Chapter 148

Chapter 148: Trying to Pick Up a Bargain

These three figures stepping forward belonged to the same generation within the Han family and were usually on good terms with Han Tie Feng. Hearing Lou Yun taunt Han Tie Feng, they couldn’t tolerate it, so they stepped out together, seeking to avenge him.

Lou Yun’s situation was extremely precarious. However, having already cast aside any concern for life or death, he felt no fear seeing the three approach. His entire being remained coiled like a spring, ready for battle.

Just then, Han Tie Feng, who had been lying motionless on the ground, suddenly stirred as if coming back to life. His eyes rolled twice, vitality returning to his face. Then, with a roll, he rose to his feet.

His unexpected revival brought both shock and delight to the Han family members. The three who had stepped forward planted their feet and instantly reached Han Tie Feng’s side, urgently asking, "Brother, are you alright?"

Han Tie Feng gave a slight nod, but his gaze fixed on Lou Yun. After staring deeply for a long moment, he suddenly raised his sole remaining left hand, giving a thumbs-up towards Lou Yun. "Lou Yun, I admit I lost this time. You are stronger than me. But I won’t accept defeat forever. I’ll remember this debt. Someday, I will challenge you again!"

Hearing this, Lou Yun knew his provocation had worked. Han Tie Feng understood his intention and had regained his fighting spirit. Thus, he smiled faintly. "Good. As long as I live, I’ll be ready for your challenge anytime!"

A shadow of gloom flickered across Han Tie Feng’s face. Honestly, after the brutal, straightforward battle with Lou Yun moments ago, he had developed a sense of mutual respect. He even wished he could befriend Lou Yun, sparring and competing with him casually. But he knew this was impossible. As a member of the Han family, he had to obey the ancestral edict: kill every person bearing the surname Lou in the world.

Moreover, the Elder had mobilized so many Han family members today, clearly having made thorough preparations. They absolutely would not let Lou Yun go. Lou Yun’s current state was also wretched; his right hand was useless, leaving only his left. Surrounded by the hostile Han family, escape was equally impossible.

In other words, Lou Yun wouldn’t have a chance to wait for Han Tie Feng’s future challenge! A wave of sorrow rose from the depths of Han Tie Feng’s heart.

But as a member of the Han family, he couldn’t possibly aid Lou Yun under such circumstances. After a moment of silence, Han Tie Feng suddenly opened his mouth and shaped silent words toward Lou Yun. Then he turned around and said to the three juniors who had stepped forward to aid him: "Go back. You are no match for him."

Though somewhat resentful, the three dared not disobey Han Tie Feng, so they reluctantly followed behind him as he departed.

As the four turned and left, the smile vanished from Lou Yun’s face, replaced once more by an icy expression. Yet, deep inside, he felt a flicker of pride and warmth. For Han Tie Feng’s silent words were: "Keep it up, don’t die!"

To earn respect even from an enemy – that was the mark of true success in how one lived!

Though Han Tie Feng had lost an arm, his steps remained steady and powerful, like a striding dragon or tiger. Striding boldly up to the Elder, he gave a slight bow, placing his left fist against his chest in salute. "Reporting to the Elder. Han Tie Feng failed his task. I am willing to accept any punishment!"

The Han family Elder himself was fond of Han Tie Feng. Besides, the man had already lost an arm. There was no reason to punish him. The blame lay entirely with Lou Yun, whose strike had been too ruthless, and whose startling power had allowed him to defeat Han Tie Feng head-on.

The Elder spoke lightly, "It’s nothing. You’ve worked hard. Back off to the side and tend to your wounds first."

Han Tie Feng assented and returned to his original position. A Han family member immediately stepped forward to tend to the wound on his severed arm.

Though little treatment was needed. Han Tie Feng’s right arm had been burned off by the Fusang Fire, leaving the stump clean, not a single drop of blood spilled.

At that moment, Han Rui swiftly approached the Elder, bowing respectfully. "Elder, I request permission to take the field!"

The Elder pondered briefly, then nodded. "Fine. Go. Remember my earlier words: swift resolution. Do not kill him!"

"Yes!" Han Rui answered and immediately turned, walking towards Lou Yun. An unconcealable look of satisfaction played on his face. He had made perfect calculations in his heart.

When the Elder had first asked earlier, he hadn’t volunteered. Then, he hadn’t known Lou Yun’s exact strength. For someone like him, he only took fights he was certain to win.

