Chapter 372: Fighting!

Chapter 372: Fighting!

Hui flew at top speed into the wilderness. Away from the city. Away from Li Xiang. I want to be as far as possible, so he doesnt even think to connect me to the city or anyone inside it!

And, if I can get far enough, maybe I can

He gazed at the distant horizon and sped up, passing some of his qi to Gu Tian so Ying Lin could keep up.

If Han Qin doesnt come then then, I guess Ill just head back home? If he doesnt show up, then Ill know he cant infinitely create clones, or rather, Ill be sure that hes either run out of clones or close enough to running out that he doesnt want to attack me in any and every situation, without a guarantee that he can kill me for sure.

Mmm, if he doesnt come, maybe Ill double back and help Li Xiang. If nothing else, theres likely third-stage cultivators for Ying Lin to gain battle prowess from. Although her cultivation speed is incredible, she has almost no battle experience. If she faces a normal third stage right now, Im worried that she might be overwhelmed by their strength.

Though on the other hand, I guess it worked out for Master

Quickly, the other cultivators fleeing the city thinned out, each individual or group arcing off toward wherever safety existed for them. Some carried children or their own personal treasures, while some simply fled for their lives, whether on foot, shuttle, or sword. Once they reached a certain distance, a few turned back and watched the city, arms crossed. Hui snorted under his breath. Waiting to see who comes out on top, then swoop in and snatch your share of the loot? Not a bad idea.

Master, do you have a plan? You never let me stay before, Ying Lin said.

I have an idea. I wouldnt call it a plan, yet, Hui replied. He patted the beating stick on his hip thoughtfully. The bell let out a quiet chime. Before it could reach Ying Lin, Hui waved his hand, dispelling it. Not yet.

Ying Lin nodded. Ill wait and see, then!

Although, that is an issue. How will I keep Ying Lin from Hui shook his head at himself. The sound-deadening technique! If I reverse it, turn it inwards In Huis current state, overburdened by mental energy, altering the spell barely took a moments thought. He grew a few leaves and scribbled the sound-deadening talisman on them, then handed them to Ying Lin. I might have to use a technique that could damage you as well, Ying Lin. If thats the case please use these on yourself. Theyll act as defensive talismans.

Ying Lin nodded. Understood!

And these as well, Hui said, handing over a stack of barrier talismans. He paused a moment, thinking, then handed her a few ice talismans. These will attack, if you get backed into a corner. And

Ying Lin put her hands up. Master, any more and Ill lose track of which are which!

Hui nodded. He took a deep breath. And of course, if you cant get to me for me to send you to safety, flee. Leave me behind. Ill find you, whether with this clone or another.

Of course. But Master will beat him, Ying Lin replied, confident.

Ah, that I wouldnt be too certain, Hui said. Confidence is the true mind-killer. As soon as one becomes confident, the battle is already lost, because it means you arent making adequate preparations! Face every battle as life and death! The tiger uses all his strength to hunt the rabbit!

Mmm, that is unfortunate. Lots of fighters give away their moves by calling them out, after all! Ill have to learn to read lips or train until I can withstand the bells toll!

He swung the stick again. Han Qin jumped back, but dodging didnt keep the bell from ringing. Han Qin winced and clapped a hand over one of his ears. The other, still twisted in a claw, turned about mid-swing and aimed for Huis stick instead.

Im not letting you take my precious beating stick so easily, Senior! Hui cried silently. He twisted his body in the way and shook the stick again, focusing on the bell more than on hitting Han Qin. Although even if he did the stick part is a bonus. The real prize is the bell!

Han Qins hand changed directions instead, aiming for Huis torso. Hui darted back, leaping on the rear end of Moonlight Cutters hilt with both feet. The blade flew up, standing vertically before Hui, and sliced into Han Qins hand as it struck toward Hui.

Han Qins lips moved again. Hui watched closely. I have no idea what hes saying. At a guess, hes probably shouting something like why arent you running? or dont you usually play dead, coward? Ah, easy! He nodded. You said no tricks, right?

Han Qin snarled. He started shouting, his whole face contorted in anger.

Ah, I bet he cant hear me, either, Hui mused. Or can he? I reversed it, so

Fire burned all around Han Qin. He gnashed his teeth and gestured, leaping back. Hui followed him, jiggling the stick the whole way. Han Qin gestured wildly, and an illusory vermillion bird appeared around him. It flew forth, charging down at Hui.

Hui flared his qi and darted in. He raced at Han Qin, reaching out to grab the other man by his robes. Han Qin flinched back, but too slow, not expecting the aggressive move. Hui lifted the beating stick and smacked it into Han Qins head. A loud peal rang out from the bell.

Sometimes, offense is the best defense! Han Qin wants to make long-range, high-power magical attacks. If I keep him in close quarters and beat him with my stick, Ill be able to keep stacking the debuff from the bell and distract him from casting his spells at the same time.

Its the fault of this damn heart-demon of mine but maybe it isnt so bad right now! The old me would never have thought of this plan.

The vermillion bird slammed into Hui, burning up his delicate plant body. Hui rebuffed it by circulating qi under his skin, so that, though the surface of his body burned, his inner body and core remained sound. He smashed down on Han Qin again and again.

At last, Han Qin staggered, pressing a hand against his ears. Huis eyes widened. The bell has taken effect. Its my chance!

He darted off, speeding away. The wind rushed past. Smoke streamed behind Hui as the fire on his body flickered out. Han Qin raced after him. He gestured, and a huge hand made of fire reached after Hui. Full of qi, Hui simply sped up. He darted left and right, evading the hands grasp. The hand moved clumsily, almost drunk.

Was it always this easy to deal with Han Qin? Or is the bells debuff that strong? Well, that and being so full of qi Hui turned ahead, pushing on. But theres something I have to do. More important than defeating Han Qin!

He sped up again, putting his all into speed. Hui folded down toward his sword, streamlining his body. He turned into a beam of light and shot off toward the horizon.

Han Qin snorted. Your cheap tricks are worthless. Ill kill you this time, for certain. He sped after Hui. The air itself hummed as he left.

Left in the dust, Ying Lin blinked after the both of them. Did everyone forget about me? Thats a good thing when it comes to Han Qin, but Master!