C18 Explosive Acting Skills

Time rewound to the first afternoon.

Half an hour after Lin Hann's departure, Qi Xiaosheng groggily came to. Once fully alert, he realized he was inside a large tree hollow. Climbing down from the tree, he reflected on the recent events.

Qi Xiaosheng gazed at the robust tree next to him and remembered the words of his assailant, which led him straight to thoughts of the Lau family. Only a disciple of the Lau family could craft such an immense tree and lay a trap to ambush him.

"What exactly is the Lau family up to this time? I must alert Brother Liu immediately. I cannot allow the Lau family's schemes to prevail!" Despite his doubts, Qi Xiaosheng resolved to share his discovery of the 'Lau family plan' with everyone.

Over the following two days, Qi Xiaosheng discreetly searched for Liu Tianqi and the others. Yet, the vastness of the forest made it difficult, and he found no trace of them. He also caught wind of the Staggering Blow Mad Devil. After considering others' analyses, he couldn't help but agree—it seemed likely that the Qi family's Spirit Connecting Staff was involved!

Qi Xiaosheng was deeply troubled. He despised the real villain behind the scenes for not only ambushing and knocking him out but also for perfectly framing him. He could only imagine the impossibility of defending himself if he were to face others now; he would undoubtedly be attacked on sight.

As a result, Qi Xiaosheng no longer dared to seek out Liu Tianqi and the others openly and had to lay low, biding his time for the right moment.

Meanwhile, the other participants in the assessment, though initially thrown off by Lin Hann, had started to find their rhythm after a couple of days of cautious exploration. More than a dozen had already been eliminated. Many of the ensuing battles were initiated by those previously ambushed by Lin Hann. While they had some supplies to last a day or two, soon they were forced to vie for others' water sources. Indeed, in this survival assessment, water was more crucial than food. With everyone carrying pills to sustain their energy, the struggle for water became the central conflict.

Unexpectedly, the known conflicts all concluded with the victims emerging victorious. This was partly because they had banded together after the ambushes, gaining a numerical advantage. But credit was also due to Lin Hann. They were resolute in their decision to stay and personally unmask the vile Qi Xiaosheng, for only then could they alleviate the burning resentment within.

By the fourth day, the skirmishes across the region had intensified. The initial days of exploration revealed a dire situation: the vast forest lacked any water source, and the vegetation wasn't suitable for water storage. This harsh reality forced many contestants, who had previously opted for stealth, to abandon their tactics and engage in the struggle for resources. Even if one could survive three or four days without water, the inevitable weakness would follow. It was better to act now and secure a water supply.

Amidst the heated battles, Lin Hann often perched atop a tall tree, leisurely enjoying braised meat and sipping chilled soda while keenly observing the fights. His laid-back demeanor belied the valuable insights he was gaining from watching the diverse use of superpowers among the combatants.

Suddenly, Lin Hann's attention was captured by a familiar silhouette in the distance. He looked more closely and recognized it as Liu Tianqi.

Liu Tianqi had been feeling quite frustrated. Since the assessment began, he had lost track of Lin Hann, and the once unassuming Qi Xiaosheng had become the notorious Staggering Blow Mad Devil. Liu Tianqi couldn't believe Qi Xiaosheng had the capability or cunning for such a transformation; surely, he had been set up. Yet, without a trace of Qi Xiaosheng, Liu Tianqi was in the dark about his current situation.

From his arboreal vantage point, Lin Hann's lips curled into a smug smile as he finally spotted the person he had been waiting for.

As Liu Tianqi hurried along the path, a figure dropped from the tree, prompting him to instinctively step back in defense. Upon recognizing the face, he blurted out in surprise, "Ye Hann?"

Lin Hann was the picture of misery, covered in grime with his clothes in shreds and his energy flagging. Hearing Liu Tianqi's voice, he struggled to lift his head and spoke feebly, "Mr. Liu?! At last, I've found you! You can't imagine the ordeal I've been through these past days!"

Liu Tianqi rushed to Lin Hann's aid, lifting him up. Though perplexed, his voice carried a note of concern as he inquired, "Mr. Ye, what's happened to you? How did you end up in such a state?"

Lin Hann was overwhelmed with frustration. "Two days ago, I was searching for you all when I was suddenly ambushed. They took not only my food and water but also... I was humiliated."

Liu Tianqi struggled to maintain eye contact with Lin Hann, who looked as though he had lost his innocence. Cutting through Lin Hann's rambling, Liu Tianqi asked, "You were attacked too? I can assure you Xiaosheng wasn't behind it; I know him well. Did you get a look at who it was?"

Still visibly shaken by the 'humiliation' he had suffered, Lin Hann managed to respond, "Yes, the attacker was stealthy, but as a disciple of the Ye family, I was prepared. The moment he struck, I transformed into the Water Element and blocked his blow. His method of attack was peculiar. He wielded a staff, but it wasn't like Mr. Qi's Spirit Connecting Staff. The Spirit Weapon he used must have had some special power to knock people out. After I evaded his surefire strike, I used the Fire Talisman you gave me to hit him while he was distracted. Still, he was too much for me, and I ended up knocked out. In hindsight, it might have been better to be knocked out right away to avoid the humiliation..."

Liu Tianqi mentally tuned out Lin Hann's complaints, nodding thoughtfully. The details Lin Hann provided matched his own suspicions. Upon hearing that the assailant had been struck by the Fire Talisman, Liu Tianqi had a plan.

He gave Lin Hann a reassuring pat on the shoulder and said, "Mr. Ye, you've been through a lot, and I appreciate your efforts. I've got a plan. If that person was hit by the Fire Talisman, then he's bound to carry a trace of the Liu family's unique Fire Element Aura. We can use that lead to track him down. I, Liu Tianqi, am determined to find out who dares to conspire against me! I promise you, we'll get your revenge."

Lin Hann looked at Liu Tianqi, his eyes brimming with tears he fought to hold back. "Mr. Liu, your kindness is beyond words! Let's go now, catch the perpetrator, and clear Mr. Qi's name!"

Liu Tianqi, however, shook his head solemnly. "We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves. If we act too openly before the real villain emerges, the tension between Xiaosheng and me will only raise more alarms and suspicion. They might even take direct action against us! We need to flush out the mastermind first, then we can vindicate Xiaosheng."

Lin Hann gazed at Liu Tianqi, his eyes brimming with respect.