Chapter 188: Qinglan

"How many?"

Xu Jin's question made Ying Ge smile faintly. "Senior Brother, a fifth-rank powerhouse? Even one is a fortune."

As she spoke half the sentence, Ying Ge's expression changed—suddenly realizing something.

Almost simultaneously, as starlight surged around Xu Jin, starlight also erupted around Ying Ge.

"Six!"

As Xu Jin uttered those two words, six fourth-rank Star-Condensation experts had already stormed the warehouse, rushing toward Xu Jin and Ying Ge.

At the same moment, terrifying starlight erupted in the distance.

Two fifth-rank experts were already locked in battle.

Xu Jin and Ying Ge exchanged a glance; their feet exploded with starlight as they charged forward.

The six black-clad assassins, all fourth-rank Star-Condensation experts, included one at Star-Condensation Eighth Layer, two at Sixth Layer, two at Fifth Layer, and one at Fourth Layer.

All were mid- to late-stage fourth-rank experts.

The instant they saw Xu Jin and Ying Ge, starlight poured toward the two.

Xu Jin and Ying Ge dodged simultaneously; Ying Ge's palm already showed shattered rune glow.

Ying Ge had immediately activated a defensive rune.

Xu Jin's figure vanished.

Amid thunder, Lei Yi materialized—before the fourth-rank Star-Condensation Fourth Layer expert's stunned gaze, Xu Jin crossed over three hundred meters in an instant, appearing at his side as flame light exploded!

Instantly blown apart.

At the same moment, the Star-Condensation Eighth Layer expert also lunged at Xu Jin.

Without hesitation, Xu Jin hurled a cultivated fourth-rank rune: Dawn.

Blinding white light erupted instantly, thunder roared, and Xu Jin vanished from the spot.

In an instant, Xu Jin reappeared behind another Star-Condensation Sixth Layer expert, launching Break-Soul Arrow and Flame Explosion simultaneously—within a breath, the man was shattered into fragments.

But at that very moment, the other Star-Condensation Sixth Layer and Fifth Layer experts had already flanked Xu Jin from both sides.

Thunder sounded again; starlight flared beneath his Step-Star Boots.

Xu Jin vanished instantly from the spot.

"He's too fast—we can't catch him!" the Star-Condensation Sixth Layer expert roared in fury.

On the other side, as the Dawn's blazing light just faded, Xu Jin appeared behind the Star-Condensation Eighth Layer expert.

The Star-Condensation Eighth Layer expert looked utterly horrific—his entire body resembled something pulled from boiling water, his skin peeling off.

The cultivated Dawn rune had dealt him severe injury.

Without hesitation, Xu Jin unleashed Break-Soul Arrow and Flame Explosion again.

Strike while he's wounded!

The Star-Condensation Eighth Layer expert screamed in terror instantly.

Especially since his star armor and all defenses had been shattered during his earlier resistance to the Dawn rune.

The only thing he couldn't understand was how powerful the Dawn rune was.

So powerful that even after activating his life-saving rune, he'd still been gravely wounded!

Xu Jin's sudden appearance behind him didn't alarm him much—but when that terrifying soul-wave surged, he was stunned.

His pupils shrank to pinpoints.

The power signature of Flame Explosion made him realize: this fifth-rank Star-Refining boy could actually hurt him.

The next instant, his pupils suddenly dilated—struck by the Break-Soul Arrow.

His gaze held confusion.

He had activated the Mind-Set Star Rune—why couldn't he resist it?

That flicker of confusion became his final thought!

Then he was obliterated by Flame Explosion.

The next instant, the two Star-Condensation Sixth and Fifth Layer experts who had just rushed over froze in shock.

In barely two breaths, this boy had killed three of them!

And killed their strongest!

This terrifying feat suddenly made them hesitate.

But Xu Jin gave them no time to hesitate.

Thunder and sonic booms erupted together; starlight flashed beneath his Step-Star Boots as Xu Jin instantly appeared before the Star-Condensation Sixth Layer expert.

Terrifying wind blades rained down on Xu Jin, slicing relentlessly at his Rain-Curtain Fire Shield and Rain-Curtain Star Veil.

Both defenses were rapidly weakening, on the verge of shattering.

Break-Soul Arrow launched.

All attacks halted instantly.

Flame Explosion launched.

Two in succession!

Seeing the Star-Condensation Sixth Layer expert—who was stronger than him—shattered, the newly arrived Star-Condensation Fifth Layer expert's face turned utterly terrified.

