C13 Continuous Defeats
In the current situation, there was no time for second thoughts.
He swiftly popped the pill into his mouth, relying on his Five Elements Heavenly Spiritual Body to counter the potent medicinal force.
Bit by bit, it transformed into his own strength, providing a much-needed boost to his energy reserves. This boost was only temporary, though; it would eventually drain him and leave him feeling weak for some time.
But given the circumstances, Lei Ba had his secrets, and the gap between their strengths was substantial.
Initially, he had hoped to quickly eliminate the problem, believing his power would be enough to defeat Lei Ba. It was now clear he had underestimated his opponent.
Lei Ba had grown to twice his size, his inner strength more formidable than ever. With a casual swing of his arm, a nearby towering tree toppled over, startling a flock of birds into flight and causing a tremendous disturbance.
Ye Han was even more astonished at the sight, having not anticipated that Lei Ba had mastered a forbidden technique.
"Haha... Now, let's see where you can run, kid!" Lei Ba's voice boomed across the field, his eyes a sinister shade of crimson.
A craving for blood and a lust for gain made Lei Ba appear exceptionally ghastly and ominous.
"You've actually practiced a forbidden technique? Unbelievable. To think that the Lord of Dawn would stoop to such depths. The people will be astounded when they learn of this."
Ye Han spoke with feigned ease, though inside, he was fraught with tension, strategizing on how to swiftly put an end to this predicament.
"That's not your concern anymore. Worry instead about whether you'll make it out alive."
Lei Ba charged with blinding speed, becoming a blur to the naked eye.
Ye Han nimbly shifted his position, evading to the left and right, narrowly escaping Lei Ba's brutal blows.
Jiang Xiaoxiao watched from the sidelines, her anxiety mounting. Yet, she dared not intervene; this was a fight she could not influence, and any attempt to help might only hinder Ye Han.
Besides, her involvement would amount to nothing more than being cannon fodder.
At the outset of his confrontation with Lei Ba, Ye Han was just able to hold his own. Despite the disparity in their power and strength, he could manage as long as he fought desperately.
Lei Ba grew more formidable with each passing moment, his strength surging within him.
"Let me be frank with you, kid. The more I fight, the stronger my devil blood technique gets. It's not just an empty boast," Lei Ba said, seemingly taking pleasure in Ye Han's struggles, particularly when he appeared so weak and at his mercy. It was a feeling Lei Ba relished.
He boasted about his sinister technique with a sense of pride, and the more he did so, the more terrified Ye Han became.
The fact that Lei Ba had revealed his true power and wasn't even trying to conceal his practice of dark arts meant he was confident and fully intended to kill Ye Han.
"Do you know why I keep toying with you instead of killing you outright? I want you to savor the taste of death, especially since you had the audacity to kill my son."
Lei Ba's eyes grew redder as he spoke, his attacks increasing in speed and strength.
Ye Han accumulated more wounds, and his movements began to slow. Once again, he was overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness and vulnerability.
The feeling of powerlessness was crushing! Ye Han kept moving, dodging, and desperately trying to figure out a way to survive. The sense of helplessness was profound, and he felt an urge to fight back but seemed unable to mount any effective resistance.
Jiang Xiaoxiao, witnessing the scene, couldn't stand by any longer. She grabbed her weapon and charged forward, knowing that even if she couldn't defeat Lei Ba, she could at least buy Ye Han some precious time.
However, Jiang Xiaoxiao's intervention barely made a difference, and she narrowly avoided Lei Ba's attacks.
In a critical moment, it was Ye Han's fierce resistance that saved Jiang Xiaoxiao from a lethal blow.
Jiang Xiaoxiao's face turned deathly pale as she realized how close she had come to dying, feeling the chilling presence of death as she stumbled backward.
Seeing Ye Han's steadfast figure shielding her, she felt a pang of sorrow. Despite the peril, he had resolutely positioned himself between her and danger.
The sight of blood tracing its path across the ground moved Jiang Xiaoxiao, yet she was acutely aware of the grave danger they were still in.
"We stand no chance against Ye Han; it would be wise to retreat for now."
Jiang Xiaoxiao sprang to her feet, gripping her weapon and joining Ye Han in the struggle against Lei Ba, who was practicing a malevolent martial art.
"Thinking of running away? Did you think to ask my permission?"
Lei Ba overheard their conversation amidst the clash and didn't afford them the slightest opportunity.
Ye Han realized that they were no match for Lei Ba. At the moment, he could still put up a fight, but if the battle dragged on, surrender might be their only option.
Lei Ba had already picked up on their intentions and was not about to let them escape easily.
The attackers swiftly surrounded them, leaving no chance for escape.
Ye Han and his companions were forced to retreat, becoming increasingly cautious as their strength waned.
They also noticed that Lei Ba wasn't intent on killing them; he likely wanted Ye Han's medicinal scripture, and seemed to be toying with them.
Ye Han saw a glimmer of hope. If he could seize this chance, they might make it out alive. If not, they could very well meet their end here.
With Ye Han's protection, Jiang Xiaoxiao managed to narrowly avoid Lei Ba's swift strikes time and again.
But as the battle wore on, Ye Han's wounds multiplied, growing more severe. Jiang Xiaoxiao felt a pang of sorrow watching the injuries accumulate on Ye Han, who stood by her side.
Yet she knew this was not the time for reflection; they needed to make their escape quickly.
As they continued to fight, retreating further, Lei Ba toyed with them, prolonging the battle for his amusement.
"You were so bold earlier, what's happened to that bravado now?"
Lei Ba's eyes gleamed as he stared down the young man before him. He was finally in a position to avenge his child. But first, he planned to sever the sinews in the man's hands and feet, ensuring a life of helplessness, all the while subjecting him to humiliation.
With these thoughts fueling his rage, Lei Ba's blows did not soften, and he continued to overpower Ye Han.
Growing increasingly feeble, Ye Han's spirit sank. It was a bitter realization that he, once a revered supreme being, might perish at the hands of a mere Martial Spirit Realm underling.