C35 Genius!

Spirit Flame Masters were exceedingly rare among Human Martial Artists, each holding a highly esteemed status. In South Sun County, Spirit Flame Masters were in high demand. It was simply inconceivable for them to settle in a small city like Martial Sun City.

Qiao Mao had slain Qin Jin a few days prior and ascended to the rank of Spirit Flame Master. Aside from the Zhang family, this fact remained a secret. Naturally, the Nether Clan Martial Artist was oblivious to Qiao Mao's true identity.

Qiao Mao observed the Nether Clan Martial Artist's stunned expression and offered a slight smile, "Now you can die with your eyes closed."

"Blood Burning Great Arts."

The Spirit Flame in Qiao Mao's palms swelled rapidly, setting ablaze the crimson patterns etched there. It surged towards the black fog that shrouded the Nether Clan Martial Artist.

As the Spirit Flame consumed the blood-colored pattern, it transformed into strands of fiery energy, weaving a net that ensnared the black fog before swiftly contracting.

In no time, the Spirit Flame bloodlines cleaved through the black fog. The Nether Clan Martial Artist, engulfed within, emitted a piercing scream. With the black fog's eruption, he vanished without a trace.

With that, the three Nether Clan Martial Artists, Qiao Hou, and a Martial Dao Great Master from the Qin family had all fallen to Qiao Mao and Qiao Shen.

At that moment, three figures arrived on the scene. They surveyed the blood-soaked ground and the bodies with unparalleled astonishment.

Among the fallen were over ten Mortality Transcending Level Six Heaven elites and four Martial Dao Great Masters of Mortality Transcending Level Seven Heaven.

The most staggering revelation was the demise of two Mortality Transcending Level Eight Heaven powerhouses. In Martial Sun City, it was almost inconceivable for anyone to defeat them, yet there they lay.

"Did you kill all these people?" Zhang Yu asked, his voice tinged with shock. He was gasping for air, his face a portrait of disbelief. He had come to aid Qiao Mao, only to be met with this overwhelming scene.

The prowess of these fallen warriors surpassed that of an entire family in Martial Sun City, and now they were all dead. The visual and psychological impact on Zhang Yu was immense.

Although Qiao Mao had never spoken with Zhang Yu, he recognized him. Knowing that Zhang Yu was dispatched by Zhang Tianbei to assist, Qiao Mao offered him a reassuring smile and a nod.

Even though Zhang Yu had suspected that Qiao Mao was responsible for the deaths of those experts, hearing the admission straight from Qiao Mao himself still left him astonished. "You truly are a genius," he exclaimed.

Zhang Yu was at a loss for words to further describe Qiao Mao. Despite only being at Mortality Transcending Level Five Heaven, Qiao Mao had managed to defeat numerous formidable opponents.

"You're quite remarkable yourself. You've been confined to a wheelchair for over a decade, yet you've advanced to Mortality Transcending Level Seven Heaven. When it comes to talent and determination, you're second to none in Martial Sun City," Qiao Mao said with a smile.

Zhang Yu's spirits had been low ever since his leg became crippled due to illness, and he had lost interest in cultivation. Qiao Mao had learned of his condition during a visit to the Zhang family estate. But upon meeting Zhang Yu for the first time, Qiao Mao was taken aback to discover that Zhang Yu had already become a Martial Dao Great Master.

Despite being wheelchair-bound for so many years, Zhang Yu had never abandoned his cultivation practice. Such tenacity often led individuals to become top-tier experts.

Zhang Yu rolled his eyes. He had endured much hardship over the last ten years to reach his current level. He was aware that just half a month prior, Qiao Mao was at Mortality Transcending Level Three Heaven and had now ascended to Level Five. Moreover, Qiao Mao was capable of defeating warriors at higher levels than himself. Zhang Yu knew he was no match for Qiao Mao.

If Zhang Yu were aware that Qiao Mao had completely lost his cultivation half a month ago and had started from scratch to reach Mortality Transcending Level Five Heaven, he would have been even more astounded.

