Bai Rong also joined in the praise, having just witnessed two successful stealth attacks, he held Zhang Xiu, who was actually Xiao Mu in disguise, in extreme admiration.
Too formidable, just one sneak attack killed six True Gods, causing the strongest, Ma Fang, to flee in disgrace, leaving him with no more capital to compete for Bai Jing's treasury.
"These are nothing."
Xiao Mu smiled in response, though feeling slightly regretful inside. Unfortunately, as he had assumed Zhang Xiu's identity, it wasn't appropriate to continue chasing them.
Otherwise, Ma Fang and his men would all be unable to escape.
"Now, it's just Ma Fang alone; there are still the forces of Qin Guang and Zhao Rui unsettled, we cannot afford to be careless.
Ye Jing quickly nodded, "Brother Zhang is absolutely right, the forces of Qin Guang and Zhao Rui are still significant. If we want to secure the treasury, we must deal with them first."
Gan Yun said, "Nevertheless, after what happened earlier, I truly admire Brother Zhang. Brother Zhang, do you have any good advice on how to deal with Qin Guang and Zhao Rui? Share it with everyone."
Bai Rong followed up, giving a thumbs up, "Yes, Brother Zhang, do share your suggestions with us. They must be great!"
Xiao Mu chuckled, intending to speak...
"Disaster! Respected Envoy Zhang, Respected Envoy Bai, Respected Envoy Gan, trouble's afoot. I've detected Zhao Rui leading his troops towards our camp, seemingly planning an attack."
Tan Ke suddenly rushed over, clutching the Green Bowl, reporting in a panic.
"What? Zhao Rui?" Gan Yun was startled.
Bai Rong cursed, "I knew it, Zhao Rui is narrow-minded. Previously, when Brother Zhang spoke a few words against him, he must have held a grudge, wanting revenge against us. Brother Zhang, Brother Gan, what should we do?"
"Zhao Rui is powerful; even now, his strength exceeds ours. I think we should avoid direct confrontation, otherwise, maybe we should alert our forces for a quick retreat?"
Gan Yun, lacking confidence, spoke while looking at Xiao Mu, seeking his opinion, "Brother Zhang, what do you think?"
Xiao Mu replied coldly, "Zhao Rui is a petty person, surely thinking we're easy targets. If we retreat, he'll definitely press hard. I believe we should clash, face him head-on, and see who's more formidable. If we crush Zhao Rui, will Qin Guang still dare to contend with us?"
"This..."
Gan Yun worriedly said, "Brother Zhang, I'm afraid that's not advisable. Zhao Rui's power surpasses ours, direct confrontation isn't wise. Plus, if we fight Zhao Rui and both sides suffer, won't that benefit Qin Guang? I think we should temporarily avoid him, then circle around and ambush, just like we did with Ma Fang."
"Haha!"
Xiao Mu laughed, "Respected Envoy Gan makes sense too. Have you considered that while we worry about mutual destruction allowing Qin Guang to profit, won't Zhao Rui be concerned about that as well?"
"With Zhao Rui turning to face us suddenly, I doubt a battle is likely; rather, he might be trying to intimidate us."
"Intimidate?" Gan Yun was puzzled, glancing at Bai Rong.
Bai Yun also wore a bewildered look, staring at Xiao Mu, questioning, "Intimidate? Brother Zhang, why do you say that?"
Xiao Mu smiled, "Previously, I insulted Zhao Rui, he'll surely worry about his troops badmouthing him, calling him cowardly and incapable of leading."
"That's why he's approaching, relying on his strength to suppress us and humiliate me to assert himself."
"He wants to assert himself, but I won't let him succeed. More than that, I'll humiliate him in front of his subordinates, crushing his spirit. Tell me, if Zhao Rui is dealt with and humiliated by me, can he still command respect from his troops? Can he lead them to jointly strive for Bai Jing's treasury?"
"So, I propose we return, rally our troops, and confront Zhao Rui to see what he intends."
"This..."
Bai Rong, Gan Yun, and others were stunned.
A moment later, Ye Jing said, "I think Brother Zhang makes a lot of sense."
"If Zhao Rui aims to assert himself through us, why should we give him that chance? If we flee, have any of you considered that Zhao Rui would effortlessly succeed in asserting his authority?"
