Lin Shu and his team ran after Zaisheng as the night deepened around them. The moon had climbed past its zenith and was now sinking toward the horizon, and during those hours of darkness, multiple individuals had sought them out. Most were targeting Zaisheng—he was at the front, alone, a single point of light drawing moths to flame. Lin Shu's team had five people, including him, which made them a less appealing target.
The announcer's voice kept echoing through the forest, clear and relentless, giving directions to the locations of both Lin Shu and Zaisheng. There was no room for hiding, no way to lose those who came hunting.
"It's already nighttime," Lin Shu calculated, watching the darkness cover the surroundings. "We'll reach night soon. From what I remember, the hunt ends when the sun is at its highest point on the fifth day. That means we only have half a day left."
He needed Zaisheng's points. Or at least the points of four people in the top spots to surpass him.
He glanced down at the tokens Kai had given him earlier. "Like I'll actually split them with them." He transferred the points to his own token without anyone noticing, using the cover of his armor to hide the motion. He pulled his token from his chest by creating small canals in the ivory, letting it drop to his side where no one could see. He transferred the points quickly, then returned the empty tokens to his spatial ring. His own token he coiled with fresh ivory and sent back to its place on his chest.
"Now I have forty-one thousand points. That should put me above the fourth place spot."
He glanced at Shang and Yu's tokens, still visible on their robes. "If I get theirs too, I could reach sixty thousand. That would leave me only thirty thousand short of maybe securing first place."
---
Ahead, Zaisheng was tossing cultivators aside like broken toys. He couldn't destroy all their tokens—there were too many, and they kept coming—but that didn't matter because Yu was faster than both Lin Shu and Shang, and he was snatching every token Zaisheng left behind. He didn't bother splitting them.
Zaisheng twisted his body, jumped over an attacker, and sent the man flying backward with a kick. He tried to shoot the falling token with a dagger, but a beam of white light pierced the man's chest first, breaking the token and carrying through to hit Zaisheng. He was unbalanced by the impact but rolled quickly and regained his feet.
Yu smiled, pocketing more points. "This isn't a bad way to collect tokens. I don't have to share, either—Li already took everything from the truce zone, and that moron Kai actually handed him all the tokens. I'm sure Li already took the points from them."
Kai checked his own token. "Fifty-six hundred points. Not bad, but it won't get me into the top five. I need to get more, but Yu's speed is taking everything."
Shang was thinking about something else entirely. "That Zaisheng has no heart of freedom. What a loser. Even that girl has at least a small bit of heart, though I can't tell what it is." He kept looking around, and a smile crept onto his face. His eyes started to shift color, faint lines forming on his skin—then disappearing just as quickly. "Damn it, I almost lost control. I can't use it here. But I just can't wait anymore! It's been five days since I last used it. I need to hold on—I'll be disqualified if I don't."
He looked at Kai, Yu, and Li. "These guys have quite a bit of heart. Especially those two, Li and Yu. As for Kai he's at least better than average."
Everyone around Shang noticed his expression—smiling from ear to ear, sweating a little, his eyes darting from Yu to Kai to Li with unsettling intensity.
"What is with this guy?" Kai asked, reaching out to touch Shang's shoulder.
Aoyan moved closer to Lin Shu.
Yu waved a hand dismissively. "Just ignore him. He does this all the time."
Lin Shu didn't like being around someone who appeared to be a nutcase. "I should limit my time with this guy after the hunt. No telling what's on his mind."
He took a glance to the side, activating his Owl's Gaze to scan the area. His eyes caught a flicker of light—red lines forming in the distance.
"What's that?"
Before Shang could answer, multiple red lines shot toward Zaisheng. He crossed his arms and defended against them, the energy cracking against his skin.
"Finally," Lin Shu thought. "Someone will tire him out for us."
He motioned for his team to hide in the bushes, and they watched from a safe distance as a young man with slick black hair stepped forward, accompanied by a black-haired youth with emerald eyes.
"Hello there. You must be Zaisheng. Allow me to introduce myself. I am—"
A kick aimed at his head made him move back. "Oh my, will you not allow me to introduce myself at least?"
Zaisheng's voice was flat. "You've already done that, haven't you?" He pointed at the aftermath of the attack they had already launched against him.
