I Am Unaware That I Am the Peerless Martial God Chapter 1281: This is suicidal.

Upon witnessing the evidence, Gui Shounian slammed his palm against the table, his expression contorted with rage!

"Vile wretch!"

"Who could be so cruel as to inflict such suffering upon my esteemed nephew? Say no more, Worthy Brother. The matter regarding the Immortal Plaques can be addressed later. This old man will spare no effort to aid you; we must eliminate this scoundrel first!"

His declaration was grand and filled with righteousness, yet he notably ensured the Immortal Plaques remained part of the conversation.

Liu Runan was equally cunning. Beneath a hidden, icy smirk, he adopted a look of profound gratitude and virtue.

"I am indebted to you, Brother Gui."

"However, simply killing him won't suffice. We must approach this with a calculated plan!"

"My son is reduced to nothing but a soul flame. My desire is for him to perform a body seizure on that man. Therefore, the target must not be slain; we need him captured alive. I truly hope for Brother Gui’s significant assistance in this!"

Seizing the body?

A live capture?

Hearing these requirements, Gui Shounian’s expression turned hesitant.

"Based on your description, Worthy Brother Liu, this individual clearly possesses some level of cultivation. While the two of us together could easily slay him, taking him alive... I fear that..."

Before he could finish his excuse, Liu Runan anticipated his greed.

"If we succeed, I am prepared to offer five Immortal Plaques!"

Thump!

The offer caused old Gui Shounian’s heart to race!

Normally, the slippery Liu Runan would never dream of parting with five Immortal Plaques. It was evident that the situation was dire and he had been backed into a corner. Should Gui Shounian let this chance slip, such a windfall might never appear again.

Furthermore, the Ancient Sea Clan’s current circumstances were quite grim.

After relocating their entire clan from the resource-rich Vast Sea to this cramped Eastern Sea, their supplies had become dangerously thin. Only days ago, several disciples had snuck ashore in search of treasures to aid their breakthroughs, only to vanish entirely...

For him and Liu Runan to team up against a single Nirvana-stage cultivator from the Desolate Realm was essentially free money. They had to accept this task. Regardless of how strong the man was, there were limits to his power.

If the opponent were truly a monster, Liu Runan wouldn't dare move against him. That cunning fellow was many things, but he wasn't suicidal.

Moreover, Gui Shounian secretly wished the enemy would be somewhat formidable. That would allow him to demand a higher price on the fly and squeeze even more profit out of the situation. It would be perfect.

After a few moments of silent calculation, Gui Shounian gritted his teeth and struck the table again.

"Very well!"

"Since Worthy Brother Liu is in such a desperate state, this old man shall certainly provide his aid!"

The two exchanged a look and burst into laughter, their eyes radiating absolute confidence!

One hour later.

The two elders glided effortlessly through the sky above the endless dunes. Though their pace appeared leisurely, each step crossed a thousand miles. As they neared the coordinates, they refined their strategy.

Liu Runan maintained a front of tactical politeness, showering the other with promises.

"Brother Gui, in my son's hour of tragedy, only you were willing to stand by me. It is only now that I truly recognize a loyal friend. Once this is over, I will surely commend you to the Star Lord, ensuring the Sea Clan receives more opportunities to harvest fortunes on land."

"We shall continue our partnership in the days to come. Our clans shall share in both glory and hardship. Regardless of how the world shifts, you and I will remain the closest of allies!"

His words were lavish but lacked any real substance.

He was painting a beautiful dream, acting like the true old fox he was.

Gui Shounian, being even more experienced, merely gave a faint smile in response.

"Worthy Brother Liu, you flatter me. This is but a minor effort. How could I dare seek credit or act out of greed? Befriending you years ago was honor enough. However, I understand the importance of the bigger picture and wouldn't dream of asking for more land access."

"I would be more than satisfied if our disciples could simply secure seven or eight more Immortal Plaques in the future."

The two elders smiled at one another, the metaphorical abacuses in their minds clicking away. Beneath their pleasantries, they were already engaged in a mental duel, perfectly matched in their greed.

As for the coming fight, they were so certain of victory that they didn't even bother discussing it.

