Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Surge of Malevolent Energy

“Do you think he might have killed a lot of people?” Hao Yun asked.

“Look at his stance—far too unstable. It’s obvious he’s just begun training. Someone new to martial arts couldn’t possibly have killed so many people,” Hao Po replied with certainty.

To the eyes of those who practice martial arts, ordinary people are riddled with flaws. But martial artists train to conceal their weaknesses, striving for a body without a single vulnerability. For example, by practicing punches, a fighter enhances the strength and speed of his arms, allowing him to react faster in combat. Strengthening the legs makes them resilient as iron, able to withstand blows. Over time, habitual training grants the muscles a natural inertia; the feet grip the earth with force, and the center of gravity can shift at will, making it difficult to be knocked down by an opponent.

But Xiaoshan had only trained for a few days; his stance couldn’t possibly be so nimble. Both legs were strained, and if one foot were struck in an instant, he would surely topple. The difference between those who practice and those who don’t is immense. That’s why Hao Po was so sure—the sword had seen countless deaths, but a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old boy, even if he’d killed before, could not have killed so many.

“Sha! Sha!!”

A gentle wind stirred, shaking the branches and causing a rustling sound. Birds flew out of the forest, their calls echoing through the woodland.

“There is murderous intent nearby,” Hao Po said, scanning the surroundings.

Hao Tian and his companions immediately snapped to alertness, surveying their surroundings as the swords in their hands slowly left their sheaths, ready for any threat.

“Sha sha!” The branches shook more violently now, stirring the grass beneath them. Even the trunk of the man-eating tree quivered in the wind, as if frightened. Its drooping branches rapidly contracted, wrapping around its body as if to protect itself.

A broad patch of grass was exposed, and the area around them became strangely empty.

All around were only man-eating trees and grass, with no animals in sight. Only the leaves swayed, and nothing else moved. But their cautious movements betrayed an instinctive sense that an enemy could burst forth at any moment.

“They’re approaching quickly!” Hao Po said, his tone heavy.

“They’re all around us! We’re surrounded!” Hao Tian announced grimly.

“What are they?” Ruo Xi asked.

“They seem to be animals like leopards—creatures that hunt in packs. Everyone, be careful! Watch the surroundings!” Hao Po gripped his sword and assumed an attack stance.

Xiaoshan’s heart was pounding, his pulse racing—he was nervous, afraid. He glanced at Ruo Xi. Her expression was unchanged, only careful.

The more anxious he became, the tighter he gripped his sword. The murderous aura in his mind grew heavier; his thoughts were blank, unable to focus on anything.

His hand trembled, and he seemed about to lose control.

“They’re getting closer! They could attack from any direction at any moment,” Hao Tian added.

“Left side! Move!” Hao Po warned, watching the swaying grass ahead.

Hearing this, Ruo Xi reacted instantly—she looked back, and from the grass behind, a wolf leapt out, baring its teeth as it charged straight at Xiaoshan.

Ruo Xi immediately turned to Xiaoshan. He stood frozen, sword in hand, unmoving, not even turning to look.

She grabbed his right arm and pulled forcefully, sweeping him into her embrace.

The wolf sprang, its body swift, but caught only empty air, landing on the grass before them.

Failing in its attack, it immediately turned and fled to the right without hesitation.

It all happened in a flash—Hao Tian’s sword was still poised, unable to strike before the wolf disappeared, vanishing into the grass, its silhouette fading swiftly. It was as if nothing had ever happened.