Last Stand

Oh how she wanted to tell him

She wanted to tell him that it's not his fault

She wanted to tell him to not worry about her

She wanted to tell him to just stay alive

She wanted to tell him how... how she felt, how he makes her feel

God how she wanted to tell him...

But strength was quickly leaving her body, and she couldn't speak. So she tried to tell him through her eyes, but Shi Feng had already looked away and was focusing on surviving.

As usual, he didn't have the time to focus on her; but now, instead of stopping herself from telling him, like she has been doing for the past ten years, she didn't have the option to choose anymore.

She could only sigh internally in regret, and close her eyes as the last of her strength slowly left her body.

Sensing that Fire Dance was dying, and that there was nothing he could do to save her or himself, rage bubbled inside of Shi Feng. But this time, he didn't suppress it. He directly let it fuel his ability.

When the buff old man attacked him again with a fist capable of sundering mountains, Shi Feng no longer dodged. He switched to holding Fire Dance's body with one hand, below his armpit, and sent a fist back at the buff old man.

There was no great power behind it, and it looked like a last-ditch effort of a man who was at the end of his road.

The buff old man sneered at his attempt.

However, when their fists collided, there was no aftershock or dissipating energy. They just bounced off each other and separated.

As if nothing happened, Shi Feng continued running, but the buff old man just stood still in a daze.

A moment later, the buff old man shook and coughed up blood.

"Old Insane, what happened?" A lithe woman carrying some kind of gun arrived silently next to the buff old man, asking curiously as she aimed at Shi Feng, before firing energy bullets.

The others also perked up their ears without stopping their chase.

It should be known that this Old Insane was a cultivation maniac in his younger days. He was especially known for his sturdy body and brute strength. Even his ability was focused on that.

So, for him to cough up blood from a single exchange, without the opponent even using any energy, it was quite shocking.

"It looks like his prediction was right, as always." Old Insane said as he tried to restabilize the energy in his body "That brat somehow managed to disrupt my energy." He continued in a rough tone.

"That's probably his ability, then." The lithe women reasoned.

The others also came to the same conclusion. If Shi Feng had the ability to disrupt the energy of someone on Old Insane's level after just breaking through, then that indeed was a terrifying ability.

But it wasn't that concerning for them. As long as they avoid his attacks, it can be easily dealt with.

"Yea..." Old Insane replied doubtfully.

Unlike the rest, he experienced the attack personally and felt something; but he chose not to say anything in the end.

On one hand, they probably wouldn't believe him if he told them his thoughts. On the other hand, even he himself doesn't believe it... Because, if it's true, and this kid has that type of ability, then that guy's prediction of a disaster would be an understatement.

He quickly shook those thoughts off, believing them impossible, and continued chasing after Shi Feng.

Unaware of Old Insane's thinking, Shi Feng kept running while avoiding swordlights, bullets, and other attacks from his pursuers. 

Although he tried his best, he was getting more and more exhausted with each step and dodge.

Just as he barely dodged another barrage of attacks and thought he could have a millisecond to catch his breath, a dagger appeared out of thin air and stabbed into his abdomen.

With him already being so tired and unfocused, there was no way he could dodge the attack.

However, Shi Feng wasn't planning to.

"There you are." Shi Feng hissed at his attacker, who was none other than the assassin who had nearly killed him and wounded Fire Dance. Tightening his skin and muscles, he locked the dagger, stunning the old assassin by his comment and actions; appearing like he was waiting for him to attack.

The assassin has been silently following Shi Feng from the beginning, patiently waiting for his opportunity while not letting even a peep of his presence leak. So there was no way Shi Feng knew he was there.

His train of thought was interrupted when Shi Feng grabbed his dagger-holding arm with his left hand, while punching at him with his right fist.

All he received from the old assassin for his efforts was a disdainful sneer.

Just as the old assassin was about to use his ability to vanish and retreat, Shi Feng's left hand tightened, and a mysterious energy invaded the old assassin's body, holding him in place.

Shi Feng's fist came closer, and although the old assassin tried to move, he felt like his entire being was held in place. Shi Feng's attack struck the assassin's chest.

It was at this moment the assassin realized what Shi Feng's ability truly is. He wanted to curse at Old Insane for not saying anything. Had he known the truth, he wouldn't have even dared to approach Shi Feng, let alone allow the young man to touch him.

But before he could say anything, the old assassin felt something inside him burst. Blood started flowing in great amounts out of all of his seven orifices, as all his energy and life force left his body.

"I've avenged you, Fire." Just as a faint smile appeared on Shi Feng's face, bullets went through his chest.

"What the hell happened." The gun-wielding woman questioned as she stared at the assassin's lifeless corpse.

The others soon arrived and surrounded Shi Feng, having the same question. When Old Insane saw the assassin's state, he couldn't help but gulp.

'Was I right?' He thought to himself.

"Doesn't matter. Let's just kill the brat. This has already taken too long." An old man carrying a sword said as he walked towards Shi Feng, who was leaning against a tree.

At this moment, Shi Feng's face was as pale as a ghost. Using his ability to that extent was quite draining. Although it's an amazing ability, it costs too much energy. Especially to kill a Mental Strength Great Grandmaster of the assassin's level in one hit, when he himself wasn't even a Great Grandmaster yet.

With the energy he already spent fighting for hours, and that attack just now, along with his injuries both old and new, right now he couldn't even stand properly, let alone continue fighting.

Though he still carried Fire Dance's body.

Right now with all his emotions like despair, regret, anger, unwillingness, frustration, depression, powerlessness, hate, and everything boiling inside of him, he started feeling a familiar sensation, but he couldn't quite place his finger on it.

Shi Feng's thoughts were interrupted by a sword piercing towards his heart.

He wanted to move, but his body didn't listen.

As Shi Feng watched the sword approach him in slow motion, the familiar sensation kept increasing. 

Just as the sword started piercing through his skin, his vision darkened...

...

.....

.......

Di! Di! Di!

Shi Feng opened his eyes and stared at a familiar ceiling.