"Well, let's just forget about that." The young man spread his hands. "I am Zhao Tie Zheng. These are some good friends of mine. We're here for something you have, and we would appreciate it if you gave it to us without much trouble."
Zaisheng laughed, but before he could answer, another laugh—louder, rougher—boomed from the opposite side.
"Moronic weasels! You're asking for his charity or something? Ignore them, Zaisheng. Unlike them, I am here to rip that token from your skin. With much trouble, of course."
A new face stepped into the clearing.
"Ah, Xie Lang. My other dependable—yet rather brutish—ally. How have you been?"
Xie Lang jerked his thumb at Xu Jin. "Tell him, fatty."
Xu Jin's forehead veins bulged, but he kept his composure. "We've been in a terrible mood, mainly due to this barbarian not finding anyone for hours."
Xie Lang muttered on the side. Yun Qiu stood nearby, stealing quick glances at Han Yi.
"Now let's beat them up," Xie Lang said.
Zeng Shiyang's palm covered his face. "We're not going to beat them up. Well, except that guy over here." He nodded toward Zaisheng. "Sorry, friend, but it's easier if we do this without much trouble. You're terribly outmatched."
Zaisheng frowned. "I would have broken and melted all these bastards' bones and guts if I could use my blade and my poison arts. But I'm stuck with neutral techniques that align with my paths and my physical strength. I'm not even at half my true strength—maybe not even a quarter. I have to hold back because my father's blade and techniques might be recognized."
He looked at them, then smiled. "Well, unfortunately for you, I'm not alone. I have allies too."
He turned and looked directly at a specific spot in the bushes.
Lin Shu and Yu exchanged glances. "He just said he has allies, but we didn't see anyone with him. Did they just arrive?"
Then Zaisheng pointed exactly where Lin Shu was hiding. "Li! We've got them now. Come out!"
Shang laughed and was the first to emerge, arms spread wide. "WE'VE BEEN FOUND!" A stupid grin plastered on his face.
"GET DOWN, YOU MORON!" Kai shouted.
"That's useless now," Yu said. "We should have tied this guy up from the start."
Lin Shu and Yu stepped out of the bushes. "It's not like it's my fault they found us," Shang protested.
Lin Shu looked around and noticed multiple individuals standing at a distance. "Scavengers," Yu said.
"Ha! Li! We meet again!" Xie Lang's grin was wide. "Been looking for you all around. Unfortunately, though," he glanced at Zaisheng, "there's a bigger fish for me right now."
Lin Shu smiled slowly. "They look like they're more inclined to attack Zaisheng. Why don't we go after the ones waiting around us while they go after him?"
No one disagreed.
Tie Zheng looked at Xie Lang. "That's not a very smart thing to do, Xie Lang. We can't leave someone like Li out of this fight. He'll probably attack us when we're all tired. One of us should go after him."
Xie Lang shrugged. "Then why don't you do it? Also, who decided you were the leader of this hours-long alliance?"
Tie Zheng's expression didn't change, but before he could respond, Han Yi spoke. "Didn't you say you'd help me check what his armor is made of? If you do it, I'll give you my portion of the points after we beat Zaisheng."
Tie Zheng calculated for a moment, then smiled. "Alright. I'll do that."
Xie Lang opened his mouth to speak, but a fist crashed into him. Zeng Shiyang's axe blocked the blow. Yun Qiu moved from the side with his blade, while Xu Jin doubled in size and struck at Zaisheng with a fist of thick, hardened flesh. Zaisheng defended with one arm, twisted his body, and launched a sweeping kick—only for Xie Lang to catch it, the ground shaking under the impact.
Han Lei pulled his blade from his back. "Ouyi, you and Han Yi and Xiyao go help Tie Zheng."
Xie Lang nodded. "Yeah, Qiu and Jin and Zeng, you two go there and help them while we fight this guy."
"But what about my deal with Tie Zheng?"
"Don't worry," Han Lei said. "I'll pay him a portion of my gained points later."
Han Yi thanked her brother and moved to join the others.
Lin Shu picked off the scavengers in the trees with his Scorch Piercers, one after another, then collected their tokens and broke them.
"Hey, Li, I think those guys are coming our way."
