Chapter 154: A Difficult Rescue

As I have now entered the Spirit Lotus Realm, I feel as though I can control five bolts of lightning. To be precise, I can control them individually or direct all five blue bolts of lightning to strike different targets simultaneously. However, there is no time to study the Five Thunder Art now; I must kill these men before me first.

The Five Thunder Art moved with great speed, whistling past my head before striking the man in the lead. The power of this strike was immense; the man tried to block it, but he was instantly blown to pieces.

"Second Brother!"
"Second Elder Brother!"

The remaining two were stunned for a moment, then their gazes toward me shifted. They sneered, their expressions turning sinister.

"I’ll have your life!"

The eldest brother roared and charged at me. I could even feel his aura intensify. Seeing this, I had no choice but to grit my teeth and charge forward to meet him. Our blades collided, sparks flying as we locked weapons, neither willing to yield. Our strength was evenly matched, and after a dozen seconds of deadlock, we each landed a punch on the other, forcing us both to stagger back.

Just as the eldest brother retreated, the third brother lunged at me. I countered using the third form of the Wing Shadow Blade Technique. The eldest brother quickly closed the distance, joining the fray. Facing both of them, I was at a disadvantage, but I did not cease my blade work; if I faltered now, it would be my death. As my Wing Shadow Blade technique grew faster, I gradually regained my footing, reaching a stalemate.

From time to time, I would cast a bolt of Thunderclap, and although they dodged each one, my goal was not to hit them, but to distract them. The two were crazed, their short blades swinging with increasing ferocity. As my Wing Shadow Blade technique entered its final stance, I reached my peak state. I saw a cyan-colored blade aura, over two meters wide, surging forth with my movements, and the situation grew increasingly intense. If I failed to defeat them after this final strike, I would likely have to flee in disgrace. I channeled all my remaining spiritual energy, using it to mend my minor wounds while exerting every ounce of strength into my swing.

They, too, had been consumed by hatred, yet they remained somewhat clear-headed; seeing that I was about to unleash my final blow, they began to retreat. I could not let this opportunity slip. As I delivered the final strike, I lunged forward and decapitated the third brother. After succeeding, I did not revel in pride but grew more cautious, stepping back several paces.

"Third Brother! How could you..."

With his brothers slain, it was now one-on-one.

"Boy, if I don't kill you, I don't deserve to exist in this world!"

I retorted with defiance, "No society tolerates bandits and robbers—this is true in the mortal world, and even more so in the realm of cultivation!"

Upon hearing this, the man burst into a manic laugh. He messed up his already disheveled hair, looking like a desperate madman. Suddenly, he ceased his terrifying laughter, grabbed his short blade, and hacked at me wildly with both hands. My spiritual energy was nearly depleted; though I had no fatal wounds, I felt utterly drained. Yet, I had no choice but to gamble; if I was going to die, I would take one down with me!

I assumed a long-neglected defensive stance, blocking with all my might as he charged. The man was nearly insane, laughing as he fought, which was truly harrowing. I could only focus on defending while seeking an opening. However, within five moves, my shoulder was pierced by his blade. Clinging to my Snow Blade, I dodged to the side and switched the weapon to my other hand. My shoulder was bleeding profusely, and my arm had essentially lost its combat utility.

"Hahahaha... come on! I’m going to kill you!"

The man let out a howl toward the sky and charged again. I could only defend. The result was that I sustained dozens of wounds, large and small, and my internal energy was nearly spent. It seemed I was waiting for death, but I would never resign myself to fate. Seeing him charge once more, I stood my ground with difficulty, assuming my now-ragged defensive posture. I had only my calm mind left to rely on, though I was at the end of my rope and a counter-kill was nearly impossible.

As his blade plunged into my stomach, my vision darkened and I collapsed. I lacked the strength to even cry out, left to his mercy. Suddenly, a flash of spiritual light streaked past, slamming into him and sending him flying. When I struggled to open my eyes, I realized it was my Great Uncle!

He held a long sword and engaged the man. My Great Uncle possessed immense experience, and since his opponent had become nothing more than a mindless brute, the man was subdued within a few moves and run through with a sword. My Great Uncle saw me lying there, quickly treated my wounds, and carried me toward the exit. Passing the building, I saw many cultivators rushing inside. I shakily pointed toward the building, and my Great Uncle explained, "These bandits, like that rat demon from before, have murdered countless young people. That’s why legitimate cultivators have come to wipe out their den."

I had actually meant to ask him to save Chen Chen, but hearing this, I felt relieved. Then, my vision went black, and I lost consciousness. This was perhaps the most grievous injury I had sustained recently; I felt as if I were about to report to the Underworld. But Heaven would not let me die, and thanks to my Great Uncle stopping the bleeding in time, I survived.

...

I felt as though I had slept for a long time—at least a week. That morning, I felt a bitter taste in my mouth, which jolted me awake. It was past nine o'clock. I lay in bed wearing a simple white robe, my wounds fully healed, and my spiritual energy flowing normally. That was good. I habitually pulled out my phone and checked.

Nearly a month had passed!

"Sigh... I wonder if the Ghost King has released the game yet."

I opened WeChat; aside from a few messages from Chen Chen and Li Zijian, the group chat was silent. I clicked on Chen Chen’s messages; he had messaged me almost every day asking if I had woken up. I quickly replied: "Awake, I'm fine."

Li Zijian must have been informed by Chen Chen, as he had also sent several messages: "Heard you were hurt? What happened? Reply as soon as you can." "Old Chen and I went to the mountain to visit you today; you need to get well soon..."