In a certain shabby mud house at Holy Earth Hall, Xiang Shaoyun was helplessly listening to the old donkey's teachings about the Turbid Origin Gas Technique. He was extremely disgusted, but he did not even dare to voice his thoughts. He knew very well how powerful the old donkey was.

Fortunately, Liang Zhuangmin and his sister-in-law had recovered considerably. They walked out of the room, saving Xiang Shaoyun from his torture.

"Lord donkey, my big brother and my sister-in-law have recovered. I need to catch up with them. I have mostly memorized your Turbid Origin Gas Technique. I will definitely practice it seriously when I have the time," said Xiang Shaoyun.

The old donkey started nagging, "Remember, you need to practice it. This is a sure-kill technique. I won't teach it to others even if they beg me. Count yourself lucky, kid."

"Yes, yes, I will work hard," promised Xiang Shaoyun before walking toward Liang Zhuangmin and his sister-in-law. "Big brother, are you fine?"

"Brother Yun, thank you for saving us." Liang Zhuangmin pulled his wife's sleeve and knelt down.

Xiang Shaoyun quickly caught them and said, "Big brother, what is this? Are you still treating me as your brother? Why are you insulting me so?"

"Haha, I know you won't care about formalities with me. I will engrave this favor deep in my heart. If you need me in the future, I will go through the high seas and tread on fire for you!" declared Liang Zhuangmin as he slapped his chest in a heroic manner.

"There is no need to make this such a big deal, big brother," said Xiang Shaoyun. "Also, why are you still not introducing my sister-in-law to me?"

With an awkward look on his face, Liang Zhuangmin scratched the back of his head and said, "Brother Yun, truthfully, she is not your sister-in-law. She is my best friend, Wu Zhijun."

Wu Zhijun was obviously the name of a man, but this person was obviously a big beauty.

At this time, Wu Zhijun said gratefully, "Thank you."

Xiang Shaoyun blanked out slightly and smiled, "You're too polite, sister-in-law."

"I thought I told you—" Liang Zhuangmin corrected Xiang Shaoyun, but Xiang Shaoyun interrupted him, "Don't worry about it, big brother. I understand. Tell me, how did you arrive here?"

Xiang Shaoyun was sure Liang Zhuangmin had feelings for Wu Zhijun. As for Wu Zhijun, her feelings toward Liang Zhuangmin were probably still unclear. Thus, Xiang Shaoyun decided to take this chance and insist on calling her sister-in-law. If she did not object, Liang Zhuangmin might have a chance with her. If she objected, then Liang Zhuangmin would need to work harder. Since Xiang Shaoyun did not want to keep talking about this, he shifted the topic.

Fury immediately covered Liang Zhuangmin's face as he said, "This is a long story, but it's all the fault of the Rat Assassins. I will definitely pay them back for this."

Wu Zhijun agreed, "I was the one who had gotten your big brother involved in this. He would still be fine otherwise."

The two gave Xiang Shaoyun a brief recollection of all that had happened.

A few years ago, after Xiang Shaoyun left the Cloud Margin Pavilion and the Land of Soul Springs, Hua Honglou had returned to learn that Xiang Shaoyun had departed. Liang Zhuangmin had reached third-stage Skysoar Realm at that time thanks to the earthstone heart he had gotten from Xiang Shaoyun. His cultivation level soared, and he became a new elite King of the Cloud Margin Pavilion.

He did not stay long as he decided to tour the world while looking for more chance encounters to further increase his cultivation. He had been one of the most talented disciples of the Cloud Margin Pavilion. If it wasn't for the past accident, he wouldn't have been stuck at the Transformation Realm for many years.

After several years of tempering, he was able to grow quickly and reach peak King Realm. Not long ago, he arrived at the Desert of Despair during his travels. He planned to train himself in the desert, looking for a chance to break through into the Emperor Realm.

It was during that time that he came to know Wu Zhijun by accident. At that time, he saw her surrounded by a group of lustful bandits. Thus, he tried enacting the scene of a prince charming rescuing a princess from evil.

But he failed and got himself beaten up. It turned out there was an Emperor among the bandits, and he was not the Emperor's match. Just as he thought that everything would be over for him, Wu Zhijun demonstrated great martial prowess and killed all the bandits.

Only then did Liang Zhuangmin realize that his help had been completely unneeded. Fortunately, he had something to show for his efforts. He gained Wu Zhijun's approval, and the two became friends and started traveling together.

Liang Zhuangmin had fallen in love with Wu Zhijun at first sight. After spending some time together with her, he found himself falling even deeper in love. However, he felt that Wu Zhijun was stronger than him and would probably have high standards. Thus, he had never dared to confess his feelings.

It was during that time that the Rat Assassins started hunting them. They fought and managed to kill a considerable number of enemies, but they were still ultimately captured. Fortunately, the Rat Assassins did not kill them directly. Instead, they were sealed and sent to the Coiling Snake. Subsequently, they were brought here to the Holy Earth Hall. As for what happened next, Xiang Shaoyun knew.

"I'd had some past conflicts with the Rat Assassins as well. Sooner or later, I will uproot them entirely," said Xiang Shaoyun with deep killing intent.

"Yes, we can't spare them," Liang Zhuangmin agreed.

He was only about 30 years old, yet he was already a peak King. He had a bright future ahead of him, and if he could obtain sufficient resources, he would stand a chance to enter the Emperor Realm. In fact, even entering the Sovereign Realm was possible. Thus, someone like him was qualified to declare taking revenge against the Rat Assassins.

If it wasn't for his low birth and lack of resources, he would definitely be one of the genius disciples in one of the Four Great Ancient Academies.

"Um. It's never too late for a hero to take revenge. We can afford to wait," said Xiang Shaoyun.

As Wu Zhijun looked at Xiang Shaoyun and Liang Zhuangmin, who were both brimming with confidence, her eyes rippled.

"Brother Yun, have you been here all these years?" Liang Zhuangmin asked.

"No, I just arrived, too. In fact, I'm still trying to think of a way to escape," said Xiang Shaoyun as he rubbed his nose bitterly.

"What's that about?" Liang Zhuangmin asked.

Xiang Shaoyun hesitated slightly and gave Liang Zhuangmin a rough recollection of his affairs as well.

When Wu Zhijun heard the story, she gasped, "You're a Dragon Phoenix Academy disciple?"

"Yes. What about it, sister-in-law?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.