C7 The Trap

After quietly approaching the cave, Luo Tongtian stationed twenty guards around the perimeter, while he and Qin Yu, along with their ten strongest guards, stealthily moved inside. As soon as they entered, the overpowering smell of alcohol and blood hit them.

Following the pungent scent, Luo Tongtian saw the cave littered with black-clad bandits sprawled in disarray. Two guards, responsible for keeping watch, were dozing off. Two of Luo's guards silently approached and incapacitated the sentries, while the others took out crossbows and secured strategic positions within the cave.

These guards were highly trained, displaying remarkable coordination during operations. With the path secured, Luo Tongtian and Qin Yu boldly strode in, swords in hand. Their heavy footsteps echoed through the cave, finally rousing the bandits from their stupor.

Yet, there was no trace of panic on the bandits' faces; instead, their eyes held a mocking glint. Luo Tongtian, skilled at reading expressions, felt a surge of suspicion. As he tried to discern the reason behind their demeanor, his peripheral vision caught sight of an exposed badge on one bandit's waist.

The badge was entirely black, with a rising sun engraved at the top and the words "City Guard" at the bottom. This made Luo Tongtian's expression change dramatically: "So, you're not Black Scarf Bandits, but soldiers from the City Guard."

"You, the so-called waste of the General's Mansion, seem to be smarter than I imagined. But sometimes, smart people meet their end quicker."

A chilling voice echoed as a tall figure in a black robe slowly emerged. As soon as this person appeared, the others in black stood up and saluted, their swift and disciplined movements clearly marking them as military.

"No wonder those Black Scarf Bandits were so audacious, daring to provoke the General's Mansion. Turns out it was your City Guard behind this disgraceful act."

Luo Tongtian quietly assessed the balance of power between the two sides while maintaining a calm demeanor.

"Luo Ning's arrogance knows no bounds, not even sparing a thought for the City Guard. He's courting disaster."

"We used the Black Scarf Bandits earlier, but only managed to lure in a small fry like you. How disappointing."

The man in the black robe, confident and unbothered by the delay, even initiated a conversation.

"However, Luo Ning values you greatly. With you here, it's only a matter of time before he takes the bait."

"If he dares to come to Sky Ridge, we'll use every powerful means at our disposal to take down that reckless fool. Once he's gone, peace will return to the city."

The man in the black robe spoke with a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

"You all have no shame, teaming up with criminals to eliminate rivals," Luo Tongtian growled, his voice deep and fierce like an enraged beast.

Yet, a spark of determination flashed in his eyes. In the next moment, he crouched slightly, and his previously still form suddenly accelerated like a cannonball, charging at the boastful man in the black robe.

The sword in his hand sliced through the air, its tip tracing a bright, shimmering line across the sky.

Though Luo Tongtian wasn't originally skilled with a sword, activating the Vein Seal imbued it with extraordinary power. His strength, amplified by the surge of the seal, gathered at the sword's tip, boosting its speed and force by at least threefold, with its attack power increasing exponentially.

At this moment, all of Luo Tongtian's strength was concentrated in this one strike, arguably the most powerful he had ever unleashed. Not even a Fourth Level Hercules could withstand such a blow without the risk of being instantly defeated.

The man in the black robe hadn't expected the so-called weakling to possess such formidable attack capabilities, and his eyes widened in shock.

His robe suddenly shook violently and shattered into countless pieces, revealing the bright armor underneath. At the same time, his hands formed a gesture resembling an ancient fortress, striking the sword with precision. As the man in the black robe exerted his power, a crackling sound emanated from within him. His exposed skin gleamed with a metallic sheen, and his muscles and bones were tightly connected, forming bands of concentrated strength. This made his movements swift as lightning, like a terrifying battle machine.

"Damn, it's actually the fifth level of core strength!" Luo Tongtian's face changed dramatically as he sensed the terrifying power contained in that heavy strike. The sword in his hand shattered inch by inch under the intense vibration, and he was forced to stagger backward. However, having already planned his next move, he didn't intend to continue the fight. Instead, he used the momentum to dash toward the cave's exit.

"My dear Luo, why the rush?" Qin Yu, the red-robed guard, swiftly blocked his path, swinging his curved blade to create a curtain of light aimed at Luo's neck.

"You traitor, teaming up with them! My father trusted you so much," Luo Tongtian accelerated, unhesitatingly using his Thunder Fist to clash directly with the blade.

A thunderous roar echoed through the cave, leaving Qin Yu dizzy and disoriented. His scimitar was forcefully knocked from his grip. Just as he was about to strike Qin Yu down, a barrage of arrows rained down, forcing him to retreat reluctantly.

"Take him down! A thousand-dollar reward to whoever succeeds, and a three-rank promotion!"

At the command of the formidable warrior, the group surged forward, charging at Luo Tongtian. Trapped in the cave, danger loomed from all sides. Even the guards in green were ready to fire at a moment's notice, leaving Luo Tongtian in a dire predicament.

"Master, run! We'll hold them off!"

At this critical moment, a shout echoed from outside the cave. The air was filled with the sound of arrows slicing through, catching the enemy off guard and causing them to fall one by one.

At the cave entrance, eight guards in green, armed with crossbows, appeared, unleashing a volley of arrows to clear the threats surrounding Luo Tongtian.

"Hmph, does he really think he can escape?"

The powerful warrior advanced, wielding a gleaming, six-foot-long broadsword. A silver light emanated from the blade, enveloping Luo Tongtian.

"Who would've thought Luo Ning had a backup plan, planting double agents among the guards? But this is our territory, and your meager forces can't change a thing."

Qin Yu sneered, leading his men to attack the guards loyal to General Luo.

"You bastard, I'll fight you to the end!"

Luo Tongtian was being pushed back by the relentless assault of a Fifth Level warrior's blade. With a fierce shout, he unleashed seventeen consecutive Thunder Fists on the same spot of the silver blade, finally creating a small opening in the onslaught.

Seizing the opportunity, he slipped through the gap, his hand darting out like a snake.

Despite being caught in a carefully laid trap and facing a formidable Fifth Level warrior head-on, Luo Tongtian remained calm. The quiet reflection from the previous night had given him a preliminary understanding of the mysterious force within him.

Though he couldn't control it with his own strength, he could guide it to unleash a devouring force. Once he got close enough to his opponent, that mysterious energy would become his most effective weapon.

His powerful hand landed on the warrior, bringing a flicker of joy to his heart. The impact shattered armor and echoed with thunder, yet the anticipated devouring effect failed to manifest.