Liu Hao, Chen Yuan, and Wang Xuan escaped from Lu City in a very sorry state.

Chen Yuan's disheveled appearance made him look like a stray dog, and his eyes showed a hint of fear. He had been scared out of his wits.

Liu Hao's eyes were also bloodshot, and his face was ashen. He remained silent, like a dormant volcano that could erupt at any moment.

The three arrived at a small grove outside the city.

"Stop," Liu Hao said as he halted.

"Wang Xuan," he said as he dismounted, staring coldly at her with a stern gaze. He even changed the way he addressed her from "Junior Sister Xuan" to "Wang Xuan."

Wang Xuan had a vague feeling that something was amiss.

"Senior Brother Liu Hao, you..." Wang Xuan began to speak, but Liu Hao suddenly raised his hand and slapped her hard.

The sound of the slap echoed through the grove, leaving a bloody red handprint on Wang Xuan's fair and tender face.

"Liu Hao!" Wang Xuan covered her face and looked at him in shock, unable to believe that Liu Hao had hit her.

Through gritted teeth, Liu Hao said, "You slut, you said that Lin Fei was only a mere seventh-level Body Refining martial artist, but in fact, he has already reached the acquired realm and possesses inner power. He is an acquired martial artist! I believed your slander and suffered a crushing defeat! He is an Inner Sect disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, and we cannot contend with him for now. But revenge can wait. Return to Autumn Haze Mountain first."

Liu Hao knew that they could not do anything about Lin Fei at present, so they had to retreat.

"Let's go!" Liu Hao did not even bother with Wang Xuan, quickly mounting his horse and leaving with Chen Yuan.

Wang Xuan was left alone in the grove, her eyes red and tears welling up, but she did not shed a tear. The slap not only hurt her physically but also shattered her innocence and dreams.

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"Liu Hao..." Wang Xuan gritted her teeth. She never expected that Liu Hao, who usually appeared gentle and refined that seemed to have everything under control no matter what she did would be so hysterical when he encountered a failure. She realized Liu Hao never really cared about her, let alone being a good match for her.

Liu Hao's performance seemed to be that of an empty-headed person who looked good on the outside but was lacking on the inside, far inferior to Lin Fei.

Thinking of Lin Fei, Wang Xuan's mood became complicated.

She never expected that Lin Fei, who she considered just a mere Body Refining martial artist with no potential, would hide his talents so deeply.

He was actually one of the top geniuses. Not even Liu Hao was his opponent. Unfortunately, Wang Xuan and Lin Fei no longer had any chance.

Wang Xuan also knew that she had no chance anymore. Someone like Lin Fei would no longer have any intersection with her.

"But, I should also thank you, Lin Fei. You let me see Liu Hao's true colors early, which is a good thing. So that I won't marry him and ruin my life..."

Wang Xuan gritted her teeth and got on her horse, heading towards the Zhou Mountain Mansion City.

...

Zhang Family, Luo City

The servants all left. Lin Fei looked at the gate, silent, as if lost in thought.

Although Chen Yuan and Liu Hao had just fled in panic, Liu Hao probably wouldn't let it go with his appearance.

If it were in a secluded place, Lin Fei would have killed the two of them long ago. However, if he killed them in front of the Zhang Family's eyes, it would be troublesome.

After all, they were disciples of the inner gate of Autumn Haze Mountain. This identity was not ordinary.

If an outer disciple died, the sect wouldn't care too much. But it was different for inner disciples. Every inner disciple was a core member of the sect.

If an inner disciple died, the sect would investigate.

If Lin Fei were to die, the Nine Profound Sect would also investigate. Therefore, in front of everyone's eyes, Lin Fei had no choice but to release Liu Hao and Chen Yuan.

However, this was not a big deal. Lin Fei was already an accomplished martial artist, and his strength would only continue to grow stronger in the future. By then, Liu Hao and Chen Yuan would naturally feel despair and dare not hold a grudge against him anymore.

"Patron Lin, thank you very much for what happened earlier. Otherwise, my Zhang family would have been in big trouble today..." Miss Zhang spoke with a complicated expression, pursing her lips and speaking softly.

"Miss Zhang, I am a Patron of the Zhang family, and these things are all to be expected. After today, Chen Yuan should not dare to come and cause trouble again. If the Zhang family encounters any more trouble in the future, you can write to me."

Lin Fei was preparing to leave, but a sudden idea flashed through his mind. He recalled that the Buddhist faith seemed to be flourishing in Luo City, where there was a famous temple.

"Miss Zhang, I heard that there is a long-reputed temple in Luo City, right?" Lin Fei suddenly asked.