Chapter #58
Seeing that the soldiers of the Zen Kingdom were about to be killed, Hifung and the others didn't stand by.
Yuita immediately dashed toward the soldier raising his sword and delivered a powerful kick with his aura-coated blue leg.
The impact shattered the ground beneath the soldier, creating a gust of wind that sent sand flying, obscuring the vision of the other soldiers.
Yuten Soldier: What's going on!?
They caught a glimpse of Yuita before the swirling sand blinded them.
Before they could recover, Hifung and the others launched their attacks with their respective weapons.
Hifung swiftly struck the Yuten soldiers with his sword, though his blows only caused shallow cuts on their arms and legs.
As the Yuten soldiers cried out in pain, Sheshi simply stood at a distance, watching Hifung with a gentle smile.
But suddenly, she noticed a Yuten soldier moving to strike Hifung from behind while he was preoccupied with two opponents in front.
Without hesitation, Sheshi darted toward him.
Just as the soldier was about to stab Hifung, his sword snapped in half—struck by Sheshi's dragon-clawed hand.
Shocked at both his broken sword and Sheshi's draconic hand, the soldier had no time to react before Sheshi slammed her fist into his stomach, sending him flying.
Hifung, realizing Sheshi was right behind him, was briefly startled but couldn't afford to look back as he still had two opponents in front.
Suddenly, a fiery dragon-shaped hand appeared and shot toward one of them.
The soldier tried to block with his sword, but it shattered instantly upon contact.
Panicked, he couldn't evade in time and was struck squarely in the stomach, coughing in pain as he was hurled away.
Recognizing Sheshi's magic, Hifung quickly attacked the remaining soldier while he was frozen in shock at his comrade's defeat.
Hifung slashed his leg, then kicked him in the chest, knocking him back several meters.
He scanned the battlefield, seeing the Yuten soldiers already being subdued by Shelyn, Ray, and Yuita.
Meanwhile, Sheshi lingered close to Hifung, which only fueled Shelyn's irritation after finishing her own fight, her fists clenched tightly in jealousy.
Once the Yuten soldiers were all defeated, Yuita approached one of the Zen soldiers and asked:
Yuita: Are you all right? What happened?
Zen Soldier: While we were resting, those soldiers suddenly attacked our camp and captured us.
Zen Soldier: We didn't even get the chance to fight back before they tied us up.
As the soldier explained, Ray went around cutting the ropes binding their hands and feet.
But just as he freed the last one, the Zen soldier who had been talking suddenly spoke in a different tone—arrogant and laced with anger.
"If it weren't for you…"
Yuita's eyes widened in shock, and blood spurted from his mouth as he staggered.
Hifung and the others froze in disbelief. Before Ray could react, a knife pierced his stomach.
Yuita clutched the blade lodged in his abdomen, stumbling back weakly, his steps unsteady.
At the same moment, another soldier lunged at Shelyn. Luckily, she managed to leap aside and landed near Hifung.
Hifung: Damn it!
Hifung: Who are you!? You're not Zen soldiers!
The disguised soldier laughed at Hifung's outburst.
"We were paid by the King of Yuten to capture Yuita."
"Who would've thought such a simple plan would lure him out so easily?"
Hifung: What!?
Fury surged inside Hifung as he realized it had all been a trap. He gritted his teeth, unsure what to do.
The soldier stepped toward Yuita, who lay collapsed on the ground, barely conscious after pulling the knife from his wound.
Hifung: What do you think you're doing!?
The mercenary only smirked at Hifung's desperate shout.
"My job is to deliver Yuita to the King of Yuten. So I'll be leaving now."
Hifung tried to move, but the man held a blade dangerously close to Yuita's throat.
"If you resist, I won't hesitate to kill him."
Hifung froze, panic and frustration overwhelming him. He glanced at Ray, who lay bleeding heavily from the knife still embedded in his stomach.
At that moment, Sheshi stepped closer to Hifung and whispered:
Sheshi: Master… Do you want me to get rid of them?
Startled, Hifung turned to her, confused.
Hifung: What do you mean? I need to save Mr. Yuita and Ray!
Sheshi: If you want me to defeat them, just say the word.
Hifung blinked in disbelief. He didn't know what kind of power Sheshi truly held.
Hifung: Huh? Don't be ridiculous—you'll get hurt!
But Sheshi's gaze remained sharp and determined.
Sheshi: So, Master… do you want to save Mr. Yuita and your friend?
Though still uncertain, Hifung could see she was dead serious.
Meanwhile, Yuita groaned in pain.
Yuita (thinking): Damn it! The stab hit my chi channel—I can't use my energy!
The mercenary yanked Yuita up, dragging his weakened body.
Mercenary: This job is too easy. Who knew Yuita would fall so quickly? Muahaha!
But just as he mocked, his head snapped back violently—struck under the chin by Sheshi's dragon hand—sending him flying into the air.
The other mercenaries gaped at the sight, stunned.
Before they could regroup, Hifung and Shelyn unleashed fiery spells at them.
Yellow flames burst forth, forcing the mercenaries to block desperately, though some were still scorched.
Seizing the chance, Sheshi raised both arms skyward. Fiery draconic magic swirled around her hands, gathering immense
power.
As the magic peaked, she thrust both arms forward, releasing her dragon's breath straight at the panicked mercenaries.