Without hesitation, he turned and fled!

And began cursing.

What the hell—the intel was wrong!

Is this really a top-tier genius at Star-Refining Fifth Layer?

Even top-tier Star-Condensation Fifth Layer geniuses aren't this strong!

Boom!

Shhh!

Thunder and sonic booms erupted together—five starfire chains wrapped around the fleeing Star-Condensation Fifth Layer expert's waist; a monstrous fireball exploded centered on him, shattering Xu Jin's starfire chains.

The next instant, a flood of flame blossoms and fire vines coiled toward Xu Jin.

In an instant, it almost looked like a counter-killing move.

Vast soul-force surged; Break-Soul Arrow launched silently, and all flame blossoms and fire vines froze, then shattered.

Flame Explosion launched.

Directly obliterated!

On the other side, Ying Ge seized an opening and unleashed two consecutive Flame Hammers, severely wounding the Star-Condensation Fifth Layer expert pursuing him, then killed him.

Purely using wealth power!

But when he turned back to look, he was stunned.

In barely six or seven breaths, Xu Jin had slaughtered all five other mid- to late-stage Star-Condensation experts!

Ying Ge hadn't noticed the process.

But he'd heard thunder and flashes of starlight.

Senior Brother must've used runes.

But Senior Brother is Senior Brother—even using runes, killing five mid- to late-stage Star-Condensation experts? That's still incredible.

"Your family's patron is still battling another fifth-rank expert—can you call for reinforcements?" Xu Jin asked, glancing at the starlight rising in the distance.

As for the previous Star-Condensation experts, they'd barely disturbed Xu Jin at all.

All were mid-grade Star-Forge fourth-rank Star-Condensation experts—terrifying to others, but against Xu Jin, a super-grade Star-Forge expert, they were nothing.

"Yes!"

Ying Ge immediately sent a starlight message via the Star-Picking Token.

Meanwhile, Xu Jin hesitated whether to go assist.

After thinking, he decided against it.

First, fifth-rank experts were too powerful—Xu Jin's intervention would only cause distraction.

If he got caught in the backlash by accident, he might die.

No need to overreach.

Besides, according to the Mingji Star Rune's sensing, Ying's fifth-rank patron, though at a disadvantage, wouldn't die anytime soon!

"Senior Brother, the mansion has received urgent reports—both fifth-rank patrons stationed in the mansion have already departed and will arrive within twenty breaths!" Ying Ge hurriedly said.

After speaking, Ying Ge grimaced. "Senior Brother, rest assured—I'll give you a full explanation after this is over!"

Ying Ge wasn't foolish—in fact, geniuses raised in great families were exceptionally sharp.

He already understood where the problem lay.

Most likely, there was a leak within the Ying family.

"No need for explanations—just investigate thoroughly. It might not even be aimed at us."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Xu Jin's expression changed.

"Our luck really isn't good."

"What?!"

As Ying Ge spoke, three streaks of light shot toward them from afar in an instant.

Ying Ge's face turned pale.

Another wave!

Three Star-Condensation Seventh Layer experts had arrived.

As they drew near, the three Cultivation Star Seventh Layer experts split into two groups: two lunged at Xu Jin, while one charged toward Ying Ge!

Xu Jin's pupils shrank sharply.

There was a true expert among them.

One of the two Cultivation Star Seventh Layer experts charging him radiated an exceptionally formidable aura—he was likely a High-Grade Casting Star expert.

Of course, he only brought pressure to Xu Jin.

Xu Jin felt no fear whatsoever.

He didn't even use his last-resort survival treasures, like the Little Star-Turning Talisman.

Summoning the Grand Master as a weapon for just two or three fourth-rank assassins would be a waste.

Watching the two attackers approach, Xu Jin's Thunder Wings flashed behind him—and instead of retreating, he advanced.

Xu Jin's speed was swift and fierce.

Originally, Xu Jin had been outside their attack range; though he held his own attack ready, he hadn't expected Xu Jin to charge them.

Normally, one should flee!

Thus, Xu Jin's sudden advance caught them completely off guard.

In the instant he closed the distance, Xu Jin flicked his wrist and hurled a cultivated fourth-rank Dawn Talisman.

"A mere fourth-rank talisman."

The Cultivation Star Seventh Layer expert, whose face was veiled in starlight, sneered—then his expression changed.

