C16 An Unexpected Attack!

Ho Liao felt a searing pain spreading throughout his body, no longer confined to just his head or any specific area. At the same time, the energy within him seemed to be provoked, either launching a counterattack or reacting defensively. It surged with intensity.

His core felt like a rapidly compressed sphere, and the energy within it, pressured to the limit, burst forth into his muscles, bones, and veins. It clashed and tangled with the fiery spirit energy inside him in a unique battle. Ho Liao's energy wasn't trying to defeat or expel the spirit energy. Instead, it transformed into countless tiny threads, desperately trying to weave themselves into the spirit energy.

The spirit energy resisted fiercely, trying to maintain its integrity, like someone stubbornly holding onto their identity. It was a dramatic scene, akin to a relentless suitor trying to win over the object of his affection.

Soon, Ho Liao's energy completely merged with the invading spirit energy. Then, something even more extraordinary happened—the spirit energy that had invaded his body began to transform, slowly becoming Ho Liao's own energy.

At that moment, to an outsider, Ho Liao's expression was changing rapidly and dramatically. Sometimes his face twisted in pain, other times it contorted with a fierce struggle between spiritual and soul energy. Occasionally, a look of joy would flash across his face as the soul energy transformed into his own spiritual energy.

"Hey, this kid's something else! He took a direct hit from Ouyang Zhong's deadly attack and is still standing!" a middle-aged man whispered to his companion.

"Incredible! This kid must be extraordinary. Could it be that we've got a once-in-a-millennium genius among us?" his companion marveled.

"Look, he's even showing a relaxed expression now. What's happening inside him?" another skinny bystander couldn't help but chime in.

"Quiet, all of you! With our level of skill, angering Ouyang Zhong could have serious consequences!" an elder warned.

With that, the surrounding chatter came to an abrupt halt, a testament to Ouyang Zhong's formidable reputation.

Ouyang Zhong, sensing something was amiss, realized his connection with the deadly attack was rapidly severing. He considered striking Ho Liao down immediately to salvage the situation. However, as a high-level practitioner in the Spirit Shedding realm, he had his pride and couldn't bring himself to break his word in front of someone so clearly his junior.

Ouyang Zhong had a notoriously unpredictable temper. Though often volatile and hard to read, one thing was certain: he had no qualms about using any means necessary—ambushes, assassinations, you name it—against members of his own sect. However, he showed much more restraint when dealing with fellow independent cultivators, giving the impression that he didn't fear authority and didn't bully the weak.

At this moment, Ouyang Zhong hadn't made a move, but he sensed something was wrong. He felt a strange force backfiring through his connection with his weapon, Ghost Kill. This force invaded his core, aggressively breaking down the energy within. The corrupted energy rapidly drained away, flowing back through the connection to Ho Liao.

For any cultivator, the core is their lifeline, and the energy within it is its essence. So, it was easy to understand why Ouyang Zhong was furious.

Without hesitation, Ouyang Zhong launched himself like a shooting star, aiming straight for Ho Liao's forehead.

"What? Ouyang Zhong is actually launching a sneak attack!" Huo Tian exclaimed, shocked. At this point, Huo Tian and the others had no idea what was happening to Ouyang Zhong.

As Ouyang Zhong's palm strike was about to hit Ho Liao, an even stranger scene unfolded. Ouyang Zhong felt his energy-charged attack suddenly become uncontrollable, as if drawn by a powerful magnet.

Being the seasoned fighter he was, Ouyang Zhong quickly severed his energy flow, forcibly breaking his connection with the deadly technique.

"Ugh!" A mouthful of blood spewed from Ouyang Zhong's lips, and in an instant, he seemed to age by centuries, becoming frail and weak.

In stark contrast, Ho Liao appeared vibrant and rejuvenated, as if he had just absorbed a surge of energy.

Everyone watched the sudden turn of events in shock, even Huo Tian was at a loss for words, unsure how to process what had just happened.

"Kid, who are you really? You've caused me such harm. Fine, take the girl from the Swiftstriders. But mark my words, when we meet again, I'll settle this score!" Ouyang Zhong spat out his threat and vanished before Ho Liao could respond.

The crowd could see that Ouyang Zhong was gravely injured, barely holding on. He would need to find a quiet place to recover immediately.

After Ouyang Zhong's departure, everyone stared at Ho Liao as if he were a mystery to be unraveled. They wanted to understand what technique he used, one that not only countered the deadly attack but also severely injured Ouyang Zhong. Yet, they dared not disturb Ho Liao—a man capable of such feats was not someone to be trifled with.

Fifteen minutes later, Ho Liao slowly opened his eyes and glanced around, a sharp gleam in his gaze that seemed beyond his abilities.

"Hey, buddy, how did you pull that off just now?" Huo Tian asked eagerly, looking at Ho Liao.

Everyone held their breath, eager to hear Ho Liao's explanation.

"I, I have no idea!" Ho Liao replied, looking baffled.

The crowd of onlookers nearly stumbled over themselves. Seriously, don't tell us you were born with it. We've heard of prodigies, but never of someone whose body automatically activates defense and attack systems without any training!

Seeing that Ho Liao didn't want to elaborate, Huo Tian didn't press further. After all, techniques and secrets are guarded closely, and it's perfectly reasonable not to share them.

"Ouyang Zhong left in such a hurry, he not only abandoned his Swiftstriders disciples but also left behind his beast, the horned horse. This should be your spoils, young man. You decide what to do with it," the elder said to Ho Liao.

Though the horned horse was incredibly valuable to independent cultivators, no one dared to provoke Ho Liao and risk their lives by trying to take his prize.

Ho Liao glanced at the horned horse and then turned to Huo Tian. "Brother Huo, you helped me cross the river, and I believe in repaying kindness. If I didn't know you needed a horned horse, I'd keep it for myself. But since I know you desire one, I'm giving it to you."