He glanced up and saw Tie Zheng approaching, familiar faces behind him. "Anyone know that guy?"
Yu answered. "I'm not exactly sure, but from his attire, he looks like he's from the Empire. He could be a soldier, or he could be the grandson of a general named Tianxue. You decide which case is the best and worst."
Shang walked forward. "Well, of course the latter is the best. Ain't that right, Li?"
Lin Shu smiled as he stepped forward. "That is very much the case." "If he's like Xie Lang, I might get a good number of thousands added to my points. Then I'll just need Xie Lang and Han Lei to exceed Zaisheng. If that doesn't work, I'll go after him too. Actually, Han Lei and Xie Lang can both kill themselves for all I care—I'm going after Zaisheng after I'm done with this guy."
"Alright, I'll be taking that guy."
Yu put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't you think it's unfair you take him for yourself?"
"And what do you suggest we do instead?"
Shang wedged himself between them. "I got it! I got it! Let's play a game!" He pulled three chopsticks from his ring and cut pieces off two of them. "Whoever gets the biggest stick gets to fight him. You choose first, Li."
"Why should I choose first? Why doesn't he do it?"
Yu immediately grabbed a stick. "What is this supposed to mean?"
Shang laughed. "You pulled the smallest one, sucker!"
An arrow came their way. Wings sprouted from Shang's back and flicked it away. "Alright, you pick now, Li."
Lin Shu picked. "I get this one." It was bigger than Yu's. He smiled.
"Alright, my turn—and would you look at that, I got the biggest!" Shang held up his stick triumphantly.
"You cheated, didn't you?"
"No, I didn't!" Shang objected, as several attacks struck Lin Shu's back. The impacts did nothing to his balance or his armor.
"Let's just get over with this. Go on, Shang, you can fight him."
Shang grinned. "Alright. I'm going to beat the living daylights out of him."
"Sure thing," Yu said dryly.
Lin Shu moved as Shang stormed toward Tie Zheng, who stood waiting for them to finish their childish game. Lin Shu glanced at Han Yi and smiled behind his helm. "I guess it's not bad that I get to kill her now. I can finally be at ease."
Ouyi, Xiyao, and Han Yi stood before Yu. Zeng Shiyang, Yun Qiu, and Xu Jin faced him.
"Don't you want to switch?" Li called out. "I feel like I'll have more fun with your group."
Yu shook his head. "I'm happy where I am." Li then turned to Aoyan and Kai. "Kai, help Yu and watch for anyone attacking us from behind. Aoyan, stay near and help me against these three."
---
Zaisheng dodged Xie Lang's attacks as heat radiated from the brawler's fists. Han Lei kept striking with lightning, the air crackling around them.
Han Lei took quick glances at the other fight. "I'm pretty sure that guy attacked Li before. Did he team up with them? And Zaisheng—it looked like they were hiding in ambush while he stayed in the open. From his words, they're on the same team. Tie Zheng was right—this hunt is unwinnable without teaming up at this point. Even the first place holder is doing it."
Xie Lang punched Zaisheng in the face. Zaisheng tried to counter, but Xie Lang ducked, twisted, and hit him with a sweeping kick, then spun again and drove a kick engulfed in hot steel into Zaisheng's shoulder. Zaisheng fell to the ground but rolled away from Han Lei's descending blade.
"Hey, what's his deal?" Xie Lang demanded. "How come he's this weak? Isn't he the first place holder?"
Zaisheng's frown deepened. "I'm not going over a quarter of my strength because of the possibility that I'll be recognized by my father's techniques and blade. There's no way around it. I got to first place by ambushing and poisoning my opponents while making sure I wasn't found out as a poison user. That's how I beat those Tang clansmen and everyone before them. I only have one choice now which is to run away."
---
Lin Shu walked forward. Yun Qiu and Xu Jin came to meet him.
"Been a while, Li. Didn't forget the chunk of flesh you took from my arm last time, did you?" Xu Jin said.
Yun Qiu drew his blade and took a stance. Zeng Shiyang stood in the middle with his axe. Their expressions were confident, resolved.
"Why are we fighting this guy?" Xu Jin's trembling hands betrayed the facade. They sent transmitting messages to each other.
"We only need to hold out until Xie Lang gets here," Yun Qiu sent.
