Chapter 296 Why are you doing this? (Seeking monthly votes)

"Where do you get the confidence to kill me?"

"...Where does this confidence come from?"

Chen Yi's voice echoed in the empty space.

He stood atop the pale, gleaming dragon's head, ignoring the still stunned and incredulous Du Cang, and looked at Xiao Wan'er with a slight smile.

He said gently with a smile, "Elder sister, I've come to take you back to the mansion."

Xiao Wan'er stared at him blankly, "You..."

Before she could finish speaking, Chen Yi reached out and cut the ropes binding her, pulling her to his side.

"You don't need to say anything, you don't need to ask anything. I will tell you everything after this."

Xiao Wan'er felt the warmth from his hand, met his slightly smiling eyes, and gently hummed in agreement.

"I'll wait."

Chen Yi smiled and nodded, then waved his hand, as if bidding farewell to the vast chessboard behind him.

The white dragon roared again.

Then, beams of silvery-white light burst forth from the dragon's body, shooting out in all directions.

With a series of crisp cracking sounds, this little world fell apart.

Upon closer inspection, the group once again witnessed the dilapidated state of the Buddhist temple.

At this moment, however, Chen Yi had already replaced Du Cang and stood beside Xiao Wan'er.

Du Cang, on the other hand, had his back to them, his scarlet eyes staring blankly ahead, still somewhat incredulous.

The doll in her hand, made of blood and bone, had somehow broken in two and fell to the ground with a clatter.

Before him, Uncle Gui and the swordsman stood in their previous positions, their eyes vacant as they stared at Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er.

Outside the Buddhist hall, the night rain was drizzling and the mountain wind was howling.

Several thunderclaps boomed, and lightning streaked across the sky.

The reflection made Du Cang's gaunt, wrinkled face appear even more ferocious and terrifying.

A moment of silence.

Du Cang slowly turned around, his scarlet eyes seemingly dripping blood, staring intently at Chen Yi.

"The Way of Chess, perfection, the realm of artistic conception, no wonder you were able to break through my precious Illusionary Bone."

He said in a cunning and strange tone, "The Way of Chess, the Way of Calligraphy, the Way of the Spear—all three are perfected!"

"I never thought I'd run into someone like this..."

"Good, very good!"

Du Cang paused, then grinned, revealing two rows of black teeth. "It's been a long time since I've felt this strong urge to kill someone!"

A surge of murderous intent poured out, filling the entire Buddhist hall.

The walls, long neglected, were cracked, tiles were broken, and beams were snapped.

Raindrops dripped down the leak.

Seeing this, Chen Yi turned around and stood in front of Xiao Wan'er, and said softly, "Squat down, close your eyes, and cover your ears."

"Soon, I will take you back to the manor."

Xiao Wan'er did as he was told, even tucking her head inside the cloak and squatting motionless behind him.

Chen Yi glanced at her, placed the bag hanging from his waist beside her, and then faced Du Cang directly.

His murderous intent was no less than Du Cang's.

It wasn't just about Xiao Wan'er being kidnapped, but also because Du Cang discovered many of his secrets.

If Du Cang were allowed to leave alive, there would be endless troubles to come.

Chen Yi saw the images of Du Cang, Uncle Gui, and the young guard in his eyes, and held his spear horizontally.

"Come!"

The Four Symbols Technique erupted at full power, and true essence instantly filled his entire body, billowing his brocade robes.

The black-handled spear, under the influx of spiritual energy from heaven and earth, gradually turned golden.

Even the tip of the spear gleamed with a sharp golden light.

His power was even comparable to that of Du Cang.

Du Cang grinned maliciously, his protective aura suddenly condensing around him, and he roared:

"Your cultivation level is two major realms lower than mine. Even without using any black magic, I can still kill you!"

Whoosh!

Whoosh!

Whoosh!

The three piercing sounds were like the hissing of snakes, sharp and shrill.

Du Cang took the lead, gripping two foot-long short knives in each hand, and crouched down to stand in front of Chen Yi.

His body spun, leaving two streaks of light in his wake.

The noble uncle and the young guards behind them bypassed him and Chen Yi and went straight for Xiao Wan'er behind them.

Their attack was a feint, a diversionary tactic.

Ruthless, decisive, and leaving no room for compromise.

Chen Yi kept his eyes peeled to his surroundings, his body unmoving, and flicked his hand to unleash his spear.

It shimmered with golden light.

Three golden lotuses suddenly appeared, blocking Du Cang and his puppet in one after the other.

The two blades were incorporated into the attack, forcing Uncle Gui and the young guards to retreat three steps.

Relying on his protective inner energy, Du Cang advanced instead of retreating, trying his best to dodge the spear shadows while his hands became afterimages.

The mastery of the sword technique stirred the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and hundreds of sword lights instantly enveloped Chen Yi.

"In a life-or-death battle, can you protect her?"

His intentions were extremely malicious. Even though he was certain that his cultivation level was far superior to Chen Yi's, he still chose the safest approach.

