Chapter 82: Battle!
Chapter 82: Battle!
“Yngh…”
Tang Yilin let out a soft groan as she gradually awakened. Discovering Tang Jinbiao shielding her protectively, she froze momentarily. But then she immediately spoke, her voice weak and strained, “Tang Jinbiao, hurry… hurry… go back… tell the Family Head… that Tang Shan… colluded with… the Corpse Dao…”
“Waste, die for me!”
Yet at that moment, before Tang Yilin could finish speaking, Tang Shan’s expression suddenly shifted violently upon hearing her words. A Flying Trident instantly appeared in his hand, and he hurled it straight at Tang Yilin with lightning speed.
“Not good!”
They were separated by mere yards. Tang Jinbiao only saw a black streak flash before his eyes. Reacting on pure instinct, he pushed off the ground with his feet and yanked Tang Yilin, rolling away frantically.
“Ah!”
But in the chaotic tumble, Tang Yilin’s head slammed against something. She cried out sharply and lost consciousness once more.
“Not good!”
“Scatter!”
Tang Bi and the others reacted instantly, scattering in all directions. Only one figure remained standing motionless and unflinching in their original spot.
“Break for this old man!”
The one standing firmly was none other than Tang Hu. An intense aura erupted from Tang Hu as he balled his right hand into a fist. Without a moment’s hesitation, he punched fiercely towards the descending black streak.
“Hmph, overestimating yourself!”
Witnessing Tang Hu dare to confront the Spirit Artifact with bare hands, Tang Shan sneered contemptuously. A cold snort escaped him, but then his expression abruptly darkened, turning exceptionally grim and foreboding.
Crack!
Although Tang Hu appeared reckless, attacking the Flying Trident empty-handed, the instant his fist moved, he shifted his body subtly to the side. This maneuver positioned him next to the weapon. His fist slammed powerfully onto the shaft of the Flying Trident.
The balance of the Spirit Artifact was instantly compromised. As it lurched off-course, Tang Hu’s punch swiftly transformed into a clamping grip. His hand snapped shut, seizing the Flying Trident. With a sharp twist of force, the weapon crumpled instantly into a useless, twisted mass of metal that clattered to the ground.
“Brother Biao, what are you scared of? We have more people. Why are we running?”
After crushing the Flying Trident, Tang Hu turned around and bellowed at the distant Tang Jinbiao.
“Oh, right! We are stronger in numbers!”
Tang Jinbiao glanced down at Tang Yilin resting peacefully in his arms. Her serene expression caused his mind to drift slightly. However, Tang Hu’s shout snapped him back to reality. After a momentary pause of realization, he laid Tang Yilin gently on the ground, stood up, and walked over.
“Ah Bi, Ah Xing, Ah Bu, what are you scared of? Leave Tang Shan to me! You only need to restrain Tang Huaxi and Tang Xingchi. This is finally our chance to test the results of our training! Why retreat now?”
Tang Hu swung his head around and roared towards Tang Bi and the others who were still hiding several yards away.
“This…”
“Brother Hu!”
The three were momentarily stunned, seemingly confused. But then, as if struck by sudden understanding, expressions of clarity dawned on their faces one by one. With renewed determination, they also walked over towards Tang Hu.
Thud!
Watching them reunite solidly within the blink of an eye caused Tang Shan’s eyelid to twitch involuntarily. A profound sense of unease washed over him, and for the first time, serious focus etched itself onto his face.
Three months prior, seeing this group stand together would have only elicited his utter disdain. But things were different now. Setting aside Tang Hu’s bare-handed capture of the Spirit Artifact mere moments before, even subduing Tang Hu earlier had required considerable effort. It was undeniably clear – Tang Hu and his companions were vastly more capable than they’d been three short months ago.
“Brother Shan, what do you think? Should we…?”
“Brother Shan!”
Tang Huaxi and Tang Xingchi also faintly sensed the change in atmosphere. Their expressions grew somewhat serious as they quietly inquired.
“No need. They’re just a bunch of small fry. No worries. I’ll see what tricks they can pull!”
Although he treated the others with a touch more seriousness, it didn’t mean Tang Shan feared them. He had his pride. In his eyes, Tang Jinbiao and the others were merely hens and dogs, utterly incapable of putting up a fight.
“Brother Hu!”
“Ah Hu!”
Tang Jinbiao and the others walked up to Tang Hu, gazing at him with near worship. Tang Hu puffed up a little under their admiring stares.
“Rest assured. I will protect you. If anyone dares to harm a single hair on your heads, I, Tang Hu, will wipe out their entire family! Heaven and earth, I’ll grind their bones to dust!”
Tang Hu nodded emphatically and said with certainty.
“Brother Hu, you’re so cool!”
“Brother Hu, I love you!”
“Brother Hu!”
Tang Jinbiao and the others had already developed a degree of blind adoration for Tang Hu.
…
“Hmph. Good-for-nothings stay good-for-nothings!”
Seeing that complacent look on Tang Hu’s face, a cold smirk tugged at Tang Shan’s lips.
“This?”
“Alright, alright, I know I was wrong!”
Tang Huaxi and Tang Xingchi also froze momentarily before they could only shake their heads helplessly.
…
“Hey, you lot. Are you done acting?”
After roughly the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Tang Huaxi finally couldn’t stand to watch anymore and called out.
“Huh—”
“This—”
“What’s the matter?”
Tang Huaxi’s words stunned the group. They looked at him blankly, uncomprehending. However, upon seeing Tang Huaxi and the others staring back with faintly mocking smiles, their expressions dramatically shifted.
“Run!”
“Quick, run!”
