Narrow Path Encounter

The techniques of the Flying Flower Sweeping Leaf Leg and the Carefree Cave Heaven Palm have been ingrained in my memory, their intricate methods of channeling internal energy firmly established. I can now apply these two martial arts with ease.

During the later stages of my training under Master Horus on Skull Island, I endeavored to deconstruct these complex techniques and integrate them into my own combat system. The benefits I discovered were far from merely additive; a seemingly ordinary move, when executed in the right context, could unleash extraordinary power. 

On the battlefield, where chaos reigns, opponents do not play by my rules.

The strategy of anticipating an enemy's movements and delivering a decisive strike is fraught with uncertainty. When faced with a formidable adversary capable of adapting their techniques on the fly, I must possess contingency plans to counter their fierce reprisals. Such enemies, possessing considerable skill, strike with the speed of lightning, leaving little time to formulate a response. In these moments, the fluidity of my practiced techniques allows my muscles to react instinctively, averting disaster. 

If Horus opened the door to combat for me, this realization has allowed me to truly ascend to the realm of martial arts. Although I did not complete the integration of the Flying Flower Sweeping Leaf Leg and the Carefree Cave Heaven Palm during my time on Skull Island, my combat prowess has nonetheless experienced a significant leap.

These insights were not imparted by Master Horus; I suspect this old man has kept certain secrets from me. 

With some leisure time on my hands, I resolved to fully actualize the combat applications of these two martial arts. My days were meticulously scheduled: morning meditation for energy cultivation, afternoon sessions for physical training, and evenings dedicated to mastering both techniques.

In my days at Gamilo Village, I became so engrossed that I neglected the responsibilities of a guide. However, amidst the myriad dangers, Tang Lei and the others remained fervently committed to honing their combat abilities. 

If all goes according to plan, I would likely remain here, especially since two out of ten individuals have already become warriors—my performance is not to be dismissed. Yet, after seven days in Gamilo Village, the villagers spoke of the impending arrival of the Cataclysm Legion to demand livestock and desecrate graves. We were compelled to reconvene and strategize our response. Naturally, I advocated for a direct confrontation, eager for battle to vent my frustrations. However, Tang Lei fervently proposed setting a trap to capture a few Cataclysm Knights, hoping for a chance to negotiate.

He had fully accepted my previous deception and was concerned about aligning himself with the wrong side. 

While there was strong resistance among us to siding with the Cataclysm Knights, the majority supported Tang Lei's proposition. This time, I refrained from opposing him;

a change in our circumstances was overdue. In two days, I would be departing from the Cataclysm world. If they had no further potential to become warriors, they would be abandoned by the amusement park, continuing their journey in the underworld. I had no desire to waste more time with them. 

Tang Lei was eager to lead this operation, yet his military acumen could not compare to someone like Wang Zhong, an elite among soldiers. Consequently, the final command fell to Wang Zhong and me. Just outside Gamilo Village lies a sparse forest through which the Cataclysm Legion always passes.

We decided to establish our battlefield within the woods. 

After days of rigorous training, Tang Lei had become significantly more agile, shedding over ten pounds of excess weight. Wang Lili, Gu Lengzhai, and Sun Yan wielded magic cards, while Li Mingda possessed a skeletal bow. These four became our primary ranged assault team. Although Zhang Bo was somewhat reluctant, he joined Wang Zhong and me as part of the frontline melee unit. Ru Li, Chen Xiu, and Huang Shengqiu were relegated to the rear, with Ru Li suggesting a break for the village, earning a stern reprimand from Tang Lei.

No one was inclined to defend her; everyone was striving diligently, and the idea of coasting along was utterly out of the question. 

Perched atop a large tree, my stance was as steady as a mountain, thanks to the ring-shaped form of the Spectral Radiant Sword. My thumbs pressed against the two rings on my middle fingers, ready to reveal their true forms at a moment's notice. The Cataclysm Legion was remarkably punctual, appearing on the horizon at the time the villagers had indicated. This time, a small squad of nearly fifty approached, and upon seeing their numbers, Tang Lei's face paled.

He gestured frantically to me, clearly wishing to retreat immediately. His estimated target was merely a dozen, and the unexpected arrival of so many left him feeling overwhelmed. 

I disregarded Tang Lei's frantic signals, quietly releasing my grip on the rings. From the Heart of the Undead Warrior, two Death Breaths emerged from my palms, their lethal gleam evident. The sheer number of Cataclysm Knights was not the issue; what truly concerned me was the presence of a man among them, wearing a polite smile that belied his sinister nature—Jack! The murderous Jack, who had betrayed our team! 

I had anticipated crossing paths with him again, but I never expected it to occur within the Cataclysm realm. Clad in light leather armor and mounted on a formidable demonic steed, Jack stood out among the Cataclysm Knights, for he was the only living soul among them. Observing the deference shown to him by the other knights, it dawned on me that Jack had also accepted the guide's mission. At least a third of his followers had become warriors;

his accomplishments far surpassed mine. Yet, seeing him transform these individuals into undead without hesitation suggested he possessed some sort of expedited method. 

"How fortuitous this opportunity is—to ambush the Cataclysm Legion, only to find him here. Eliminating Jack would bring me peace in sleep; out of respect for our past camaraderie, I will ensure your death is painless."

The black Death Breath slipped into my palm, caressing the skeletal patterns on my twin swords, igniting a fervor within me. Concealing my identity before this group of novices paled in comparison to the importance of eliminating Jack.

I had resolved to act without hesitation, leaving no room for distractions from insignificant characters like Tang Lei. 

I issued a command to Wang Zhong and Li Mingda for a decisive strike, fully immersing myself in the chilling resolve of battle. Jack, unaware of the impending danger, sat confidently atop his demonic mount, exuding the charisma of a Western cowboy.

His light leather armor, perfectly fitted to his form, accentuated his striking presence.

Jack had always possessed an exceptional demeanor, and combined with his attire and ever-present smile, he undoubtedly had the potential to captivate many hearts. 

His Cataclysm Knights were in no rush, leisurely approaching the woods at a slow pace. Despite their combat experience, Ru Li, Huang Shengqiu, and the others trembled in their hiding spots, while Sun Yan and Wang Lili appeared equally paralyzed, raising doubts about their awareness.

Tang Lei, Zhang Bo, and Gu Lengzhai fared somewhat better, but Wang Zhong and I remained tense, poised to unleash our thunderous strike at any moment.