The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 78: Slaughter in the Woods

"Ready yet?" The moment Han Li stepped out of the house, Li Feiyu immediately urged him impatiently.

Han Li shot Li Feiyu a glare without offering any pleasantries, then walked over to a smaller house nearby. Standing before the tightly shut door, he spoke coldly:

"Qu Hun, come out. I'll need you tonight."

Before Han Li's voice had even faded, the wooden door—as if made of paper—was smashed to pieces with a loud bang . Amid the flying splinters, a massive figure slowly emerged.

Li Feiyu's eyes widened in shock as he stared at the towering man before him, whose aura was as terrifying as a demon’s, his face hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat.

The giant silently moved to stand behind Han Li.

"Let's go," Han Li said with a faint smile, now the one urging the dumbstruck Li Feiyu.

"Oh!" Li Feiyu finally snapped out of his daze.

He gave Han Li and the giant a strange look, then pressed his lips together and wordlessly led the way out of the valley.

Han Li watched Li Feiyu’s retreating back and smiled slightly before quickening his pace to catch up. Qu Hun followed closely behind him, never straying a step away.

Han Li was quite satisfied with Li Feiyu’s discretion. It was precisely because they respected each other’s privacy that they had formed such a close friendship.

The group moved swiftly and soon reached the valley’s entrance. Just as Li Feiyu was about to step into the woods, Han Li suddenly reached out and gripped his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.

"What are you doing?" Li Feiyu asked, puzzled and slightly annoyed. After all, he was in a hurry.

"Someone’s coming. More than one," Han Li said calmly.

Li Feiyu was startled and immediately strained his ears to listen. But after a long while, he heard nothing.

He shot Han Li a questioning look, but the latter remained composed, offering no explanation.

"You—" Li Feiyu started to speak, but Han Li suddenly raised a finger to his own lips, signaling silence.

Frowning, Li Feiyu reluctantly obeyed out of habit, keeping his mouth shut.

Before long, Li Feiyu’s expression turned grave. He turned to Han Li in astonishment—he had finally heard the sound of numerous footsteps approaching from outside the valley. There really were many people.

"Enforcer Sun! There’s a large bell and a small path by these woods. This must be the Valley of Divine Hands that the Deputy Banner Master mentioned," a rough voice called out from the other side of the trees.

"Hmm, according to the map and this bell, this is indeed the place. Remember this well—the Banner Master has given strict orders. We are only to capture the Divine Doctor alive. No one is to harm him, or they’ll face the sect’s punishment. Understood?" another voice, sharp like a rooster’s crow, commanded.

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

...

A chorus of acknowledgments rang out one after another. Judging by the voices, there were at least a dozen men, each with strong, steady breaths—clear signs of formidable martial skills."Aside from one Blue-robed Law Enforcement officer, the rest are elite members of the Wild Wolf Gang. The Blue-robed Law Enforcement is equivalent to our sect's Protector, while their elite members are comparable to our inner hall Disciples," Li Feiyu whispered, leaning closer to Han Li as he quietly explained.

Li Feiyu knew his friend had never paid much attention to their sect's rivals, so instead of questioning how Han Li had detected the footsteps so early, he cut straight to explaining the enemies' identities—hoping to alert his companion and prevent carelessness.

Han Li immediately understood Li Feiyu's intention. With a faint smile, he remained silent, though his expression suggested indifference.

But Li Feiyu grew anxious.

"Given my current stamina, I could handle that Blue-robed Law Enforcement officer alone, but with the others, I’d surely be outmatched. I know you’re full of tricks—spit out a plan, quick! Otherwise, it’ll be too late." His words were hushed and rushed, urgency lacing every syllable. The intruders had already entered the grove, advancing toward where Han Li and the others stood.

"How about we hide first? Avoid confronting them head-on?"

Li Feiyu proposed what seemed like a sound idea, but unfortunately, Han Li had no intention of following it.

"Qu Hun, capture the one in blue alive. Kill everyone else in the woods." Han Li suddenly turned and issued the icy command to the towering man behind him.

"What?" Li Feiyu gaped, stunned.

Before he could process the order, the giant behind Han Li transformed into a gust of violent wind, surging into the forest. Almost instantly, the dark woods erupted with screams and panicked shouts from the Wild Wolf Gang members.

"Ah—!"

"Who—?!"

"Ambush! We’re under attack—!"

"What kind of monster is this?! Aaah—!"

"Run! Aaah—!"

…………

For a moment, the woods echoed with terrified shrieks and agonized cries—until, gradually, they dwindled. Soon, silence reclaimed the grove.

Li Feiyu stared at the forest, slack-jawed, his face a portrait of disbelief.

(End of Chapter)