Chapter 231: Chapter 120: Mist Marsh, Cyan Snake Demon, Cao Yan in Peril, Crushing Bai Nan

"This... this is too risky!"

"Sending two kids to face three Mortal Transformation experts? What if something goes wrong..."

"Their archery is strong, but their Cultivation Realms are far too low. How can they possibly stand against Mortal Transformation experts?"

The elders from the Cao and Li Families looked worried sick.

For one, they feared they wouldn’t be able to rescue Cao Yan. For another, they were even more afraid that Chu Fan and Zhao Tianxing would be throwing their lives away for nothing.

They knew how powerful Chu Fan was—after all, the brat had "persuaded" (beaten the crap out of) them just yesterday, and the memory still cast a shadow in their hearts.

But no matter how strong Chu Fan was, he ultimately had not yet achieved Mortal Transformation.

How could a youth who hadn’t reached Mortal Transformation possibly confront three experts who could control Primordial Qi head-on?

Just by relying on his recently Perfected "Moon Eclipse Arrow"?

But seeing Cao Feng’s unquestionable expression and the calm confidence in Chu Fan’s eyes that defied his age, the words of protest on the tips of their tongues were ultimately swallowed back down.

’Perhaps... this boy who always creates miracles can really bring another surprise?’

Chen Xuan and Wang Kaishan exchanged a glance. They wanted to say something, but ultimately chose to remain silent.

The two of them understood Cao Feng best. They knew he never fought a battle he wasn’t sure of winning, and he certainly wouldn’t send his own disciple to his death.

A short while later, an expert from the Cao Family and another from the Li Family, both at the Entering the Realm of Strength, strode into the meeting hall.

Both were middle-aged men of the Incense Master Level. One was named Cao Xingda, the other Li Qing.

They had steady auras and sharp gazes; both were seasoned veterans who had weathered many storms. They could be considered top figures among the Entering the Realm of Strength experts in the Cao and Li Families.

When Cao Feng announced that all actions on this mission were to be under Chu Fan’s command, although Cao Xingda and Li Qing’s faces remained respectful, they couldn’t hide a trace of shock and confusion in their eyes.

It wasn’t that they looked down on Chu Fan.

Quite the opposite. The miracles this youth had accomplished in the few short months since joining the gang, as well as his "battle record" of subduing the clan elders just yesterday, had long since reached their ears.

They were well aware that the boy’s talent was terrifying and his strength far surpassed his peers.

But they were, after all, Incense Masters at the Entering the Realm of Strength, seniors who had been immersed in the Martial Dao for many years.

Chu Fan had joined the Seven Stars Gang a mere four months ago, at most.

For such a dangerous rescue mission, one that involved entering the tiger’s den to face more than one Mortal Transformation expert, it should logically be led by them—the more experienced ones—with a rising star of such potential like Chu Fan assisting from the side to gain experience.

How could it be the other way around?

Cao Xingda thought to himself, ’Could the Gang Leader be doing this out of an eagerness to nurture talent, hoping to let Chu Fan build up some prestige? But at a critical juncture like this, how can we treat it like a game? The slightest mistake could cost us our lives!’

Li Qing was also grumbling internally, ’Chu Fan’s talent is indeed rare, but adapting to battlefield situations and commanding operations requires experience. Talent can’t make up for that. To have him command us...’

But the two exchanged a look and saw the same decision in each other’s eyes.

’Trust the Gang Leader!’

’Since he arranged it this way, he must have his reasons.’

’As long as we can rescue Cao Yan, we won’t hesitate, even if it costs us our lives!’

"Yes, Gang Leader!"

The two men suppressed the distracting thoughts in their minds, cupped their fists, and accepted the order.

Their gazes toward Chu Fan now held a hint of scrutiny and anticipation. "Chu Fan, we await your orders for this mission!"

Chu Fan nodded slightly, without any unnecessary pleasantries. "There’s no time to lose. Let’s set out now."

Soon, the party of four set out on two horses, taking Li Qingxue’s Messenger Bird with them as they charged out of the Seven Stars Gang’s headquarters.

Cao Xingda rode with Chu Fan, and Li Qing with Zhao Tianxing. They left Cyan Yang Ancient City and galloped along the main road toward the Mist Marsh.

The clatter of hooves echoed as a trail of dust rose in their wake.

...

Back in the meeting hall, Chen Xuan and Wang Kaishan had not left.

Chen Xuan said in a low voice, "A storm is coming. Kaishan and I will impose on you for a few days."

Wang Kaishan grinned, revealing a set of stark white teeth. "Just in time to stretch my muscles and see what those whelps from Seven Stars Castle are made of!"

The two of them immediately sent men back to their respective Martial Arts Halls to summon their elite experts from the Entering the Realm of Strength and Bone Tempering Realm. This was a precaution against a sudden attack from Seven Stars Castle while the Seven Stars Gang’s top combatants were tied up.

Watching Chen Xuan and Wang Kaishan busy themselves with the arrangements, the elders of the Cao and Li Families were filled with emotion. ’The Gang Leader doesn’t have many friends, but every single one is a true brother to whom he could entrust his life!’

’True feelings are revealed in times of crisis. Our two families will remember this kindness from Master Chen and Master Wang!’

But after their moment of emotion, their worries grew even heavier. ’But... sending that kid Chu Fan, will it really work? They’re up against three Mortal Transformation experts!’

’Even an expert as strong as Cao Yan was severely injured and forced to retreat into the Mist Marsh...’

’He hasn’t even reached Mortal Transformation, how can he possibly win? What if he fails to rescue Cao Yan and gets himself killed instead? This...’

Cao Feng’s gaze was profound as he looked toward the distant sky outside the hall, ignoring the old men’s muttering.

He gathered his thoughts and began to methodically arrange the defenses.

The entire Seven Stars Gang moved like a precision machine, instantly springing into action and preparing for battle.

...

A little over an hour later, the two fast horses carrying the four men charged into a treacherous canyon.

The very instant their horses’ hooves clattered over the loose rocks at the canyon entrance—

"Watch out!"

Chu Fan suddenly shouted, his body leaping from horseback like a great roc to land instantly at the front of the group.

SHING!

While he was still in mid-air, the Long Saber at his waist was already unsheathed!

At that exact moment—

WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!

Several Feathered Arrows shot out like vipers from hidden positions on the canyon walls on both sides!

Some arrows were aimed viciously at the riders’ throats and hearts, while others were insidiously aimed at the horses, intending to make them rear up and throw their riders!

Chu Fan snorted, activating his Ghost Shadow Illusionary Body Step as the Long Saber in his hand danced with incredible speed.

A spray of frigid light from his saber erupted, forming what seemed like an impenetrable barrier in front of him!

DING! DING! DANG!

A rapid series of metallic clashes rang out.

Not a single one of the incoming arrows, whether aimed at the men or the horses, slipped through. All of them were precisely cut down or knocked away by the saber’s light!

After breaking through to the Entering the Realm of Strength, his five senses were far sharper than before.