"How do you call yourself a heir of a mid-sized clan if you're scared of him?" Zeng Shiyang protested.
"This guy is stronger than all the elders in my clan. Only my father is a Rank 2 cultivator. How is it my fault?"
"It's true he's powerful enough to be an elder in a mid-sized clan, but so am I. So are you. Stop chickening out. Remember, Han Yi is right next to us. What will she think if you're this scared?"
Yun Qiu frowned slightly. "Cheap shot, Shiyang."
They smiled, calming each other down—and then a Scorch Piercer shot toward each of their necks. They defended, and Lin Shu appeared beside them, his gauntlet leaking white flames. A fist drove into Xu Jin's arms as he defended. Yun Qiu struck Lin Shu with his blade, but only cracked the steel coating. A straight kick, obstructed by his sword, sent him back. Zeng Shiyang attacked with his axe, but Lin Shu parried with a sharp spike that formed from his gauntlet. He stomped on Zeng Shiyang's foot, stopping him from retreating, then hammered punches into his kidneys, his liver, and finally his chin. Each punch gave off a small explosion of white flame.
Xu Jin attacked, trying to drive Lin Shu off. Lin Shu backed away, and Aoyan came from behind, her hands extended, a flame arrow striking Xu Jin.
"How is he that powerful?" Zeng Shiyang gasped. "We have no chance of beating him." He looked toward Xie Lang. "Should we try to switch with him? None of our techniques can stop his attacks or break his defense."
---
Further away, Shang was fighting Tie Zheng. Red lines formed and shot toward him, cutting everything they touched. Shang smiled, jumped, and spun, dodging each line with precise control, his wings giving him perfect maneuverability.
"A flight path cultivator," Tie Zheng thought. "Might be worth recruiting."
He dodged multiple feathers coming his way. "Have you thought about joining the Empire as a soldier? With such mastery over the flight path, I can guarantee you'll be given an officer's position immediately. What do you say?"
Shang stopped moving and put a finger over his mouth. "Hmm. Never thought about it, but that does seem interesting. What do I also get?"
Tie Zheng smiled, sensing interest. "You'll get soldiers to lead and a very good pay that increases with rank and achievements. You might even get a chance to visit the Far Lands."
Shang's smile broadened. "Wait, you're not lying, are you? The Far Lands—I heard they have a lot of inheritances and rare beasts. Is that true?"
Tie Zheng nodded. "As a member of the Imperial Army, I have not spoken a single falsehood in our conversation."
Yufeng's eyes gleamed. "Well, you've got yourself a deal. Quick question—do I get a uniform like yours?"
"Well, yes. I am an officer in training at the moment."
Yufeng extended his hand. Tie Zheng did the same, and they shook.
"Good choice," Tie Zheng said. "Now let's hurry back to—"
The words never finished.
"Y-you!?"
Yufeng smiled as blood dripped to the ground. "What a moron. Why would I join the Empire? You think I haven't gotten the same offer before?" He laughed. "I guess it's true—you really are an officer in training."
A feathered sword had pierced Tie Zheng's chest from behind, breaking his token completely.
"Also, your uniforms are shit. Mine is much better."
Tie Zheng tried to move back, but Yufeng extended his wings, feathers circling around them. "I call this the Eye of the Storm. Pretty catchy, right?"
Tie Zheng ignored him, his mind racing. "How did he bypass my artifact? It should have stopped any attempt to harm me. Does he have a way to nullify it?"
The feathers spun at great speed. Tie Zheng formed multiple red lines, creating a window through the swirling storm—but he wasn't fast enough to escape, and the feathers cut him as he tried.
"Come on, you're not seeing how fast they're going. The moment you take one out, the one behind it takes its place. The only guy who ever got out of it was Yu, and he got lucky. I had him cornered just like you, and then he—"
Tie Zheng healed his wound slowly. "What is this guy rambling about? Whatever. I'll use this time to get out."
The feathers suddenly moved toward him, forming blades that slashed as Shang kept talking, not even seeming to control them—as if they had a mind of their own.
"This guy is definitely a master. Nothing lower."
---
In the arena, Kuang Baotu was giggling while looking at Tianxue, who had covered his eyes. "Haha! Your disciple got played, Tianxue."