"This... Indeed!"
Bai Rong quickly changed expression, nodding in agreement.
Gan Yun hesitated a moment, then agreed, nodding along.
Indeed, retreating would be the worst approach, only benefiting Zhao Rui. This way, Zhao Rui wouldn't have to do anything and could easily assert his authority in front of his subordinates.
Ultimately, Bai Rong made the decision and shouted, "Let's go with Brother Zhang's advice; we'll return, prepare for battle against Zhao Rui, ensuring his plan fails."
"Let's go! Let's go! Head back together! Sniper Zhao Rui!"
Everyone shouted loudly in unison, full of momentum.
Only Xiao Mu chuckled inwardly, these Heavenly Court people were too easily provoked.
Earlier, the claim that Zhao Rui turned back to assert authority was just made up on the spot, but Gan Yun, Bai Rong, Ye Jing, and others believed it.
However, this was clearly beneficial for Xiao Mu.
By stirring chaos among the Heavenly Court's forces, it supported his position and favored the human world.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
Everyone employed their Escape Arts, immediately turning back to regroup with the forces.
As they retreated, they simultaneously notified others in the camp to regroup halfway.
※※※
"Those with foul mouths will eventually pay the price. That Zhang Xiu, merely of the Divine Spirits realm, is nothing, yet dares to insult Respected Envoy Zhao, isn't that seeking death?"
From the west, over ten Escape Lights united, moving towards the east.
One of them was Zhao Rui, who was insulted by Xiao Mu.
Zhao Rui's face burned with anger, "That Zhang Xiu knows not the bounds of heaven and earth. Coincidentally, Bai Rong ignorantly took such a person as a subordinate."
"Originally, I worried about having no reason to act against Bai Rong and his crew, clearing them in advance to reduce competitors for Bai Jing's treasury."
"Now the excuse has arrived. I should actually thank Zhang Xiu for this."
"Zhang Xiu insulted me; now I'll use that as an excuse to expel Bai Rong. Haha, even if he teamed up with Gan Yun, it doesn't matter. Even adding Gan Yun's force, they only have five True God Realm, whereas we have eight!"
"Respected Envoy Zhao is wise!"
A man in yellow, a True God Realm, praised Zhao Rui, "With our forces, only Ma Fang's side poses any concern. Not even Qin Guang is equipped to compete against us."
"If we eliminate Bai Rong and his crew now, seize the chance to recruit a few from his team to join us, we'd have no fear of Ma Fang. If we could recruit three or four, Ma Fang would be inconsequential."
"Liang Shu understands me!" Zhao Rui looked at the man in yellow approvingly, laughing heartily.
"Feng Lan, scout how far Bai Rong's team is from us?"
"Respected Envoy Zhao, Bai Rong's team is thirty kilometers away from us!"
"Hurry up; don't let them have time to prepare!"
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh! Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
The Escape Light suddenly grew brighter, Zhao Rui and his group accelerated.
※※※
"Congratulations Respected Envoy Bai, congratulations Respected Envoy Gan, congratulations Respected Envoy Zhang, congratulations..., victorious return!"
In the camp, the Divine Spirit beings on guard cheered with surprise.
Having heard of the stealth victories over Ma Fang, they were excited, each looking up to Xiao Mu with admiration.
"Alright, spare the nonsense, Zhao Rui's group will soon arrive, intending us harm. Rest here, be on full alert, prepare for Zhao Rui's arrival!"
Bai Rong ordered, the entire troop, including True God Realm and Divine Spirit alike, alerted themselves, gathered together, eyes fixed towards the west, anticipating Zhao Rui's arrival.
The stealth victory over Ma Fang instilled courage, making them fearless of Zhao Rui's forces.
Suddenly, the Five-color Escape Light illuminated to the west, accompanied by the sound of the Escape Art; over ten Escape Lights speedily approached, forcibly reaching Xiao Mu and the others.
"Bai Rong, you all haven't fled, very good. Hand over Zhang Xiu, the foul-mouthed scoundrel who insulted me; he deserves execution!"
Zhao Rui casually walked forward, taking the lead position, and upon arrival, he loudly demanded Bai Rong to deliver Zhang Xiu.
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