C18 Returning with a Domineering Attitude

Despite knowing that he might never be able to return once he arrived, Lei Ming harbored no regrets. "Death can be as light as a feather or as heavy as Mount Tai." Lei Ming preferred to die a spectacular death rather than live a life that betrayed his true self.

As Lei Ming and his companions made their unexpected entrance, Zhang Sen seized the moment to catch his breath. He called out to them, "Brothers, the Zhang family's disaster today cannot be averted. Please, make haste and leave. I, Zhang Sen, am unworthy of your kindness."

"Patriarch Zhang, we once faced the Liu family's siege, and it was Young Master Zhang who extended a helping hand, saving our lives. I have come today to repay the debt of gratitude to Young Master Zhang. Where might I find him?" Lei Ming inquired loudly.

"Indeed, but there's no need for you to wade into these troubled waters. My son met his untimely end at the hands of Liu Zhong, and so..." Zhang Sen's voice grew increasingly icy.

"What? Young Master Zhang has been slain?" Lei Ming's face was a picture of disbelief. "Then I am even more compelled to seek vengeance for Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Sen felt a mix of relief and sorrow as he saw that Lei Ming and the others remained steadfast despite his attempts to dissuade them. He was heartened that Zhang Yu had managed to forge bonds with such honorable and loyal individuals in so little time, yet he mourned the possibility of their imminent fall. Without further ado, Zhang Sen centered himself and engaged in battle with Liu Yunsheng and Wang Pengfei.

"Kill!" The Zhang family's inner courtyard echoed with battle cries as the ground was stained with splashes of crimson. Severed limbs and dismembered bodies were strewn about, painting a scene akin to purgatory.

The Zhang family fought bravely, but they were outnumbered; often, one would have to fend off attacks from two or three assailants simultaneously, leaving them no choice but to fall back.

"The wind howls!" Wang Pengfei's Thousand Army Hammer began to whirl, stirring the spiritual Qi around him into a frenzy. His speed surged, and suddenly, a miniature tornado formed, barreling towards Zhang Sen's back.

Caught in the midst of his fierce counterattack against Liu Yunsheng, Zhang Sen was taken aback by Wang Pengfei's swift approach. In just a moment, the attack was upon him, leaving no time to turn and defend.

"Crack!" A chilling sound of bones shattering echoed through the air. In a dire moment, a shadow darted out to shield Zhang Sen, taking a lethal hit meant for him.

"Abiao, quickly, tend to the shadow!" The shadow, now gravely wounded from the assault, had lost its combat strength. Having repelled Wang Pengfei with a swift strike, Zhang Sen urgently beckoned Zhang Biao for support. Without hesitation, Zhang Biao and his men encircled the critically injured shadow.

With the shadow under protection, Zhang Sen allowed himself a brief moment of relief. Yet, as he caught the menacing stares of his two adversaries, his heart plummeted. His only wish now was for more of his kin to escape, preserving the Zhang family's legacy. As for himself, he was prepared to perish alongside his family name.

Resolved, Zhang Sen unleashed a barrage of ferocious attacks. Wang Pengfei, sensing Zhang Sen's desperation, felt a knot of anxiety. He knew he was outmatched and that if Zhang Sen intended to take him down with him, he would be defenseless. Consequently, his offensive slowed.

Liu Yunsheng watched Wang Pengfei's retreat and silently cursed, then bellowed, "Mr. Pengfei, we're cornered! We must join forces to take down Zhang Sen. If I'm incapacitated, do you think you can fend him off alone?"

After a moment's deliberation, Wang Pengfei steeled himself, brandishing the Thousand Army Hammer and plunging back into the fray. The clash intensified, leaving all three combatants with significant injuries, but Zhang Sen bore the brunt, fighting two opponents simultaneously.

Feeling his spiritual energy draining rapidly, Zhang Sen knew he wouldn't last much longer.

"The heavens are unjust!"

...

"Hehe, the Zhang family is doomed, and you're all going to die. Surrender now, and I assure you, you'll be spared," Liu Zhong taunted Lei Ming, who still valiantly resisted.

"Old fool, don't delude yourself. I'm going to end you, and your head will honor Mr. Zhang Yu," Lei Ming retorted with venomous resolve. Despite his full effort, Lei Ming, a recent breakthrough martial artist, was still no match for a seasoned warrior like Liu Zhong, who continued to dominate the fight.

A moment's inattention, and another bloody gash appeared on his arm.

