Seeing the three figures emerge from the mine tunnel one after another, followed closely by six or seven more Great Perfection and late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, the faces of Hann and his nephews contorted with fear. One-Handed Zane had only one hand; the other ended at the wrist, replaced by a vicious-looking black iron hook.

  Beside him stood a smiling monk, and an ancient, white-haired and bearded daoist who appeared amiable at first glance. But having spent so many years in the Black Water Stockade Mine, Hann and the others knew that these men were no less formidable than Viper. And now three of them had arrived together. If they joined forces against Leo, it was uncertain whether he could withstand them.

  "So it was you who killed Viper. I heard the rumors but didn't believe them. Never expected it to be true—a mere boy of fourteen or fifteen. Viper really let himself go, all those men beaten by a child!" Zane's voice grated like a cracked pot, his laugh harsh and unpleasant.

  "Young friend, was it truly you who killed Viper?" Daoist Jax asked, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his tone far more courteous than Zane's. If several of Viper's trusted subordinates, one of them gravely wounded, hadn't all fled back and told the same tale, he would have found it hard to believe that a mere sixth-layer Qi Refining youth could defeat several cultivators of higher cultivation in such a short time. Even with a large stash of talismans, it seemed improbable.

  "Whether it was me or not, you'll find out soon enough if you try. You've come together—do you seek justice for Viper, or do you have other intentions? State your terms." Leo rose to his feet, sword in hand, his tone icy.

  "Well said! With that kind of nerve, I, the monk, believe it." Wen the Monk grinned, showing his teeth. "Don't misunderstand, young friend. Viper and I weren't bound by life-and-death loyalty."

  "Then why have so many of you come?" Leo asked.

  Daoist Jax explained, "The Black Water Stockade Mine is neither large nor small, but the annual yield of spirit stones isn't great. Especially since most of it must be handed over to the Palace mine supervisors. What we can keep for ourselves is limited, and we still need to trade with the supervisors for enough food to keep our people from starving. Viper was one of the nine mine bosses. The other five don't get along with us. With him suddenly killed by you, young friend, our side, which was already at a disadvantage, has become even weaker. So we hope you'll join us and take Viper's place. Since you've entered the mine, you must be after spirit stones. That can be arranged. Viper's share will go to you. How about it?"

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  "Of course, before you join us, you must prove you have the strength." One-Handed Zane's voice rasped, his eyes sweeping over Leo like a viper's.

  "I can join you. Whoever wants to test me, come ahead." Leo sneered at Zane's provocation. Wen the Monk and Daoist Jax stood by, eyes downcast, playing deaf and mute. They clearly wanted Zane to test him. Leo accepted the challenge.

  "Then I won't hold back. Pike, Myer, Rain, let's sample this distinguished Palace disciple's skills."

  Zane's smile was sinister. With him included, there would be four Great Perfection Qi Refining experts. He and Viper had been on decent terms. If the situation allowed, avenging him wouldn't be bad. Though Viper's escaped subordinates had spoken of Leo's prowess, he was, after all, only at the sixth layer. Zane calculated that four Great Perfection cultivators could secure victory against him. Even if he had talismans, he couldn't have too many.

  "Everyone else, retreat fifty meters. Anyone who enters this range, I'll consider an enemy." Leo smiled calmly and cast a protective shield over himself.

  Wen the Monk and Daoist Jax exchanged glances, then grinned slyly and led their men back fifty meters. They were also curious to see what this incredibly arrogant youth was capable of. Letting a mere sixth-layer kid become a boss alongside them rankled. If he showed any weakness, they would join the attack. The high-grade spirit sword—whoever claimed it would immediately become the strongest in the mine. Zane had likely seized the initiative for that very reason. Even if his friendship with Viper had been genuine, he wouldn't stick his neck out against an evenly matched foe. The reason they had survived so long in the mine was that caution came first.

  "Attack!" Zane activated his strongest defensive spell, the Diamond Shield, and charged forward with a savage grin, leading the way.

  Leo tossed out several Smoke Mist Fruits. Billowing black smoke filled the tunnel, unable to dissipate as it would in open air. The already dim passage became pitch black. Even with the Mystical Sight Technique, vision was severely impaired, barely reaching a few meters.

  "Earthen Spike Talisman!" "Golden Spear Talisman!" "Great Fireball Talisman!"

  Once again, Leo unleashed dozens of talismans in rapid succession. At the same time, he lightly tapped the black gourd at his waist. Dozens of Shadow Ants, led by their head ants, swarmed into the black smoke.

  A series of crackling sounds erupted from within the smoke. Zane and the other three Great Perfection cultivators yelped and cursed. Given enough time or a decent spirit artifact, they could have shielded themselves from these spells. But their casting speed was no match for the instant activation of talismans. No wonder the kid was so arrogant. The same thought struck them all: if he was wealthy enough to burn through talismans like this, why was he here in this miserable mine? Was he out of his mind?

  Cries of pain rang out. Their protective shields, one by one, shattered under the relentless barrage of spells. Blinded by the smoke, they never noticed the faint buzzing of the Shadow Ant swarm.

  "Ah! Something bit me!" Myer and Zane slapped hard at their thighs, but their once-powerful blows now felt weak and feeble.

  "Danger!" Zane's instincts screamed. He had risen to lead other Great Perfection cultivators for a reason—his awareness and battle experience surpassed theirs. He realized the danger and retreated frantically. At the same time, a dark figure flashed towards him.

  Clang! Crack! His mining pick snapped in two. The kid was inside the smoke! Terror gripped Zane. Bitten by those insects, his spiritual power faltered. He could only retreat in fear, never dreaming he would fall so fast.

  Screams rang out one after another. Leo recalled the Shadow Ants to his gourd and gave chase, his blood-stained sword in hand.