Chapter 30: Encounter at the Tavern

Some individuals attempted to shield themselves with spiritual energy, but that mysterious force acted like a pervasive phantom, seemingly searching for a weak point at any moment.

Elder Zhao had originally intended to strike at Gu Liuyun amidst the chaos, but just then, Cultivator Qian appeared from behind and delivered a fierce palm strike to the elder's back. Caught off guard, Elder Zhao lunged forward, nearly collapsing to the ground.

"You... you actually ambushed me?" Elder Zhao’s face turned livid, his eyes erupting with fury.

Cultivator Qian stood panting, his gaze burning with the desire for vengeance. "Elder Zhao, you instigated Guard Wu to continue provoking me, nearly costing me my life! I will settle this score with you, once and for all!" Qian's voice, sharp as a blade, pierced through the surrounding clamor.

Gu Liuyun’s eyes turned sharp in an instant. He quickly assessed the situation: the arrival of this mysterious power might be a harbinger of a greater crisis. The current predicament was fraught with variables. He gripped Chen Jiaojiao’s hand tightly, signaling her to stay close, while internally calculating his next move.

"Elder Zhao, if you want to play games, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Gu Liuyun’s voice was cold and resolute. No sooner had he finished speaking than he plunged back into the chaotic crowd, searching for another opening.

With a roar, Elder Zhao channeled his spiritual sword, its light flaring brilliantly as he hacked fiercely toward Cultivator Qian. "You reckless fool, you dare ambush me? You’re courting death!" Cultivator Qian was no pushover; he summoned a bronze-colored shield to parry the attack.

For a moment, magical light flickered, and the deafening roar of artifacts colliding echoed through the air. Shockwaves rippled outward, sending nearby cultivators scrambling in fear, desperate to avoid being dragged into the fray.

"Gu Liuyun, what do we do?" Chen Jiaojiao clung to his arm, her voice trembling slightly.

Gu Liuyun remained calm. Pulling her behind a massive boulder, he whispered, "Don’t panic, just watch. As strong as that old man is, Cultivator Qian is no soft touch either. Let them fight like dogs."

Though Cultivator Qian had deployed a defensive artifact, Elder Zhao’s onslaught was too ferocious. Qian began to falter, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

Gu Liuyun narrowed his eyes. "The opportunity is here!" He took a deep breath, concentrating the last remnants of his immortal power at his fingertips. A flash of golden light darted out, striking Elder Zhao squarely in the back.

"Ah!" Caught unaware, Elder Zhao stumbled from the sudden impact, nearly falling again. He spun around in a rage, glaring at Gu Liuyun through gritted teeth. "You... you dare ambush me?" The surrounding cultivators were stunned; they had never imagined that Gu Liuyun would dare to strike at the elder in such a moment. It was audacity bordering on madness!

A cold sneer tugged at the corner of Gu Liuyun’s mouth. "Ambush? Elder Zhao, you seem to have forgotten that you were the one who sent people to provoke me first. I am merely defending myself." His words were righteous and firm, earning him the secret admiration of the onlookers for his courage and resolve.

***

Elder Zhao was trembling with rage. Pointing a finger at Gu Liuyun, he bellowed, "Fine! Very well! You have guts, kid! Today, I will teach you the price of crossing me!" He raised his sword again, preparing to attack.

Just then, Gu Liuyun sensed an odd aura. He whipped his head around, only to see...

Watching Gu Liuyun battle his enemies, Chen Jiaojiao’s eyes sparkled with adoration, practically brimming with romantic infatuation. This man was simply too handsome! She couldn't help but lean into him, her body shivering slightly—whether from fear or excitement, she couldn't tell.

Gu Liuyun wrapped his arm around her shoulders, comforting her softly, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." It was a simple phrase, yet it warmed her heart, filling her with an overwhelming sense of security. The onlookers nearby cast meaningful glances their way; the gossip-mongers among them were thoroughly intrigued.

Humiliated by Gu Liuyun’s successful strike, Elder Zhao flew into a rage and commanded Guard Wu, "Attack together! Kill this brat!" The two joined forces, their assault like a raging tempest, with sword qi swirling and fists whistling through the air. The scene instantly escalated into a clash of titans.

Gu Liuyun, however, remained unfazed. He activated the memories of the Immortal Venerable, unleashing a series of masterful techniques. With light footsteps and elegant movements, he drifted through the web of sword light and punches like a ghost, occasionally landing a counterstrike that left Elder Zhao and Guard Wu howling like clowns.

The spectators were dazzled, their cries of shock ringing out one after another: "Incredible! That move was genius!" "The master is amazing!"

Just as Gu Liuyun prepared to unleash his ultimate move to send the two packing, the mysterious force suddenly vanished. The venue fell into an instant, eerie calm, as if nothing had ever happened. Elder Zhao and Guard Wu seized the chance to slip away, moving faster than rabbits.

Watching their retreating backs, Gu Liuyun gave a cold, dismissive snort. "Consider yourselves lucky for running fast. You won't be so fortunate next time."

At that moment, all eyes were on Gu Liuyun—filled with awe, envy, and jealousy. He knew he had truly made a name for himself; at this cultivation gathering, he had become the most dazzling star. He took a deep breath, held Chen Jiaojiao’s hand, and turned to leave.

"Let's go. Let's get a drink."

Leaving the clamor behind, the two stepped side-by-side into a small tavern called the "Drunken Immortal Pavilion." Inside, the roar of the crowd was deafening, as if the day's chaos had found a place to vent.

***

The air was thick with the aroma of wine and food, accompanied by the boisterous shouts of the patrons—a lively scene indeed. Gu Liuyun and Chen Jiaojiao found a table by the window and sat down, their spirits significantly lifted. They thought they had shaken off those pestering flies, unaware that danger was silently closing in.

"Sir, what will you two be having?" A waiter approached with a beaming smile, breaking the brief silence between them.

"First, bring two jugs of your best wine, then a few of your signature dishes." Gu Liuyun waved his hand casually, his air of wealth displaying the true nature of a pampered heir.

Chen Jiaojiao rolled her eyes at him. This guy really thought he was on vacation. She hadn't forgotten that they had offended quite a few people back at the gathering.

Just then, the tavern doors slammed shut with a loud "bang." The lively atmosphere instantly froze, and a sense of foreboding filled the air. Gu Liuyun raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk touching his lips. He had noticed ever since they entered that the surrounding gazes were wrong. Now, it was clear this was no coincidence.

He scanned the room with feigned indifference and realized that the patrons, who had been scattered about, had all stood up. They were cracking their knuckles, eyes gleaming with malice—hardly the behavior of ordinary drinkers. Among them, Gu Liuyun immediately spotted Elder Zhao and Guard Wu hidden in the crowd. Their faces wore the cold, triumphant sneers of vipers hiding in the shadows, finally baring their fangs.

Chen Jiaojiao also sensed the change in atmosphere. She clenched her fists in anxiety, her eyes scanning the surroundings with vigilance.

"Heh, they truly are like persistent ghosts," Gu Liuyun chuckled coldly. He had known this group wouldn't let things rest, but he hadn't expected them to hunt him down so quickly.