Zheng Yan's face was filled with anger, the earlier ease and casualness no longer present. He glanced in the direction Luo Feng had fled, then looked at Gu Chen, weighing his options before ultimately deciding not to continue the fight.
He had thought he could easily capture Gu Chen and bring him back to kneel before Chen Song and the others to apologize, but he hadn't expected Gu Chen's strength to be so formidable, to exchange so many moves with him.
Of course, Zheng Yan was confident that if he put forth all his strength, Gu Chen would stand no chance against him, but he had his own considerations. It would still take some time to take down Gu Chen. Luo Feng's lightness skill was peerless; with that time, he would surely have escaped far away.
The effect of the Tracking Powder was about to wear off, and once it was gone, it would be difficult for the Sunset Sword Sect to find Luo Feng again.
With that thought, Zheng Yan extinguished the idea of continuing the fight with Gu Chen. After all, Gu Chen was here, and unlike Luo Feng, he didn't know the Face-Changing Skill, so finding him would still be easy.
"I, Zheng Yan, never kill the nameless under my hand. Which sect's disciple are you? State your name," Zheng Yan said in a deep voice.
"A mere independent cultivator, a person of no renown," Gu Chen replied, standing with his hands behind his back in black robes, exuding an extraordinary demeanor.
Hearing this, Zheng Yan scoffed coldly. He didn't believe for a second that Gu Chen was just an independent cultivator. How could an independent have such strength?
He knew Gu Chen must be wary of the Sunset Sword Sect behind him, afraid of the sect seeking revenge against his own, so he dared not reveal it.
"Today is your lucky day. After I capture Luo Feng, I'll come back to deal with you. If you're brave enough, don't run away!" After dropping that line, Zheng Yan immediately pursued in the direction Luo Feng had left.
Gu Chen didn't stop him, letting Zheng Yan go. To be honest, although they both didn't use their full strength in the encounter, Zheng Yan hadn't either.
It was known throughout the world that what made the Sunset Sword Sect famous was their swordsmanship, not their unarmed combat, which was why Gu Chen had managed to gain some advantage just now.
Gu Chen estimated that with his current strength, it was uncertain who would win in a fight against Zheng Yan. He had no absolute confidence in defeating Zheng Yan, especially with a treasure sword hanging at Zheng Yan's waist.
As a sword repairer with a treasure weapon in hand, his strength would undoubtedly double. After considering everything, Gu Chen chose not to engage Zheng Yan in a fight to the death.
Besides, the whole affair started because of Luo Feng, and there was no need for Gu Chen to clean up after him. With Luo Feng's lightness skill, he must have already run far away by now, and Zheng Yan wouldn't be able to catch up to him.
Zheng Yan's reputation was known to everyone in Huaiyang City, and the martial artists from around the area who saw an unknown warrior like Gu Chen exchange blows with Zheng Yan to such an extent, all looked at him with faces full of shock.
"Yes," Gu Chen nodded.
"Would you like to team up and explore together?" Zhang Chi asked. Observing Gu Chen's imposing stance and steady steps, he knew Gu Chen must be skilled with considerable strength, hence the desire to make his acquaintance.
Gu Chen hesitated upon hearing this.
Zhang Chi did not rush him but instead asked, "Brother Gu, how much do you know about this place?"
Gu Chen shook his head and said, "I must confess, I have no understanding of this place. I only heard the news, and since it's not far, I thought I would come see the excitement."
Zhang Chi nodded, not surprised. Most of the martial artists here were like that.
"Brother Gu, I arrived a day earlier. Let me fill you in on the situation here," he offered.
As Zhang Chi said this, some of the young martial artists behind him suddenly changed their expressions. Gu Chen was not one of their own, and it would not do to carelessly divulge information. They were just about to interject when Zhang Chi silenced them with a look.
Gu Chen certainly noticed this, but he didn't mind. Then, Zhang Chi began to recount the situation here to him.
It turned out that the ruins had appeared three days ago, discovered by locals who had gone up the mountain to collect herbs. Somehow, the news had leaked, attracting numerous martial artists who had arrived yesterday.
Most of these martial artists did not have formal masters and were mostly self-taught. Even those with some inheritance had not acquired particularly powerful techniques, so for all of them, the ruins represented a great opportunity.
The importance of a strong technique need not be said. Many martial artists had missed their prime cultivation years simply because they lacked proper instruction and suitable techniques, which led to a lifetime's regret.
They all knew that the ruins belonged to a demonic sect, but no one cared. Moreover, over three hundred years ago, the Six Union God Sect had dominated the world, collecting numerous strange and wonderful techniques, further kindling the envy of these martial artists.
The ruins in front were said to be a treasure site of the Evil Heart Sect in the past.
"The ruins are at the base of the mountain. Many have explored in the last two days, and while there have been some gains, the deaths and injuries have been even greater. The demonic sects are cruel and ruthless, and the ruins are filled with all sorts of traps and ambushes.
One could easily fall victim if not cautious, and without companions, it is very possible to be overwhelmed," Zhang Chi said with a serious tone.