"Haha…are you thinking about escaping into the palace? Tch…tch…unfortunately, you showed your weakness too early."
The burly guy noticed Zhiran's gaze and laughed, his leisurely steps slowly closing the distance.
Zhiran could feel that this man was extremely alert. Even though he was a Gold Core cultivator, he remained cautious throughout. His guard never dropped for even a moment.
As if he were wary of something unexpected.
"But I have to say, you are the second guy who managed to dodge my attack. However, I can't let you be the second one to escape, too. You know, it's a matter of my prestige as a Zhenren."
The man grinned as he spoke, and without another word, he slammed his foot into the ground.
In a flash, a terrifying blade intent erupted upward, tearing through the air as it surged toward Zhiran with overwhelming force.
Zhiran's expression changed instantly.
'Shrinking Step!'
Fortunately, he managed to activate the heaven-grade technique on time.