But now, Lou Yun was essentially down to one arm – his strength dramatically reduced. Han Rui would easily handle him. So, he, Han Rui, would defeat someone Han Tie Feng couldn’t! Though somewhat dishonorable, the fact of victory wouldn’t change. Upon returning, he would become a celebrated figure within the Han family, and perhaps even earn rewards from the clan head!

Considering all this, Han Rui had chosen this exact moment to volunteer to deal with Lou Yun.

Watching Han Rui step forward to oppose Lou Yun, a dark expression clouded Han Tie Feng’s face. As someone who often opposed Han Rui, he knew Han Rui’s strength best. And Han Rui’s true power was no less than his own!

Facing Lou Yun at his peak, Han Rui might not have gained any advantage. But against Lou Yun in this state? Unless a miracle occurred, Lou Yun stood absolutely no chance against Han Rui. Han Tie Feng, who wanted Lou Yun to live, couldn’t help but feel anxious for him. Though the final outcome of Lou Yun’s defeat today was inevitable. Han Tie Feng sighed inwardly and could only reluctantly suppress his sympathy.

From Han Rui and Han Tie Feng’s earlier exchange, Lou Yun already had a grasp of Han Rui’s character. Such a person, just like Qin Wufeng, drew nothing but contempt from the depths of Lou Yun’s heart. Seeing him volunteer to fight, Lou Yun instantly guessed his true motive. A cold smile curled upon his lips.

Think I’m easy to bully with one hand crippled, huh? If you’re trying to pick up a bargain, let me tell you, you’re sorely mistaken!

Han Rui stopped two meters from Lou Yun, looking him over. "Surnamed Lou, I’m not like that brute Han Tie Feng, relying solely on brute force to fight you. So, if you’re clever, I suggest you surrender. Let me cripple your magical weapon. Save yourself greater suffering in a true fight. I warn you, I won’t show any mercy!"

Lou Yun gave a sneer but didn’t speak. His free left hand suddenly gathered a ball of spiritual energy, swiftly coalescing into the Dream Emperor Sword!

Seeing this, Han Rui’s eyes bulged wide. Apart from the Elder, the other Han family members were also visibly shocked, their eyes fixed in disbelief.

This was because this was the Han family’s specialized method – shaping a magical weapon externally using spiritual energy!

Only the Elder knew: Han Tianxiao had taught this to Lou Yun!

By doing this now, Lou Yun was deliberately provoking the Han family. Letting them see he too knew their method for forging such an auxiliary magical weapon, hoping to intimidate them psychologically!

Seizing the moment as Han Rui recoiled in utter shock, Lou Yun transformed into a streak of lightning, closing the distance instantly. His left hand, wielding the Dream Emperor Sword, shot forward with a sharp whistling sound, thrusting boldly straight toward Han Rui’s chest.

Swoosh!

A silvery-white armor instantly materialized over Han Rui’s body, attempting to block Lou Yun’s sword thrust. But Lou Yun retracted the sword’s momentum just as swiftly, switching his method of attack. This time, his target was Han Rui’s head, uncovered by the armor.

Clang!

A violent clash of metal rang out. Lou Yun felt a shockwave run up his arm, his entire body flying backward without control. Astonishingly, a helmet also materialized over Han Rui’s head! This was somewhat beyond Lou Yun’s expectation. Though his strike connected, it couldn’t pierce the helmet. Instead, the recoil sent him reeling.

Gritting his teeth, Lou Yun used a powerful spin from his waist, his right leg sweeping toward Han Rui like a windmill of blades.

"Seeking death!"

Fury flared across Han Rui’s face. Lou Yun had exploited his moment of surprise to launch a sneak attack, pressing him fiercely. For someone obsessed with face, who had intended to grab glory, this was intolerable. His anger became genuine.

Seeing Lou Yun resort to physical attacks after his magical weapon assault failed, Han Rui decided to teach him a lesson.

As the cry left his lips, a golden, palm-sized book appeared in his right hand. This was the Han family’s unique magical weapon form: a book!

The magical weapon book was initially closed, but it suddenly flew open automatically. Its pages flipped without any wind. Then, one page detached from the book with a sharp hiss!, flying straight at Lou Yun’s right leg like a stroke of lightning.

Even before the gleaming page flew close, Lou Yun felt its razor-sharp aura. He knew this seemingly fragile page must be as keen as a sword’s edge. But with a life-or-death struggle imminent, he had to gauge his opponent’s martial prowess. Besides, Han Rui and Han Tie Feng represented entirely different cultivation paths. What Han Rui excelled in was likely weapon techniques attacks!

Thinking this, Lou Yun clenched his jaw, refusing to alter the sweep of his right leg. Willing to risk crippling another limb, he welcomed the incoming book page.