Watching this display of subtle political maneuvering, Liu Changfeng’s soul flame—hidden within a sleeve—felt as though his perspective had been widened. He felt a surge of confidence and looked forward to the glorious moment he would finally enter the Desolate Realm.

Following the faint trail of Qi left behind, the two figures eventually came to a halt in mid-air.

Liu Changfeng drifted out from the sleeve.

The three of them looked toward the horizon, their faces becoming serious. Even with victory in their sights, they remained vigilant. At their level of Cultivation, they knew better than to be reckless.

When they struck, it would be with their full, overwhelming power!

Having survived for centuries through caution, Gui Shounian knew this well. As he cleared his mind and focused his intent for the kill, he cast a sharp look at Liu Runan.

"Worthy Brother Liu, what is the exact Cultivation level of this villain? What hidden techniques does he possess that prevented you from handling him alone?"

Liu Runan looked solemn, though his voice remained confident.

"Do not worry, Brother Gui."

"The man did manage to shatter my Heaven-Sealing Grand Array, so he isn't without skill. But he is a rogue cultivator from the outside. No matter how gifted he is, his resources are bound to be scarce. At most, he has reached the Great Completion of the Nirvana stage."

"I could likely kill such an opponent on my own, but capturing him alive is a different matter. That is why I required your expertise."

Gui Shounian nodded slowly, processing the information.

"I see."

The Great Completion of Nirvana was indeed a formidable hurdle, explaining why Liu Runan was willing to pay so much. Still, two against one made the odds heavily in their favor.

That level of power was the perfect balance of risk and reward.

After a moment, Gui Shounian smiled thinly.

"Worthy Brother Liu, while that may be true, this old man is getting up in years. The opponent is strong. When the battle begins, I worry my contribution might be somewhat limited..."

Seeing that cold, calculating smile, Liu Runan understood the implication immediately.

The trap was set.

He had no choice but to let this old turtle bleed him further. Gritting his teeth, he spoke in a low growl.

"Brother Gui, there is no need for such modesty. The man is no match for our combined strength. Help me secure him, and I will add two more Immortal Plaques to the payment!"

Liu Changfeng, sensing the tension, spoke up anxiously.

"Senior Gui, he is merely an outsider. Even if he is stronger than he looks, he cannot possibly withstand the combined might of you and my father. I beg for your help, Senior. I shall be forever in your debt!"

With the extra incentives locked in, Gui Shounian finally gave his assent.

"Very well, this old man shall test his aging bones and assist you!"

"Where is this scoundrel hiding?"

Despite the haggling, everything was proceeding as planned.

The old turtle was on board. Although Liu Runan felt a sting of resentment, the prospect of his son reaching the Desolate Realm made the cost feel justified.

He quickly scanned the area with his divine sense.

The target had pitched a tent on the desert floor. Though he had moved, he still seemed completely unaware of the approaching threat, occupied with roasting fish—a display of staggering arrogance.

Heh...

Liu Runan smirked as he pointed downward.

"Look, Brother Gui! There is the fool right now!"

Liu Changfeng’s soul flame flickered with hunger, staring at the man like a predator watching its prey.

"Yes! That’s him!"

"Clueless even as death arrives. What a waste of Cultivation; he was born only to serve as my new vessel!"

Following the mocking words of the father and son, the old turtle looked down with an air of superiority.

But the moment his eyes landed on the target...

He froze!

He looked familiar...

Far too familiar!

The human roasting fish amidst the dunes looked exactly like that terrifying, supreme being he had encountered back in the Vast Sea!

With a single look, a suppressed, horrific memory surged back. His heart constricted, and his confident grin turned into a mask of pure dread. He strained his eyes to get a better look!

The same elegant, handsome features. The same calm, detached aura.

And most notably—that unmistakable, massive snail!

As the realization hit, Gui Shounian’s jaw dropped in sheer horror!

"Gah!"

He was certain now—this was the legendary Sword God he had glimpsed that day!

Staring at the divine blade being used as a mere cooking utensil, his soul turned cold. The faint shimmer of its edge felt like a death sentence pressed against his throat.

This wasn't just a "bit" stronger; the gap was infinite!

To challenge this man...

Wasn't that just a fancy way to commit suicide?!

To hell with this!

In an instant, Gui Shounian’s face drained of all color. Without a word, he violently shattered the space around him and fled into the void at top speed!