Chapter 57: The Arch-Enemy Returns, Peril on All Sides

Before He Yunsheng, Scholar Li, and I could even celebrate the mysterious man's departure, not long after, that fellow returned menacingly with several henchmen, his eyes glaring like a man-eater, brimming with murderous intent.

My heart skipped a beat, and I thought to myself, this is bad, the guy actually brought reinforcements!

At a single glance, these henchmen were clearly not to be trifled with; each of them was agile and sharp-eyed, resembling martial arts masters straight out of a movie.

The three of us were surrounded in the middle, and the surrounding air seemed to freeze, making us feel as though we had fallen into an ice cellar, bone-chillingly cold.

He Yunsheng's wounds had not yet fully healed, and my little hidden mechanisms were completely used up. Now we were truly done for, with no one to turn to for rescue!

I secretly glanced at He Yunsheng. His face was pale, but he still held my hand tightly.

His hand was very warm, like a ray of winter sunlight, giving me a surge of strength.

He looked into my eyes and said with a firm tone, "Wan'er, don't be afraid. No matter what, I will protect you." Oh my, this kid actually has quite a bit of manly charm!

Though my heart was in a panic, seeing him protect me like this suddenly made me feel much less scared.

Just as my mind was wandering, the mysterious man opposite us spoke, his voice as icy as a venomous snake: "Hoh, looks like you two are quite good at running. But this time, you won't be able to grow wings and fly!" I cursed inwardly, this guy really is like a persistent ghost!

My eyes rolled as I devised a plan. I instantly switched to a pitiful and delicate expression and said to the mysterious man, "Big Brother, we really don't know anything about any martial arts manual! Did you make a mistake?" As I spoke, I secretly winked at He Yunsheng, signaling him to find a chance to slip away.

Who would have thought that the mysterious man wouldn't buy my act at all? He sneered and said, "Stop feigning ignorance! Today, you..."

Before he could finish his sentence, a booming voice suddenly echoed from afar: "Stop right there!"

We looked toward the source of the sound and saw an elderly man with a childlike complexion and white hair, exuding an immortal aura, walking toward us...

The mysterious man smiled sinisterly, a smile that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

"Today, you will stay right here!"

At his command, those henchmen, who looked like hunting dogs, closed in on us.

Oh mother, we are really going to bite the dust this time!

I felt my pounding little heart fluttering as if it was about to leap out of my chest.

He Yunsheng pulled me behind him, forcing his weak body to strike a desperate, do-or-die posture.

Sigh, this foolish boy, knowing he couldn't win, still insisted on fighting head-on.

My heart was filled with a mix of warmth and anxiety. If a real fight broke out, we wouldn't even be enough to fill these people's teeth!

At this critical juncture, a loud voice suddenly rang out: "Stop right there!"

I turned my head and saw an ethereal old man, leading several young disciples, walking toward us.

This old man had white hair, a youthful complexion, and was full of vigor—he looked like a true master at first glance!

Upon seeing the old man, the mysterious man's expression changed noticeably, though he still put up a bold front and said, "Elder Murong, this is our private matter; you would do best not to meddle!"

Elder Murong?

Hearing this title, it sounded immensely impressive!

A glimmer of hope reignited in my heart. It seemed the heavens were still on our side today!

One of the mysterious man's henchmen, presumably thinking Elder Murong was too old and easy to bully, arrogantly charged forward.

I cursed inwardly: You have a death wish!

As a result, before that henchman could even touch Elder Murong's disciple, he was sent flying with a single kick, crashing to the ground and failing to get back up for a long while.

Goodness, this old man's disciple was also a ruthless character!

Seeing this, the mysterious man's henchmen did not dare to act rashly. The two sides fell into a stalemate, and the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder.

The surrounding leaves rustled in the wind, and my heart hung anxiously in my throat.

Elder Murong stroked his beard, his sharp gaze sweeping across the mysterious man and his henchmen, and slowly began to speak: "This old man cares nothing for your private affairs, but in broad daylight, for you to act so arrogant and domineering, what kind of behavior is this!"

The mysterious man's face turned livid as he clenched his teeth, seemingly making a difficult decision...

He suddenly turned to look at me, his gaze malicious, and said word for word, "Lu Wan'er, just you wait!"

Goodness, Elder Murong truly lived up to his status as an elder. A mere display of his skills was completely different!

With just a few casual and effortless moves, he beat that mysterious man into the shape of a drowning dog, fleeing in utter panic with his tail between his legs.

Seeing their boss lose his nerve, those henchmen immediately oiled the bottoms of their feet and slipped away faster than rabbits.

The world finally grew quiet. I let out a long sigh of relief, feeling the tension lift from my entire body.

This Elder Murong was quite literally my savior!

I hurried forward and bowed respectfully, expressing my gratitude: "Thank you, Elder, for saving my life. This humble girl is endlessly grateful!"

Elder Murong smiled kindly and said, "It was merely a matter of raising a hand, no need to be polite. However, that mysterious man is not to be taken lightly; you must be extra careful from now on!"

I nodded repeatedly, though I was muttering inwardly: Just what kind of force stands behind this mysterious man?

Why are they making trouble for us?

Could it be because I discovered something I shouldn't have?

Oh mother, the more I thought about it, the more terrifying it became!

He Yunsheng also walked over and expressed his thanks to Elder Murong.

This kid, though usually appearing foolish, was still quite dependable at critical moments.

Looking at us, Elder Murong suddenly said, "I see you two are people of destiny, so why don't you..."

Before he could finish his sentence, I suddenly felt a wave of cold wind from behind, making the hairs on my body stand on end.

I whipped around, but saw nothing at all.

"What is it?" He Yunsheng noticed my abnormality and asked with concern.

I shook my head and said, "Nothing, maybe I'm just too nervous."

Elder Murong also looked at me with confusion and asked, "Young lady, are you feeling unwell?"

I forced a smile and said, "No, no, I just suddenly felt a bit cold."

My sixth sense told me that the danger had not yet passed. Although the mysterious man had fled, his eyes were filled with hatred, and he would definitely come back!

Moreover, I always felt as though something was watching us from the shadows...

Suddenly, Elder Murong's expression shifted, and he said in a deep voice, "Not good!"

He grabbed my hand and He Yunsheng's hand, saying, "Let's go, quickly!"

Before I could react, I was being pulled along to run forward.

"What's wrong?" I asked while running.

Elder Murong did not answer, only running onward with a grave expression.

My anxiety grew stronger. What on earth was going on?

Could there be a new danger?

I glanced back at the spot where we had just been standing, only to catch a fleeting glimpse of a dark shadow flashing past...

"Elder, wait for me!"

I heard a familiar voice echoing from behind.

It was... Scholar Li!