Tang Bi and Tang Xing reacted first, turning to flee. But as soon as they took a step, they were immediately hauled back by a large hand. Tang Bu, seemingly slower to react, still gazed at Tang Hu with adoration, apparently still not realizing the situation.
“Bastards!”
“Run your sister!”
Tang Bi and Tang Xing’s attempt to escape was swiftly thwarted as Tang Jinbiao and Tang Hu grabbed them back, cursing with darkened faces.
“Tang Jinbiao, I don’t want to waste words. Scram now. Leave Tang Yilin behind. For today, I’ll spare your life. If this were any other time… Hmph…”
Tang Shan started to speak, but seemed somewhat agitated. Mid-sentence, for some reason, an abnormal flush suddenly spread across his face, and he began to cough. However, he immediately forced down the discomfort and snapped harshly, “Scram, get the hell out of here, now!”
“Brother Shan, are you alright?”
“Brother Shan!”
Tang Huaxi and Tang Xingchi noticed Tang Shan’s discomfort. Their expressions shifted slightly, tinged with worry.
“Huh?”
Tang Shan’s actions naturally didn’t escape the notice of Tang Jinbiao and his group. They were momentarily stunned, but in a flash of insight, Tang Jinbiao immediately understood the situation.
“Oh, so that’s how it is! Tang Yilin suffered severe injuries – it must be related to Tang Shan. Tang Shan’s cultivation level was already inferior to Tang Yilin’s; even if he ambushed her, it couldn’t have been easy. Tang Shan must be injured too. He came down but didn’t make a move, relying solely on verbal intimidation. Looks like that’s the reason! Since that’s the case… heh, this just got a lot easier!”
Though Tang Jinbiao was a bit of a blockhead, he wasn’t stupid. In the blink of an eye, he had pieced together most of the situation.
“Ah Hu, what do you think? What are the odds?”
Tang Jinbiao glanced slightly at Tang Hu beside him and asked.
“Seven out of ten!”
Tang Hu nodded and replied.
“Huh? That low?”
Tang Jinbiao was clearly surprised. Tang Hu and Tang Shan were at the same cultivation level, and now Tang Shan was injured. Yet Tang Hu only gave himself seven-tenths odds? Tang Jinbiao found this puzzling.
However, Tang Hu wore a faint smile and quickly explained, “Three parts decreed by Heaven, seven parts earned by striving! As long as there’s no overwhelming force against me, I’m definitely capable of taking him down!”
“Haha, good, very good! Since that’s the case, hand Tang Shan over to you!”
Tang Jinbiao laughed heartily upon hearing this explanation. He then shifted his gaze to Tang Bi and the others, asking, “Ah Bi, Ah Xing, Ah Bu, what do you think? How about the four of us deal with those two, Tang Huaxi and his companion?”
“Huh?”
Tang Xing was momentarily stunned, looking confused.
“Brother Biao!”
Tang Bu looked at Tang Jinbiao with eyes full of eager anticipation.
“Brother Biao, I think we should just let it go. We can’t just bully people because we have more numbers, right? We’re decent folks! How can we gang up on them?”
Tang Bi wore an expression of reluctance, appearing hesitant to act.
“I…”
Tang Jinbiao wanted to curse his mother upon hearing Tang Bi’s words.
But at that moment, a wily smile suddenly spread across Tang Bi’s face. He chuckled sneakily, “Haha, Brother Biao, how could you do something like this without me? Next time remember to call me! Gaze upon my eyes… God-Slaying Gaze!”
“Kill!”
“Fight!”
You want a fight? Then let’s fight with abandon!
Tang Jinbiao and his group reached an unspoken agreement in an instant and charged towards Tang Shan’s crew.
“Tang Shan! Today, you and I fight to our heart’s content!”
Tang Hu’s feet moved. Like a bomb detonating, he bamph transformed into a black shadow, launching himself in an assault towards Tang Shan.
“Tang Huaxi! You old mutt, take this fist! Ah Bu, with me!”
Tang Jinbiao didn’t hold back either. He darted towards Tang Huaxi, calling out to Tang Bu as he did so.
“Brother Biao, I’m coming!”
Tang Bu shouted back “Brother Biao!” and also transformed into a black shadow, charging straight at Tang Huaxi.
“Tang Xingchi! Gaze at my eyes!”
Tang Bi saw the situation unfold and charged directly towards Tang Xingchi.
“Hahaha… Hahaha… HAH!”
Tang Xing let out three maniacal laughs and surged towards Tang Xingchi as well.
“Hmph, come if you dare!”
Seeing Tang Hu transform into a shadow streaking towards him, Tang Shan showed not a shred of panic. Instead, a faint hint of disdain touched his face. His feet barely touched the ground as he gracefully floated backwards. Simultaneously, his right hand snapped its fingers, and a fireball the size of a man’s head instantly materialized. With a casual flick of his hand, he sent it hurtling towards Tang Hu.
“Heheh, Brother Jinbiao!”
Tang Huaxi, seeing that Tang Jinbiao had chosen him as a target, smiled widely. His two red eyebrows seemed to brighten even more, forming pronounced arches of amusement on his forehead.
“Hmph, you brought this upon yourself!”
Suddenly, though, Tang Huaxi’s expression underwent a drastic change. With a single slap on his storage pouch, a series of light tinkling sounds followed as a spirit artifact shaped like a bronze bell emerged. Instantly imbued with spiritual energy, it swelled into a massive bell form and plummeted down to entrap Tang Jinbiao.
“Heehee, Brother Bi, Brother Xing!”
Tang Xingchi’s face still bore that unnatural flush. He looked supremely excited, but as his twisted grin widened, two sharp, pointed fangs suddenly appeared at the corners of his mouth…