cloud Onsen without detection."

Shu Han continued, "Secondly, the way you controlled and compressed the heavenly fire earlier was quite intriguing. Can you teach it to me?"

"No!" The man immediately retorted, "This method, which integrates the 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art' and the 'Instantaneous Blink Technique', is the foundation upon which my family has established itself in the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect! I absolutely cannot reveal it to outsiders! Name something else."

Shu Han, probing further, suggested, "Then how about the 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art' and your invisibility technique?"

Expecting further negotiations, Shu Han was pleasantly surprised to find the man actually considering his proposition! His heart leapt with joy, but he also found the situation odd.

Was preserving the secret of his cross-dressing that significant? Was he really considering parting with something as secretive as the 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art'? This man really cared about his reputation!

In the end, the man shook his head, "Your asking price is too high! If you want the 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art' and the invisibility technique, you'll have to include your pupil technique."

Shu Han was immediately ecstatic. Was this man truly willing to exchange the 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art'?

"You're really willing to teach me the 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art'? Isn't it a core secret of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect?"

The man responded, "What's the big deal? Given your current level, once you break through to the advanced stage, you'll surely have a place on the Heavenly Fire Leaderboard. At that time, if I don't teach you, someone else will. Moreover, the elders of the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect all practice the 'Heavenly Fire Manipulation Art'. Who would know that I was the one who taught you?"

Shu Han had a sudden realization. Earlier, when he had asked Song Changyi to teach him, Song had adamantly refused, leading Shu Han to believe that this secret technique was highly confidential.

Now, hearing this man's account, Shu Han realized the technique wasn't as secretive as he'd thought. It was all Song Changyi being overly strict with the sect's rules!

Shu Han said, "First, you need to show your sincerity by teaching me how to infiltrate the Fiery Cloud Onsen. Once you demonstrate your sincerity, I'll exchange the pupil technique with you. How does that sound?"

The man put away his long spear and, with a slight transformation, changed out of his female attire, revealing his original appearance.

He was an extremely handsome and elegant young man. He said to Shu Han, "Deal! But if you dare to go back on your word or reveal my identity from tonight, I will find ways to end your life!"

Shu Han laughed heartily, "Don't be so menacing. I have zero interest in your peculiar taste."

Then, looking at the man's face, Shu Han added, "Actually, the female attire suits you better! It really fits you!"

The man paused for a moment, slightly pleased, "Really?"

Shu Han nodded and commented, "Even though cross-dressing is a bit odd, it's still better than your current androgynous appearance."

Instantly, the man's face darkened again.

Shu Han made a gesture of respect, laughing, "Sorry if I offended you. My name is Yu Tiancheng. I just joined the Fiery Cloud Instant Sect yesterday."

The man replied, "I am Wei Haolong."