Satisfied after breaking both arms of Han Fei's companions, Xiao Chen shoved their bodies forward, forcing them to kneel on the ground. At that moment, Han Fei suddenly realized something—how was Xiao Chen able to move so fast?
"Xiao Chen, trash will always be trash! I'll give you a 'gift'!"
Activating his lightness skill, Han Fei leaped into the air and delivered a fierce kick aimed straight at Xiao Chen's head. Yet Xiao Chen easily avoided it with nothing more than a slight shift of his body.
Not stopping there, Xiao Chen caught the flying leg with both hands. Han Fei's eyes widened instantly as a dreadful premonition washed over him.
Kraaaaaack!
"Aaaarghhh!" Just as expected, Han Fei screamed hysterically when Xiao Chen forcibly lifted his leg to a full one hundred and eighty degrees.
"Han Fei, this is your final lesson for constantly provoking me!"
Ploooooook!
A devastating kick struck precisely at Han Fei's groin. The sound was crisp and brutal, and Han Fei could only roll on the ground, clutching himself as unbearable pain spread throughout his body.
"Xiao Chen, how dare you injure Han Fei?! Are you seeking death?!" one of Han Fei's companions shouted angrily.
"You wanted to beat me—why shouldn't I fight back?" Xiao Chen replied coldly, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Or was my lesson just now not enough?"
The two companions trembled in fear. They quickly supported Han Fei and hurried back toward the Han Clan.
"Xiao Chen! Just wait for my revenge!" Han Fei roared as he was dragged away.
The Star Soul could only sigh and warn Xiao Chen.
"Chen'er, why didn't you kill him?"
"Master, why bother killing someone like him?" Xiao Chen replied casually. "Besides, wasn't that kick just now pretty impressive?"
The Star Soul let out a helpless sigh. Knowing that staying in the forest any longer would only invite greater trouble, it immediately instructed Xiao Chen to collect the five soul pearls from the demon tigers.
After leaving the border forest of the Phoenix Empire, the Star Soul began explaining the vastness of the Sky Continent.
The Sky Continent was divided into three major landmasses, each with its own hierarchy. The land where Xiao Chen lived was called Tian Zhou Continent.
"Master, is the Sky Continent really that vast?"
"Yes—and Tian Zhou is the weakest among the three continents."
"What do you mean, Master?"
"You'll understand in time… but for now, hide immediately!"
Though confused, Xiao Chen obeyed at once. After hiding within dense bushes for a short while, three middle-aged men wearing Han Clan robes arrived at the spot where Xiao Chen had stood earlier.
"Where did that brat go? I swear his aura couldn't have gone far."
"Damn it, why are you asking me such a stupid question?! I don't know either! Find him now—he couldn't have left this area yet. If we fail, we're the ones who'll die! The young master's future was ruined by him. We must bring him back alive! Split up!"
Swuuuuuush!
The three men scattered. Seeing this, Xiao Chen finally understood why his master had earlier suggested killing Han Fei.
"Master… I was wrong."
"It's fine," the Star Soul replied calmly. "This is simply how the world of cultivators works. You already know the risks—now leave this place at once."
Emerging from the bushes, Xiao Chen activated the Thousand Thunder Steps and fled the area at full speed.
Fifteen minutes later—
"Chen'er, rest in that city."
Xiao Chen remained standing still. He knew the rules—entering another city required an entrance fee, and he also needed money for basic necessities.
"Why are you just standing there?" the Star Soul asked.
"Master… I don't have a single coin. How can I enter the city safely?"
"I suspected as much. Then there's only one way."
"What is it, Master?"
"Return to the forest. Hunt the demon beasts hiding there, then sell their soul pearls."
"B-but Master, how can I avoid those three men?"
"Aren't you a clever child?" the Star Soul said calmly. "As a hunter, why fear being hunted? Besides, they're only at Mid Spirit Realm, One-Star."
Xiao Chen stood still for a moment, closing his eyes. After gathering his courage, he finally turned back toward the border forest to begin hunting.
Moving with his lightness skill, Xiao Chen stayed alert to his surroundings. The Star Soul noticed this and felt that his disciple was being overly cautious.
"Xiao Chen, caution is fine—but your master can track their movements. Focus on your hunt."
Scratching the back of his head awkwardly, Xiao Chen nodded and began searching for demon beasts nearby. After two minutes of movement, he discovered two Blood-Fang Wolves, second-tier demon beasts.
Demon beasts were divided into seven ranks. The higher the rank, the more extraordinary their abilities—just like the Blood-Fang Wolves before him.
"Why hesitate? Begin."
Steeling himself, Xiao Chen finally resolved to kill the two wolves. Activating the Thousand Thunder Steps, he moved at blazing speed. The two Blood-Fang Wolves sensed danger at once, zigzagging away before leaping onto separate tree branches.
Raaaawwr!
They let out low roars before leaping forward together, swinging their claws toward Xiao Chen.
Facing simultaneous attacks from two directions, Xiao Chen remained calm. He avoided both claw strikes and slipped beneath them, swiftly grabbing the tail of one Blood-Fang Wolf.
"Got you!"
Boooooooooooom!
He slammed it hard against the ground. The wolf struggled violently, but Xiao Chen refused to let go. Just as he prepared to smash it again, the other wolf launched a surprise claw attack.
With no time to evade, Xiao Chen swung the wolf in his grasp and smashed it directly into the attacking one.
Slaaaaaaash!
The impact instantly killed the wolf he was holding. The remaining wolf—forced to kill its own companion—let out a furious roar.
Rooooaaaaarhhh! Grrrrrrrr!
It charged again, forcing Xiao Chen to release the corpse and activate the Thousand Thunder Steps once more.
Zigzagging rapidly, he dodged the Blood-Fang Wolf's savage attacks. With each movement, his Thousand Thunder Steps grew more refined.
When a massive tree blocked his path, Xiao Chen performed a backward somersault. The wolf's claw strike slammed straight into the tree trunk—over fifty meters in diameter.