The sword arrived with blinding speed, not only evading Chi Xiao’s attack but closing the distance to enter his guard circle in the very act of dodging.

Phssst! A slight resistance, and then I quickly channeled power to stop my blade.

Chi Xiao stared at my slender, unbladed, cylindrical sword with wide, disbelieving eyes! He couldn't utter a single word, while the fist he had swung froze rigidly in mid-air. The surroundings fell utterly silent; everyone was stunned by the bizarre scene.

“You! You!” Chi Xiao’s face was ashen with defeat, yet his forehead was beaded with dense, pea-sized drops of sweat. It was hardly surprising; anyone would react the same way with a sharp blade held against their throat.

“You’d best not move rashly!” I hadn’t expected such immediate success with a single strike. Of course, this didn't speak to the brilliance of my swordsmanship; it was simply that Chi Xiao had been far too arrogant. After all, I was a Red Moon level warrior, yet he had been careless enough to try and dispatch me with only his right hand. Furthermore, my entire path relied on extreme speed and precision, making this outcome almost inevitable.

Subconsciously, I pushed the dueling sword in my hand forward a fraction. I had deliberately controlled the force of the thrust; thus, the blade only pierced the tough outer layer of skin near Chi Xiao’s throat, not actually severing it. Even so, my blade had managed to penetrate a short way into his throat. A bead of crimson fluid followed the length of the blade, collecting on the crescent steel ingot bracer on my wrist. This was only a superficial graze, causing Chi Xiao no serious injury. But even this small breach was enough to terrify him. A slight application of force from my hand, and his throat would surely be pierced. This was the real reason Chi Xiao dared not move. At such close range, aimed directly at his throat, even Chi Xiao’s protective fighting aura would be useless to summon in time.

“What a fast sword,” the female mage finally showed a flicker of surprise in her expression. “I told you this kid was strange, I told you to be careful.”

“You cheated!” Chi Xiao managed to spit out a few difficult words.

“You’re right!” I secretly stabilized my slightly excited heart. Then I continued, “If I didn’t, how could I have captured you?”

“Your strength is definitely more than just a Junior Ranger,” Chi Xiao ground out through clenched teeth. “I should have realized—a Junior Ranger shouldn't be here.”

“Then you understand now,” I tried to sound as composed and steady as possible. “Can we talk properly now?”

“Talk about what! Let the Hall Master go!” The dozens of Red Moon experts nearby showed subtle signs of panic, one in particular looking utterly furious. “If you dare harm a single hair on the Hall Master’s head, I’ll make sure you die without a grave!”

“Let him go?” I tilted my head slightly toward the group of Red Moon experts. “What a joke. I’m counting on him to save my life.”

“What exactly do you want?” Although Chi Xiao’s face was pale, he now adopted an air of calm composure. Impressive—that kind of mental fortitude was essential. I inwardly offered a measure of praise, but became even more cautious.

“I said, your life in exchange for mine,” I stated, subtly adjusting the angle between my body and the assembled experts of the Mad Dragon Gang. This was a trick I’d learned from watching counter-terrorism movies in my previous life—hiding my body in front of Chi Xiao, with his back to the female mage and her group. In doing so, Chi Xiao’s body became a shield; if they attacked me, they would inevitably injure him first.

“Impossible,” Chi Xiao stated firmly. “The Mad Dragon Gang never accepts threats.”

“Oh?” I dismissed the statement lightly. “For a Hall Master, isn't your life worth much?”

“It seems you don't understand the Mad Dragon Gang,” the female mage beside him said calmly. “The Mad Dragon Gang accepts no threats; even if you held the Gang Leader, the result would be the same.”

“You can kill him,” the Red Moon warrior from before declared proudly. “But you will surely die.”

“Are they telling the truth?” I instinctively looked towards Chi Xiao.

“What do you think?” A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Chi Xiao’s eyes.

“!!!”

Blast it! I immediately sensed things going badly. As Chi Xiao slightly shifted his body, his iron fist shot out with astonishing speed, while several mages on the other side simultaneously launched attacks, and the dozen or so warriors darted forward like lightning.

