Chapter 116: The Mysterious Girl

Seeing the old man produce a forbidden pill, Bai Feiyu could not help but feel a surge of tension. To say he wasn't nervous would be a lie; after all, he truly did not know if he had any hope of remaining undefeated against an opponent at the third level of the Shackled Realm. He never expected this old man to possess such a thing.

However, despite his anxiety, Bai Feiyu did not regret sticking his nose into this business today. Since the system had gifted him the attribute of growing stronger through combat, it had bestowed upon him the mission of upholding justice. He had to endure it. One who wears the crown must bear its weight. If he were to fail in his chivalry, he would never reach the pinnacle.

Bai Feiyu took a deep breath. He watched as the old servant swallowed the pill, his aura climbing steadily until, before long, it reached the third level of the Shackled Realm. The surrounding crowd was struck with shock.

"Alas, this young man is too hot-headed and inexperienced."
"Now he’s done for; the opponent has been pushed to the edge. What can he do now?"
"I truly hate to see this happen. It is a pity that common folk never get the chance to defy their fate."

The onlookers sighed, for no one wished to see Bai Feiyu come to harm. Through his earlier words, they had learned that Bai Feiyu had chosen to confront the man head-on to avenge his sister. It was a tragedy—a young prodigy with such terrifying combat potential, destined to soar to the heavens, only to be cut down here.

"Heh heh, boy, there is no escape for you today!" the old servant cackled, his presence as demonic as his laughter. His aura was violent, yet it carried an underlying trace of fragility. This was the cost of the forbidden pill; it forced a breakthrough to the third level of the Shackled Realm by overdrawing the body's energy, a process that inevitably caused damage. He could not maintain this state for long.

"Humph, so what if you are at the third level of the Shackled Realm?"
"Today, I shall see just how strong this so-called third level is!"

Bai Feiyu drew a sharp breath, his spirit soaring like a rainbow. The next moment, he roared, "Rain of Blood and Tears!"

In an instant, a mixture of blood and tears coalesced into a dark cloud, drifting slowly toward the old man. This was a divine ability Bai Feiyu had obtained from a dropped attribute; the system had judged it to be exceptionally powerful, so he had diligently cultivated it. Now, it was finally put to the test. He wanted to see the limits of his own combat strength.

"Whoosh—"

As the cloud drifted above the old servant, it unleashed a torrential downpour. The rain of blood and tears fell in sheets, emitting a foul stench and coursing with a highly corrosive energy.

"This brat actually has some tricks up his sleeve," the old servant muttered, narrowing his eyes. Now that his power had increased, he could clearly perceive the potency of this ability. Even at the third level of the Shackled Realm, he had to avoid the brunt of it. This little one’s potential was truly terrifying.

"Spirit Sever!"

The old servant bellowed, executing a secret technique. A brilliant blue flash of light shot toward the dark cloud in the sky, aiming to shatter it and neutralize Bai Feiyu's offensive.

"Boom—"

As the light collided with the cloud, thunder roared within, attempting to consume the servant's technique. Unfortunately, while the Rain of Blood and Tears was potent, the gap in their strength was too wide. After resisting for only a few breaths, the cloud burst apart. Bai Feiyu felt a sweetness rise in his throat, and he nearly collapsed. The old man’s strength, once boosted to the third level, was indeed difficult to counter.

Yet, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Bai Feiyu's mouth. He had realized that while the opponent was formidable, he was not invincible. If he could draw out the battle, the system's restoration would give him a fighting chance. At the very least, this old man could not finish him off in the short term. Once the effects of the forbidden pill wore off, the advantage would shift entirely to him, and he would settle the score.

"Heh heh, boy, you don't think that’s all I have, do you?"
"Now, let me show you what the third level of the Shackled Realm is truly capable of!"

As if sensing Bai Feiyu’s thoughts, the old man smiled, licking his lips like a bloodthirsty predator. He reached out a hand, which instantly began to swell in size, as if intending to crush Bai Feiyu into dust. Facing this technique, Bai Feiyu felt a genuine threat; it was a powerful move, and he feared he would suffer greatly if it landed.

Just as Bai Feiyu prepared to defend himself, a hidden weapon whistled through the air.

"Swoosh—"

In a flash, the dart pierced the old servant's palm. The man's expression shifted instantly.

"Now! Run!"

A young girl in the crowd shouted at Bai Feiyu. Not being a fool, he immediately understood that she had helped him. He bolted, following in her wake.

"Damn it! Don't you dare run!" the old servant roared in fury. However, the dart appeared to be poisoned. His hand began to go numb, and his cultivation even began to recede. He was struck with panic. If he didn't purge the toxins immediately, his cultivation would surely drop once the pill’s effects faded. At the Shackled Realm, every step up was incredibly difficult, and he dared not risk his cultivation to chase two children.

"Forget it. Since the brat has such weapons, he might have other tricks hidden away. The pill's effect is fading anyway, and since he is clearly here for the sect tournament, I will see him again. I must purge this poison, or my life will be ruined. The master will surely not blame me; I have been loyal for so many years, and I was left with no choice."

The old servant sighed, justifying his retreat to himself. He sat cross-legged on the spot and began to meditate.