This sudden turn of events, even with Blood Three's Spirit Realm cultivation, left him no time to react.
Crack!
A crisp snap echoed from Blood Three's neck. Blood gushed forth like a geyser. His eyes rolled back in his head, lifeless as a dead fish.
His hands clawed frantically at the golden shadow on his back, trying to throw it off, but it was a futile struggle.
This development left Blood Three's four subordinates completely stunned. Once they realized what was happening, they moved to rush forward to save him.
Blood Three, mustering every last ounce of strength, wrapped his arms tightly around the golden shadow. With a hoarse, desperate roar, he yelled: "Run! Run now!"
Blood Three knew he was doomed. Having been bitten in a vital spot, death was certain. He also knew that the Spirit Beast attacking him was far stronger than he was. Forget a surprise attack—even in a direct confrontation, he stood no chance.
So, in this moment, he had only one thought: hold onto this beast with his life, to cover his companions' escape!
"Don't let me die with regrets!" Blood Three's face was a mask of grim resolve, his expression wild.
The four subordinates exchanged glances. They understood that Blood Three was sacrificing himself to buy them time to flee. Without further hesitation, they turned and dashed toward the outer perimeter.
Though surrounded by thousands of troops outside, in this instant, the sealed chamber felt far more terrifying.
Lü Wuji trembled like a sieve, his eyes filled with endless fear. He glanced at Jiang Chen, then began to inch stealthily toward the exit.
Jiang Chen had a faint smile on his lips, paying no heed whatsoever to Lü Wuji's little movements.
Seeing that Jiang Chen ignored him, Lü Wuji's heart lifted with secret joy. He broke into a sprint for the door. However, the moment he burst outside, his face turned green.
At this moment, the perimeter was densely packed. At least tens of thousands of Dragon Tooth Guard soldiers had surrounded the area completely.
And there stood Tian Shao—the man Lü wore his hatred like a badge—with a mocking smile, watching the disheveled and wretched figure of Lü Wuji.
"Lü Wuji, you courted this death yourself. You colluded with foreign enemies, endangering the security of the Tiangui Kingdom. What do you have to say for yourself?" Tian Shao asked coldly.
Lü Wuji's face was ashen, but he still tried to justify himself: "Tian Shao, don't you dare slander me! I happened to be patrolling this way and was just about to investigate these suspicious individuals. You..."
"Hahaha, Lü Wuji, even now you still try to quibble? I hope you can use these words to convince His Majesty the King and the Grand Tutor Ye," Tian Shao said, his eyes filled with contempt. He looked at Lü Wuji as one would a dead man.
Lü Wuji knew that if he lost his composure now, everything was over. Even if he was captured first, he had to resist to the end.
As long as he stubbornly denied everything, with his uncle stepping in, there might still be room for negotiation.
"Tian Shao, you are framing me! I will report you to the Steward!"
Tian Shao chuckled leisurely. "Playing the victim to the extreme. Lü Wuji, I know you're trying to struggle in your final moments. Let me tell you clearly—it's useless! Framing you? Did I invite these assassins from the Dark Gate? Did I deceive you into coming here? Did I inflict those injuries on Xue Tong? Lü Wuji, this betrayal is a crime the law cannot forgive. This time, even with the mightiest backer imaginable, you won't escape punishment!"
Lü Wuji shouted: "Tian Shao, you are a Commander of the Dragon Tooth Guard, and so am I! You have no right to order me around! All of you, clear a path! I must see the Steward! I have been wronged!"
Lü Wuji knew that arguing with Tian Shao was pointless now. His only sliver of hope was to see his uncle immediately and devise a strategy with him.
Tian Shao's expression turned icy. "Clear a path? Lü Wuji, you are too naive! I am acting under the Crown Prince's orders to capture a major criminal. You provided convenience to this criminal, colluded with him, and are equally guilty! Men, seize Lü Wuji! If he resists, kill him on the spot!"
Seeing Tian Shao so unyielding, Lü Wuji felt a slight panic in his heart. But he also knew that he absolutely could not back down now. To show weakness now was to invite certain death.
His face darkened, and he bellowed: "I'd like to see anyone dare touch me! I am Deputy Steward Yang's nephew—as close as his own son! Whoever lays a hand on me is making an enemy of Steward Yang!"
It had to be said, Yang Zhao still commanded considerable prestige within the Dragon Tooth Guard. Lü Wuji's shout seemed to momentarily cow the soldiers.
Then, suddenly.
A detached voice came from behind Lü Wuji: "Deputy Steward? Impressive, isn't it? Well, I've touched you. What are you going to do about it?"
As the voice faded, a figure shot out from within the chamber. A foot slammed directly into Lü Wuji's rear.
Bam!
Lü Wuji was sent flying, tumbling over a dozen meters before crashing to the ground. At least half the bones in his body shattered, blood erupted from his mouth, and his dantian was completely destroyed.
That single kick had cost Lü Wuji half his life.
Jiang Chen!
The one who had delivered the kick was none other than Jiang Chen, who strode out from the inner room!
Having struck the blow, Jiang Chen's body moved with the agility of a hawk. He flipped through the air and landed right before Lü Wuji, planting his foot firmly on the man's face.
"Lü Wuji, take a good look. The one who moved you is me—Jiang Chen!"