“Ruthless!” I gritted my teeth, suddenly forcing strength into my thrust, leaning sideways while kicking out, and simultaneously activating my protective fighting aura.

Thud! Phssst! My thrust missed by only a small margin, but it still punched a bloody hole in the right side of Chi Xiao’s neck. Simultaneously, his iron fist connected with my body, while I kicked him squarely in the abdomen.

Almost at the exact same moment, both Chi Xiao and I were thrown backward by the reciprocal force. The difference was that Chi Xiao was involuntarily propelled by my kick, whereas I intentionally used the force of his punch to retreat backward, letting his strike absorb the momentum. I used his force to propel myself away, targeting the entrance to the Death Coffin behind me. The retreating Chi Xiao violently collided with the dozen-plus Red Moon warriors charging toward him.

The attacks from the mages and Taoists descended upon me.

Damn, they used large-area destructive magic—Ice Roar! They really don't care if Chi Xiao lives or dies. If I had been locked in a stalemate with Chi Xiao moments before, I would have been utterly pulverized. But the situation was different now. Using the momentum from Chi Xiao’s punch, my retreat speed was astonishingly fast. In a flash of light and thunder, I flew over twenty meters, long out of the range of the Ice Roar. However, the dozen warriors, having their path blocked by Chi Xiao’s receding body, were forced to swerve, avoiding him while maintaining their surprising speed as they chased me.

But this momentary delay allowed me to open up even more distance.

Mid-air, I immediately adjusted my posture. As I landed, I bolted forward without looking back, plunging through the stone doorway of the Death Coffin.

Bang! Bang! Whoosh! Behind me followed massive Fireballs flying like arrows, countless Lightning Bolts, and Ice Roars. But at this point, my speed was at its maximum. Those offensive spells only slammed into the empty ground behind me, failing to even brush the hem of my robe.

“Chase!” That Red Moon warrior shouted in exasperation, preparing to pursue.

“No need!” The female mage looked somberly at the blue silhouette that had vanished like a streak of lightning. “Such speed.”

“But!” The warrior seemed about to argue further when the female mage cut him off. “Even if he enters, it won’t change anything. Presumably, Chi Jiao has already succeeded by now.”

The thirty-plus Red Moon experts beside her nodded slightly.

“We just need to guard the exit,” the female mage stated coolly. “As for that kid, once he’s in, he shouldn’t expect to come out.”

“The Death Coffin!” The Red Moon warrior’s face was dark. “It truly lives up to its name. Let him die in there.”

“Insolent! Argh!” Chi Xiao clutched his neck in agony, struggling to sit up.

“How does it feel!” The female mage seemed slightly gleeful.

“Heh heh! Hall Master, isn't this a case of capsizing in a ditch this time?” The same Red Moon warrior also sounded pleased.

“Shut up,” Chi Xiao snapped angrily. “That brat, I will personally carve him up.” But after only shouting that, he had to clutch his neck in pain again; it was clear he was severely injured.

That was close! I almost died by that kid’s sword. Even though I managed to dodge the worst of it at the last second, the kid’s sword still managed to slice through the flesh on the right side of my throat. Thinking of this, Chi Xiao was consumed by rage and hatred.

“Is that so?” Another Taoist-robed Red Moon Ranger said dismissively. “You don’t even know what he looks like, so how can you personally kill him?”

“His appearance?” Chi Xiao stared intently at the large stone door of the Death Coffin and spoke in a deep voice. “I don’t need to know his appearance, because I have memorized his voice. Even if he flees to hell, I will drag him out and make him wish for death.”

“Heh heh, as expected of Hall Master Chi Xiao.”

......................Only the female mage looked at the great stone door of the Death Coffin with a complicated expression.

“What’s wrong, Commander Chi Yan!” Another Red Moon warrior looked at the mage’s strange look with some confusion. “Is something amiss?”

“Nothing!” Chi Yan withdrew her gaze, her expression returning to its usual serene stillness.

