Chapter 8: A Strategy for Counter-Kill

Lin Yiming’s phantom beast is a fifth-rank Flame Bird. Within the Lin family, he is the only prodigy second only to Lin Chen. This transaction with the Wind Sword Sect is of monumental importance. Only if Lin Chen is dead can he enter the Wind Sword Sect to cultivate and venture into a greater world.

The Flame Bird beneath him let out a shrill cry. Suddenly, flames surged into the sky, forming a terrifying, indescribable rain of fire that drifted down from above. Where the fire touched the surrounding tree trunks, it pierced straight through; where it hit the ground, it scorched one crater after another.

Lin Chen’s eyes were cold. Ever since he chose to sever ties with the Lin family, everything from his past had completely dissipated like clouds. Lin Yiming? He was nothing more than a mortal enemy.

"Whoosh!"

Lin Chen’s physique was formidable; vines were visible to the naked eye as they covered his body. Like a savage beast, he leaped high, forcefully charging through the rain of fire to grab the Flame Bird by its slender neck.

"You're courting death!"

Murderous intent flared in Lin Yiming’s pupils. He channeled his cultivation technique, manifesting a long sword of fire out of thin air, and struck at Lin Chen.

"Kid, don't get bogged down in a fight!" the Little Sapling shouted frantically, hurling itself toward the fire sword. A burst of flames erupted, nearly scorching the green leaves atop the Sapling’s head. It reached out to pull Lin Chen, crying, "Let’s go!"

Lin Chen’s eyes were filled with rage. It felt as if a thunderclap had detonated within his body. With his chest heaving, he unleashed unimaginable strength, swinging the Flame Bird’s body around and slamming it violently against the ground.

"Boom!"

With a thunderous crash, the Flame Bird was left dazed and disoriented, and even Lin Yiming was left covered in dust and debris.

"Surviving is not shameful; dying is!" The Little Sapling didn't waste another word, grabbing Lin Chen and sprinting away. The two moved rapidly through the jungle, disappearing from sight within mere heartbeats.

Lin Yiming climbed to his feet, his expression twisted. He clenched his fists until they creaked. "Lin Chen, you cannot escape!"

"Young Master, are you alright?" the captain of the guards approached.

"Pursue!" Lin Yiming’s face was chillingly stern. No matter what, he could not let Lin Chen leave the Zilian Mountains alive today. Once the Wind Sword Sect learned of Lin Chen’s death, they had even sent over the tokens for entry into the sect. If Feng Bumei were to discover that Lin Chen was still alive, the consequences would be dire. The family would inevitably suffer the repercussions.

"Hey, hey, turn left ahead... No, wait, there are demonic beasts there, turn right instead!"

The Little Sapling sat atop Lin Chen’s head, directing him in a frantic panic. Lin Chen’s forehead was covered in black lines—was this helping or just making things worse?

In the sky behind them, Lin Yiming rode the Flame Bird, his gaze cold, haughty, and high above. "In my eyes, you are nothing but a stray dog. Even if I let you run, how far can you really go?" Lin Yiming sneered as he watched Lin Chen’s back. He had him cornered this time!

Lin Chen glanced back, unsurprised. The family had a guard captain whose phantom beast was a Silky-Haired White Mouse, exceptionally adept at tracking. It would be difficult to escape their clutches by running alone.

"Boom!"

Behind them, a fireball smashed through the air. Relying on his exquisite movement technique, Lin Chen dodged and weaved, avoiding the exploding sphere. However, the terrifying heat wave radiating from it still slammed into his back, causing his blood to churn.

Lin Yiming wore a playful expression, releasing fireballs one after another, much like a cat playing with a mouse. The surrounding guards laughed heartily. They all felt that Lin Chen could not possibly escape this time. Clearly, they had forgotten how Lin Chen had once stood alone with his wolf, drenched in blood, to help build the solid foundation of the Lin family.

"Young Master, let me handle this!" One of the guards cracked his knuckles. "I’ve long found this kid unpleasant. Back then, just because I messed around with a woman, he broke both my legs and had a year’s worth of my cultivation resources confiscated, preventing me from reaching a breakthrough even now!"

Lin Yiming glanced at the man and nodded slightly. The guard’s phantom beast was a porcupine; as he gathered his strength, a sharp spear appeared in his hand. Then, he hurled it violently at Lin Chen’s back!

"Whoosh!"

The spear tore through the void, emitting a piercing hum! Lin Chen slammed his hands against the ground, his body launching into the air. He then backhanded a punch, shattering the incoming spear.

"Crack!"

The spear snapped into pieces, and Lin Chen was sent flying by the immense force attached to it.

"As expected, my cultivation level is still too weak!" Lin Chen wiped the bright red blood from the corner of his mouth. Refusing to linger, he moved in a series of leaps, continuing his escape into the depths of the jungle.

"Hahahaha..."

"Look at that, he’s injured."

"Is this really the prodigy who once stood above us all? He’s no better than... a dog!"

Laughter echoed from behind.

"Staying on the run like this is not a solution..." A killing intent gradually surged in Lin Chen’s eyes.

The Little Sapling was startled. "What are you planning? Don't you dare throw your life away, we are no match for them!"

"If we aren't a match, then we find a way!" Lin Chen roared. Though furious, his mind was razor-sharp. If he fought head-on, it would indeed be difficult to break through the encirclement. But this was a deep, ancient forest! He possessed omniscient vision, which was his greatest advantage! If he utilized it well, he might be able to turn the tables.

"Kid, I suggest you swallow your pride. As the saying goes..." the Little Sapling muttered.

Lin Chen snapped, "Swallow, swallow, swallow—swallow your grandfather! If you're afraid, just say so, you spineless thing!"

"Kid, is that how you talk to Brother Tree? Afraid? When has Brother Tree ever been afraid!" The Little Sapling bared its teeth, grabbing Lin Chen’s hair. "How dare you look down on Brother Tree! Ahhh, I'm so angry!"

Although they were at a disadvantage, it was not impossible to turn the situation around. Lin Chen was rapidly formulating a counter-strategy in his mind. Just then, the area ahead opened up into a clearing, and they had reached the edge of a cliff.

"Let’s see where you can run now," Lin Yiming sneered. Crossing the cliff would lead them into the deep reaches of the Zilian Mountains. Powerful demonic beasts frequently haunted the depths; entering without the strength of at least the fifth level of the Earth Spirit Realm was no different from seeking death.

"Go!" Lin Chen leaped without hesitation. Mist rushed into his face, cold enough to chill his bones.

"Is that kid crazy?" one of the guards exclaimed. "Does he dare set foot in the depths of the Zilian Mountains?"

"Pursue!" Lin Yiming’s face was savage. "I want to see him alive or see his corpse!"

As Lin Chen descended rapidly, he used his perception to memorize every detail of the terrain.

"Three, two, one!"

As he counted to one, Lin Chen flicked his finger, releasing a tree vine from his palm that coiled around a massive boulder on the cliff face. He swung himself inward, vaulting into a hidden cave. The cave was well-concealed, and with the mist and miasma outside to cover his tracks, it was difficult to detect.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Lin Yiming led the guards as they swept past the cave. Naturally, none of this escaped Lin Chen’s perception. A terrifying light shone in Lin Chen’s eyes. He flicked his wrist, and a vine flew out silently, coiling around the neck of the last guard and dragging him into the cave in one swift motion.