Just as these people were about to be overwhelmed, a pure white barrier suddenly appeared, enveloping over a dozen desperate mid-level members of the Water Drop Organization, its protection impenetrable.

This shield, heavily imbued with personal flair, was instantly recognized, causing murmurs of shock in the crowd as they subconsciously stepped back several paces.

"Thunder King Salon?!"

As soon as those words were spoken, Xiao Tian and the others found themselves isolated outside the barrier. Celestial Punishment Daoist, holding a longsword, thrust it forward, only to feel as if he had struck iron, producing only metallic clangs.

Xiao Tian punched out, causing the white shield to ripple like water, while a paralyzing sensation spread from his wrist, making the muscles of his entire arm tense.

Noting that each attack against the shield triggered an arc of electricity—it seemed like the attack was effective but ultimately harmless—Xiao Tian signaled for everyone to stop their futile efforts.

Celestial Punishment Daoist and the Lei Tong brothers exhaled deeply, unable to refrain from shaking their numb arms, gravely fixating on the barrier blocking their path.

Such potent defensive attributes could indeed rival some sects’ Mountain Protection Arrays!

"It’s actually Thunder King Salon?! Why is he here, and there wasn’t any prior news of his arrival!"

"Hey! Looks like we’re in for a good show this time; I doubt that Hunter is a match for him!"

"That’s true, but Hunter’s strength shouldn’t be underestimated either. But you’re right about one thing—this will be a good show!"

While listening to the discussions around him, Xiao Tian fell into confusion, quickly recollecting but realizing he had never heard of this "Thunder King Salon."

He looked toward Celestial Punishment Daoist and the Lei Tong brothers, only to find them equally puzzled, clearly having no idea who this Thunder King Salon was.

"I’ve heard of this person; the real top brass of the Water Drop Organization, his True Qi naturally carries electric attributes, and his fighting style is ferocious and swift."

Ghost Face, who had been silent until now, suddenly said, "In any case, this is a troublesome opponent. We need to be cautious!"

Just as Ghost Face finished speaking, a voice as thunderous as a sudden storm boomed from the back of the crowd: "Is ganging up on others how you Hunters succeed?!"

Xiao Tian abruptly turned around, watching the crowd disperse as if avoiding the plague, revealing a silver-haired man.

The man had distinct, angular features, his expression a subtle mix of smile and sneer. Wearing a snow-white trench coat that complemented his tall frame, his stride infused an inexplicable aloof charm.

Xiao Tian watched the man approaching him, seemingly obsessed with white—Thunder King Salon—and his eyes momentarily shifted; this was no ordinary person!

After making this judgment, Xiao Tian’s brows furrowed sharply. Perhaps others couldn’t see it, but a few present could discern it.

The supposedly slow pace of Thunder King Salon was, in reality, exceedingly fast, only masked by his extraordinary skill, deceiving most people’s eyes.

Simultaneously, an extremely dangerous sensation suddenly surged in Xiao Tian’s heart, akin to being targeted by a venomous snake in a desert, coupled with a faint aura of True Qi disturbance.

Although Xiao Tian couldn’t confirm whether he genuinely sensed it or if it was merely a figment of his imagination, he would rather treat it as real—it’s better to be cautious, especially at such times!

"Careful, bad guy, that man is about to strike!"

Duoduo’s voice suddenly rang out, startling Xiao Tian. He frowned and asked, "Is there a disturbance in the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi around?"

The young girl’s tone was solemn as she replied, "Not only is there, but it’s severe, almost creating a vacuum at one instant!"

"A vacuum?!"

Xiao Tian felt as if his mind exploded. Although he understood that such a feat couldn’t be performed at will, achieving it was extraordinarily difficult—something even beyond his peak capabilities.

To manipulate the Dantian so that True Qi in a small area was momentarily vacuumed implied that the opponent’s strength surpassed his own at its peak.

And unleashing such a move from the start suggested the opponent was already determined to kill him, aiming for a decisive strike.

While pondering, Xiao Tian’s expression grew increasingly grave, his vigilance soaring to the maximum, intently observing the opponent’s every move while quietly readying his power.

Not far away, Thunder King Salon continued his unhurried walk, akin to a leisurely stroll in his backyard garden, with no visible murderous aura emanating. Evidently, he had a unique method for concealing his presence.

"Dear Hunter, I didn’t expect you to be nothing more than a renowned weakling. How did someone as feeble as you manage to secure the tenth rank? I find it quite perplexing!"

The low, fast voice suddenly echoed in Xiao Tian’s ears, sending a shiver down his spine as he looked at the still-advancing Thunder King Salon, feeling a chill rising from behind.

"Can’t you even see through a simple Illusion Technique?" Thunder King Salon’s voice resounded again in Xiao Tian’s ears: "Forget it, the weak have no right to hear the answers of the strong. Goodbye!"

As soon as the words finished, the figure of Thunder King Salon, who had been walking slowly, suddenly shattered and vanished like lightning appearing in the sky.

Xiao Tian reacted immediately, moving swiftly, but just as he started to take action, a sharp pain struck his chest as though pummeled by a massive iron hammer, sending him flying back like a kite with a broken string.

Right where Xiao Tian had been standing moments ago, Thunder King Salon stood holding a bright silver ornate dagger, a slight look of surprise in his gaze as the dagger was aimed directly at Xiao Tian’s heart.

Mid-air, Xiao Tian spewed blood beautifully like a parabola before crashing heavily to the ground. Upon seeing Salon’s maintained posture, he instantly understood.

If he had remained in place just now, he might have died on the spot, and the heavy blow he just received was clearly Thunder King Salon’s backup plan.

An unprecedented solemnity emerged in Xiao Tian’s heart—the first time since his powers had waned that he felt such intense danger from someone.

"Ha, so this is the world-class genius that Liu Hanyan has been obsessively thinking about?" Thunder King Salon gazed disdainfully at Xiao Tian: "Turns out you’re nothing but an empty name with fancy tricks!"

"You know Han Yan?!"

Upon hearing the mention of Liu Hanyan’s name, Xiao Tian could no longer maintain his composure, hurriedly asking despite blood trickling once more from his mouth!

Thunder King Salon merely smiled slightly: "I think you forgot what I said earlier; as a defeated opponent, you have no right to question me. The fact that I’m even speaking to you is already a great favor!"

Damn!

Listening to Thunder King Salon’s incredibly arrogant words, Yun You, hiding among the disciples, suddenly felt he never knew how to act flashy before.