C13 Tragedy Sees True Love

Zheng Ziqing and Shen Faang sprang into action, eager to fend off the Bat Beasts as swiftly as possible. Their energy was already significantly depleted, and they knew that if the battle dragged on, they might collapse before claiming victory over the creatures.

Shen Faang turned to Zheng Ziqing and said, "Zheng Ziqing, when we're together, make sure to prioritize your safety. I'm at a loss for what to do if anything happens to you. My strength is spent, and all I can do now is to look after myself. I'm in no position to protect anyone else, so please understand."

Zheng Ziqing nodded in understanding. He was well aware of Shen Faang's predicament and chose not to speak further. Instead, he focused on conserving his energy, aiming for a stable win in the upcoming skirmish with the Bat Beasts.

Now armed with a sword he had taken from Wang Mengyan, Zheng Ziqing recognized its potential to turn the tide in their favor.

Shen Faang, noticing the sword in Zheng Ziqing's grasp, offered a knowing smile. He was confident that someone as astute as Zheng Ziqing would devise an effective strategy.

Confronted by the Bat Beasts once more, Shen Faang drew upon his previous encounter to anticipate their moves. Without further ado, he unleashed his martial arts skills, using the sword to sever the beasts' wings, grounding them yet again.

Observing Shen Faang's technique, Zheng Ziqing knew exactly what to do. Without hesitation, he launched his assault on the Bat Beasts, emulating Shen Faang's approach. He was convinced that victory was within reach.

After an intense battle, Zheng Ziqing and Shen Faang had successfully incapacitated all the Bat Beasts.

No longer capable of flight or pursuit, the Bat Beasts posed no further threat, allowing Zheng Ziqing and Shen Faang to make a hasty retreat. They feared that if they lingered, another swarm might emerge, and they would be left without the strength to fight anew.

Just as Shen Faang was preparing to flee, he noticed something off about Zheng Ziqing. During the recent skirmish, it appeared that Ziqing had been attacked by the Bat Beasts and might have been infected.

Without wasting time to consult Ziqing, Shen Faang grabbed his sword and swiftly chopped at Ziqing's arm, targeting the infected area. Despite knowing the excruciating pain this would cause Ziqing, Shen Faang acted, believing it was a necessary sacrifice to save his life.

Ziqing remained silent, understanding that Shen Faang's drastic action was to ensure his survival. Without further complaint, he persevered, following Shen Faang's lead to safety.

Now, Ziqing's face was ashen from blood loss. When he emerged, everyone could see his condition and surmise that he had been wounded in the battle with the Bat Beasts.

They all realized that an injured Ziqing wouldn't be the vibrant force he once was and might even slow them down—a prospect no one desired.

So, without further discussion, they contemplated abandoning Ziqing to maintain their pace of escape.

Liu Fei then addressed the group, "We need to flee now. Given Ziqing's state, he likely won't last much longer. Let's leave him behind quickly. Make sure not to touch Ziqing, or you too could contract the virus."

Everyone concurred with Liu Fei, aware of the dire straits they were in. If the situation escalated uncontrollably, they feared being at a loss for solutions.

Yet Shen Faang stood firm in his belief that Ziqing would recover. He defied the consensus to abandon Ziqing, adamantly rejecting the idea.

The group struggled to understand Shen Faang's stance, but he assured them, "I'm confident that Ziqing will come around soon. I managed to remove the infected flesh in time."

His pallor is likely due to the unbearable pain he experienced when I injured him earlier. Rest assured, he will certainly pull through in time."

Despite Shen Faang's assurances, the others remained skeptical. They believed that abandoning Zheng Ziqing was the only way to guarantee the group's safety, fearing that Ziqing's presence would jeopardize them all.

Yet, Shen Faang stood firm in his belief, addressing their concerns: "I understand your fears, but the poison's spread is not instantaneous. I had to forsake Wu Qi earlier because by the time I defeated those Bat Beasts, too much time had been lost.

Even if I had attempted to treat him, it would have been too late. However, Ziqing's situation was different. Shortly after the Bat Beasts attacked him, I managed to sever the infected area.

I'm confident that he will recover shortly. There's no need for further explanation. Today, I absolutely refuse to leave him behind."

The others fell silent, recognizing that Shen Faang's resolve was unshakable and that arguing would be futile.

At that moment, Wang Mengyan stepped forward, urging them, "You should trust that with Shen Faang's leadership, we can all make it out of here alive. We've all witnessed his capabilities. I hope you can lend him your support."

Following Mengyan's words, no further objections were raised. It was clear to everyone that opposing Shen Faang at this juncture would only bring trouble upon themselves, as he was the most capable among them. Thus, they tacitly concurred with Shen Faang's stance.

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