Chu Tian, maintaining a distance of about 500 meters from Xu Qiao Sheng and his team, had no intention of running too far ahead. Aware that Xu Qiao Sheng harbored a killing intent towards him, Chu Tian equally wished to eliminate Xu Qiao Sheng. He intended to make Xu Qiao Sheng's demise as rhythmic as he had promised.
Xu Qiao Sheng, grinding his teeth in frustration at Chu Tian maintaining a consistent distance, had no choice but to increase his pace in an attempt to catch up. Despite not knowing Chu Tian's true identity, as he was disguised and had altered his appearance and name, Xu Qiao Sheng was unaware that he was dealing with Chu Tian himself.
The thunderstorm intensified with over twenty lightning bolts striking down simultaneously, causing further casualties in Xu Qiao Sheng's team. As they neared the edge of the Thunderstorm Area, everyone quickened their pace in a desperate attempt to escape.
Finally, as they approached the boundary between the Thunderstorm and Wind Blade Areas, Xu Qiao Sheng caught up with Chu Tian in a small safe zone. Seeing Chu Tian leisurely sitting on a rock and drinking water, Xu Qiao Sheng confronted him about his behavior and the losses it had caused. Chu Tian mocked Xu Qiao Sheng's anger, and a heated exchange ensued, resulting in Xu Qiao Sheng manifesting a flaming sword and threatening Chu Tian.
Chu Tian, acknowledging Xu Qiao Sheng's authority, appeared to surrender, only to suddenly use a short-range teleportation ability to move ten meters away. He then revealed his true identity to Xu Qiao Sheng, promising a rhythmic death, and disappeared into the Wind Blade Area.
Xu Qiao Sheng, realizing he had been deceived by Chu Tian from the start, swore revenge. However, his threats fell on deaf ears as Chu Tian had already moved ahead.
Xu Qiao Sheng's team, now significantly reduced, hesitantly followed him into the Wind Blade Area. Upon entering, they immediately noticed the stark difference in the environment, with cutting winds carrying snowflakes like blades.
A sudden gust formed a crescent-shaped wind blade, prompting Xu Qiao Sheng to shout a warning. While some reacted quickly to evade, one slower member was struck, receiving a deep, bone-exposing wound. Before he could react, a second wind blade struck, cleaving him in two.
This brutal scene served as a harsh reminder of the deadly nature of Hell's Gate and the challenges that lay ahead for Xu Qiao Sheng and his remaining team as they ventured deeper into the perilous Wind Blade Area.