The erupting Dawn Radiance melted their protective starlight as if hot soup had been poured over snow.

He himself fared somewhat better.

But his companion, a Mid-Grade Casting Star Cultivation Star Seventh Layer expert, had his protective starlight instantly burned through; the stench of seared flesh spread through the air.

With a scream, his companion recoiled.

He too retreated, desperately reinforcing his crumbling protective starlight.

The next instant, just as the High-Grade Casting Star Cultivation Star Seventh Layer expert had blasted clear of the Dawn Radiance, he suddenly sensed something beside him.

Thunder cracked—Xu Jin had appeared at his side.

In shock, his Lower Star Palace was struck as if by a massive hammer; his soul trembled violently, his starlight blurred—and the next instant, endless flame light obliterated him!

As for the other Cultivation Star Seventh Layer assassin, he had already been severely wounded by the cultivated Dawn Talisman; now seeing their leader slain, he panicked and tried to flee.

Xu Jin flared his Thunder Wings, caught up in an instant, and obliterated him with Broken Demon and Flame Explosion.

On the other side, Ying Ge was barely surviving under the assault of the Cultivation Star Seventh Layer expert.

If not for his numerous survival talismans, he would already be dead.

The next instant, thunder and sonic booms erupted as Xu Jin closed in and unleashed a Flame Explosion, forcing the Cultivation Star Seventh Layer expert into chaos—and then Xu Jin ensnared him with his Starfire Chain.

One breath later, he was slain by Xu Jin and Ying Ge together!

"Big Brother, you've saved my life again!" Ying Ge exhaled deeply.

But Xu Jin frowned tightly.

Two waves of assassins.

Judging by their appearance order and cultivation levels, they weren't coordinated.

That meant they likely belonged to two different factions targeting them.

Logically, Xu Jin shouldn't have angered so many people?

Were they targeting Ying Ge?

As he pondered, the Mingji Star Pattern on his Lower Star Palace suddenly blazed with light.

There's more!

Xu Jin whirled his head toward a hundred meters behind.

But there was no one there—yet the Mingji Star Pattern sensed a mid-Cultivation Star aura hidden over a hundred meters away.

Because of the distance, he could only sense its general presence.

Another hidden enemy.

Xu Jin's mind stirred—he prepared to explode forward and deliver a decisive annihilation.

Suddenly, the Mingji Star Pattern on his Lower Star Palace flared again—this time sensing an astonishingly powerful star force fluctuation.

Xu Jin looked up along the direction sensed by the Mingji Star Pattern and saw two streaks of starlight hurtling across the heavens.

Their speed was extreme.

To tread upon the stars—they must be two Fifth-Rank Gathering Star experts.

He couldn't discern their precise auras, but he could sense their general strength.

"Your family's fifth-rank experts arrive quickly," Xu Jin said to Ying Ge as he prepared to strike the hidden fourth-rank expert still lurking nearby.

Ying Ge glanced in the direction Xu Jin pointed—and his face turned pale. "No!"

"Our fifth-rank reinforcements should come from Wanyi City—not from outside the city!"

Xu Jin and Ying Ge exchanged a look—both knew something was terribly wrong.

"Quick! Let's get back to the city!"

Ying Ge made the decision instantly.

The next instant, Xu Jin and Ying Ge both shot upward; Ying Ge even shattered a Moon-Chasing Talisman to accelerate.

As for the hidden Cultivation Star expert, Xu Jin didn't care anymore.

Fifth-rank experts had arrived.

This assassination wave was growing stranger by the moment.

Why did they keep coming one after another?

It felt like they'd planned it!

After all, Xu Jin's decision to leave the city for the iron essence was spontaneous—even if someone from the Ying family had leaked it, they shouldn't have sent wave after wave!

Something's wrong!

Something's terribly wrong!

Xu Jin already clutched a fifth-rank Qinglan Talisman given to him by the Grand Master for survival.

It was also cultivated.

As for the Little Star-Turning Talisman, he had no intention of using it.

Summoning the Grand Master for two fifth-rank experts would be wasteful—and from the Grand Master's demeanor, using that Little Star-Turning Talisman would exhaust it.

If he could avoid using it, he would.

The Grand Master had given him two fifth-rank Qinglan Talismans.

Besides, this warehouse was extremely close to Wanyi City—only ten li away.

If he and Ying Ge reached Wanyi City, they'd be far safer—and Ying Ge's reinforcements would arrive in no more than ten breaths.