Liu Zhong, with a malicious grin as if toying with Lei Ming, refrained from dealing a fatal blow. Instead, he repeatedly stabbed at Lei Ming's body, turning his clothes a deep crimson with blood.

"Enough games. Time to send you on your way."

Suddenly, a familiar voice reached Liu Zhong's ears. Before he could register what was happening, a phantom-like figure materialized beside him. A flash of white, and Liu Zhong's right arm thudded to the ground.

"Ah!" A scream escaped his lips. Staring at Zhang Yu, who was supposed to be long dead, he asked, trembling, "Are you human or ghost?"

As it happened, Zhang Yu had made it back just in time. Normally, he wouldn't have arrived home until the afternoon, but on his way, he learned of the dire straits the Zhang family was in. Quickly grasping the situation, he hurried back and stumbled upon Liu Zhong, who was tormenting Lei Ming. Seizing the opportunity, he decided to avenge the palm strike he had suffered that day.

"I am very much alive, but you're about to become a ghost—oh, wait, you won't even qualify for that," Zhang Yu said, his voice icy. He then turned to the astonished Lei Ming and said, "Mr. Lei, thank you for coming to the aid of my family. But what's with that look? Is there something on my face?"

"Mr. Zhang, weren't you killed by Liu Zhong?"

"Hmm? What made you think that?" Zhang Yu asked, his eyebrows arching in curiosity.

"Your father told us!"

Zhang Yu was taken aback, but he didn't linger on the matter. He knew that addressing his family's immediate peril and vanquishing the invaders was the priority.

"Old Dog, disappointed to see me alive? Now, your life will serve as a tribute to the departed souls of the Zhang family," Zhang Yu declared as he effortlessly swung the Thunder Shocking Sword, slicing through Liu Zhong's neck. Zhang Yu had long since stopped regarding Liu Zhong as a threat; his sights were set on the Great Martial Master.

Witnessing Zhang Yu's decisive action against Liu Zhong left Lei Ming in shock. He had always known Zhang Yu was destined for greatness, but he never imagined he would so quickly ascend to a level that even he had to look up to.

"I'm fine, just some minor cuts and scrapes. Go quickly and assist the other Zhang family members."

Upon confirming Lei Ming's safety, Zhang Yu charged into the camp of the Liu and Wang allied forces like a vengeful deity, leaving a trail of bloodshed in his wake. He effortlessly cut through the enemy ranks, drawing astonished stares from his kin as he swiftly closed in on the fray involving Zhang Sen and two others.

Zhang Sen and his companions, all esteemed Great Martial Masters, wielded such power that even the residual shockwaves of their combat could inflict severe harm on lesser Martial Masters. Consequently, a wide berth was always left around them, and the surrounding structures had long crumbled under the onslaught, reduced to rubble. No one could have anticipated an intervention in their duel, so Zhang Yu's sudden entry threw off the tempo of the battle for everyone involved.

With a surge of chilling brilliance, Zhang Yu lunged with his sword at Wang Pengfei. Wang Pengfei hastily attempted to block with his hammer, but to his shock, Zhang Yu's blade flickered, deftly avoiding the hammer and piercing deeply into Wang Pengfei's left shoulder, shattering their encirclement of Zhang Sen.

"Father!" Zhang Yu's gaze fell upon Zhang Sen, noting the white in his hair and the weariness etched into his features. Guilt and concern welled up inside him—if only he had returned days sooner.

"Yu? You're alive?" The sight of his son, Zhang Yu, miraculously before him, filled Zhang Sen with indescribable joy. He had never truly accepted the news of Zhang Yu's supposed demise after the fall from the cliff, especially since his body had never been found, leaving a glimmer of hope for survival, however faint. It was this hope that kept Zhang Sen going, refusing to succumb to despair. Now, seeing Zhang Yu not only alive but also having wounded Wang Pengfei with a single blow, his surprise was overwhelming.

"I've returned too late. Please forgive me, Father."

"Not at all, it's good that you're back. That's all that matters."

As Zhang Sen and Zhang Yu shared their heartfelt reunion, seemingly oblivious to the world around them, Liu Yunsheng's expression turned thunderous, as if he were on the verge of tears.

"Father, I'll handle Old Dog Liu. With Wang Old Dog wounded, do you think you can finish him off?" Zhang Yu asked with an icy edge to his voice.

Sensing the confidence in Zhang Yu's words, Zhang Sen's eyes narrowed as he declared, "Consider it done!"

"Very well, then let us, father and son, join forces today to slay the treacherous cur and avenge our fallen kin!"