C7 Flash Kill

In the Forbidden Woods, Chu Haoyun, Qin Bing, and the most formidable among them, Ann Junfeng, were traveling together. Qin Bing was continuously briefing Chu Haoyun on the various taboos and rules of the Forbidden Woods as they journeyed.

Ten miles in, Qin Bing surveyed their surroundings with caution and advised Chu Haoyun, "Haoyun, the Forbidden Woods are treacherous. We must limit our movements to the outskirts and not venture beyond thirty miles. Your strength isn't sufficient, so it's crucial that you stick close to us."

Chu Haoyun gave a slight nod, touched by Qin Bing's concern, and felt a surge of appreciation. Throughout their journey, he had come to recognize Qin Bing's forthrightness. Qin Bing had reached the eighth level of Body Forging, while Ann Junfeng was rumored to be a master at the ninth level, ranking seventeenth within the Outer Sect.

The terrain at the edge of the Forbidden Woods was relatively even, though overgrown with dense vegetation and brambles. The dense canopy above made the light of the sun struggle to reach the forest floor, casting everything in shadow and creating an oppressive atmosphere.

"A sixth level Fellbeast, the Colorful Snake," Ann Junfeng abruptly announced, as they encountered a vibrant, large snake blocking their path. The snake flicked its tongue menacingly, coiling its body upright. Fellbeasts were categorized into nine levels, mirroring the nine levels of the Body Forging Realm.

"Qin Bing, it's your turn," Ann Junfeng stated coolly.

"Got it!" Qin Bing stepped forward, his longsword flashing out of its sheath with the elegance of a drifting breeze. The blade moved swiftly, casting a light akin to moonbeams. Chu Haoyun was momentarily taken aback by the fluidity of Qin Bing's movements; despite his burly frame, he moved with an unexpected grace that seemed almost surreal.

With a swift "Swish!" Qin Bing's sword sliced through the vital seven-inch section of the snake, swiftly claiming the Demon Core.

"The grace of that swordplay against the Colorful Snake is quite intriguing," Chu Haoyun commented with a smile.

"It's merely a sixth level Fellbeast. If you fight with all your might, you could also save your own life, but without Qin Bing's speed, you'd be doomed," Ann Junfeng remarked with a hint of scorn, as they continued their trek forward.

Chu Haoyun's brow furrowed slightly, but he remained silent. Ann Junfeng's arrogance was palpable; despite the ever-present smile on his face, it left Haoyun feeling uneasy.

As they ventured deeper into the Forbidden Woods, encounters with Fellbeasts became more frequent. Yet, few of these creatures were above the eighth level, making them relatively easy to dispatch. Qin Bing was the most active in dealing with them, while Ann Junfeng had also stepped in a few times. Chu Haoyun, being the weakest, had little to do.

"Haha, I've already collected over twenty Demon Cores. Not a bad haul," Qin Bing boasted, slapping his belt and flashing a wide grin.

His smile, however, was short-lived. A swift shadow darted from a nearby thicket, its deep blue eyes fixating on them, and its chilling teeth gleaming ominously.

"A ninth level Fellbeast, the Gale Jackal!" Ann Junfeng's pupils shrank. Fellbeasts of the same level often proved more formidable than humans, given their harsher living conditions. The Gale Jackal was swift as the wind, with claws and teeth sharper than any sword. Its only shortcoming was its defense, but its incredible speed more than compensated for that.

Ann Junfeng drew his longsword, not to fight but with a calculating glint in his eye. He spoke coolly, "Haoyun, it's time for you to step up."

"Junfeng, are you sending him to his death? He's only at the seventh level of Body Forging, and that's a ninth level Fellbeast. Even you might struggle against it," Qin Bing protested, his face paling at the thought.

"Brother Ann, let me handle it..." Qin Bing started to move forward, but Ann Junfeng's sword was already resting on his shoulder, his voice icy, "If you intervene, I won't hold back."

Qin Bing, seething with anger, held his ground. He had always idolized Ann Junfeng and was shocked to see his hero act in such a way.

"Is this about the Celestial Key?" Chu Haoyun asked Ann Junfeng with a detached gaze. Ann Junfeng sneered in response, "What do you think? If you don't act now, I'll kill him."

"Brother, don't listen to him. You're no match for a ninth-level Fellbeast. He's just trying to buy time to make his escape," Qin Bing interjected, raising his voice in warning. But as the longsword's edge turned icy, a thin line of blood appeared on his neck. Ann Junfeng's voice was icy as he threatened, "Speak out of turn again, and I'll end you."

