In reality, eighteen years ago, Qiu Chuji of the Quanzhen Sect had wagered his sect’s martial arts in a battle of pride against the Seven Heroes of the South. Regardless of Wan Yankang’s character, Qiu Chuji had decided to pass on the Quanzhen Sect’s techniques to him.

　　Actually, it wasn’t just Qui Chuji who spread the Quanzhen Sect’s internal strength techniques.

　　Even the sect leader Ma Yu, in order to avoid being overshadowed by his junior brother Qui Chuji, set aside the major affairs of the Quanzhen Sect and personally went to the desert to teach Guo Jing two years of internal strength and lightness skills.

　　This was all a struggle for power and prestige among the seven disciples of Quanzhen, with no real benefit to their martial advancement. Instead of focusing on improving their martial arts, they were consumed by their desires for dominance and manipulation.

　　This is also why Wang Chongyang was the greatest martial artist in the world, while his disciples’martial skills were not top-notch. Of course, their aptitude also played a role.

　　Thus, Wang Chongyang’s death led to the decline of the Quanzhen Sect from a top force in the martial world to a first-rate force in the Jianghu.

　　But Wang Chongyang’s junior brother Zhou Botong was an exception. Due to his simple-minded nature and his dedication to martial arts out of boredom, he eventually ranked among the Five Masters in the second Mount Hua Sword Conference, but that’s a story for another time.

　　This time, Wang Chuyi not only received Fang Yichen’s lifesaving grace but also obtained some miraculous fruits from him that could greatly enhance a master‘s skills. Clearly, both he and the Quanzhen Sect benefited greatly.

　　As the sky just began to brighten, the seven of them left the capital early in the morning while the city gates were just opening. On the official road outside the city, the seven rode on three horses and drove a carriage southward.

　　Last night, Huang Rong couldn’t find any horses to buy, so she had to buy a carriage from the innkeeper at twice the price. This was also because of considering that Bao Xiruo couldn’t ride a horse, so a carriage would be more convenient.

　　Last night, Huang Rong couldn’t find any horses to buy, so she had to buy a carriage from the innkeeper at twice the price. This was also because of considering that Bao Xiruo couldn’t ride a horse, so a carriage would be more convenient.

　　Fang Yichen rode with the petite Huang Rong on one horse, while Huang Rong’s horse was given to Master Wang. Guo Jing naturally rode his own little red horse, Yang Tiexin acted as the carriage driver, and Mu Nianci served Bao Xiruo inside the carriage.

　　Although Huang Rong was still dressed as a boy, her face was already clean. Although she was wearing ordinary men's clothing, she no longer looked like a beggar, but rather a handsome and elegant young man.

　　Fang Yichen’s concern was not unfounded.

　　Just as they had left the city for about ten miles, there were already thousands of armored soldiers rushing towards them from behind. The sound of hooves thundered, and the dust billowed, with the closest being a group of horse-riding martial artists.

　　Wang Chuyi and the others turned their heads to see the fluttering banners in the distance, bearing the character “Zhao.”

　　Was it people from the Zhao Mansion who were chasing after them? Given the speed of their carriage, they believed that those horse-riding martial artists would catch up with them soon.

　　Fang Yichen has extraordinary eyesight, already able to see clearly from a distance. The person ahead is the Spiritual Master, Thousand-handed Butcher Penglianhu, LiangZiweng, Three-Horned Dragon Hou Tonghai, and Wan YanKang. He is accompanied by about a dozen strong guards.

　　Additionally, there’s a man in white ahead, with eyes deep-set and a high nose, his handsome face exuding a sinister aura that makes people uneasy.

　　Fang Yichen has already guessed that this person is likely Ouyang Ke, the illegitimate son of the Western Venom, Ouyang Feng.

　　“Today, if they catch up to us, I could definitely escape on my own without any problem. But apart from Master Wang, the others would be in real trouble no matter what happens!”

　　With that in mind, he immediately shouts to Wang Chuyi: “Sage! Please lead everyone ahead for a bit; I’ll figure out a way to hold these people off.”

　　Upon hearing this, everyone doubts that he could stop so many pursuers. Though they understand the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action.

　　But they just couldn’t believe that Fang Yichen alone could hold back so many pursuers. Only Wang Chuyi has some trust in him, thinking to himself:

　　“Could an ordinary person produce such miraculous fruits like last night? And not just one, but seven! This person must have a powerful background!”

　　“Since he said so, he must have a plan in mind. If we can escape today, it will definitely be thanks to him!”

　　With this thought, Wang Chuyi wastes no time and turns back to Fang Yichen, saying loudly:

　　“Fang, take care, don’t try to confront them directly, seize the opportunity! We’ll meet at the Misty Rain Tower by the South Lake in Lin’an Prefecture!"

　　With that, he spurs his horse and leads the way south quickly.

　　Seeing Wang Chuyi’s decision, Yang Tiexin also comes to a realization, if he trusts Fang Yichen, then he should too! So he shouts:

　　“Brother Fang, take care! My wife and I will be waiting for you by the Qiantang River in Niu famliy village, Lin’an Prefecture!” With that said, he whips his horse and follows the group.

　　Fang Yichen waves goodbye to them and then turns to Guo Jing, saying: “Second younger brother, why are you still here? Go catch up with them!”

　　“Elder brother! I’m coming with you to face the enemy!” Guo Jing said with a simple and earnest expression.

　　Fang Yichen’s face darkened as he said:

　　“Second younger brother, your current responsibility is to protect your fiancee and her parents. Don’t worry about me, I have a way out. You go now! Hurry!”

　　Upon hearing this, Guo Jing exclaimed:

　　“Elder brother! We swore to face adversity together. Are you asking me to be an unrighteous person?"

　　Though he was simple-hearted, he valued righteousness above all. Facing imminent danger, he couldn't abandon his brothers and flee alone.

　　“Second youger brother, do you not trust me? Are you not even going to listen to me now? If you don’t leave, I’ll sever our brotherhood right here and now!”

　　Though touched by his brother’s words, Fang Yichen maintained a cold demeanor.

　　“Fine... fine! Big brother, third youger brother, don’t engage in a futile fight. If you can’t win, escape quickly! I’ll go first!”

　　Seeing his elder brother’s resolve, Guo Jing reluctantly agreed. He bid farewell with clasped hands and urged his horse towards the direction Wang Chuyi had left.

　　Seeing them depart, Fang Yichen felt relieved. He feared they wouldn’t leave first, making it difficult for him to act alone. Turning to Huang Rong, he said:

　　“Third brother, ride with them and leave first! We’ll meet at the Misty Rain Tower in Nanhu, Lin’an Prefecture!”

　　With that, he stopped his horse in the middle of the road and dismounted, intending for Huang Rong to ride alone.

　　Unexpectedly, Huang Rong also dismounted and firmly held onto his arm, refusing to let go. She looked at Fang Yichen and said：

　　“Elder brother, I’ll stay with you to block them. You can’t make me leave alone.”

　　Seeing Huang Rong clinging to him stubbornly and hearing the determination in her words, Fang Yichen couldn’t help but sigh.

　　He knew that despite being a young woman, Huang Rong had a rich family background and impressive martial arts skills. Moreover, she was sharp-witted and incredibly charming!

　　Over the past few days, he had grown quite fond of her. Now, seeing her display such loyalty and affection towards him, he couldn’t bring himself to disregard her feelings. With a hearty laugh, he declared:

　　“Alright! Since you is willing to stand with me, let’s show them the strength of our brotherhood.”

　　With that said, Fang Yichen took her hand and stood in the middle of the road, ready to confront the pursuers.