Chapter 59: Crack
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation
The archery secret manual Chen Fei had obtained in Apricot Fen City not only provided him with additional skills but also brought about a notable change. Chen Fei could now freely shoot arrows while seamlessly integrating his movement technique. The two skills complemented each other without hindrance, ensuring that the accuracy of his shots remained unaffected.
Therefore, despite He Yuanqiu’s pursuit, it did not impede Chen Fei from relentlessly eliminating the Shallow Water Gang members below. Gradually, some of the members began to collapse under the torment of awaiting their inevitable demise. A few dared to leap out, attempting to rush toward Chen Fei, but all they received in return were swift arrows.
Chen Fei’s arrows proved to be lethal, especially to the majority of the Shallow Water Gang members who were merely in the Body Tempering stage. Even those in the Bone Tempering realm could not escape Chen Fei’s arrows, succumbing to them and falling lifeless to the ground.
“Help! Gang Leader, could this person be here to save that old guy?” a whispered voice beside Xu Zaichuan caught his attention.
“In that case, go and hold that old man hostage, using him as leverage to threaten the intruder,” Xu Zaichuan said, casting a glance at his subordinate. However, the subordinate shrank back, afraid to speak further.
Whether Chen Fei was there to rescue someone or not was inconsequential. The Shallow Water Gang members knew they could not expose themselves, for doing so would invite a shower of arrows. Even if they remained hidden, the limited cover they had was insufficient protection, as arrows still managed to find their targets.
It had been years since Xu Zaichuan had witnessed such exceptional archery skills. In the past, there was a renowned archer named She Bancheng in Apricot Fen City, and it appeared that Chen Fei was on par with him. However, She Bancheng had eventually departed from Apricot Fen City to seek further advancements in archery. Xu Zaichuan did not order his men to charge out and capture Chi Defeng. It would be a futile endeavor, courting certain death. Xu Zaichuan surveyed his surroundings and noticed an iron hook with an iron chain nearby. It was a lute hook, typically employed for cruel purposes.
…..
Xu Zaichuan’s expression shifted slightly as he seized the pipa hook and hurled it toward Chi Defeng. Regardless of whether Chen Fei was present to rescue someone, Xu Zaichuan saw an opportunity and was willing to take a chance.
Observing his surroundings keenly, Chen Fei spotted the lute hook. In an instant, he adjusted his bow and swiftly shot an arrow that knocked the hook to the ground. Simultaneously, he unleashed another arrow in Xu Zaichuan’s direction, causing earth and debris to scatter. Xu Zaichuan gazed down at the quivering arrows at his feet, his face paling. Thankfully, the cover had been sufficient, and Chen Fei’s blind shot had misjudged their position. Otherwise, the arrow would have already pierced through Xu Zaichuan’s head.
Chen Fei’s figure blurred, and in a flash, he appeared before Chi Defeng. His gaze darkened as he surveyed the injuries covering Chi Defeng’s body. If he had arrived any later, Chi Defeng would have been saved but left permanently crippled.
“Quick, leave!” Chen Fei urged Chi Defeng, his expression resolute. Although touched by Chi Defeng’s gratitude, he recognized that venturing here alone was both dangerous and reckless.
At the sight of Chen Fei suddenly appearing before him, Xu Zaichuan experienced a momentary daze, which quickly transformed into jubilation.
From a distance, Xu Zaichuan had been powerless against Chen Fei. Charging forward blindly would lead to his demise. But now, the distance between them was a mere few meters. All Xu Zaichuan needed to do was intercept Chen Fei’s arrow to close the gap.
He intended to stall momentarily until He Yuanqiu arrived. If Chen Fei dared to flee, Xu Zaichuan would act as if he was about to execute Chi Defeng on the ground, disrupting Chen Fei’s judgment.
“Simply foolish!” Xu Zaichuan laughed maniacally inwardly, believing that he had effortlessly coerced Chen Fei into revealing his true motive. He perceived Chen Fei as an imbecile. As these thoughts raced through his mind, Xu Zaichuan observed Chen Fei drawing his bow and swiftly grew alert. However, he realized that Chen Fei’s first arrow was aimed at He Yuanqiu, completely disregarding Xu Zaichuan.
“You are courting death!” Incensed by being ignored, Xu Zaichuan’s eyes gleamed with a cold light. He swiftly advanced, arriving before Chen Fei as he swung a large knife toward Chen Fei’s neck.
Chen Fei’s expression remained unchanged as he promptly activated the Clear Heart Formula. Suddenly, everything around him seemed to freeze. Chen Fei’s eyes darted rapidly, assimilating all the information flooding his mind.
He Yuanqiu used his hands to block the arrow, but the force caused his body to halt momentarily, disrupting his charging momentum. In various corners of the hall, five or six individuals lay hidden, their rapid breaths betraying their fear. Despite their best efforts to suppress their breathing, Chen Fei still managed to discern their precise locations.
Xu Zaichuan’s countenance twisted with ferocity, his bloodshot eyes filled with excitement. The veins in his right hand, clutching the knife, twitched due to the intensity of his grip. The Shallow Water Gang members behind Xu Zaichuan wavered, torn between advancing to capture Chen Fei or their own trepidation.
In the next moment, the world resumed its course, and Chen Fei’s expression returned to its calm state. He released the bow and arrow with his left hand while his right hand brandished a long sword. The Fire Vein Sword erupted as it met Xu Zaichuan’s blade.
“Ding!” The clash produced a sharp resonance. Chen Fei had merely used the tip of his sword, yet Xu Zaichuan found himself unable to maintain his grip. It seemed as though he had lost control of his strength. Continuing the attack would undoubtedly result in a broken wrist. However, Xu Zaichuan had cultivated the saber for over a decade. While he may not have been an expert, misusing his strength in such a manner was impossible. Yet, it occurred at this very moment.
“Ha!”
Xu Zaichuan was ruthless and knew the situation was dire. He risked the possibility of crippling his wrist and exerted all his might to hold onto the knife, continuing his slash toward Chen Fei. Nonetheless, it was only accomplished with great effort. The previously smooth saber technique momentarily faltered due to the strain.
Before the blade could touch Chen Fei’s body, Xu Zaichuan witnessed a flash of white light before him—a long sword thrusting toward his throat from an unimaginable angle.
Xu Zaichuan’s widened eyes betrayed his shock as he instinctively attempted to retreat. Yet, his body had already expended all its strength in swinging the knife forward. In this moment, the clash of the opposing forces left his entire body immobilized. Powerless, he could only watch as the blade pierced through his neck.
“Tsk!”
Chen Fei retracted his sword, leaving a small fissure in Xu Zaichuan’s throat. Instinctively, Xu Zaichuan used his muscles to staunch the wound from which blood trickling out. Xu Zaichuan gazed at Chen Fei, his expression one of disbelief and fear.
“Zaichuan!” He Yuanqiu’s gaze was fixed on Xu Zaichuan’s wounded throat, shocked at the sight before him. If something were to happen to Xu Zaichuan, his own fate would likely be equally grim. However, He Yuanqiu’s worry dissipated in the next moment..