—Determined that Chen Yi would protect Xiao Wan'er, she dared not dodge and could not dodge, her swords aimed directly at Chen Yi, and also at Xiao Wan'er.

Chen Yi was well aware of this, but he remained calm in response.

He gripped the spear with both hands, spinning it to create a circle of golden light, blocking all the sword intent.

Then he turned the spear around and thrust it at Du Cang.

The divine power of heaven and earth erupts—Dragon Falling Spear: Earth Shattering!

The ground of the Buddhist hall rumbled and groaned as the spear tip advanced, creating a ravine full of brick and stone fragments that stretched straight toward Du Cang.

Du Cang's eyelids twitched. Despite his reluctance, he had no choice but to dodge the powerful shot.

However, the gunfire did not diminish.

In the blink of an eye, it pierced through the chest of Uncle Gui behind Du Cang, and with the burst of spear intent, it tore his body to shreds.

Blood and flesh were scattered in pieces.

The spear light slashed out for a hundred feet before dissipating, leaving behind only a ravine several feet deep.

Having landed a successful blow, Chen Yi glanced sideways at Du Cang and said, "I can protect her, but can you protect those two puppets?"

Du Cang glanced back and immediately flew into a rage, "Let's see how long you can protect me?!"

This time, he didn't charge forward recklessly. He tossed the dagger in his hand to the young guard, then took out several palm-sized wooden figures from his pocket and threw them out.

Just like Lü Jiunan before, the wooden statues swelled up wildly as soon as they hit the ground.

Its twisted body spun around a few times, and its form transformed into that of a tall and strong adult barbarian.

One by one, with bloodshot eyes and holding wooden knives, spears, clubs, axes, and other weapons, they were scattered around, surrounding Chen Yi and Xiao Wan'er.

Only then did Du Cang attack again.

Also joining the attack were the wooden figures and young guards surrounding them.

However, only Du Cang and the young guards were targeting Chen Yi; the wooden figures, under his control, continued to move towards Xiao Wan'er.

Chen Yi's expression turned slightly cold. He no longer remained in place. He used his fully mastered martial arts technique, Step, to enhance himself and unleash the Dragon and Phoenix Playing Step.

His speed increased several times.

It disappeared from Du Cang's sight almost without leaving a trace.

"You... have mastered the art of walking?!"

However, all that answered him was the deafening roar of the wooden figures being shattered, and the dull thud of the young guard being sent flying through the head and crashing into the wall.

In the blink of an eye.

The previously crowded Buddhist hall was now only occupied by Du Cang, Chen Yi, and Xiao Wan'er.

Chen Yi seemed to have never moved, returning to his position between Du Cang and Xiao Wan'er, his spear trailing at his side. He looked directly at Du Cang and calmly said:

I can protect her for the rest of my life!

Xiao Wan'er shuddered and curled up even smaller, with only a few strands of hair sticking out of her cloak.

She did obediently cover her ears and close her eyes.

But as the constant roaring echoed around her, she became so worried about Chen Yi's safety that she couldn't help but let go of his hand and open her eyes.

By the dim light and the occasional flashes of lightning, I could see the back of the figure standing in front of her.

Naturally, I also heard what he said.

"I can protect her!"

I can protect her for the rest of my life!

At this moment, Xiao Wan'er had already forgotten what Du Cang had told her, and her chaotic thoughts had surprisingly calmed down.

Yes.

A brother-in-law is a brother-in-law. Whether it's Chen Yi or Liu Wu, they are people she has spent time with these days.

Even if it was Grandpa's arrangement, so what?

At least he didn't hide his identity to persecute the Xiao family, nor to take possession of his second sister... and her.

That's enough!

Chen Yi was unaware of these things; his attention was entirely focused on Du Cang.

He was, after all, a martial artist at the upper third rank.

Even without the secret sorcery that made Du Cang famous, his mastery of the sword and his cultivation level alone far surpassed Yan Fusha's back then.

Moreover, he must have other hidden methods.

In contrast, Du Cang's face was frighteningly gloomy at this moment. Although he was not as ferocious as before, the icy aura emanating from him was even stronger.

The illusionary bone was broken.

The puppet was broken.

The wooden figure was broken.

Even his swordsmanship couldn't gain the slightest advantage.

This was the first time in his life he had encountered such a thing—a martial artist of the middle third rank had managed to make him return empty-handed time and time again.

Du Cang's expression shifted for a moment, then he raised his hand to retrieve the short knife from the young guard's hand, his scarlet eyes staring at Chen Yi with a deathly stillness.

In addition to mastering the three arts of chess, calligraphy, and spear, he also cultivated his footwork to a high level.

A peerless genius, rarely seen throughout history.

That's why Du Cang couldn't let this opportunity slip by—he knew all too well the power of such a prodigy once he grew up.

Just like Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wanqing back then.

If it weren't for the intervention of the barbarian Grandmaster Venkla, the two of them would now be at least on par with King Lando.

It's only a five-year difference.

But what about Chen Yi in front of me? Five years?

Du Cang felt that if he were given two years, he would be able to wreak havoc on the Tea Horse Road and sweep away many bandits.

