Chapter 496 494: Fighting Over a Person

With Luo Tian's arrival, the pressure on He Yunkong and Yue Linfei lessened considerably. Before long, they successfully shook off the Black Rock Giant Crocodile.

"Junior Luo, thank you so much for your help this time."

A delicate blush surfaced on Yue Linfei's fair, jade-like face.

He Yunkong saw that the way his junior sister looked at Luo Tian was completely different than before; there was even a maidenly bashfulness in her posture.

"Luo Tian, I am deeply grateful that you saved Junior Sister Linfei. However, our masters are enemies, so I must ask you to keep your distance from her," He Yunkong said coldly.

Luo Tian was indifferent.

Yue Linfei looked displeased. "Our masters' feud is their own. We have no quarrel with Luo Tian. Besides, Junior Luo just saved my life."

He Yunkong's expression stiffened.

In the past, Yue Linfei had always believed his words without question and never contradicted him.

"Senior Brother He, let's divide the spoils," Luo Tian urged.

He Yunkong and Yue Linfei took out all the Spiritual Ores they had gathered on their trip.

As agreed, He Yunkong took forty percent, while Yue Linfei and Luo Tian each took thirty percent.

"I risked my life to snatch this Deep Sea Moon Crystal from the Celestial Level Black Rock Giant Crocodile. It's my personal prize."

"We will divide the rest of the Spiritual Ores as we agreed."

He Yunkong stated forcefully.

After speaking, he took the Deep Sea Moon Crystal and dangled it in front of Luo Tian's eyes a few times.

"It's about time I got myself a Profound Artifact sword," He Yunkong said with a smile.

"If you wanted Deep Sea Moon Crystal, Senior Brother, you should have just said so. I have some as well; we can make a trade," Luo Tian said with a chuckle.

"You do?"

He Yunkong looked skeptical, suspecting Luo Tian had mistaken some other Spiritual Ore for a Deep Sea Moon Crystal.

But in the next moment, Luo Tian pulled five pieces of Deep Sea Moon Crystal directly from his Storage Pouch, leaving He Yunkong utterly speechless.

"I have a bit too much Deep Sea Moon Crystal on hand. If you have any other treasures, Senior Brother He, we can make a trade."

Deep Sea Moon Crystal wasn't of great value to Luo Tian.

He already possessed the Ice Nether Sword, a Half-Profound Artifact that suited him perfectly and was comparable in power to an average Profound Artifact.

"Where did you get all this Deep Sea Moon Crystal?" He Yunkong demanded, his face stern.

"I picked them up while I was wandering around," Luo Tian replied calmly.

'He knew He Yunkong's hatred for him ran deep; the man was practically itching to kill him.'

'But with Yue Linfei here, He Yunkong would never make a move—not unless he was willing to kill her, too.'

"Never mind then."

Luo Tian moved to put the Deep Sea Moon Crystal away.

"Wait!"

He Yunkong cried out.

'The piece of Deep Sea Moon Crystal he had was a little too small; it probably wasn't enough to forge a Profound Artifact.'

"What treasures have you got? Let's have a look," Luo Tian said, putting on the air of a shrewd merchant.

He Yunkong had no choice but to take out the other spoils from his trip, as well as his personal stash, from his Storage Space.

"A Celestial Spirit Fruit? Not bad."

Luo Tian's eyes landed on a fruit as white as jade, from which emanated dense fluctuations of Spiritual Qi.

The Celestial Spirit Fruit was the main ingredient for refining the Celestial Spirit Pill, a Spirit Pill that could advance the cultivation of Celestial Level Martial Artists.

Consuming the Celestial Spirit Fruit by itself had a similar effect.

After selecting the Celestial Spirit Fruit, Luo Tian took a few other Spiritual Materials and then gave a piece of Deep Sea Moon Crystal to He Yunkong.

"Junior Luo, can I trade for one too?" Yue Linfei asked.

No High Tier Earth Element Realm martial artist could resist the allure of a Profound Artifact.

A custom-refined Profound Artifact would be far more compatible with its wielder.

"Of course."

Luo Tian nodded.

「After the trades were completed.」

"Junior Sister, let's go."

He Yunkong pulled Yue Linfei along, eager to part ways with Luo Tian.

"Senior Brother He, this unknown land is fraught with danger. We should let Junior Luo come with us," Yue Linfei pleaded.