Tianxue didn't look offended or angry. "That boy still has a lot to learn if he believes someone just because they jump up and down smiling at him."
Yanqi smiled as he looked at the vision cube, watching the various fights. "Their teamwork has become much better," he thought, watching Lin Shu and Aoyan fighting side by side.
"This is getting quite interesting," Lanyue said. "There are multiple teams heading toward them right now."
Kuang Baotu waved a hand. "Well, it will only get better. We've entered the fifth day." He looked at his subordinate. "Release the blood beasts. Place a bounty on each one—high stage, one hundred points; peak stage, five hundred. Also, there will be semi-mature Rank 2 beasts. Those will be worth twenty-five hundred points."
Tianhun smiled. "You never mentioned that."
Kuang Baotu shrugged. "I did say there would be many surprises."
Lanyue furrowed her brows. "You did?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. I don't really remember. What matters is that I did now."
Tianhun laughed. "Well, nothing new about you. Let's just watch."
---
Back in the forest, Yu moved at great speed, kicking Ouyi out of his way. White light gathered around his fist. "Peak Tier Rank 1 Technique: Solar Talon Rampart." A talon of white light struck Xiyao as she defended.
"He's too fast!"
Yu was about to finish her, but multiple arrows came his way. He looked at the direction they came from, and a mischievous smile crossed his face.
"HAN." The word came as if he had put his entire heart into it. "YI."
He walked forward as more arrows shot toward him, dodging each one. "You sure have grown strong. Hahaha." His expression shifted from mischievous to chaotic and raging. "BUT ONLY THIS MUCH!"
He flickered from one side to the other. "Deafening Roar!"
Han Yi covered her ears—but nothing happened.
"Fool," Yu said, now directly in front of her, his fist driving into her stomach. She was sent backward, but Yu's speed caught up to her. A kick from the side, then his hand around her neck.
"You got saved by your father and master at my and Brother Heng's expense, but for what? Only to be weaker than me? You're beyond pathetic."
The words never left his mouth. "Oh, I wish I could tell you, but it's much better to keep for later."
Lin Shu noticed Yu's expression while he fought Han Yi and could tell there was more to it than just wanting her points. "Whatever." He sent a Scorch Piercer while blocking Xu Jin's fist with his arm, aiming for Han Yi's token—but Yu flickered to the side in a burst of white light, pulling Han Yi away from the projectile.
"That's not a nice thing to do, Li. Stealing my points."
Lin Shu ignored him. He pulled Xu Jin's token and, with a burst of white flame, threw him aside. Yun Qiu saw Han Yi and gritted his teeth.
"Damn it! XIE LANG! COME HERE!"
Xie Lang, who was beating Zaisheng into a boulder, heard the shout and looked over. Han Lei looked as well.
"What does that guy want now?"
"COME ON! HOLD OUT A BIT MORE! I'M ALMOST DONE!" Xie Lang looked at Zaisheng, who was covering his token with a hand that was already badly hurt. "You're going to lose that hand if you keep that up. Why not give me the token and be done with it?"
"YI!" Han Lei screamed, his anger exploding outward. "Xie Lang, let's go! We need to help Yi!"
Xie Lang looked at him, then at Han Yi, then at his own team. They didn't seem to be in grave danger—Lin Shu had left them and was heading toward them.
"NO."
Han Lei stared at him in disbelief. "What the hell do you mean, NO?"
Xie Lang then said"well she's your sister not mine."
Han Lei shouted at him"just what are you getting at?"
Xie Lang sighed, another punch hitting Zaisheng's face. "She's not my sister, moron. Here, I'm going to spell it out for you: S H E I S N O T M Y S I S T E R. Now beat it. I'm not trying to lose a resonance because of you or her we made a deal to protect each other and guess what? by beating this guy i am doing my part of the deal anymore then that and it's your problem alone and would you look at that it's actually is." He thrashed at Zaisheng with multiple fists. "And you—will you just let go of the token, dipshit? Do I have to amputate that arm to get it? And what's with this damned skin being so tough?"
Lightning burst from Han Lei. "I'll remember that." He left.
Xie Lang shook his head. "What is with that guy? It's not like they're going to kill her. Stupid bastard." He turned back to Zaisheng. "Anyway, where were we?"