I hope it’s just my imagination. I don’t know why, but the moment I saw that blue figure disappear, Chi Yan felt a profoundly bad premonition. This feeling was baseless, just pure intuition.

“That kid is not simple!” A female Taoist beside Chi Yan stated in a low voice. “His speed was so great that even my spiritual intent couldn't lock onto him.”

“He was indeed fast,” Chi Yan admitted solemnly. “Otherwise, he couldn't have immobilized Chi Xiao with a single sword strike.”

.................... Meanwhile, Chi Xiao was boiling with rage but couldn't vent it. Logically, Chi Xiao’s true strength was far beyond being subdued by a single sword strike by Xing Chen. But defeat was defeat, and because of his failure, Xing Chen had escaped smoothly. For the arrogant Chi Xiao, this was an utter disgrace, made worse by the fact that all the gang’s experts witnessed it, intensifying his humiliation.

“Not only skillful, but also cunning and intelligent!” The female Taoist looked at Chi Yan with a hint of amusement. “Even our Commander Chi Yan misjudged him.”

...............Chi Yan was momentarily stunned. “I suppose so. Chi Yan isn’t the only one to capsize in a ditch.”

“Haha, it's truly rare to see the usually infallible Commander Chi Yan admit defeat with such grace!” The Red Moon warrior chuckled lightly.

...............Chi Yan.

“Alright, say less,” the female Taoist chided irritably. “Don’t forget, that kid was cornered by more than thirty of our Red Moon experts, and he still managed to escape composedly. It’s embarrassing enough without you laughing about it.”

“Well, well!” The Red Moon warrior looked momentarily taken aback, and the others also felt deeply humiliated. If this news got out, the Mad Dragon Gang would lose all face.

“Start sealing the exit now!” Chi Yan said with a grave expression.

“Yes!”

“If you don’t want this incident to leak, keep your eyes sharp,” the female Taoist said playfully. “It’s best if he never comes out, otherwise…”

“Heh heh, a clean sweep to silence witnesses?” The Red Moon warrior teased. “As expected of Hall Master Scarlet Scorpion.”

“Are you asking for a beating?” The female Taoist grinned maliciously. “I don't mind eliminating you too. I recently developed some new toxic powders; I’m not sure how effective they are yet.”

“Ah.” The Red Moon warrior’s face changed drastically. He quickly backed away a considerable distance, still looking shaken. “You’re ruthless. Fine, I give up.” ...........................The other thirty-plus Red Moon experts also looked thoroughly intimidated.

Heavens, new toxic powder. I wonder who will be the next victim. But that’s a problem for later; the priority now is guarding the exit.

The Senior Rangers from nearby arrived and firmly blocked the stone door alongside the thirty-plus Red Moon experts.

Hoo! Hah! I ran non-stop for nearly two hours until I was utterly exhausted, finally collapsing onto a large rock.

Strange, why haven't they chased me? In fact, the moment I rushed into the Death Coffin, I knew they weren't pursuing me, which puzzled me greatly. Based on my understanding of Chi Xiao and the Mad Dragon Gang’s methods, they wouldn't let me go so easily. Though my direct contact with them lasted only a few minutes, it was enough to grasp the nature of the Mad Dragon Gang. Moreover, Chi Jiao's previous ferocity left a deep impression—he was willing to fight the vastly superior experts of the Divine Moon Palace without hesitation. I couldn't believe they would let me off so lightly, especially since Chi Xiao now harbored such deep hatred for me. Yet, there was no pursuit; this truly baffled me.

For the moment, I was safe. Slumped down, I relaxed my mind and thoroughly reviewed the events. The more I thought about it, the more something felt wrong. Why weren't these people moving with Chi Jiao and his group? If they were reinforcements, Chi Jiao's wisest move would have been to stall for time until Chi Xiao and the others arrived before engaging. But Chi Jiao didn't do that; he attacked immediately. Given that Chi Jiao held the high rank of Hall Master, I couldn't believe he was so reckless as to fight the Divine Moon Palace experts without regard for consequence. A young man might possess spirit, but someone in Chi Jiao’s high position wouldn't have climbed so far based solely on recklessness.