"Thank you," Qiao Mao said earnestly, bowing deeply to Zhang Yu. He had been aware of Zhang Yu and the others' presence since he first arrived at Qiao Shen's Mansion but hadn't been certain at the time.

Qiao Mao also knew that Zhang Yu and the others had been vigilantly guarding the place in his absence, protecting Qiao Shen and Shuang. Even though they hadn't been able to assist in the end, Qiao Mao was profoundly grateful for their efforts.

Zhang Yu felt a stir in his heart. Recognizing Qiao Mao's humility and remembering the help he had received from him, Zhang Yu spoke with genuine seriousness, "As long as the Zhang family has a foothold in Martial Sun City, we will ensure that your family never suffers harm again."

"Hahaha," Qiao Mao and Zhang Yu exchanged a glance and burst into laughter together.

"Mao!" At that moment, Zhen Gui burst into the room. She was taken aback by the sight of the corpse on the ground. Unlike Zhang Yu, she quickly went to Qiao Mao's side and examined him thoroughly. With urgency in her voice, she asked, "Let me check if you're hurt."

Zhen Gui was filled with regret. She had been close by when the brutal battle took place, but she had been detained by some guards and couldn't come to Qiao Mao's aid.

Qiao Mao stood still, allowing Zhen Gui to check him for injuries. He offered her a reassuring smile and said, "Mother, I'm alright. These people didn't lay a finger on me."

Suddenly, Qiao Mao felt an intense pain surge through his body, nearly causing him to lose his balance. Zhen Gui, who was nearby, quickly steadied him and exclaimed, "Mao!"

"Mr. Qiao!"

"Mao!"

Both Zhang Yu and Qiao Shen shouted out, alarmed at the possibility that Qiao Mao might be hurt.

"There's no need to worry, I'm truly fine," Qiao Mao assured them. Yet, he felt like giving a wry smile. He was indeed uninjured, but the side effects of the two Spirit Explosion Pills he had taken were now manifesting.

The side effects of a single Spirit Explosion Pill were manageable, but consuming two simultaneously meant that one would need at least three days of rest to recover. Moreover, during those three days, engaging in intense combat was out of the question, as it could be too much for the internal organs to handle.

Seeing Qiao Mao in distress, Zhang Yu quickly intervened, "Mr. Qiao, we can't linger here. You must come with me to the Zhang family immediately." He then instructed his two Martial Dao Great Masters to tidy up the battlefield and gather all the spoils of war, which were subsequently presented to Qiao Mao.

Qiao Mao accepted the spoils. With Qiao Hou's plans foiled, Qiao Guang would surely be enraged. If Qiao Guang were to arrive now, those present would stand no chance against him.

Qiao Mao was weakened from the Spirit Explosion Pill, and his uncle was still recovering from his own injuries. After the intense battle, he was drained of energy. Even with his mother, Zhang Yu, and four other Martial Dao Great Masters there, they were no match for Qiao Guang, a formidable adversary at the Mortality Transcending Level Nine Heaven. If the fight dragged on, they would be systematically defeated.

However, Qiao Mao's greatest concern wasn't Qiao Guang, but rather the Martial Dao Great Master from the Nether Clan lurking by Qiao Guang's side. He was acutely aware that these individuals posed the true threat.

"Let's head back to the Zhang family," Qiao Mao declared with urgency, leading everyone swiftly back to the safety of the Zhang family's domain. He was confident that, with the Zhang family's resources, he would soon recover his strength. It wouldn't be long before he could make a powerful comeback.

The mere thought of Qiao Guang filled Qiao Mao with rage, his eyes burning with fury. Despite the machinations of the clan and the Nether Clan People behind the scenes, Qiao Guang was an unrepentant killer. He showed no regard for his kinship with other members of the clan, ruthlessly slaughtering many of them.

In a fierce inner monologue, Qiao Mao vowed, "Qiao Guang, the day I make my return will mark the end of your life."