A cultivated fifth-rank Qinglan Talisman would be enough.

At the same instant, the two fifth-rank Gathering Star experts accelerated sharply.

Their bodies erupted in blazing flame-light, like falling stars streaking straight toward Xu Jin and Ying Ge.

Seeing this, Ying Ge panicked.

"Big Brother, do you have a fifth-rank talisman?"

"Yes!"

"Then let's split up! Use the fifth-rank talismans to block them—we can survive! If they charge together, we're both dead!" Ying Ge cried.

At this moment, Xu Jin couldn't explain to Ying Ge how powerful his talismans truly were.

But Ying Ge's plan to flee separately was indeed the optimal solution.

With a fifth-rank talisman, they could block one fifth-rank expert and buy time.

But if both fifth-rank experts focused on one, that one would die.

Then they'd focus on the other—and the other would die too!

So splitting up was the best option!

At worst, one of them would survive!

There was no time left to deliberate.

Ying Ge shouted—and Xu Jin and Ying Ge instantly split apart.

One fled southeast, the other northeast.

The next instant, the two fifth-rank Gathering Star experts split as well, chasing Xu Jin and Ying Ge separately.

At this moment, Xu Jin had a plan forming.

Xu Jin now had two choices.

One: flee directly.

Expose his fourth-rank star artifact, the Chaos Star Pendant, activate the Chaos Star Technique, and teleport a hundred li away—he'd be safe immediately.

But Xu Jin was furious, seething with rage!

This was his first outing in Wanyi City—and he was attacked.

Dammit, it was three waves, each stronger than the last!

Who the hell had he offended?

Dammit, three waves!

They were all treating him like a soft target!

If I just ran away outright, it would be even more infuriating.

It would also expose the fourth-rank star artifact, Luanyingzhui.

That was Xu Jin's absolute life-saving technique.

Xu Jin felt it shouldn't be revealed unless absolutely necessary.

In an instant, Xu Jin switched to another plan.

Let's go all out!

I must vent this fury—and warn the attacker at the same time!

Fifth-rank seal: Qinglan!

It had been nurtured.

Can I land a devastating blow? Is there a chance to annihilate him?

Even if, at the very worst, the nurtured fifth-rank Qinglan couldn't kill this fifth-rank expert—or even inflict serious injury—Xu Jin could still activate the star technique Luanying of Luanyingzhui later!

His escape would still be secure!

In a flash of thought, Xu Jin made his decision.

The starlight beneath his Starstepping Boots faded, slowing his speed slightly.

But the fifth-rank expert behind him was accelerating rapidly.

Just one breath later, Xu Jin heard a cold laugh from behind.

"This speed? Fits your status as a top genius!"

Closer!

In that instant, Xu Jin spun like a willow fluff, activating Thunderstep and Lei Yi simultaneously, reversing direction in a sudden countercharge.

It had been one chasing, one fleeing!

Now they were rushing toward each other—the distance closing in an instant!

Xu Jin even saw the shock flash in the fifth-rank expert's eyes.

The moment he saw it, Xu Jin crushed the nurtured fifth-rank seal, Qinglan, that he had already prepared.

In the next instant, a cyan light storm ignited the entire sky.

Caught off guard, the fifth-rank Judou Realm expert plunged straight into the swirling cyan windstorm.

Terrifying starlight fluctuations erupted from within.

Xu Jin's Shasha Arrow, Yanbao, and Lei Arrow were all ready.

His mind had already sunk into Luanyingzhui.

If this fifth-rank Judou expert was seriously wounded, strike while he's vulnerable!

Launch a swift ambush and annihilate him!

If he wasn't seriously wounded—even if only lightly injured—Xu Jin would immediately trigger Luanyingzhui's star technique, Luanying, and flee.

Amid the cyan starlight, earth-yellow starlight, fiery starlight, and blue starlight rose in layers, only to be shredded by the cyan starlight.

Before Xu Jin's eyes, a dazzling starlight spectacle unfolded.

Various starlights surged and flickered more than ten times in an instant.

They must be fighting!

In the next instant, Xu Jin faintly heard a scream—starlight shattered, and in an instant, countless pieces of corpse tumbled out.

At the same moment, the Qinglan vortex began to collapse and dissipate.

Half a breath later, it vanished completely.

The fifth-rank Judou expert who had been chasing him was gone.

On the ground lay a pile of scattered body fragments, large and small.

(End of Chapter)