But the fact remained: Chi Jiao had engaged the Divine Moon Palace and was forced back into the Death Coffin. I had a relatively clear view of the situation then. Chi Jiao could have chosen to retreat toward the dark areas, but they didn't; instead, they ran into the Death Coffin. Thinking about Chi Xiao and his group guarding the exit... I froze.

Could it be that Chi Jiao intentionally lured the experts from the Divine Moon Palace and the Alliance into the Death Coffin? If so, Chi Jiao must have laid an earth-shattering trap within this place—a trap capable of completely collapsing both the Divine Moon Palace and the Alliance. And Chi Xiao’s group guarding the exit seemed intended to cut off the Alliance and the Divine Moon Palace’s last path to survival.

Realizing this, my heart turned cold. No way, is the Death Coffin actually a deadly maze? According to the Ranger's Handbook, the only exit from the Death Coffin to the outside world was that massive stone door connected to the First Gorge, and now that exit was guarded by Mad Dragon Gang experts.

The more I considered it, the more it felt true. *** I thought I had finally escaped to heaven, only to run headlong into someone else’s snare. Although this trap wasn't originally set for me, the current situation seemed no different.

What's more, I was certain that Chi Xiao would never let me off. He was still glaring at the exit. Thinking this, I could only inwardly groan; this time, I had really played myself into a corner.

Alas! What should I do? I leaned weakly against the stone wall. Force my way out? Forget it. That would be no different from seeking death. I was certain that not even an ant could slip past the exit now.

Well, forcing an exit is impossible. The only remaining option is to seek outside help. Thinking of this, I recalled the experts from the Divine Moon Palace and the Alliance who had been chasing Chi Jiao. If so many people charged out together, perhaps escape would be possible. I just didn't know the current status of those people. But given the Mad Dragon Gang’s readiness, the Divine Moon Palace and Alliance forces were likely in dire straits. Furthermore, the Death Coffin was inexplicably huge; how could I even find them?

Moreover, it wasn't just the Divine Moon Palace and Alliance experts in the Death Coffin. At the very least, the Mad Dragon Gang, who set the trap, must be hidden somewhere, watching menacingly. On top of that, there was that elusive super BOSS, the Earth Dragon God, who could appear before me at any moment. I wonder what method they used to be so confident they could wipe out the powerful Divine Moon Palace and the numerous Alliance forces in one fell swoop?

This is truly a headache. Looking back now, I genuinely regret it. *** I always knew curiosity could kill a cat, but I couldn't help coming here. Although I originally planned a sightseeing trip to the Death Coffin, I never expected to run into this situation.

This scenario inevitably reminded me of my encounter in the Woma Forest. It seems my luck has always been terrible. In the Woma Forest, I ran into the powerful Orc Commander. Although I managed to escape, that experience could only be described as hair-raisingly perilous.

Considering that this place is the Death Coffin, and recalling the encounter at the exit just now, I have a very bad feeling. *** Don’t tell me I’ve stumbled into great luck again and run into that legendary Earth Dragon God? Although I am genuinely curious about what the Earth Dragon God looks like, the current situation is hardly the time to satisfy that curiosity. Besides, it was precisely that damned curiosity that landed me in this terrible predicament.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but scrutinize my surroundings again. To be honest, I was still shaken by how the Mad Dragon Gang managed to encircle me without my notice. That was a coordinated effort involving over a thousand people, yet not a single sound was made. I'm losing faith in my own senses of smell and hearing. This reminded me of the map radar in the game, Legend. *** If only this world had something like a map radar—something that automatically displayed light spots whenever a person or monster approached.

But that was just wishful thinking; reality always differs from games. The surroundings were silent, with no active life forms. In fact, since entering the Death Coffin, I hadn’t seen a single monster. Of course, that wasn't surprising. The Ranger's Handbook actually stated that within the Death Coffin, aside from that elusive Earth Dragon God, there were no other living things.