C8 The Promotion

"Hmph, I've known there was something strange about you for a while. Last time, when you drained those eleven bandits, it caught our attention. Do you really think I'll let you succeed again?"

The warrior stood firm, as immovable as a mountain, a faintly visible golden chestplate protecting his heart.

"Not necessarily. Overconfidence can lead to disaster."

Luo Tongtian's expression remained unchanged, but his hand subtly twisted on the chestplate. The once gleaming armor began to dull, corroding and disintegrating before their eyes, eventually turning to ash and scattering in the wind. His hand finally made contact with the warrior's chest.

In the next moment, a powerful surge of energy flowed, causing the warrior to tremble. His face turned ashen, like a wilting plant, and he let out a cry of disbelief, "No... this can't be!"

"What?!"

"Is he really just a second-level warrior?"

Everyone watching was in shock, unable to believe what they were seeing.

"My God, he's actually pushed Commander Yang Chun to this point. Everyone, use the crossbows!"

Qin Yu, coordinating with the city guards, had just finished taking down the blue-clad guards assisting Luo Tongtian when he witnessed the astonishing scene. Without hesitation, he ordered the use of long-range attacks to take down Luo Tongtian.

"Hmph, too late!"

Luo Tongtian let out a cold laugh, spinning the Level 5 warrior with one hand to create an oval-shaped shield around himself. This maneuver forced everyone to consider the safety of Commander Yang Chun before using their crossbows.

"Useless! A Level 5 warrior defeated by a mere Level 2? No point in keeping such dead weight around."

A voice boomed from deep within the cave, echoing like thunder and leaving everyone dizzy and disoriented. Upon hearing it, the crowd's eyes filled with awe. They re-aimed their crossbows, drawing back the strings to unleash a barrage of arrows at Luo Tongtian.

The air was filled with the relentless thrum of arrows. Commander Yang Chun, rapidly losing energy, saw his defenses falter as powerful bolts struck him, sending sprays of blood into the air. Despite his valiant efforts to fend off the incoming arrows, his body was soon riddled with them, resembling a wounded porcupine.

At the center, Luo Tongtian absorbed Yang Chun's abundant energy, causing his veins to surge and power to radiate from his pores, making him shine like a brilliant statue from afar.

In the journey of a warrior's training, reaching the fifth level of solidifying one's core is a crucial milestone. After honing strength, opening meridians, refining skin, and strengthening bones, a warrior's power spreads throughout the body. This not only significantly enhances offensive and defensive capabilities but also fortifies various organs, marking the first comprehensive body enhancement.

However, upon advancing to the fifth level, all bodily strength transforms into a more advanced form of energy. This higher-level power is at least ten times more potent than that of a fourth-level warrior under the same conditions.

After absorbing Yang Chun's energy, Luo Tongtian felt a shimmering light at the center of his vein seal, reminiscent of a tranquil yet stirring lake. The energy lingering within him spread through the vein seal, reaching his skin and muscles, initiating a full-scale enhancement.

With pathways fully open, extending to the body's surface, this was a clear sign of advancing to a third-level warrior, beginning the process of skin refinement. Luo Tongtian's use of energy to strengthen his body was far more effective than that of an ordinary third-level warrior. Wherever the energy flowed, his body glowed with a crystalline brilliance, showcasing his extraordinary nature.

"Hmm, this little second-level warrior not only survived but also advanced amidst the chaos. This is intriguing. Let's see how long you can hold out," he mused.

Deep within the cave, a voice echoed. The owner of the voice, seeing that Luo Tongtian not only survived the barrage of arrows but also advanced amidst the chaos, let out a cold laugh.

In the next moment, a powerful force surged forth like a relentless wave, crashing toward Luo Tongtian. This overwhelming power, at least that of a Sixth Level Hercules, felt all-encompassing.

Luo Tongtian's figure was like a leaf caught in a storm, using the momentum to hurl the limp Yang Chun into the crossbow-wielding enemies, knocking them over. He then lightly touched the cave wall, propelling himself toward the exit.

"Trying to escape? Not so fast!"

The voice grew firm and commanding, as a terrifying, arrogant blade light sliced through the air. It cleaved through the thick rock with destructive power, aiming for Luo Tongtian's back.

"Not good, the energy is roaring, breaking through the mountain and stone. This is the technique of a Sixth Level Hercules."

Luo Tongtian sensed the sharp energy rushing toward him from behind, sending a chill down his spine.

Although his own cultivation level was low, having spent considerable time with General Luo Ning, he was acutely aware of the signs of different cultivation levels.

A Fifth Level Hercules could convert energy into a more refined force, significantly enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities. Upon advancing to a Sixth Level Hercules, one's energy flows through all senses, sharpening perception and thought, making attacks more explosive and allowing for the capture of the most advantageous moments in battle.

Facing the fierce attack from a Sixth Level Hercules, Luo Tongtian, fueled by his newly gained strength, deftly moved in an arc to land behind a massive boulder. In a swift motion, he grabbed an enemy to use as a human shield.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The sound of destruction echoed as the boulder was sliced cleanly in half, and the unfortunate enemy in Luo Tongtian's grasp was split from head to toe. The sharp sword energy, spanning a distance of several yards, cut through both the boulder and the shield, ultimately striking him.

With a cry of pain, Luo Tongtian was sent flying out of the cave, leaving a trail of blood droplets in the sky. As soon as he hit the ground, he sprang up like a coil.

In the next moment, he accelerated rapidly, disappearing into the dark forest under the astonished gazes of onlookers.

"He's badly injured and can't get far. Seal off the entire mountain and begin a full search!"

The Sixth Level Hercules in the depths of the cave hadn't anticipated that Luo Tongtian, a mere Third Level Hercules, could escape his grasp. He snorted and issued orders to those in the cave.

The members of the city guard quickly set things in motion, while Qin Yu and the members of the Black Scarf Bandits coordinated their efforts. A vast net was cast over the mountain, aiming to capture the one who slipped through.

After the cave returned to silence, a figure slowly emerged from its depths. This person, clad in a red robe with bright armor underneath, exuded an imposing presence.

"That kid knows our plan. We can't let him make it back to Sunset City alive!"

This was the same Sixth Level Hercules who had acted earlier. His expression was grim, and his gaze sharp, like a cold, watchful owl, as he headed in the direction Luo Tongtian had fled.