"Fine, I'll do it." Chu Haoyun genuinely liked Qin Bing, who was straightforward and guileless. He couldn't bear to see him die on his account.

Taking a deep breath, Chu Haoyun stepped forward to face the Gale Jackal. He understood that he had only one shot. The Gale Jackal was renowned for its speed—if he missed, he'd never get another chance.

The tension was palpable as the Gale Jackal crouched, poised to strike. Chu Haoyun's grip on his longsword tightened, a sharp glint in his eyes.

Suddenly, he retreated a small step with his right leg. In a flash, the Gale Jackal surged forward like a phantom, its approach heralded by a shrill wind. Chu Haoyun's speed soared to its peak as he sidestepped, the Gale Jackal closing in rapidly.

"Flash!" In that critical moment, Chu Haoyun's entire focus narrowed to the Gale Jackal's neck. Time seemed to slow as the sword's afterimage stuttered, his body merging with the phantom. An unseen chill cut through the air, and in the distance, a row of towering trees toppled.

The two nearly brushed past one another. Chu Haoyun spun and pursued the Gale Jackal. Despite its unrelenting speed, the beast made a beeline for Ann Junfeng. Seeing this, Wan Junfeng let out a contemptuous snort, repelled Qin Bing with a palm strike, and retreated swiftly.

Caught off guard, Qin Bing was unable to react in time, and Chu Haoyun, despite his pursuit, was no match for the Gale Jackal's blistering pace.

"Is this the end for me? Qin Bing, how tragic." As death loomed, Qin Bing was overwhelmed with regret for trusting the wrong person. Yet, at the moment of contact, the Gale Jackal didn't rip him to shreds. Instead, it split in two just before reaching him, passing on either side of Qin Bing.

Hot blood splattered on his face, leaving Qin Bing in shock. Chu Haoyun had caught up and now stood beside him, asking with concern, "Qin, are you okay?"

"No... I'm fine!" Qin Bing, having narrowly escaped death, could hardly believe it. The Gale Jackal was dead? When had that happened? Nearby, Ann Junfeng was equally incredulous. When had Chu Haoyun made his move? He hadn't seen it clearly.

The Flash technique emphasized peak speed and absolute explosive power for a one-strike kill within ten steps. If not for Ann Junfeng and the others drawing some of the Gale Jackal's attention, and its own weak defense, Chu Haoyun wouldn't have succeeded with a single blow.

"This can't be!" Ann Junfeng was in disbelief. Even he had more losses than wins against the Gale Jackal. How could Chu Haoyun, a mere seventh level Body Forging practitioner, slay it in one move? A wave of unknown fear washed over him.

"Nothing is impossible. You wanted the Celestial Key, right? Come and take it," Chu Haoyun said icily. He lived by a simple rule: he wouldn't attack unless attacked. But if someone sought his life, he would not hesitate to take theirs.

Advancing with a measured step, an invisible presence emanated from him, intensifying Ann Junfeng's fear of the unknown. Only then did a single drop of blood slide off the edge of Chu Haoyun's sword. "I've always said, anyone who tries to take my life will be met with death."

"Kid, don't think for a second that I'm scared of you. I'm a ninth level Body Forging master!" Ann Junfeng was struggling for breath, his voice booming in defiance.

"And what of it?" Chu Haoyun replied with scorn, now just ten steps away from Ann Junfeng.

Ann Junfeng couldn't bear to meet Chu Haoyun's icy gaze, his hand trembling slightly as he gripped his longsword. The recent events had utterly crushed his warrior's spirit.

"Meet your end!" In the blink of an eye, Flash was executed. Qin Bing, standing not too far off, hadn't even seen Chu Haoyun make a move. Suddenly, Ann Junfeng was cleaved in half at the waist, and several massive trees a few meters behind him toppled over with a thunderous crash.

Qin Bing managed a wry smile. He had intended to protect his younger companion, but instead, it was he who had been saved. Chu Haoyun pocketed the Gale Jackal's Demon Core and tossed it to him, chuckling, "This should compensate for your emotional distress, right?"

"Man, cut it out," Qin Bing said, feeling somewhat awkward.

Just then, a girl around sixteen or seventeen, flanked by three boys, pointed imperiously at Qin Bing and demanded, "Who gave you permission to take my quarry? Hand over the Gale Jackal's Demon Core immediately."