Chu Estate, on the training grounds.
Ian Stone's instant kill of the Zhu Family's Sigilforge martialist shocked even the hidden Sun-Soul experts, while the martial artists outside the estate—whose eyesight was limited—couldn't tell that Ian had killed a Sigilforge Realm fighter. They guessed the victim must have been an Origin Core martialist.
Only Roger Qin, with some real experience, vaguely suspected that the victim was actually a Sigilforge martialist.
Ian's voice rang out again: "Gavin Zhu, I've already come—why aren't you showing yourself? Do you like hiding in your shell like a turtle, or are you just a turtle by nature?"
"You little bastard, how dare you!"
Accompanied by a booming voice, Gavin Zhu strode forward side by side with an old man. Behind them marched twelve armored Sigilforge martialists, each wielding a heavy sword.
"Old bastard, who are you calling names?" Ian replied with a careless smirk.
"Courting death!"
Gavin Zhu's eyes flashed cold, murderous intent in his gaze. He shouted in a deep voice, "Twelve Iron Guards, hear my command—go all out and kill him!"
He didn't want to waste words with 'Evan Chu,' worried that if his true identity was exposed, not only would the Zhu Family become a laughingstock, but it would also offend the Prince of Jin.
The Twelve Iron Guards were killing machines cultivated by the Zhu Family, all trained in the King‑Grade Technique Bloodflame Canon. Their armor was worth millions in gold and nearly impenetrable to Sigilforge martialists, and their heavy swords were mysterious‑iron divine weapons valued at tens of millions. The Twelve Iron Guards also mastered a special combined‑assault formation.
As a result, when the Twelve Iron Guards joined forces, they could fight a Sun‑Soul expert head‑on.
"Yes, sir!"
The Twelve Iron Guards answered in unison, then shot forward, landing around Ian Stone and surrounding him, Conrad Wu, and Lena Wei.
"Those two have nothing to do with this—how about letting them leave?" Ian Stone looked at Gavin Zhu and asked.
"Master, I am willing to advance and retreat with you!" Conrad Wu said firmly.
"Young Master, Lena is willing to live or die with you!" Lena Wei said, hesitating slightly. Clearly, at this point, she had no choice but to stand with Ian.
"No, your cultivation is still too weak—staying by my side will only make things messier!" Ian Stone shook his head. He didn't want to trigger the formation yet; otherwise, he couldn't guarantee he'd be able to keep everyone here.
His plan was to kill Gavin Zhu and the Sun‑Soul elder at his side first, then activate the formation to deal with the other four Sun‑Soul experts.
"Let them leave!"