Chapter 175: The First Encounter

Chapter 175: The First EncounterZhang Yi pulled the bolt of his rifle and pulled the trigger. However, during the brief moment he switched guns, Xu Chunlei on the other side of the river seemed to sense the danger. With a fierce wave of his right hand, a large spiral of ice and snow whirled up, forming a thick snow mist around them, obstructing Zhang Yi's view.

The thermal signals in Zhang Yi's tactical goggles disappeared. His shot hesitated for a moment, and although he fired, his intuition told him he had missed. Undeterred, he opened the dimensional gate and returned Xu Chunlei’s snow tornado back to him.

Xu Chunlei was shocked. "How can he use my skill? Is he... a copy ninja like Kakashi?"

The snow tornado, stronger than before, shattered the snowy mist. Despite his weakening state, Xu Chunlei hurriedly summoned more ice and snow to block the attack. Zhang Yi, holding his gun, meticulously searched for their positions, ready to take the shot as soon as an opening appeared.

"Boom!" The clash of ice and snow resounded loudly, followed by swirling snow mist, like a cloud of dust rising over the Lujang River. The view was completely obstructed, leaving no chance for a clear shot.

Zhang Yi frowned. Through this brief encounter, he realized that his opponent was not skilled in using their abilities. The second attack was notably weaker. Driving over to attack might successfully eliminate them, but Zhang Yi decided against it for several reasons:

Crossing the river would mean entering Xu Family Town, the opponent's territory, likely filled with traps.

It was their home ground, potentially harboring unknown dangers.

S~ᴇaʀᴄh the ɴøvᴇl_Firᴇ.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.Zhou Xue’er was still in the car.

Weighing the risks, Zhang Yi put away his sniper rifle, cautiously retreated a few steps, and got back into the snow car. "If you have the guts, come after me. But next time, it will be on my turf."

He quickly drove away towards Cloud Manor.

On the other side of the river, Xu Chunlei, pale with fear, was filled with terror. Since gaining his abilities, he had established Xu Dong Village's dominance in Xu Family Town, subduing surrounding villages single-handedly. This was the first time his power was countered so completely, almost costing him his life.

"This isn't how the story is supposed to go! I'm the protagonist, aren't I?" Xu Chunlei almost wanted to cry.

Next to him, a man hit by a stray bullet in the leg reached out to him, "Chunlei, stop lamenting and get me back home. I can't make it!"

Xu Chunlei wore a bitter expression, "You can't make it? I'm barely holding on too!"

The intense battle had drained him significantly; such extraordinary powers were not easily wielded. The uninjured man sighed, "Stop talking, both of you. I'll have to take you back myself, won't I?" He helplessly supported them, slowly making their way back to Xu Family Town.

...

Zhang Yi and Zhou Ke'er encountered no further obstacles on their way to Cloud Manor. The battle had been a valuable experience for Zhang Yi, giving him a deeper understanding of his abilities. "I must train my powers thoroughly when we get back. The future world will likely belong to those with abilities."

Zhou Ke'er, still shaken, patted her chest. "That was so scary. I'm glad you were there! Did you kill him?" she asked curiously.

Zhang Yi shook his head. "It was too far, and it was night. I couldn't pursue him. But I think I scared him enough not to trouble us easily."

His most effective weapon against other ability users was a sniper rifle. His fighting style was best suited for defensive counterattacks or ambushes. Zhou Ke'er worried, "What if he comes back for revenge? He can manipulate ice and snow from a distance. What if he buries our place in snow?"

Zhang Yi smiled faintly. "Don't worry. Our new shelter is very safe. Even if buried in snow, it won't affect our lives. And with my abilities, I'm not afraid of his attacks."

His ability to reflect all physical attacks was like an absolute defense. Zhou Ke'er felt reassured and smiled.

They arrived at Cloud Manor, and Zhang Yi led her to Villa 101. The large black villa standing in the snow filled Zhou Ke'er with anticipation. It was far more grand than their previous safe house. Zhang Yi opened the door and led her through the passage inside.

"Lights on!" he commanded, and the lights in the living room lit up, revealing a luxurious space. The nine-tier crystal chandelier from abroad, costing over ten million yuan, sparkled like a piece of art.

Even Zhou Ke'er, from a well-off family, was captivated by the beauty, her eyes filled with joy and curiosity. "Is this our new home? It's so beautiful!"

Zhang Yi checked the surveillance on his phone, showing Yang Siya lying on a bed in black lace lingerie, lost in thought, unaware she was being watched. Her relaxed posture and seductive figure were alluring.

Zhang Yi smiled and said to Zhou Ke'er, "Wait here for a moment."

He needed to introduce the two women. Zhou Ke'er nodded and sat on the sofa, curiously looking around the room. Zhang Yi went downstairs to Yang Siya's room.