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As Qiao Ping finished his tirade, the Fire Rock Python went berserk. Its massive tail swept across the landscape, flinging magma in all directions. Qiao Ping's clothes were scorched with several large holes, though he himself remained unharmed.

The Fire Rock Python writhed in the molten rock, its colossal form undulating like a dragon from the deep sea, fighting with a ferocity that suggested it was battling for its very life.

The two Mid-age Martial Artists, both at Mortality Transcending Level Seven Heaven, engaged the beast but struggled to gain the upper hand. Pressured by Qiao Ping, they had no choice but to launch themselves into the fray once more.

"I should never have brought you along. You've completely disgraced me! Finish it off quickly, or I'll finish you!" Qiao Ping cursed. He stood to the side, not joining the fight. Flicking his sleeves in disgust, he complained, "Because of you two incompetents, my clothes have been ruined with holes. Do you have any idea how many Spirit Coins these clothes are worth? They're worth more than your lives combined."

The two Mid-age Martial Artists' eyes darkened upon hearing his words. Yet, they dared not defy Qiao Ping and continued to battle the Fire Rock Python with all their might.

Qiao Mao, watching from the shadows, shook his head in disbelief. Qiao Ping was truly flirting with disaster. His men were in dire straits, yet he showed no concern, instead fuming over the damage to his attire. He was nothing short of a fool.

"If I ever encountered someone like him, I'd beat him senseless," Qiao Mao muttered with a cold huff. He harbored no fondness for Qiao Ping.

Indeed, Qiao Mao was acquainted with Qiao Ping, and their connection was significant. Qiao Ping hailed from the Qiao family in South Sun County.

In his past life, Qiao Mao had narrowly escaped a disaster in Martial Sun City. He had visited the Qiao family in South Sun County and had several run-ins with Qiao Ping. But eventually, Qiao Mao had pressing matters to attend to and left the Qiao family behind. He hadn't crossed paths with Qiao Ping since.

But as Qiao Mao pondered the situation, he sensed something amiss. The Qiao family's stronghold was a great distance away in South Sun County, a journey of many days to Martial Sun City. What could possibly bring members of the Qiao family to this place?

After much contemplation, he was still at a loss. He decided to set aside his concerns and concentrate solely on the Blood Lotus, though it continued to trouble him.

His capabilities allowed him to slay a Martial Dao Great Master at Mortality Transcending Level Seven Heaven, but it required his full strength. With two Martial Dao Great Masters among his adversaries, he would be powerless to defeat the second after dispatching the first. His fate would be sealed.

Moreover, Qiao Ping, at Mortality Transcending Level Six Heaven, was there as well. In his weakened state, Qiao Mao would be an easy target for Qiao Ping.

Despite racking his brain, Qiao Mao couldn't devise a viable strategy. Whichever enemy he chose to eliminate first, the other was certain to finish him off.

"Is my only option to launch a surprise attack?" Qiao Mao pondered with a furrowed brow, only to quickly dismiss the thought. In such a scenario, even a successful ambush would entangle him in the fray with the Fire Rock Python, making escape exceedingly difficult.

"I'll have to assess the situation as it unfolds," Qiao Mao muttered to himself, left with no alternative.

While keeping an eye on the skirmish between the two Mid-age Martial Artists and the Fire Rock Python, Qiao Mao continued his search for the Blood Lotus.

In the vast Magma Pool, devoid of any vegetation, the Blood Lotus stood out starkly. Qiao Mao spotted it without difficulty.

On the eastern edge of the Magma Pool, the crimson Blood Lotus absorbed Fire Attribute Energy, exuding a subtle medicinal scent. Even at a distance, Qiao Mao could detect its aroma.

"I'll secure the Blood Lotus first," Qiao Mao resolved.

Upon locating the Blood Lotus, he stealthily made his way towards it. The two Mid-age Martial Artists had successfully diverted the Fire Rock Python's attention. Seizing the moment, Qiao Mao harvested the Blood Lotus and stowed it in his Storage Bag.

Qiao Mao's abrupt appearance took the Fire Rock Python, Qiao Ping, and the two Mid-age Martial Artists by surprise. But their astonishment quickly turned to fury.

"Scoundrel, give back my Blood Lotus!" Qiao Ping bellowed, charging at Qiao Mao with lethal intent. The Fire Rock Python, enraged at the theft of the Blood Lotus it guarded, lunged at Qiao Mao as well. The two Mid-age Martial Artists were hot on its heels.

As Qiao Mao caught sight of the Fire Rock Python and Qiao Ping charging toward him, his expression darkened. He contemplated fleeing, but was unexpectedly greeted by an odd, alluring scent.

"Incredible, there's Fire Sand Crystal Essence within this Magma Pool," Qiao Mao exclaimed, astonished. Nevertheless, he quickly retreated, lacking the time to further explore the Magma Pool.

Qiao Mao stood no chance against two Martial Dao Great Masters and the Fire Rock Python. Moreover, the Fire Rock Python was several times more vicious than the Martial Dao Great Masters. He simply couldn't afford to focus on the Fire Sand Crystal Essence.

Without hesitation, Qiao Mao executed his movement technique and dashed eastward. Simultaneously, he sent a telepathic message: "Young Master Qiao Ping, I am Qiao Mao of the Qiao family from Martial Sun City. I desperately need the Blood Lotus. Please, let me have it, and I will compensate you with Spirit Coins of equivalent value."

Despite Qiao Ping's poor treatment of the two mid-aged guards, they were both from the Qiao family, and there was no bad blood between them. Qiao Mao had no desire to harm his own kin.

"Are you the Qiao Mao from Martial Sun City?" Qiao Ping inquired.

The revelation of Qiao Mao's identity took Qiao Ping and the two Mid-age Martial Artists by surprise. However, Qiao Ping quickly recovered, scoffing, "You're Qiao Dou's son, aren't you? I recognize you."

"Do you know me?" Qiao Mao asked, his brow furrowing. He had no prior dealings with Qiao Ping in this lifetime, so how could Qiao Ping be familiar with him?

"You're the worthless son of Qiao Dou, Qiao Mao," Qiao Ping declared, bursting into a scornful laugh.

Mockery spread across the faces of the two Mid-age Martial Artists as they regarded Qiao Mao with contempt.

Qiao Mao's expression turned grim. He was infuriated, but in that moment, his only option was to flee. Should the Fire Rock Python catch up to him, he would be ripped to shreds.

Qiao Ping derided Qiao Mao as a failure. Then, with a cold chuckle, he added, "Do you know why your father went to Fallen Cloud Valley? It was because my father pulled some strings to send your father there in search of the lost Celestial Jade Sword."

"What? Your father?" Qiao Mao's heart skipped a beat, and he cried out in disbelief.

In his past life, Qiao Dou had ventured into Fallen Cloud Valley and met a tragic end. The identity of the person who orchestrated the whole affair had remained a mystery. But never in his wildest dreams had Qiao Mao imagined that the one responsible for his father's death was none other than Qiao Ping's father.

"Yes, indeed, it was my father," Qiao Ping said with a maniacal laugh. "Your father was incredibly stubborn. He actually went in search of the Celestial Jade Sword. The truth is, the Celestial Jade Sword was never lost."

Qiao Mao's pace slowed, and he brought his right foot down hard on the ground, causing a slight tremor. As he turned around, his eyes were bloodshot with fury. "What did you just say?" he growled like a wild animal.

"You're still in the dark, aren't you? Your father's talent was too great; he was bound to overshadow our clan in the future. Therefore, he had to be eliminated. And we won't stop there—we'll eradicate all your kin to avoid any future complications," Qiao Ping taunted with a sneer.