Chapter 137: Escape

Long Tao was currently running through the halls, trying to find the treasure room. "We can't waste too much of time here. We need to find the room as soon as possible and then get out of here."

He captured every human in his path and used soul-scourging on them. Most of them were low-level soldiers and hence didn't have any information about the vault. Long Tao continued his search.

He finally managed to get his hands on one of the high-ranking officials of the stronghold. "Would you like to speak by yourself, or should I torture you to speak." The figure tried to use poison to commit suicide, but Long tao was able to use soul scourge in time. He knew the way to the vault.

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Outside the stronghold-

The whole forest surrounding the place was on fire. After blocking all the exits, the troop detonated the bombs. The blasts, along with the apparent damage, mange to incinerate the fuel, and hence a vast fire came into existence.

"We don't need to cover the fire. This place comes under Chu country's jurisdiction. We need to withdraw the forces from here. "If the Chu country decided to send an army to this place, they won't be able to hold out.

"Aren't we going to wait for the general at least.". The soldier's attitude angered Long tao this time. He sheathed his blade and placed it against the guy's neck.

"The general ordered me to have you guys returned to the base. Anyone trying, or even thinking of violating the order will be executed without further notice."

The squad managed to realize the gravity of the situation. It began retreating in the pre-defined path.

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"The pathway is blocked. We can't escape from here." The assassin inspected the blocked entrance. "How did they managed to blow the whole area. It must be those spherical things that he threw at us."

"He must have arranged for another strong Qi general practitioner to stay hidden within the group. That bastard, he managed to outwit me again." The assassin was demoralized. 

"He didn't expect this situation. He just prepared for back-up in case of some variables. Also, he is still stuck within the stronghold. We need to find him," The Pig said.

"Where would he prefer to hide in this situation." The Black-Knight finally opened his mouth.

"I think he must have gone to the treasury area." The assassin said with an anxious voice. "It's not a justifiable option to go to the enemy's treasury in this situation."

"It is if you are sure about your exit plan. Long Tao is the biggest variable I have ever seen in my life. This thought doesn't follow the normal course."

The three figures proceeded towards the treasury.

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Long Tao finally managed to reach the vault. Opening it, he was astonished to find the number of resources stored. It had everything from herbs, pills, weapons to huge stacks of currency. 

"Start absorbing all of these into the realm. How much time will the process take." 

"You need to hold for about 30 mins, and you need to confront them outside the vault." Long Tao went out ad closed the door of the vault. He managed to set up some small bombs and traps around the area. He had to wait for the arrival of the three figures.

He needed to use his most risky skill to confront these three. He will make the organization pay after he improved his strength. 

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The three figures soon made their appearance in the area. Looking towards the vault, they found Long Tao sitting there, eating some recovery pills. 

"Finally found you, my friend. What were you thinking when trying to escape to the interiors of the stronghold." The assassin was elated to get his hands on his nemesis. Long tao's condition was a little bit better than before, but the injuries were still present.

"Well, my squad managed to execute the mission given to them. It's my time to fulfill a mission." All three of the enemies laughed at the same time.

"I have to praise your calmness. Even after knowing the difference in our strength, you still came back for taking our resources. How are you so confident."

"Maybe it is because my subordinates are currently circling the whole location along with another battalion."

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Long Tao's bluff managed to catch them off-guard. The information regarding this area being under Chu country's jurisdiction was not known to them.

"Even if they come back, all they are going to take back is a corpse of their commander." The three figures walked within the range of the traps. Long Tao instantly snapped his fingers. 

A massive blast took place. The three of them were consumed within the blast radius.

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When the blast subsided, the three figures were still standing, but a lot of minor bruises were present on their bodies. They consumed a significant amount of Qi to protect themselves.

"My assumptions were right.. The blast couldn't harm a practitioner of Qi general level. We need a more potent combination of fuel to land some good damage."

"Did you manage to soak in all of them?". Long tao was getting anxious—the situation as not looking good. 

"You need to stall for five more minutes. Activate the art. We can make it out."

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"I am amazed by these devices of yours. The leaders would be interested in these. I have a proposition for you." The Black-Knight was speaking this time," I will make amends between you two, and you will work for us."

The assassin and The Pig were surprised to hear it. They wanted to revolt against the idea, but Black-Knight was the strongest among the three and with the highest authority. They decided to keep their silence. The assassin just wished for Long Tao to reject the offer.

"I won't be accepting your kind offer, sir. My work is done here." Long Tao smiled at the three figures. A massive aura was released from his body. His body began to undergo some kind of modification into a demonic beast.

Even Black-Knight was startled the pressure. He instantly utilized his full power. 

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Long Tao decided to go with the most potent fist technique he had, 'The Dominator's fist.' It was the second stance, called 'Skull crusher.' It was made for utilization against a single opponent, and Long tao decided to use it against the assassin to break-away from the group. 

The plan worked, and he successfully managed to get out of the encirclement. He began using Flash steps to rush toward the hall where the last bomb was planted. 

Reaching it, he looked back at the three figures who were pursuing him. "My warm regards to all of you." He clicked once again, and a blast devoured the whole hall.

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Outside the mountains- 

A loud bang followed by a massive earth-quake occurred startling the whole black-buck squad. The mountain underneath which the base was made began to collapse on it. 

"Don't waste time. We need to get out of here and enter the Jiao country's jurisdiction.

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Within the Crimson Lord world-

A figure fell gravely injured — Long Tao had to undergo some injuries due to the forced usage of the art. It was still too overwhelming for him. 

"We successfully managed to recover all our expenses and took down the stronghold. You should rest for the time being." The Keeper shifted Long Tao's body into a herbal pool. He also stocked large amounts of Beast blood essence.