Yun Ze's face instantly turned ashen!
The black-cloaked figure, Su Huangjiu, and Han Tie behind them formed a pincer movement, surrounding Yun Ze!
To return to the prefecture, he had to pass Han Tie. To go to the Immortal Gathering, he had to break through Su Huangjiu's encirclement. Even to escape the small grove and flee towards the city's outskirts, he had to cross the black-cloaked figure.
The three parties had completely blocked all his escape routes!
Yun Ze felt a prickling sensation all over.
He first turned to Han Tie, "You betrayed me? Aren't you afraid of the oath's backlash?"
"Hahahahaha!"
Han Tie let out a burst of laughter, then retorted, "Brother, what does this oath sworn by Han Tie have to do with my Tie Yu?"
A false name?
It was likely that Tie Yu wasn't his real name either!
But speaking of which, how exactly was his plan seen through?
"Young man, don't be nervous."
Su Huangjiu's voice slowly echoed. If not for the circumstances, one might have mistaken him for a kind and amiable old man based on his voice alone.
"We have no intention of taking your life. We just want to do business with you. Why are you unwilling to talk to us?"
"Talk? Alright."
Yun Ze knew he couldn't escape. He decided to calm his mind and asked Su Huangjiu, "Senior, how did you see through me?"
"A portrait," Su Huangjiu uttered four words calmly.
Yun Ze understood instantly!
It seemed his true identity had been completely revealed. No wonder they didn't believe he would have other supporting materials.
Another portrait!
The last time Yu Xian discovered him was also because of a portrait. Where on earth had He Laichao sent his portraits?
"Understood."
Yun Ze glanced at the black-cloaked figure, "Doing business? It's not impossible, but there's only one drop of Earth Soul Liquid. I can only sell it to one party, and there are two parties here..."
"Hehehe, Daoist friend is quite playful."
Su Huangjiu chuckled dryly and then said, "The saying 'driving tigers to devour wolves' is a tactic used on beasts. Do you really think we are both as foolish as beasts in your eyes?"
"Kid."
The black-cloaked figure also said coldly, "Don't worry about how we'll handle the Earth Soul Liquid. As long as you agree to sell it, whatever happens afterward will be none of your concern."
Yun Ze knew this tactic wouldn't work but tried it anyway.
He pondered for a moment, then finally spoke, "Why don't you make an offer first?"
"The seller names the price."
Su Huangjiu looked at Yun Ze with a smiling gaze. "Daoist friend, rest assured, if your price is reasonable, we will agree."
"Forty thousand spirit stones, plus a Foundation Establishment Pill."
Yun Ze didn't dare to keep the item any longer, so he gave a price that wouldn't result in a loss. Then he stated his condition: "But the transaction must take place after the Ascension Convention begins."
Su Huangjiu shook his head, seemingly dissatisfied with the price.
"Thirty thousand spirit stones! Plus a Foundation Establishment Pill!"
Yun Ze took a step back. "The transaction time remains unchanged!"
"Young brother, your sincerity is insufficient," the black-cloaked figure sneered from the side.
"Then what price do you propose?"
"Two spirit stones."
Su Huangjiu and the black-cloaked figure said four words in unison.
"Huh?"
Yun Ze doubted his ears, but seeing the smile on Su Huangjiu's lips, he knew he hadn't misheard.
Not twenty thousand, but two!
Two spirit stones to buy Earth Soul Liquid?
Dream on!
He would rather destroy this thing than give it to them!
Seeing Yun Ze's face darken, Su Huangjiu spoke again, "Daoist friend, don't be angry. This price includes your life.
The Immortal Mansion strictly prohibits fighting within the prefecture, but they usually turn a blind eye to what happens outside.
If you don't hand over the Earth Soul Liquid now, we'll have to search you."
"Heh."
Yun Ze sneered, "Two seniors, since you know I'm a rogue cultivator with no background, do you think I would carry something as precious as Earth Soul Liquid on me?
Last night, I went to the Shadow Green Pavilion and already handed the item over to that person."
"Good."
Su Huangjiu maintained his smile. "Then you won't mind us searching you, will you? If you truly don't have it, we won't bother you further."
"...Forget it, I'll tell you the truth."
Yun Ze spread his hands in exasperation, a look of helplessness on his face. "Two seniors, actually, I'm just a scapegoat. The last time, that person named Yu Xian said he would give me the items after the auction, but he actually took the items and fled, leaving me to take the blame.
Think about it, who would spend forty thousand spirit stones for no reason to buy such a spiritual item for someone like me with no background?"
"Then search him."
Su Huangjiu still only had those four words.
Old fox!
So cunning, Su Huangjiu should just change his name to Su the Fox!
If they searched him, not only would the Earth Soul Liquid fall into their hands, but other items on him might also be taken!
Yun Ze frowned. He was truly out of options.
"Stop wasting time."
The black-cloaked figure, seeing Yun Ze's silence, walked over directly. "Judging by the kid's reaction, the item is still on him. Let's just search."
Yun Ze's mind raced. There was only one path left!
He couldn't afford to offend Su Huangjiu and the black-cloaked figure, so he had to break through from behind!
Although Han Tie was at the eighth level of Qi Refining, if he used his Shadow Chasing technique, Han Tie might not be able to catch him!
He couldn't wait any longer. By the time the black-cloaked figure got close, his chances would be even slimmer!
Yun Ze channeled spiritual energy into Shadow Chasing and turned to run behind Han Tie.
To keep a trump card, as he turned his back to Su Huangjiu and the black-cloaked figure, he had already taken out the bottle containing the Earth Soul Liquid from his cloth pouch.
If all else failed, he would have to cut off his limb to survive!
The moment he moved, Han Tie reacted and struck out with a palm towards Yun Ze!
However, Yun Ze was a step faster. Before the attack could land, he had already moved several meters away!
But in the next instant, a dark figure blocked his path!
One palm strike!
"Pfft!"
Yun Ze was sent flying back several steps, kneeling on the ground, spitting out blood.
He looked up and saw that the black-cloaked figure had somehow appeared in front of him and was looking down at him, extending a hand.
This person's speed was far greater than it was last night!
"I don't want to kill anyone. Hand over the item quickly!"
"Otherwise... I can bear the punishment of the Immortal Mansion!"
He had been crushed...
At this moment, Yun Ze truly realized the importance of strength!
If in the mortal world, lacking power and influence made one an ant, then in the cultivation world, lacking strength meant being meat for slaughter!
The former could still survive, but the latter was full of helplessness!
Compared to the two, perhaps the latter was even more pitiful and tragic.
"Alright."
Yun Ze let out a wry smile and took out the jade bottle containing the Earth Soul Liquid from his embrace.
Then...
He stretched out his neck, opened his mouth, and bit the jade bottle to pieces!
The scorching liquid, mixed with a hint of blood, flowed down his throat!