Numb

"Revenge? From a weakling like you?" Cui Fang sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Even with that cursed power, you're nothing but a pathetic excuse of a human. You will die today like the worthless insect you are!"

Fang Xuan wanted to speak, but the cultivator was quicker.

SWOOOOSH!

He closed the gap between them with ease.

Fang Xuan swung his dagger out of instinct, but Cui Fang easily sidestepped, effortlessly showing the vast gap in their battle experience.

The blade missed, and a powerful punch struck Fang Xuan in the stomach.

He gasped for air, clutching his abdomen as his eyes unfocused and dark spots danced in his vision.

Before he could recover, Cui Fang seized his collar, delivering a barrage of punches to his face.

Blood sprayed from his nose and mouth. Each hit brought searing pain, but what terrified him more was realizing Cui Fang was still holding back.

He had thought that he had became stronger, but in front of a real cultivator, he felt utterly powerless.

Yet, the angrier he got, the more numb he became to the punches. Each blow fueled his rage, dulling the pain.

"I WILL KILL YOU!" Fang Xuan shouted, swinging his dagger wildly.

But before the blade could reach its target, Cui Fang hurled him into the air and then jumped, delivering a powerful kick that sent Fang Xuan crashing to the ground again.

As he landed roughly, Cui Fang grabbed his hair and dragged him toward Tao Bai.

"Don't feel sorry for him," Cui Fang said sharply. "He might look like a kid, but he's been practicing evil cultivation techniques. No normal person could handle that beating without Qi."

Tao Bai watched Fang Xuan silently. Despite being covered in blood and battered, the kid was still alive, showing a very durable body.

"I understand the need for justice, but this seems too harsh for someone so young." He frowned, his voice tinged with disapproval.

Cui Fang's eyes flashed with irritation. "This isn't about age. He may be young, but he's dangerous. If we don't deal with him now, he'll become a threat once he gains more power."

"But..."

"Enough talking. Cut off his head. It's the only way to make sure he can't hurt anyone else."

Tao Bai sighed and unsheathed his sword. "I hope you become a better person in your next life," he said softly.

He raised his sword high with both hands. The moment stretched on forever as Tao Bai took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.

Just as he was about to bring the sword down, Fang Xuan spoke slowly, "I—I did not kill my mother"

Tao Bai hesitated, his grip faltering. He glanced at Cui Fang, hoping for a sign of reconsideration, but Cui Fang's expression stayed stern.

"Do it now," he commanded.

Tao Bai closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, filled with resolve.

With a swift, decisive motion, he brought the sword down, aiming to end Fang Xuan's suffering quickly and painlessly.

SLASH!