Zaisheng smiled. "At your funeral."
Violet light burst from the ground, turning into violet flames.
"Sneaky one, aren't you?" Xie Lang's skin started to burn. "But I really expected more, you know."
He kicked Zaisheng's face deeper into the boulder. "My funeral? My ass. How did you even get to first place? Did you get lucky running into crippled cultivators or something? This doesn't add up. You have triple what I have in points, but you can't even last against me this long. I guess that's why you made an alliance with Li. He thought you were strong, thought it was better to make a deal with you." He laughed. "His brain cost him first place. Should have just tried his luck."
Another punch to Zaisheng's face. Another. Xie Lang kept thrashing.
---
Lin Shu stood over a beaten Xu Jin, Zeng Shiyang, and Yun Qiu. He broke two of their tokens while Aoyan took Xu Jin's after attacking him. They lay on the ground, bleeding.
"Damn it," Yun Qiu thought. "We only lasted against him last time because he was tired. This guy is really something. Just how much did Yanqi spend on him?"
Lin Shu looked ahead and saw Zaisheng being beaten to a pulp by Xie Lang. "Wait... is that guy on the ground? And how is Xie Lang the one winning?" He didn't understand. Zaisheng had first place—he should have been stronger than this.
"Aoyan, follow me. We're heading over there."
Aoyan nodded.
As they moved, Lin Shu saw Han Lei storming toward him.
"Guess I'll have to fight this guy first."
"MOVE OUT OF MY WAY, LI!"
Lin Shu heard him, and a smile spread across his face. He clashed with Han Lei.
"I JUST TOLD YOU TO MOVE AWAY, YOU FIEND!"
Lin Shu pushed him back. "What's the hurry?"
He noticed Han Lei's eyes darting back and forth toward one place.
"Ah, your sister. Unfortunately, like every hero's story, there's bound to be a beast—or rather, in your case, a behemoth—to come between you and your loved ones."
Aoyan noticed Lin Shu's sadistic nature and couldn't help but feel sorry for Han Lei.
"But have no fear. This behemoth is kind-hearted and can, of course, be made to understand your hardship."
Han Lei's jaw tightened. "Just say what you want."
Lin Shu pointed. "I want that token over there."
Han Lei frowned. "No. You're not getting it. And secondly, you should be smart about this. Xie Lang is trying to break Zaisheng's token—eighty thousand points. Mine has only a bit over twenty. Which is the better option? If you take mine, you might not even get second place, let alone first. Think carefully, Li."
Lin Shu hated how this guy wasn't a moron like most of those from his standing.
Han Lei looked at Aoyan and sent her a transmitting message. "You're Aoyan, right? I'm going to ask you a favor. You seem really close to this guy. Can you please ask him to move away, just this once? If you do, I'll return the favor later. Please. I need to help my sister. That Yu seems resolute on harming her even after taking her token."
Aoyan was surprised by the request. She glanced at Han Yi, who was with Xiyao and Ouyi after they had helped her get away from Yu—only to be beaten down together. Whenever Yun Qiu and his team tried to help, Kai, still in perfect condition, drove them away. She looked at Han Yi's bruised body and felt a flicker of empathy.
"Well, the answer will have to be no, my dear friend," Lin Shu said. "I want that token. But me moving away only depends on which you value more—the health of your sister or your token."
"I'm just going to push him a bit," he thought. "If he doesn't give in, I'll have to go after Zaisheng and Xie Lang immediately. I can't waste time fighting him."
A tug on his arm. He looked at Aoyan.
"Li, he sent me a transmitting message."
Lin Shu looked at Han Lei, amused. "Is that so? Haha. What did he say?"
Aoyan said honestly. "He asked me to convince you to let him go help Han Yi. But she tried to take your token before, so it's not really my problem."
Lin Shu turned back to Han Lei. "You're sneakier than you look. Back to our business—give me the token. I'm going to give you five seconds before the deal is off."
Han Lei cursed internally. "I thought she'd side with me, with how guilty she looked. I was wrong."
"If you don't move," Han Lei said, "then I'll be attacking her."
Lin Shu raised an eyebrow. "You're going to target the Chi clan heir? You're even bolder than I expected. But that won't be happening, as you can see. Your sister might become a cripple if you look closely."
