For Chu Tian, who had already reached the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment realm, he could barely contain his eagerness. Especially now, with the immense power of his Dantian enhanced by the Nine-Nine Madness Foundation Technique, both his spiritual energy and physical strength were overwhelming. The Fire Dragon Sword in his hand trembled slightly, emitting a humming sound.

As soon as the two enemies charged in, Chu Tian moved swiftly. His Fire Dragon Sword unleashed a barrage of fiery sword stars, like meteors streaking through the sky. The fireballs struck the two men, sending them flying backward and leaving them severely injured on the ground.

The rest of Jin Cheng’s group, who had been ready to rush in, froze in shock. Chu Tian, holding his glowing red sword, smirked darkly. “I’ve already told you—you're nothing but prey to be cut down!”

Many of them clenched their fists in anger and frustration.

Ding! Anger value +1. Total anger value reaches 100 points. New items are available for exchange in the system shop!

“What perfect timing!” Chu Tian was overjoyed and quickly scanned the shop. He noticed that 100 anger points could be exchanged for the second stage of the Blazing Flame Sword Art: Flame Scatter.

“Let’s do it! Flame Scatter!”

Ding! Successfully learned the second stage of the Blazing Flame Sword Art: Flame Scatter.

Eager to test the newly acquired sword skill, Chu Tian shouted, “What’s wrong with all of you? Afraid of me, a lone man?”

“Chu Tian! If you’ve got the guts, come out! Stop hiding inside!” Jin Cheng yelled angrily, and the rest of his men joined in, jeering like a mob at a street fight, daring each other to make the first move.

“Fine,” Chu Tian said casually. “Let me finish collecting these spirit stones first, and then I’ll be on my way.”

This remark only made them angrier. Meanwhile, Chu Tian took his time, leisurely sweeping up the remaining spirit stones scattered in the corners. When he finally reappeared, Jin Cheng and the others instinctively stepped back in fear.

Chu Tian’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “The lot of you from the Heavenly Star Sect are truly pathetic. A dignified Golden Core cultivator, afraid of someone like me?”

Enraged, Jin Cheng roared, “What are you waiting for? Get him!”

Reluctantly, his men surged forward, assuming Chu Tian could only take out one or two of them at a time. Chu Tian, however, merely sneered. “Flame Scatter!”

With a quick motion, Chu Tian’s sword carved an intricate circular pattern in the air. A blazing ring of fire shot forward, engulfing his enemies. The powerful flaming sword energy ricocheted on impact, creating waves of searing heat that struck like flying blades.

Weaker cultivators were instantly blasted away, their bodies flung like ragdolls. Even the stronger ones were forced back several steps. However, Jin Cheng, noticing that the attack had only slightly injured him, grinned and shouted, “Everyone, charge! His strength has its limits!”

Stolen novel; please report.

Many of the attackers charged forward like madmen. Chu Tian chuckled darkly. “Sorry, but I wasn’t even using my full power earlier.”

As he spoke, Chu Tian channeled all the energy from his Dantian into his sword. The blade began to hum and glow intensely, radiating a massive surge of fiery sword energy.

When Chu Tian repeated the circular motion with his sword, the resulting flames were brighter, the energy fiercer, and the damage greater. Those nearest him were pierced through instantly. Even the stronger cultivators, though retreating, were visibly shaken.

Chu Tian assessed the situation. Seeing that many of his opponents were still Golden Core cultivators with abundant spiritual energy, he frowned inwardly. “This Flame Scatter is strong, but it consumes one-tenth of my strength per use. If this continues, each attack will grow weaker!”

Still, Chu Tian had backup plans and wasn’t worried. With a smirk, he taunted, “Want more? But let me warn you—my next strike will be even deadlier!”

Terrified, the group hesitated and began retreating step by step. Chu Tian took advantage of their fear, striding out boldly. Reaching a fork in the cave, he smiled sinisterly. “Enough playing around with you lot!”

In the blink of an eye, Chu Tian disappeared. Jin Cheng’s group heaved sighs of relief. However, Jin Cheng’s expression darkened as he surveyed the scattered corpses around him. “Report this to the sect immediately!”

Meanwhile, Chu Tian returned triumphantly to his sect. Ling Zi, sitting idly on a rock, greeted him with a snide remark. “What’s this? You’re still alive?”

“Alive? Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?” Chu Tian grinned.

Ling Zi scrutinized him curiously. “You were just at the Qi Refining stage a few days ago, and now you’re already mid-stage Foundation Establishment? What’s going on?”

Chu Tian had already prepared an excuse. Smiling, he replied, “Simple. I used to be a Golden Core cultivator, but my cultivation was crippled. Now, I just need to cultivate slowly to restore it.”

“Is it really that easy?”

“Of course!”

Though skeptical, Ling Zi said nothing more. Chu Tian tossed her a spatial pouch. “This is today’s haul. As promised, I’m splitting it with you. Consider it thanks for helping me buy those pills.”

Before Ling Zi could respond, a group of unfamiliar figures approached. Chu Tian initially thought the Heavenly Star Sect had come to retaliate, but seeing their peculiar attire, he realized they weren’t from the sect. “Who are these strangers?”

Ling Zi’s expression changed, and she turned to leave. “Let’s go. Don’t get involved.”

“Trying to leave?”

The leading young man spoke, his arm adorned with a badge carved with the words Heavenly Saint.

Ling Zi feigned ignorance. “I don’t know you people.”

“Junior Sister Ling, we’ve searched everywhere for you, and now you pretend not to know us?”

Several people pulled out chains, ready to apprehend Ling Zi. Chu Tian stepped forward coldly. “This is my turf. You’re not welcome here. Get lost!”

“What did you say?”

“You heard me—scram!”

Enraged, the young man ordered, “Take him down!”

One of his men, confident in his strength, stepped forward, only to be repelled by the eighth-layer defensive light surrounding Chu Tian. Shocked, the others hesitated.

“Try harder!” the leader shouted.

The man attacked again, but Chu Tian deflected him easily, sending him flying. Chu Tian mocked, “That’s all you’ve got? Go practice catching worms instead.”

“You!”

“Ding! Anger value +1.”

The leader, furious, brandished nunchaku. Ling Zi panicked, trying to pull Chu Tian back. “This has nothing to do with him. I’ll go with you.”

“Too late!” the leader declared, striking with his weapon.

Chu Tian drew his sword, parried the attack effortlessly, and sneered, “That’s it? Pathetic.”

The leader, humiliated, launched another attack. Chu Tian retaliated with Flame Scatter, severely injuring the group.

Collapsed and pale, the leader glared at Chu Tian. “Do you know who I am? I’m from the Heavenly Saint Sect! Your lowly sect dares to cross us? I’ll return with reinforcements to crush you!”

Ling Zi pleaded, “Senior Brother, don’t!”

But the leader, livid, stormed off with his men.

Chu Tian’s gaze darkened. “I can’t let them leave.”

In an instant, Chu Tian’s sword flashed, cutting them down one by one. Bodies fell like logs, thudding to the ground.

Ling Zi stood frozen in shock.