C17 Cold Laugh(1)

The blade energy surged like an army of thousands, converging from all directions and sweeping toward Lin Dafei's body with lethal intent.

Meanwhile, Zhang Tianmeng scooped up Lee Tianhu, who was lying powerless on the ground, and leapt from the Platform of Life and Death. By the time Lin Dafei had evaded the deadly blade energy, the man in black had vanished with Lee Tianhu, prompting Wang Yufei to nod in approval.

Regaining his focus, Wang Yufei noticed that Lin Shouchuan, who had been seated beside him, was now a distant figure. His back was all that could be seen. Wang Yufei's smile grew even brighter, recognizing Lin Shouchuan's reluctance to admit defeat.

Realizing Lin Shouchuan was preparing to take matters into his own hands, Wang Yufei had a sudden revelation. He hurried over to the overseer of the Platform of Life and Death, an elder with white hair.

"Sir, the situation has escalated. Lin Dafei couldn't best Lee Tianhu, and now Lin Dafei's elder brother is out for revenge. I implore you to stand up for Lee Tianhu," Wang Yufei called out earnestly.

The elder lifted his gaze, eyeing Wang Yufei with a contemplative squint.

"Young man, that man in black is with you, isn't he? You're quite the character," the elder deduced. Wang Yufei hadn't anticipated the old man's astuteness in discerning that Zhang Tianmeng was his ally. Upon reflection, it all made sense.

The elder's capabilities were no ordinary feat. He must have overheard Wang Yufei's whispered exchange with Zhang Tianmeng and was likely aware of the wager between Wang Yufei and Lin Shouchuan. As Wang Yufei pondered whether to risk assigning the elder a task,

the old man suddenly rose to his feet, his anger palpable. "This Lin Shouchuan has crossed the line, daring to oppress the weak in broad daylight, showing utter disregard for the law. Young man, lead the way at once."

Wang Yufei felt a tinge of resignation. He had been on the verge of tasking this old scoundrel, but fortunately, he pulled back just in time. Yet, what followed was somewhat awkward.

It wasn't Wang Yufei who had taken the elder in pursuit of Lin Shou Cai; instead, the old man had seized Wang Yufei by the collar and departed from the platform.

In a thicket, a figure clad in black, Zhang Tianmeng, carried the ashen-faced and feeble Lee Tianhu, sprinting desperately through the woods. Suddenly, a luminous demonic beast loomed behind them. Despite its massive size, the fur on its back bristled like an array of sharp blades.

Astride the demonic beast with an impassive demeanor was Lin Shou Cai. The beast was his unique talent, capable of engaging in combat alongside Lin Shou Cai against foes and transforming into a steed.

Lin Shou Cai trailed Zhang Tianmeng at a measured pace, confident that if he could eliminate Lee Tianhu that day, he would win his wager with Wang Yufei. The man in black was of little concern to him.

"Brother, put me down. We can't escape," Lee Tianhu pleaded, not knowing his rescuer's identity but grateful to Zhang Tian for saving his life. He preferred to sacrifice himself rather than endanger Zhang Tianmeng.

Lee Tianhu had expected some form of politeness or protection from Zhang Tianmeng, but what transpired left him aghast. Without a word, Zhang Tianmeng discarded Lee Tianhu onto the ground as if he were mere garbage.

"I'm exhausted. The mission is finally complete. Your survival is now in the hands of fate. I must bid you farewell," Zhang Tianmeng stated bluntly, turning to leave. This left Lee Tianhu in shock.

Lin Shou Cai, who had been in hot pursuit, was taken aback. "Thinking of leaving without my consent? Who are you working for? Leave your saber behind, and I'll consider this incident forgotten."

Lin Shou Cai's aloof voice reached Zhang Tianmeng's ears. Although Lin Shou Cai wasn't fond of wielding a saber, he had to admit the density of the saber qi Zhang Tianmeng had earlier unleashed was impressive.

Whether Lin Shou Cai chose to gift the saber to Lin Dafei or auction it off, it would surely fetch valuable resources for his cultivation.

He certainly wouldn't pass up such an excellent opportunity. At that moment, Zhang Tianmeng inwardly cursed, knowing all too well the value he placed on his saber—it was more precious to him than his own life. There was no way he would abandon it unless he was at death's door.

"If you want my saber, you'll have to step over my dead body. And don't get too cocky; there are plenty of people in this world far more skilled than you," Zhang Tianmeng declared, his saber slicing through the air non-stop.

In the small grove, leaves on the ground were caught up in a sudden whirlwind, forming a large sphere that hurtled toward Lin Shouchuan's back. Meanwhile, Zhang Tianmeng bolted in the opposite direction. He was well aware that he stood no chance against Lin Shouchuan.

Lin Shouchuan was, after all, one of the Four Great Prodigies among the Ten Thousand Gate disciples, known for his incredible speed. His cultivation technique, which harnessed the essence of the air, made him seem as if he had merged with the atmosphere itself, rendering him invisible to Zhang Tianmeng. But Zhang Tianmeng was no pushover.

Above Zhang Tianmeng's head, a massive phantom figure emerged, resembling a small mountain peak that crumbled as a bolt of lightning struck, sending a barrage of boulders flying toward Lin Shouchuan like a tempest.

Lin Shouchuan's eyes narrowed to slits. "Is this your awakened talent? It's pitifully weak in my eyes. Everyone must face the consequences of their actions, and it's time for you to face yours in hell," he taunted.

Following his words, an ominous aura enveloped Lin Shouchuan, and a black mist coalesced around him, forming a giant hand that swatted away the incoming boulders. Each slap pulverized a rock, making it vanish into thin air. Zhang Tianmeng wasn't foolish; realizing he was outmatched, he made his escape.

Just then, Lee Tianhu, who had been lying motionless, sprang up with the agility of a monkey. Having been stealthily struck by Lin Shouchuan's silver needles on the Platform of Life and Death, his meridians were numbed, sapping his strength until that moment.

Lin Shouchai's silver needles had the ability to stop the backflow of Lee Tianhu's blood. Now, the effect of those needles had completely worn off, and Lee Tianhu was rapidly gearing up for battle, his eyes blazing with fury.

Despite his sect's lack of renown, he truly felt his life was under threat today.

"Python, emerge from your lair and shatter this!" With Lee Tianhu's enraged bellow, a brilliant light burst forth above his head, casting a golden glow. The massive python's head swung wildly, roaring through the air.

A strange force began to emanate from Lee Tianhu, as he fiercely stamped his feet on the ground. Propelled like a missile, he shot toward Lin Shouchai, who was standing not too far away.

The distance between them spanned several hundred meters, yet in the blink of an eye, Lee Tianhu had closed the gap, his formidable frame leaving deep gouges in the earth.

Cracks webbed across the ground, and the air was tinged with the scent of gunpowder.

"People often say that Lee Tianhu's Python Emergence is a battle-born talent, but to me, it's all show and no substance. If you could elevate this talent to the next level, then maybe I'd have reason to fear you."