Chapter 13 - Cornered

The extermination squad of the Noble Families is a formidable group of powerful soldiers, guards, and cultivators, all led by the noble heirs, including Song Peizhi. They are all gathered inside a fortified wooden house that was once the base of a powerful underworld criminal organization, surrounded by armored guards and cultivators. The squad is composed of skilled and determined individuals, all trying to prove themselves to their powerful noble families.

The once-dangerous wooden house, that served as a safe haven for criminals and law breakers, has undergone a drastic transformation. It has been repurposed as a training ground for cultivators and nobles, where they can hone their skills and develop their powers. Inside, the nobles were deep in discussion, strategizing their next move when a servant entered the room. The servant whispered something into Song Peizhi's ears, causing a wide grin to spread across his face. In response, he discreetly gave a command to his servant Old Mao.

The news brought by the scout was a surprise to the nobles gathered inside the wooden house. The scouts had spotted some familiar children running around in the streets, children who had once escaped from Song Peizhi. The nobles, known for their pretentious nature and emphasis on status and prestige, were taken aback by this revelation. Despite the passage of two years, Song Peizhi had not forgotten about Ximen Wei and other slave escapees. He had repeatedly sent city guards to capture them, but once they entered the Criminal District, the guards dared not chase them any more. The Criminal District in Green Lotus City is a dangerous place that despises law enforcers and nobles, and ordinary guards are no match for the armed gangs that operate there. It was through these means that Ximen Wei had survived for two years without getting caught.

The opportunity presented itself as a chance for redemption for Song Peizhi, as the Criminal District was facing its downfall. He saw this as the perfect opportunity to wipe away the stain of embarrassment from his family's name and prove that the Song family's defenses were not as loose as they were perceived to be. Old Mao, who had served Song Peizhi for many years, nodded in understanding and accepted the command. He too was filled with a sense of embarrassment, having let down his master for the past two years by not being able to capture a single 10-year-old child who was running loose in the city. Determined to make amends, Old Mao strengthened his resolve and prepared to go all out. His body emitted energy undulations unique to that of a Level 1 Qi Trainee as he disappeared from sight, ready to take on the task at hand.

Meanwhile, Ximen Wei and his crew were running in the opposite direction of the extermination squad, their goal being to find a safe place, catch their breath and come up with a proper escape plan. As they reached the outskirts of the Criminal District, Ximen Wei signaled for Hou Yang and the others to stop. "Oh no, looks like this street is blocked." Their way out was obstructed by a line of soldiers at the other end of the street. The group of children panicked, unsure of what to do next. "We have to hurry or they will catch up to us!" Ximen Wei tried his best to remain calm and collected, he had no desire to get caught like the others. He had been given another chance at freedom, and he intended to grasp it tightly. He observed the soldiers and guards as his mind worked at full speed, trying to come up with an idea that would get them out of this predicament. His gaze darted around the area, taking in every detail as he searched for a way out. The tension was palpable as the group waited for Ximen Wei to come up with a plan.

'Damn it, if we brought the other children along, our chances of running past this group of 4 soldiers will be higher..' Unfortunately, when Ximen Wei was still coming up with a plan, a gruff voice rang out beside the four children. "Ohh, so you rats have been hiding here?"

Ximen Wei's heart raced as he quickly scanned the alley for an escape route. His eyes darted to the left and right, searching for any opportunity to slip past the old man. But as he turned to run, he found that the old man had already positioned himself in front of him, blocking his path. The old man's wrinkled skin stretched as he grinned, revealing a set of yellowed teeth. His dark bags under his eyes seemed to deepen as he laughed.

Ximen Wei's mind raced as he tried to think of a way to escape. He knew that he couldn't outrun the old man, and he didn't have any weapons to defend himself. He quickly assessed his options, but before he could make a decision, the old man lunged forward, his bony fingers reaching out to grab him.

Ximen Wei's small, nimble body came in handy as he darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the old man's grasp. He turned on his heel and sprinted down the alley, his feet pounding the pavement as he pushed himself to run faster. The old man's laughter echoed behind him, but Ximen Wei didn't dare to look back. He knew that if he slowed down, even for a moment, the old man would catch him.

As he reached the end of the alley, Ximen Wei's lungs burned and his legs felt like lead. He knew that he couldn't keep this pace up for much longer, but he didn't have a choice. He could hear the old man's footsteps getting closer and closer, and he knew that if he didn't find a way to escape, he would be caught.

"Stand still!" A loud and commanding voice boomed through the air, commanding all movement to cease with its powerful and piercing tone. The sound seemed to echo and reverberate through the space, causing even the solid ground beneath Ximen Wei's feet to tremble. Despite the suddenness of the command, he found himself struggling to maintain his balance, staggering slightly as the world came to a sudden halt around him.