"You're right, Junior Sister. It is indeed too dangerous here. I can barely manage to protect you alone. If Junior Luo tagged along, he would just be a burden."

He Yunkong's attitude was cold.

"Goodbye, then."

Luo Tian was just as decisive. He Yunkong's proposal suited him just fine.

'Teaming up was fine, but traveling with He Yunkong meant he'd constantly have to watch his back, which wasn't worth the trouble.'

Yue Linfei looked reluctant to part ways, but since Luo Tian had already agreed, there was nothing more she could say.

Luo Tian and the Crow departed.

「Not long after.」

Luo Tian vaguely sensed a strong, oppressive presence approaching from behind.

「A dozen breaths later.」

"Junior Luo, there's one more thing I'd like to discuss with you."

He Yunkong's soft laughter drifted over, laced with long-suppressed excitement!

'This guy!'

Luo Tian's expression turned grim, and he quickened his pace.

'He didn't even have to think about it. He Yunkong had obviously found an excuse to send Yue Linfei away so he could come and deal with him.'

"Junior Luo, why do you ignore your Senior Brother when you see me and instead choose to run?"

He Yunkong's voice was light, but it radiated a chilling intent!

SWISH!

He suddenly unleashed a strike, its brilliant white light painting the heavens. A vast plume of drifting sword-feathers swept forward!

Feeling the immense threat, Luo Tian immediately drew his sword.

"Sky Wind Divine Sword, First Technique—Wind Rises!"

An invisible whirlwind gathered and converged upon his Water Cold Sword, transforming into a vast, unstoppable torrent of wind that rushed to meet the attack!

KSH-BOOM!

The two Sword Techniques collided, sending turbulent Sword Qi blasting out in all directions!

Amidst the explosion, an ethereal afterimage of Sword Qi shot toward Luo Tian.

Relying on his Top Grade Treasure Artifact, the Celestial Silver Feather Robe, and his Celestial Furnace Treasure Body, Luo Tian took the hit head-on. He blocked seventy percent of the damage, but still felt a sinister, lingering Sword Qi seep into his body.

The power of a single strike from an injured He Yunkong was still so terrifyingly potent; it was shocking.

WHOOSH!

Luo Tian used the impact of the Sword Qi to propel himself backward in retreat.

He unleashed his full speed, and with his Perfection Level Wind Manipulation Technique augmented by the Celestial Silver Feather Robe, he temporarily managed to shake He Yunkong.

'He blocked it?'

He Yunkong's face darkened, and he gave chase, his killing intent flaring even more intensely!

...

Luo Tian hadn't been fleeing for long when a tall figure suddenly appeared up ahead. It was a man from an Alien Race, with bones protruding from all over his body!

Luo Tian looked startled. He could tell this alien was targeting him, but he didn't recognize the man.

"I've been looking for you for a long time. Now, you have nowhere left to run."

The white-boned man stared at Luo Tian and barked out a cold command.

He was a subordinate of Lü Hanye from the Asura Thief Gang, under orders to capture Luo Tian.

But then, he noticed another Tai Yuan Sect disciple behind Luo Tian!

"He Yunkong!"

The white-boned man's expression flickered.

He Yunkong was a True Disciple of the Tai Yuan Sect, ranked sixty-third on the Earth List!

The Earth List only recorded geniuses under the age of fifty, and there were only two hundred spots in total!

The Broken-star Realm was vast and filled with countless geniuses. For He Yunkong to rank sixty-third was a clear testament to his strength!

"Luo Tian, Lord Lü Hanye invites you aboard his ship for a discussion. Come with me."

The white-boned man quickly composed himself.

Lü Hanye was also on the island. He was a Celestial Level Powerhouse; even He Yunkong would have no choice but to flee if he saw him.

Luo Tian stood his ground, his gaze hardening.

'Enemies in front and enemies behind.'

After a moment of thought, he activated the Creation Technique.

"Alright!"

A faint smile touched Luo Tian's lips as he turned to leave with the white-boned man.

'Lü Hanye? The youngest captain of the Asura Thief Gang?'

He Yunkong was startled to hear this.

'Why would a Celestial Level captain from the Asura Thief Gang invite Luo Tian?'

'What if Luo Tian could convince Lü Hanye to take action? Wouldn't I be in grave danger?'