If another year were added, King Lando might also...

Thinking of this, Du Cang gripped his two short swords tightly. "Your strength has indeed exceeded my expectations, but..."

"Even if it costs me my life, I will kill you today to prevent future troubles!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he threw out several more wooden figures, which charged towards Chen Yi.

As he unleashed his full power, the qi formed from his true essence pressed down within the Buddhist hall, where it was stirred and swirled by the short swords in his hands.

Like a whirlpool in the deep sea, it drew everything around him towards him.

Even Xiao Wan'er, who was squatting behind Chen Yi, was caught off guard and pulled forward and fell to the ground.

Chen Yi frowned slightly, reached out and wrapped his arms around Xiao Wan'er, stomped his feet, and retreated abruptly.

But Du Cang took advantage of his poor marksmanship and wielded his short sword in a blur.

The blades flashed like flowers, each one aimed at Xiao Wan'er, whom Chen Yi was holding.

Chen Yi fought and retreated, using his gun in one hand to parry, thrust, and block, blocking all attacks with a series of clanging sounds.

Du Cang was not worried but rather pleased, and continued his pursuit with a cold smile.

At the same time, the wooden figures behind him took the opportunity to block Chen Yi's path, and swords, spears, and clubs rained down.

Chen Yi dodged like a ghost, weaving and shifting among the wooden figures, his spear knocking them down one by one.

For a time, the two sides were locked in a fierce battle.

They held nothing back in their every move, and the remaining force swept the already dilapidated Puyin Temple into ruins.

All that remained were broken bricks, tiles, and bits of vegetation, which were swept to the ground by the rain as they swirled in the air.

Feeling the large hand around her waist, Xiao Wan'er felt increasingly at ease.

Although her seemingly boneless body was being propelled up and down, causing her heart to pound, she felt a sense of calm.

A pair of eyes stared intently at Chen Yi's profile.

His appearance had indeed changed, and his demeanor was no longer that of a scholar, but his determined eyes held a hint of familiarity.

Just like back in Fengchun Tower, when Chen Yi led her to confront Liu Wen head-on.

"Brother-in-law, be careful."

The whispers were almost inaudible, but Chen Yi heard them.

Taking advantage of the brief moment when he smashed a wooden figure, he grunted, his voice still calm, as if to say, "Don't worry, watch me kill him."

Upon hearing this, Du Cang, who was nearby, no longer had eyes that were as still as stagnant water.

"Since that's the case, I'll grant your wish!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his eyes suddenly glowed red, and his entire body vanished in a bizarre manner.

Before Chen Yi could react, he had just passed through the shattered wooden figure and transformed into Du Cang.

—That "jackal" lived up to its name, gripping the spear tightly despite the wound to its chest.

Furthermore, Du Cang unleashed several slashes at Chen Yi's hands, forcing him to release his spear and dodge.

Du Cang laughed when he saw this, "Liu Wu!"

"Without this spear, how much of your fighting strength would you still have!?"

Chen Yi looked at the spear that had pierced his chest with a strange expression, and opened his mouth as if to speak:

"Why...do you do this?"

But Xiao Wan'er, who was beside her, became nervous and gripped his clothes tightly with both hands.

"Why don't you run away?"

Before Chen Yi could speak, Du Cang abruptly pulled out his spear and planted it beside him. He tapped his chest a few times to stop the bleeding and grinned maliciously.

"escape?"

"I told you, I will kill you all today, even if it costs me my life!"

As he spoke, he charged forward fiercely once again, completely unlike the cunning and shrewd persona of the rumors. He charged headlong into battle like a general leading his troops into battle.

In contrast, Chen Yi hugged Xiao Wan'er tightly and patted her as if to comfort her, his smile becoming increasingly strange.

"Yes, without the spear, my spear technique really can't unleash its full power."

"But what you don't know is that when I first started learning martial arts, the first technique I practiced was fist fighting."

"So what? Your fists can still... can... can..."

Du Cang rushed to his side and suddenly felt a heavy, mountain-like aura pressing down on him, making it difficult for him to finish his sentence.

However, compared to this, his heart was even more shaken, and an uncontrollable fear filled his body.

"You, your fist... big, big... body, round, perfect?"

Chen Yi's smile grew even brighter as he faced the figure so close at hand and threw a punch that seemed slow but was actually swift.

"Yes, my fist technique is in no way inferior to my spear technique!"

Mountain Collapse Fist - Tremor!

The Heavenly Rank Mountain Collapse Fist, enhanced by the Martial Arts Body, slammed into Du Cang's face.

The terrifying force, imbued with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, further amplified the Mountain-Crushing Strength, shattering Du Cang's protective true energy inch by inch.

After penetrating him, it slammed into his head.

Bang!

Drops of white fluid mixed with blood swirled and flew in all directions.

A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky.

The light illuminated Chen Yi's figure as he threw a punch, and also the emaciated corpse that slowly collapsed.

Amidst the booming thunder and torrential rain, a faint chuckle could be heard:

"Of course, my physical body is not weak either..."

(End of this chapter)