The brutal battle continued, with disciples of the Wind and Rain Tower falling one after another. Yet for every opponent Yang Kai felled, another wound appeared on his own body. By now, his clothes were dyed red with blood. He panted heavily, veins bulging on his neck, his eyes bloodshot, like a wild beast ready to devour anyone in its path.
Su Mu lay exhausted on the ground, watching helplessly as Yang Kai displayed his overwhelming power, striking down one Wind and Rain Tower disciple after another. A complicated mix of feelings churned within him. He had started this whole mess, and Yang Kai was technically his enemy, yet now his survival depended entirely on him.
He wanted to help, but his body was completely drained of strength. Cheng Shaofeng's earlier beating had almost completely stripped him of his ability to fight.
With a dull *thud*, the last Wind and Rain Tower disciple collapsed, writhing and howling in agony. The invasion of True Yang Energy made his entire body feel like it was burning, the pain unbearable.
Yang Kai's bloodshot eyes shifted to Cheng Shaofeng, who stood frozen in shock. A cold, chilling smile touched the corner of Yang Kai's lips.
Cheng Shaofeng's heart lurched. Yang Kai's ferocity sent a shiver down his spine. Now, seeing those eyes lock onto him, he couldn't help but take two steps back.
Hu Meier let out a soft, contemptuous laugh.
This laugh made Cheng Shaofeng lose face. He steeled his expression, sizing up Yang Kai with cold eyes, and spoke slowly: "I didn't expect you to have such skill."
Yang Kai walked towards him, step by step, his steps steady. Despite his thin frame, he felt like an oncoming storm of mad rain.
Cheng Shaofeng's breathing grew slightly ragged. His expression turned fierce, and he shouted suddenly: "You're asking for death yourself! Don't blame me!"
With that, he drew the sword from his waist. Earlier, when dealing with Su Mu and the others, he hadn't used a weapon, not wanting to cause a fatal incident. Throwing the stone at Su Mu had been an impulsive act driven by anger, without much thought for consequences. But now, feeling unarmed, Cheng Shaofeng realized he lacked confidence.
This blood-soaked Lingxiao Pavilion disciple was far too savage.
"Be careful, he's already at the Kaiyuan Realm," Su Mu called out to Yang Kai, albeit somewhat reluctantly.
"Kaiyuan Realm..." Yang Kai murmured, pausing mid-step.
Cheng Shaofeng's expression brightened, and he immediately became arrogant, laughing loudly: "Kid, you're merely at the Body Tempering Realm. How could you possibly be my match? You've expended so much Yuan Qi; recovering will take at least a few months. If you keep fighting, you'll damage your foundation. You'll never be able to rise again in your life. Kneel down and beg for mercy, and I might..."
Before Cheng Shaofeng could finish, Yang Kai burst forward with the speed of a fierce wind.
"You..." Cheng Shaofeng was stunned. Was this man a fool? Knowing he was at the Kaiyuan Realm, he still dared to charge?
Though shocked, Cheng Shaofeng didn't dare hesitate. His sword flashed, thrusting towards Yang Kai.
Facing the incoming strike, Yang Kai made a move no one anticipated. He opened one hand and reached directly for the blade.
Although this sword was only mortal grade, it was still a sharp weapon. How could a mere human body withstand its edge?
Cheng Shaofeng felt a surge of joy. *You're seeking your own death!* His hand sped up slightly, thrusting the sword straight into Yang Kai's open palm.
With a soft *pfft*, just as everyone imagined, the sword pierced through Yang Kai's hand, blood instantly splattering outward.
Hu Meier's expression froze. She had initially thought Yang Kai's bold approach meant he had some remarkable technique, but seeing him so easily stabbed by Cheng Shaofeng, she couldn't help but feel a hint of disappointment.
*So he's not that impressive after all. What an idiot!* Before Hu Meier's thought finished, a sudden change occurred. After being pierced through the palm, Yang Kai didn't retreat. Instead, he lunged towards Cheng Shaofeng even faster.
In the blink of an eye, they were inches apart. The sound of the blade grinding against flesh sent a chill straight to the bone.