In the manor's basement, the atmosphere was oppressive, like the calm before a storm, yet beneath this tranquility lay a raging wave that threatened to engulf everyone at any moment. The leader of the mysterious organization appeared, emanating a chilling aura, and every step he took carried a powerful sense of oppression, like a demon stepping out of the dark abyss.
Though exhausted, Shen Qingchen, Jiang Zhi, and the others held their breath, yet their gazes held no sign of retreat. They huddled together, forming a small defensive circle, warily watching the approaching enemy. Their wounds still stung, blood staining their clothes, but the pain was now forgotten. Survival instincts and their responsibility to each other overcame all fear.
The leader let out a deep laugh, and the laughter echoed in the empty basement, making people shudder. Then, he flashed and rushed towards everyone as fast as a ghost. His moves were fierce and brutal, and every blow was accompanied by a whistling sound, as if it could tear the air. Shen Qingchen was the first to bear the brunt of the attack. He supported his body and dodged the leader's straight punch to the side, but the wind from the punch still grazed his cheek, leaving a bloody mark. Seeing this, Jiang Zhi quickly attacked the leader's lower body from the side, trying to distract him. However, the leader seemed to have been prepared, and easily avoided her attack, and slapped Jiang Zhi with his backhand. Jiang Zhi had no time to dodge, and could only use his arm to block the palm. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his arm, as if the bones were about to break.
The enemy's attacks came like a tidal wave, leaving them no chance to breathe. Shen Qingchen, Jiang Zhi, and the others gradually lost strength, their wounds mounting. Each resistance became exceedingly difficult. But they supported each other, their eyes revealing a steadfast determination that would never yield to fate.
During a fierce battle, Jiang Zhi was accidentally hit in the abdomen by the enemy. She bent over in pain, her face as pale as paper. Seeing this, Shen Qingchen was extremely anxious. He rushed over desperately and blocked Jiang Zhi, taking the next series of attacks from the leader for her. His back was hit by the leader's fists and feet. Every time he was hit, he couldn't help but groan, but he gritted his teeth and refused to fall down. Jiang Zhi looked at Shen Qingchen who was injured for her, with mixed feelings in her heart. The resentment she once had was replaced by deep worry and touching at this moment. She knew that no matter what happened in the past, the man in front of her would always be the most important person in her heart.
As the situation grew increasingly critical, the mysterious organization's leader seemed to lose his patience. He unleashed a powerful, fatal blow. The blow was so powerful and swift that the others barely had time to react. But at this critical moment, Jiang Zhi, with an uncanny power, suddenly raised her head, her eyes revealing an unprecedented determination. With all her might, she hurled her weapon at the leader, attempting to block his attack. At the same time, she dodged to the side, shielding her injured companion behind her with her own body.
This throw exhausted all of Jiang Zhi's strength, and her body fell backwards involuntarily. Shen Qingchen was quick-witted and hugged her. At this time, Jiang Zhi's face was pale, her breath was weak, and there was a trace of blood at the corner of her mouth. Shen Qingchen hugged her tightly, his eyes full of anxiety and self-blame. "Jiang Zhi, how are you? You must hold on!" His voice trembled, with endless regret and heartache.
Jiang Zhi opened her eyes slightly, looking at Shen Qingchen's anxious face, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "I'm fine... Don't worry..." Her voice was so weak that it was almost inaudible, but it flowed like a warm current through Shen Qingchen's heart. In this life-or-death moment, the feelings between them seemed to transcend everything. The misunderstandings and hurts of the past no longer mattered. Only each other's presence was the most real support.
However, the danger wasn't over. Though the mysterious organization's leader was temporarily stopped by Jiang Zhi's attack, he quickly recovered and approached them again. Shen Qingchen, a rage burning within him, set Jiang Zhi aside and stood up, his eyes revealing an unprecedented resolve. He knew he couldn't fall. He had to protect Jiang Zhi and all his companions, even at the cost of his own life.
Shen Qingchen took a deep breath, summoning the last ounce of strength within him. He recalled every moment since he met Jiang Zhi. Those beautiful memories, like brilliant stars, illuminated the dark corners deep within his heart. He remembered Jiang Zhi's smile, the happy times they had shared together. These memories became his strongest support at this moment. He gripped his weapon tightly, shouted loudly, and rushed towards the leader. This time, he held nothing back, each move brimming with the courage and determination of a desperate struggle.
The leader seemed intimidated by Shen Qingchen's aura, but he didn't retreat. Instead, he met Shen Qingchen's attack with all his might. The two figures moved swiftly in the basement, fists and feet clashing with dull sounds. Shen Qingchen, relying on his inner conviction and tenacious will, fought the leader to a draw. However, his wounds continued to bleed, and his physical strength was rapidly declining. He knew that he could not hold on for much longer.
Just as Shen Qingchen felt despair, a turning point appeared. After Lin Xiao and the others had dealt with the enemies outside, they quickly rushed to support them. Seeing Shen Qingchen, Jiang Zhi, and the others trapped in the basement, they were instantly filled with anger. Lin Xiao shouted, "Everyone, attack together! We must not let them succeed!" They rushed towards the enemy like tigers, fighting alongside Shen Qingchen.
Lin Xiao's arrival instantly turned the tide. His exceptional martial arts skills and sharp, coordinated attacks with Shen Qingchen briefly overwhelmed the leader. The others also brought their respective strengths to bear, some assisting in the attack while others protected their injured companions. With their combined efforts, the mysterious organization's leader gradually revealed flaws.
Shen Qingchen keenly grasped this opportunity. Using his last bit of strength, he leaped high, his weapon piercing the leader's vitals with a sharp whistling sound. The leader tried to dodge, but it was too late. Shen Qingchen's weapon pierced him accurately, and the leader's eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe he was defeated. His body slowly fell, his eyes revealing unwillingness and despair.
With the fall of their leader, the other members of the mysterious organization were suddenly leaderless and began to flee in all directions. Shen Qingchen and others watched the enemy fleeing, but they did not relax in their hearts. They knew that although they had won the battle, they had also paid a heavy price. Jiang Zhi was still lying on the ground, his life or death uncertain, and his companions were also injured to varying degrees. Shen Qingchen dragged his exhausted body to Jiang Zhi and hugged her in his arms again. "Jiang Zhi, you must hold on, we won..." There was a hint of sob in his voice, and tears welled up in his eyes.
At this moment, the basement was filled with a strong smell of blood and gunpowder. But in this dark corner, Shen Qingchen hugged Jiang Zhi tightly, as if hugging the whole world. Their story is still going on. The road ahead is still long, but they have taken the most important step towards a bright future...
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