He Yunkong's cultivation was at the Peak of Earth Element Realm Ninth Layer, and he was also injured. He didn't dare rashly confront a Celestial Level pirate.

Luo Tian and the white-boned man had only taken a few steps.

WHOOSH!

In the distance, a Void Ship thick with ominous Ghost Qi broke through the waves of clouds and charged aggressively toward them!

A smile touched the white-boned man's face.

'It must be Lü Hanye. I just sent him a message.'

But when he looked closer, he realized it wasn't Lü Hanye's Void Ship.

It was the flag of the Necromancer Thief Gang!

"Luo Tian, we meet again!"

The jet-black Void Ship stopped behind Luo Tian. A beautiful woman in red with a cold, proud, yet stunning face stood there, her arms crossed, accentuating her bountiful chest.

The white-boned man's expression changed drastically!

The Ninth Master of the Necromancer Thief Gang, a young legendary pirate on par with Lü Hanye!

"You seem to be in some trouble. As long as you're willing to board my ship, all your problems will be solved."

The red-robed woman glanced at He Yunkong in the distance and said to Luo Tian with a radiant smile.

He Yunkong had already given up on hunting Luo Tian.

'What is the deal with this Luo Tian?'

'Lü Hanye of the Asura Thief Gang invites him, and the Ninth Master of the Necromancer Thief Gang also knows him and even seems to want to help him!'

"He is the one Lord Hanye wants!"

The white-boned man looked at the red-robed woman with fear in his eyes, but he still gritted his teeth and spoke.

"Hm? And what does that have to do with me?"

The red-robed woman's expression was cold.

"Heh, I was wondering who would dare try to steal someone from me. So, it's the Ninth Master of the Necromancer Thief Gang."

A sinister, chilling laugh echoed through the air.

A black-and-red Void Ship arrived swiftly.

Lü Hanye stood at the bow, his hands clasped behind his back. Beneath his blood-red mask, his pupils glinted with a crimson light.

"Lü Hanye!"

In the distance, He Yunkong completely abandoned any thought of dealing with Luo Tian and immediately retreated.

Injured as he was, he had absolutely no confidence in facing two Celestial Level pirates!

Lü Hanye sized Luo Tian up.

Originally, he had only wanted to expand his crew and, while he was at it, snatch the Three Elements Fruit from Luo Tian.

But he was somewhat puzzled.

'Why does the Ninth Master of the Necromancer Thief Gang want to save Luo Tian?'

'That woman never lifts a finger unless there's something in it for her!'

"Lord Hanye, this boy is also a wanted criminal with a bounty from the Sea Demon Palace," said the controlled, green-robed man from the Sea Demon Palace standing beside Lü Hanye.

"He's mine!"

Lü Hanye's voice was ice-cold, his attitude domineering.

"What a coincidence. I've taken a liking to him as well."

The red-robed woman's expression was composed; she showed no signs of backing down.

VWOOM!

The air suddenly grew heavy as a terrifying pressure erupted from both of them. Stirring the very power of Heaven and Earth, their auras crashed into one another.

The sky dimmed, the clouds roiled, and a blood-red light flashed.

Their clothes whipped about in the gale as two immense forces seemed to twist and swell in the void!

Everyone else present felt a chill run down their spines during this invisible clash between Celestial Level Martial Artists, none daring to make a sound.

In the void, the formless clash of auras lasted for a breath or two before slowly dissipating.

"How about we make a bet?" the red-robed woman suddenly proposed.

"I've heard the Ninth Master of the Necromancer Thief Gang loves to gamble. Seeing you today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved."

Lü Hanye gave a cold smile.

He had no desire to get into a major fight with her over such a trivial matter and delay his grander plans.

"Let's have those two fight. If your subordinate loses, then the man is mine."

The red-robed woman's bewitching, crimson gaze fell upon Luo Tian and the white-boned man.

"Those two?"

Lü Hanye was taken aback for a moment, then he sneered.

The white-boned man was his subordinate, with a cultivation at the Peak of Earth Element Realm Eighth Layer!

Even though Luo Tian was a disciple of the Tai Yuan Sect, his cultivation was far too low—only at the Peak of Earth Element Realm Fifth Layer.

'Is the Ninth Master of the Necromancer Thief Gang just looking for a way to back down gracefully and hand Luo Tian over to me?'