A powerful explosion echoed across the road.
Boom!
Dust rose into the air.
Lin Tian quickly turned around.
Yue Qingxue and the bandit leader stood several meters apart.
Both were staring at each other.
The bandit leader slowly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
Then…
He smiled.
“So…” “I finally found someone interesting.” Lin Tian frowned.
“He was hiding his strength?” The old man’s voice answered.
“Yes.” “He’s no ordinary bandit.” The bandit leader removed the heavy cloak covering his shoulders.
A powerful wave of Spiritual Qi burst from his body.
The ground beneath his feet cracked.
The surrounding merchants gasped.
“Spirit Gathering Realm!” “He’s actually a cultivator!” Yue Qingxue remained calm.
“I wondered how an ordinary bandit could command so many people.” The bandit leader laughed.
“I stopped being ordinary a long time ago.” He pointed his sword toward Yue Qingxue.
“Unfortunately…” “You’ve seen too much.” He disappeared.
Whoosh!
He appeared directly in front of Yue Qingxue.
Clang!
Their swords collided.
Blue Spiritual Qi met crimson Spiritual Qi.
The impact shook the entire road.
Lin Tian could barely follow their movements.
“They’re too fast…” The old man spoke calmly.
“Watch carefully.” “Every battle is a lesson.” Yue Qingxue spun gracefully.
Her silver sword left behind trails of blue light.
“Ice Moon Slash!” A crescent-shaped wave of icy energy flew toward the bandit leader.
Boom!
The attack struck the ground.
Ice spread across the road.
The bandit leader jumped backward just in time.
He laughed.
“Interesting.” “But not enough.” He raised both hands.
Red Spiritual Qi gathered around his fists.
“Crimson Breaking Fist!” He punched forward.
A wave of red energy rushed toward Yue Qingxue.
She crossed her sword in front of her.
Bang!
The attack pushed her back several steps.
Lin Tian’s eyes widened.
“She was pushed back…” The old man nodded.
“They’re evenly matched.” The battle continued.
Sword after sword clashed in the air.
Neither side could gain the advantage.
Then…
The bandit leader suddenly smiled.
He whistled loudly.
A sharp sound echoed through the forest.
Lin Tian frowned.
“What was that?” A moment later…
More footsteps echoed from the trees.
One…
Five…
Ten…
Nearly twenty more bandits emerged from the forest.
The merchants panicked.
“There are more!” “We’re surrounded!” Yue Qingxue looked at Lin Tian.
“Protect the people!” “I’ll deal with him!” Lin Tian nodded without hesitation.
He stood in front of the frightened merchants.
Although he was nervous…
He didn’t take a single step back.
“If you want to hurt them…” “You’ll have to get through me first.” Several bandits laughed.
“The kid wants to stop us?” “Get him!” They charged together.
Lin Tian tightened his grip on his sword.
His heart raced.
The old man’s voice echoed in his mind.
“Remember…” “A cultivator’s greatest weapon is not his sword.” “It is his will.” Lin Tian took a deep breath.
A determined look appeared in his eyes.
“I won’t run anymore.” Just as the bandits were about to reach him— A deafening horn echoed across the road.
Bwooooo!
Everyone froze.
Even the bandit leader stopped fighting.
In the distance…
A massive flying ship slowly descended from the clouds.
Its sails shimmered with Spiritual Qi.
A giant banner fluttered proudly above it.
On the banner were three golden words.
Azure Cloud Sect.
The bandits’ faces turned pale.
“The Azure Cloud Sect!” “They’re here!” The bandit leader gritted his teeth.
“Damn it…” He glared at Lin Tian and Yue Qingxue.
“This isn’t over.” He waved his hand.
“Retreat!” Within seconds, every remaining bandit disappeared into the forest.
The flying ship landed with a loud rumble.
Several disciples in white and blue robes stepped onto the road.
An elderly man with white hair looked at the frightened merchants.
Then his eyes fell on Lin Tian.
“You fought to protect people.” He smiled slightly.
“Young man…” “What is your name?” Lin Tian stood tall despite his tired body.
“My name is Lin Tian.” The old elder nodded slowly.
“Very good.” “I think fate has brought us together.” End of Chapter 5