The legendary warrior

Standing beside the dry well, Ricky's face took on a gloomy cast. He sized up the two fighters who had found him. He figured he was in for a fight, and he knew a misstep might mean his death.

There were two girls standing before him. The one in front wore a pink skirt, which perfectly highlighted her developing figure. Her beautiful eyes looked just like two polished dark gems. Every breath out through her bright teeth and alluring red lips was laced with a delicate fragrance.

There was no doubt that once she grew up, her beauty would cause the downfall of a state.

The other one stood behind the first respectfully. She was a rather pretty servant girl, and followed her mistress wherever she went.

"Oh! Xenia Wang? Why are you here?" Ricky asked in a calm tone. He was still startled, still shaking and trying to fight down the fear. He whined to himself, 'Damn it! I still got tailed. I should have been more careful!' Xenia's appearance set him brooding. If she could find him, would others be far behind?

Xenia Wang, daughter of the Wang Clan, was believed to be a rare genius in her clan, just like Ricky used to be in his. But Ricky speculated that she was even more talented than he was—when Ricky had just reached the sixth grade of Skin Refining Level, Xenia had already broken through the seventh.

Ricky's first encounter with Xenia dated back to a Toughening that happened several years ago.

To improve himself at the time, Ricky entered a mountain range where ferocious beasts were known to dwell. Soon he happened to spot a heavily injured and beautiful young girl. That girl was Xenia. Considering the dangerous situation she was in, there was no doubt Xenia's life was at risk. But he couldn't leave her alone in such a treacherous place, so Ricky cut short his trip to save her life. Not only did Ricky heal Xenia's wounds in the nick of time with his internal power, but he also personally escorted her back to her clan.

Xenia was so thankful that Ricky lent her a hand. Ricky was surprised to learn that Xenia's grade at the Skin Refinement was even higher than his. As a result, they shared a mutual admiration. And so Xenia started to hang out with Ricky and they'd spar together.

They had practiced together, enjoying their time as martial arts practitioners, losing themselves in their art. But when the spiritual meridian inside Ricky's body was destroyed, his cultivation base was removed. Since then, Ricky hadn't seen her again. But he wasn't hurt. He got it. It was useless for a genius to spar with an ordinary person.

Therefore, he didn't hold a grudge against her.

"Hey, I get it. You come here to claim the bounty. Gonna arrest me and get that 200 silver coins?" Ricky scoffed. He didn't want to think that way. He didn't think that was what she had in mind, but the possibility had occurred to him.

The former genius couldn't help sighing in his heart, 'Wow! Who could have ever thought my friend could become my enemy over a few coins?'

Her face a mask of anger, the young servant finally spoke, "Her ladyship is far richer than that paltry reward! How could you say a thing like that?" As she shouted at Ricky, he could feel a stirring, a disturbance in the air. She was gathering energy. He recognized it immediately—the fifth grade of Skin Refinement. Clearly, she was ready to start a fight with Ricky over her lady's honor.

happen, Xenia snapped, "Stop!" Hearing Xenia's order, the servant noticed her misbehavior and stopped herself. The

my life, so I'm here to return the favor. This is my way

did that happen? How could I forget a thing like that? Thanks anyway, but I wouldn't have you lower

deep in the darkest time of his life, desperately in need of help, he wouldn't allow himself to accept help from Xenia Wang. It was like she pitied him, like an animal caught in a trap.

continued, "Okay, fine. If this is really how you feel, just don't reveal my hiding place. Can you help with that?" Without any reply, Xenia Wang stood quietly, studying this man in front of her. This wasn't the proud confident warrior she used

answer, Ricky had no intention to continue the conversation, so he just turned and made ready

was about to walk away, Xenia intended to make him pause with that remark. She waited to see what he'd do. He just continued

Wang finished her monologue, Ricky froze abruptly.

or not, what Xenia Wang had just said really made sense. Like she said, he didn't

help, because that was the only

Then he turned toward Xenia Wang again, opening his eyes once more. He asked, with a

for recruitment. Take this token. They'll take you on as a disciple, once you show this token

disciple of Snow Sect is the only way out. Once you're a Snow Sect disciple you won't have to run and hide anymore. And

mentioned by Xenia Wang,

Shouldn't you keep it for yourself or give it to disciples from

me," Xenia continued, with a

that, Xenia turned and left.

sleeve. It dropped into her hand

are three hundred silver coins in it. The last thing you'll receive from her ladyship," said

special disciple by one of the innate spirits. And you're just another ordinary warrior.

scornful look, the servant turned

"Crack! Crack!"

Great anger rose up and filled his chest. The servant's words carved into Ricky's heart and completely

fiercely to bleed. And his fingernails