Xiao Chen looked at Xu Hao and slowly spoke, his tone calm but with an undeniable firmness: "Thank you for your kindness, City Lord, but Shi Tou and I are used to working alone, so I'm afraid we cannot do as you wish."
He doesn't need to rely on the resources of Burning Flame Valley, nor does he want to follow others—he wants to walk his own path, not follow behind others.
Xu Hao's smile froze for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He clearly hadn't expected Xiao Chen to refuse so decisively. In his view, joining the Burning Flame Valley was an opportunity that countless rogue cultivators dreamed of, yet Xiao Chen wasn't tempted?
Xu Qing's face also darkened, and his tone was somewhat displeased: "Brother Xiao, do you think Burning Flame Valley is not good enough for you?"
Xiao Chen shook his head: "It's just that we have different paths, it has nothing to do with whether we are a good match or not."
The atmosphere on the mountain road suddenly became somewhat subtle.
Xu Hao looked at Xiao Chen, his gaze gradually deepening. He hadn't expected that this seemingly young rogue cultivator would be so opinionated and unaffected by temptation.
"Young friend, won't you reconsider?" Xu Hao's tone remained gentle, but there was a hint of pressure that was not easily detected. "Mist Hidden Valley is extremely dangerous. With just the two of you, you may not be able to escape unscathed."
Xiao Chen tightened his grip on the rusty iron spear, met Xu Hao's gaze without flinching, and said, "Thank you for your concern, City Lord. We will walk our own path."
The air seemed to freeze.
Xu Hao's aura fluctuated slightly, and a faint but powerful pressure descended, causing the trees on both sides of the mountain path to rustle.
Shi Tou let out a low roar, his spiritual power erupting as he stood in front of Xiao Chen, resisting Xu Hao's oppressive aura.
Xiao Chen knew that Xu Hao was testing his resolve. This city lord was shrewd and calculating; if he were to fight head-on, he and Shi Tou might not be a match for him, but he would never easily give in.
Just then, Xu Hao suddenly withdrew his oppressive aura, and a smile returned to his face: "Fine, everyone has their own ambitions, I won't force you."
He looked at Xiao Chen and added meaningfully, "However, there are not only opportunities in Misty Valley, but also dangers. If you encounter trouble, young friend, you may be able to ask Xu Qing for help—I have already asked Xu Qing to bring some life-saving magical artifacts."
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