Han Lei looked at Han Yi. She was holding her stomach, black lines forming around it. Her movements were sluggish and weak.
"It didn't make sense that he beat her that easily," Lin Shu continued. "Yu isn't exactly stronger or that much faster than her, and he's also fighting your other teammates. Safe to say there's more to it."
Han Lei's face darkened. "Poison. That bastard."
Lin Shu extended his hand. Han Lei gritted his teeth and reached for his token.
Just as he was about to place it in Lin Shu's palm, two wraiths appeared—one engulfed in flames, the other made of dark, black substance. They attacked Lin Shu from both sides.
"Wait, isn't that—"
Aoyan's frown deepened. She knew exactly who it was.
Han Lei saw Lin Shu cover Aoyan behind him and defend against the attack. He seized the chance to retreat toward Han Yi.
Lin Shu cursed. "Damn it! Just when I had him."
The dust settled. A girl with black hair and red eyes stood before him.
"You're pretty stupid to show yourself again, Su. Did you think ambushing me would help?"
Chi Su didn't speak. Chi Ran came from the side, targeting Aoyan. A wall of flames rose behind her, disrupting Ran's approach. Lin Shu glanced back, his arm shooting through the flames and catching Chi Ran by the neck.
"What kind of lousy ambush is this? Neither of you uses any stealth technique. This is a bit embarrassing for heirs to try and pull off."
Aoyan giggled.
Su's glare shifted to her. "So you learned to laugh in my presence?"
Aoyan faltered for a moment, then glanced at Lin Shu and straightened herself. "I'm not alone."
Her hands wrapped in cyan flames. Lin Shu raised an eyebrow. "You're going to fight her?"
Aoyan nodded.
"Alright."
He took Chi Ran's token as she struggled against his grip. Just as he was about to break it, he noticed Zaisheng running toward him.
"What is he—?"
---
Earlier, when Xie Lang was still trying to break Zaisheng's token, Zaisheng had suddenly moved his arm. Xie Lang smiled, thinking he had finally given up—only for Zaisheng to use his other hand to catch him off guard. Xie Lang parried the attack and punched him in the face again.
"Damn it," Zaisheng thought, his mind reeling from the pain. "I'm going to need to use something. Just hope I don't get caught. As long as it's not too grand or recognizable, I should be able to use it."
He reached into his spatial ring, pulled something out, and threw himself to the ground. Xie Lang cursed and delivered another punch.
"I should have just used a Quasi-Rank 2 technique on him," Xie Lang thought, "but it's too dangerous with Li and Tie Zheng around. I can't lose that much Qi."
He tried to roll Zaisheng over and reach his chest to break the token. Zaisheng rolled and threw a handful of dust into Xie Lang's eyes.
"What the—"
Pain seared through his eyes. He fumbled for healing pills and elixirs, dropping them in his panic. Zaisheng tried to attack him in that state, but Xie Lang kicked him away. "Persistent roach."
He grabbed the elixirs, poured them over his eyes, and swallowed the pills. The pain slowly faded. When he could see again, Zaisheng was already running away.
---
Yu broke Han Yi's token and raised his fist to smash her into the ground. "Should have stayed in bed, cripple."
He drove her down—but a blade of lightning came for his neck.
"Pffft. Hahahahaha!"
Yu was already ten steps away, a thin line of blood on his neck. "Almost lost my head there." The wound was small and healed quickly. "The brother comes to the rescue at the last second. What a shitty cliché. But who am I to laugh? My life is the same."
Han Lei helped his sister stand. "You—what's your problem? You got her token, but you were going to break her spine just now."
Yu raised his hands in surrender. "Guilty as charged. But who's going to deliver the punishment? You, pretty boy?"
Han Lei took a stance. "You seem to be targeting me and Han Yi quite a bit. You even ambushed us a couple of times after we fought Li. Now you're helping him. Did I beat you somewhere? Do you hold a grudge? Don't you think it's a bit immature to try to cripple someone after you've already taken what you wanted?"
Yu's smile didn't change, but his eyes shifted, their intent darkening. "You've always been a smartass."
Light exploded from Yu as he closed the distance. Han Lei wrapped himself in lightning and charged.