World's Strongest Martial Warrior

Nie Hexuan was transfixed by the scene unfolding before him, taking a considerable amount of time to snap out of his astonishment.    

Despite his defeat to Peter Parker at the unnamed Immortal Gathering, Nie Hexuan held onto the belief that, given equal footing in terms of realm, he might stand a chance against Peter Parker.    

Today, however, Nie Hexuan came to the sobering realization that his previous thoughts were nothing more than fanciful daydreams.    

The prodigy from the Nameless Immortal Palace who had thwarted Chou Li was no less formidable than himself. Moreover, his cultivation had soared to the pinnacle of the First Grade Heavenly Immortal realm. Yet, he was unable to withstand even a single blow from Peter Parker.    

Shaking off his musings, Nie Hexuan approached Peter Parker to express his gratitude. "Brother Jiang Chen, thank you for your assistance. Without it, I fear I might not have survived today."    

"There's no need to thank me, Brother Nie. We've been acquainted for some time now. It's serendipitous that we crossed paths here at Purple Mist Immortal Mountain. I couldn't just stand by idly after encountering you."    

Nie Hexuan was known for his integrity and straightforwardness, qualities that made him a friend worth having.    

"Regardless, I will always remember the life-saving favor you've done for me today, Brother Jiang Chen. Should you ever need my help in the future, don't hesitate to ask. Nie Hexuan will be there," he declared earnestly, then inquired with curiosity, "What brings Brother Jiang Chen to Purple Mist Immortal Mountain?"    

Peter Parker replied with a smile, "I was on my way to the main hall of the Nameless Immortal Palace and just so happened to pass through here."    

"I see," Nie Hexuan nodded, then turned to Peter Parker with an offer. "Brother Jiang Chen, my father trained here on Purple Mist Immortal Mountain in his youth and uncovered the legacy of an ancient master. I'm here to investigate that. Would you be interested in joining me?"    

"Since this legacy is a part of your father's history, I wouldn't feel right getting involved," Peter Parker responded, shaking his head and smiling.    

Nie Hexuan was indeed the kind of friend one should cherish. Peter Parker, respecting their friendship, naturally refrained from laying claim to an inheritance that rightfully belonged to Nie Hexuan.    

He had made a commitment to Liu Wucheng to represent the 18 branch palaces at the Immortal Gathering in the main hall of the Nameless Immortal Palace. However, if Nie Hexuan lingered too long in the inheritance land of the ancient expert, he risked missing the event entirely. Peter Parker, having given his word to Liu Wucheng, was determined not to break it.    

The quiet mountain forest was suddenly rocked by a series of deep, resonant rumbles. Powerful waves of Qi burst forth without warning.    

"Our previous battle must have alerted the nearby immortal beasts," Nie Hexuan realized, his face tensing with concern. "Brother Jiang Chen, we need to get out of here quickly, or we're going to find ourselves in deep trouble."    

Peter Parker shook his head gravely. "I'm afraid it's already too late."    

As if on cue, the air filled with a thick, purple immortal mist. The powerful Qi dispersed the mist, revealing several formidable figures with monstrous Qi looming in the clouds above.    

A roar shattered the tense silence as a massive black griffin, shrouded in a storm that seemed to swallow the sky, swooped down to attack Peter Parker and his companion.    

With a swift palm strike, Nie Hexuan obliterated the black griffin, which was as formidable as a first-grade Heaven Immortal.    

Surveying the encroaching horde of huge creatures, Nie Hexuan managed a wry smile. "Brother Jiang Chen, I apologize. It seems I've dragged you into this mess."    

The assembled immortal beasts were not only numerous but also incredibly powerful, with many rivaling the might of high-ranked Celestial Immortals.    

"Follow me, and get ready to fight our way out!" Peter Parker commanded.    

No sooner had he spoken than the Skyfrost Immortal Sword in his hand came to life, its blade dancing through the air. Brilliant arcs of sword light shot forth, and with each sweep, several immortal beasts were cut down by Peter Parker's swift strikes.    

Even the most formidable beasts, on par with Sixth and Seventh Grade Heaven Immortals, could not withstand a single blow from his sword.    

"Wow... Fourth Grade Heavenly Immortal Realm... Jiang Chen's power is truly fearsome!"    

Nie Hexuan was astounded as he watched Peter Parker dispatch the surrounding immortal beasts with ease, as if he were slicing through fruits and vegetables.    

Back in the Nameless Immortal Palace, Peter Parker was already a force to be reckoned with, but his cultivation level was only at the First Grade Heavenly Immortal. Now, seeing Peter Parker once more, it was clear that his cultivation had soared to the Fourth Grade Heavenly Immortal realm.    

Consider this: it had been merely a month or two since Nie Hexuan had last seen Peter Parker in the Nameless Immortal Palace in Cangyun Province. To have advanced from the First Grade Heavenly Immortal realm to the Fourth Grade in such a brief span was nothing short of astonishing. Wasn't this rate of cultivation a bit too incredible?    

"There's always someone greater," Nie Hexuan mused, a wry smile forming inwardly.    

Before encountering Peter Parker, as a scion of the Great Luo, Nie Hexuan had immense confidence in his own abilities, believing himself to be among the elite geniuses of the entire Northern Frost Immortal Domain. Only now did he understand the true meaning of genius.    

In comparison to Peter Parker, Nie Hexuan's own talents seemed utterly insignificant.    

As Nie Hexuan looked on in amazement, Peter Parker's sword danced, spilling a single drop of blood and sending the attacking immortal beasts scattering like startled birds.    

"Let's move!"    

Peter Parker didn't dwell on the fleeing creatures. He swiftly beckoned Nie Hexuan, and they made their escape. The recent clash had been anything but subtle, likely to draw even more formidable immortal beasts. Should a beast on par with a Golden Immortal expert appear, even Peter Parker's impressive strength might not suffice.    

They hastened thousands of miles away, only slowing their pace once they were certain the coast was clear.    

"Brother Nie, I have pressing matters to handle. I'm off to the Nameless Immortal Palace. This is where we part ways. I hope fortune favors you in your quest for the Purple Mist Immortal Art's legacy," Peter Parker said with a parting smile.    

"Since you have things to take care of, Jiang Chen, I won't hold you up," Nie Hexuan replied, understandingly.    

Nie Hexuan brought his fists together in a traditional gesture and said, "I will never forget Brother Jiang Chen's life-saving kindness. Our paths will cross again in the future!"    

"We will indeed meet again," Peter Parker replied with a warm smile, making his way toward the eastern reaches of the Purple Mist Immortal Mountain.    

"Brother Jiang Chen's talent is truly unparalleled, a rarity in this world," Nie Hexuan mused silently, admiration in his eyes as he watched Peter Parker walk away.    

It was clear to him that it was time to unlock the legacy of the ancient master and bolster his own power.    

Otherwise...    

He might not even be worthy of repaying Peter Parker for his generosity.    

With this realization, Nie Hexuan wasted no more time. In a blink, he vanished from sight.