There is No Room for Two Tigers in One Mountain, Unless

---

Qi Yuan had never seen a Qi Training disciple wield such an abundance of high-level talismans in battle. Only a handful in the entire Yue Kingdom's cultivation world could afford such extravagance.

A ferocious black shadow suddenly lunged at him. Without hesitation, Qi Yuan activated his top-tier magical weapon—the Crimson Flying Dagger—and stepped forward to meet the attack. Sparks erupted as the two forces collided.

A flexible white light flashed, swiftly binding the slender three-eyed centipede—the Spirit-Binding Rope. The beast sensed danger and tried to expand its body to break free, but the rope held firm, though it seemed slightly lacking in power against the monstrous foe.

"You won't succeed, evil creature!"

Qi Yuan soared into the air, unleashing twenty mid-grade talismans before smashing his heavy hammer down, thwarting the centipede's attempt to resist. The beast's body, riddled with wounds, trembled as it attempted to rise, only to collapse repeatedly. Its mind was clouded, and its demonic power was now locked.

Wasting no time, Qi Yuan sacrificed another high-grade talisman—the Condensed Pearl Talisman—aiming it directly at the centipede's forehead for a lethal strike.

Sensing imminent doom, the centipede struggled violently, trying to evade. But with its powers sealed, its resistance was weak.

"Die…"

A drop of water shot out, piercing through the centipede's forehead at lightning speed, leaving a deep hole as the attack's force carried through. The beast let out a final, agonized scream before collapsing lifelessly. Blood trickled onto the ground, dyeing the earth crimson.

Qi Yuan retrieved a spirit stone, holding it in his palm to replenish his depleted dantian. Descending, he approached the centipede's corpse, eyes gleaming with interest. With its hardened shell, he could refine an exceptionally strong magical weapon.

"Brother Qi..."

Han Yunzhi approached hesitantly, her gaze filled with guilt. She had been unable to assist in the battle, making her feel unworthy of the elixir she had taken.

Qi Yuan noticed her expression and reassured her, "This creature was beyond your ability to handle. Don't overthink it. Go and collect the Fiery Sunflowers."

Han Yunzhi nodded firmly and hurried toward the elixir, vowing to repay his kindness in the future.

With practiced efficiency, Qi Yuan began dissecting the centipede's remains using his Crimson Flying Dagger. Though his technique was rough, experience would refine it over time.

Just as he finished storing the valuable materials, an unsettling feeling crept over him.

Danger.

Deep within the cave, another presence stirred.

Qi Yuan cursed under his breath. He had assumed the centipede was alone, never expecting it to have a mate. And now, he had just killed one half of a pair of demon beasts.

Worse still, he had yet to fully recover his magic power.

A pair of black streaks shot out from the depths of the cave, hurtling toward him and Han Yunzhi with terrifying speed.

"Not good."

Qi Yuan's expression darkened. He could defend himself, but Han Yunzhi, with her lower cultivation level, might not survive the assault.

Activating his Cloud-Stepping Boots, he dashed toward her, wrapping an arm around her waist as he swiftly erected five wind walls behind them.

The black streaks crashed into the barriers, shattering three instantly. The fourth followed. Then the fifth. Though the attacks lost momentum, they still carried enough force to be lethal.

Without hesitation, Qi Yuan summoned the Green Dragon Flag. Pouring his magic power into it, he conjured a shimmering green dragon, which intercepted one of the black streaks. A crackling sound followed—the flagpole fractured slightly, but it managed to deflect the blow.

His heart sank. The power behind those attacks was equivalent to a second-rank demon beast—comparable to a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Brother Qi..."

Han Yunzhi gasped as she saw blood seeping from his shoulder wound. Her large, dark eyes welled with tears.

Qi Yuan hadn't expected his five high-level defensive talismans to fail. His top-tier robes had absorbed most of the impact, but not enough—his flesh had still been pierced.

Fighting was no longer an option.

Summoning five Sky Thunder Seeds, Qi Yuan prepared for a decisive counter. To be safe, he added two Condensed Pearl Talismans as well.

Without waiting, he hurled them into the cave's depths.

Then he turned and fled.

Explosions erupted behind him. Waves of searing heat surged outward, buffeting his body despite his speed. Blood surged in his chest, and he coughed violently. The cave walls groaned and collapsed—whether or not the beast had survived, it was now buried beneath tons of rock.

Monster materials were the last thing on his mind. Survival came first.

By a quiet stream, Han Yunzhi gently rinsed a bloodstained handkerchief. When she was done, she walked over to where Qi Yuan sat, cross-legged, his upper body bare. A bead-sized wound marred his shoulder, revealing raw flesh beneath.

"Brother Qi..." she called softly, dabbing the remaining blood away with the clean cloth.

Qi Yuan opened his eyes weakly. "Don't worry, silly girl. The bleeding has stopped. Just apply medicine and bandage it—I'll recover with time."

Han Yunzhi bit her lip, holding back tears as she carefully applied the finest medicinal powder before wrapping his wound. Sweat trickled from her neck, dampening her collar as she worked with unwavering focus.

Qi Yuan studied her face—the long lashes, the slightly reddened eyes, the delicate nose, and finally, the soft lips pursed in concentration. The scent of her sweat, mixed with the night air, made his thoughts waver.

Before he knew it, he had leaned in and kissed her gently.

Han Yunzhi froze. But as memories of Qi Yuan's sacrifices flooded her mind, her heart swelled with emotion. Unable to hold back any longer, she responded.

Qi Yuan was momentarily stunned. He had expected rejection. Instead, she kissed him back.

Hours later, she rested against him, her voice soft.

"Brother Qi, I'll wait for you to return."

Qi Yuan placed a few high-grade talismans in her hands. "Use these to protect yourself. Wait for me outside."

Now was not the time to linger—he couldn't afford to miss Nangong Wan.

Han Yunzhi hesitated before stepping away, her reluctance clear. They had only just confirmed their feelings, yet she had to leave. But she knew her current strength was insufficient for the dangers ahead.

Qi Yuan watched her go, then turned his gaze toward the distant stone hall.

"Nangong Wan," he murmured, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'm coming."

Without another word, he vanished into the night.

(End Of Chapter)