Chapter 69: Exposed

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..."The unseen Ash Fire of Heavenly Radiance burned intensely, and Shao Yi's face contorted in pain.After being subjected to the unique scorching power for a long time, even with spiritual energy protecting his body, he became flushed and feverish.Faint steam rose, and the air filled with the smell of roasting raw meat.

"By my reckoning, Brother A-Kong should have gotten quite a distance away by now..."Shao Yi endured the physical agony, holding on with all his might. His spiritual energy was nearly depleted; if he waited any longer, he probably wouldn't be able to escape."Time's up. Trying to leave?"A chilling voice cut in precisely at that moment, startling Shao Yi.*Is this guy even human? How can he always guess what I'm thinking?*

Xu Xiaoshou still feigned nonchalance, his gaze seemingly fixed on the endless rain. Yet, his "perception" meticulously observed every muscle movement on Shao Yi's body.The moment Shao Yi twitched, Xu Xiaoshou knew whether he was about to relieve himself.His spiritual energy was almost completely burned up. If he dared to stay behind to cover the retreat, he must have a fallback plan.Perhaps his escape technique was highly advanced, or perhaps he intended to make a last-ditch effort once enough time had passed.If he chose the former, it would be fine, but the latter would be problematic...So Xu Xiaoshou could only use words to try and steer Shao Yi's thoughts towards escaping.However, he was also afraid that after this guy left, he might realize something was wrong and come back with the previous person...If that happened, he'd be done for...Therefore, Xu Xiaoshou made a decision. Even though he desperately wanted this person to leave, he had to keep him here tonight...As a corpse.As for how to keep him? How to kill him?That was the question...

***

Shao Yi was filled with doubt and alarm, but he couldn't afford to hesitate. Delays could lead to complications; he had to leave immediately.Just as he was about to move, the terrifying figure opposite him spoke again."Do you think you're the only one delaying time?""Actually, so am I..."Shao Yi stiffened. What did he mean? What was he trying to say?Could it be that this guy was also injured after his battle with Xu Xiaoshou earlier and was now recovering?

"Do you think your friend can escape?" Seeing Shao Yi's silence, Xu Xiaoshou had to continue his monologue to buy time."Not only will you be staying here tonight, but he won't be able to leave either," he bluffed casually.Shao Yi's expression changed dramatically. He immediately scanned his spiritual aura thoroughly but still couldn't find any mark on himself."Impossible!""You haven't even touched us. How could you leave a mark on us?"Xu Xiaoshou paused, partly due to Shao Yi's peculiar accent, and partly because of the mention of a 'mark'...*What mark? This guy's imagination is really something!*But a response was good; as long as he went with the flow, holding this guy wasn't a problem.The longer it dragged on, the less spiritual energy this guy would have left. He probably couldn't possess spiritual skills like "Full of Vitality"...

Xu Xiaoshou calmly rejoined, "So you think you spontaneously combusted?"*What does that mean? Spontaneous combustion?*Shao Yi's heart skipped a beat. He suddenly remembered that the white-robed figure in front of him had never touched him, yet the "ghost fire" had appeared directly on his body.*This guy... He's terrifying!*No, he couldn't wait any longer. If he dragged this out, who knew what strange tricks would appear. Since he couldn't escape...Rather than waiting to die, it was better to take the initiative!

Xu Xiaoshou, however, didn't realize his delaying tactics had backfired and was still muttering to himself, "Let's play a game..."*Whoosh!*A dark streak of light shot towards him, directly interrupting his words.Xu Xiaoshou's "perception" had never faltered. Facing Shao Yi's short sword, which darted out of his sleeve like lightning, he merely flicked it contemptuously with a finger, displaying the demeanor of a true master.*Clang!*With "Reverberation" combined with "Gleam of Sharpness," the weapon was sent flying dozens of feet away, embedding itself firmly in the wall.The next second, Xu Xiaoshou froze. His two fingers felt as if they were stuck in mid-air, unable to be lowered.*Damn it! What did I just do? Why did I flick it away with my fingers? Couldn't I have just dodged it? Help me!*

Shao Yi was also stunned. He had originally planned to escape immediately after that single strike.Witnessing the scene just now, his feet felt as if they were filled with lead, utterly unable to move.His eyes were wide with disbelief, and his voice trembled, "A-a congenital body?""No..." Xu Xiaoshou took a deep breath. "You saw wrong!""???""Actually, it's called 'Ten-Stage Sword Finger.'""!!!"

Shao Yi felt his worldview shatter, his mind a complete blank.*This person... is Xu Xiaoshou!!! How could he possibly be Xu Xiaoshou???**But a congenital body... None of the thirty-three inner disciples possess one! He *is* Xu Xiaoshou!!!*Shao Yi's eyes bulged, his entire head feeling as if it were about to explode. He absolutely could not accept any of this.If the person before him was indeed Xu Xiaoshou, then his cultivation level was truly just the ninth stage of Spirit Refinement, a humble ant who had barely broken through. And yet...He and his companion had been played like fools for so long?Even Brother A-Kong had been scared away by this guy?"Suspicion received, Passive Point, +1.""Suspicion received, Passive Point, +1.""..."

As the message bar in his mind aggressively refreshed, Xu Xiaoshou sighed softly, knowing he could no longer hide it.He had played the part for so long, only for it to be ruined by an unintentional flick. Who would have thought? He had just habitually waved his hand!Indeed, habits kill!"I'm sorry, I lied to you. I am indeed Xu Xiaoshou.""You're a good person..."Shao Yi was consumed by rage, almost spitting out a mouthful of blood.He tried to summon all his spiritual energy to attack, only to realize that he had less than a tenth of it left."You're out of spiritual energy; you can't beat me!"

Xu Xiaoshou knew Shao Yi's condition perfectly and advised, "If you leave now, I'll pretend you were never here. Want to go back to sleep?""Sleep my ass! I'll kill you!" Shao Yi charged forward, gripping a short sword.The collapse of his worldview was infuriating enough, but this guy's relentless mockery, raining down as if it cost nothing, was unbearable. Who could endure it?"Insult received, Passive Point, +1."*Excellent!*Xu Xiaoshou pushed off with his foot, rapidly retreating.He was genuinely afraid this guy might calm down and simply escape, then return with reinforcements!He hadn't expected him to be so overconfident as to choose to fight alone.*A Spirit Refiner, even a peak Yuan Court realm expert, is strong, but with almost no spiritual energy left, what will you fight me with? Your frail body?*Despite these thoughts, Xu Xiaoshou ran incredibly fast.Talking smack felt great, but what if this guy, with just a tiny bit of spiritual energy left, could still take him down...?He couldn't give him a chance!He had to let his spiritual energy burn out completely before making a move!"Pursuit received, Passive Point, +1."*Hmm? What's that about?*