Chapter 16

C16 – Too Slow

Pow!

A distinct, sharp crack echoed, prompting everyone to turn their bewildered gazes toward Du Ping’ang, standing before them.

Never had they imagined Du Ping’ang would dare to strike Chen Tai in this scenario; it was akin to pulling teeth from a tiger!

Chen Shaofeng, too, gazed helplessly at his younger brother. He wished to block his path downstairs, forcing him to retreat, but he could only ascend with resolve.

“I’ve always fantasized about such a punch, but experiencing it is beyond satisfying.”

Du Ping’ang wore a blissful expression, oblivious to the gravity of their situation.

“You might be relishing this moment, but we can’t linger here much longer,” Chen Shaofeng remarked, exasperated.

As anticipated, when Chen Shaofeng and Yue Shan glanced at the City Guard Captain, his countenance had darkened considerably, exuding a menacing aura that instilled fear in onlookers.

Simultaneously, his presence intensified, his simmering rage manifesting in fiery tendrils.

Fury!

It consumed him entirely, eclipsing any other emotion, surpassing even the ire felt toward the battered Chen Tai.

After all, he held the title of City Guard Captain, entrusted with the city’s security. How could he not be incensed by the assault on a youth under his watch?

Anticipating the Mayor’s wrath upon learning of the incident, he resolved to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly, offering them up for whatever punishment awaited.

Thus, before news reached the Mayor’s ears, he aimed to apprehend these prime suspects, hoping it might secure his own survival.

With resolve, the City Guard Captain launched his assault.

Without warning, the aura of a first-level Innate Mortal Martial practitioner surged forth. Judging by the youths’ appearance, he deemed them mere adolescents of seventeen or eighteen;

Hence, he was utterly confident in his ability to subdue them.

Yet reality proved harsh. Despite his conviction to battle those above his station, his current strength fell short; he couldn’t even hope to match Chen Shaofeng, let alone defeat him.

Not to mention his cultivation, which alone surpassed the City Guard Captain’s own.

Before he could react, Chen Shaofeng struck.

“Too sluggish!”

Startled, the City Guard Captain felt a swift impact to his face, sending him reeling.

“Crimson Flame Fist!”

Chen Shaofeng uttered these words composedly. Simultaneously, his true energy surged within him, emitting the aura of a Second Level Innate Mortal Martial Stage, stunning the City Guard Captain before him.

The Captain hadn’t anticipated such strength from Chen Shaofeng at his age.

Before he could ponder, intense flames coalesced around Chen Shaofeng’s fist. The fire, wild and uncontrolled, extended to the surroundings, causing everyone to feel the scorching heat.

Boom!

The Crimson Flame Fist unleashed, engulfing the inn in flames, escalating the temperature rapidly.

Just as the City Guard Captain braced for impact, he realized the attack targeted the furniture, not him.

Suspicion crept in. What was Chen Shaofeng’s intent?

Chen Shaofeng had his strategy. He understood that killing the City Guard Captain would only escalate matters. Swift escape was imperative to evade the City Lord’s inevitable intervention.

Thus, amidst the chaos, he grabbed Du Ping’ang and fled.

Yet, he didn’t abandon the old man and the little girl.

Leaving them behind meant they’d face retribution.

Acting in accordance with his conscience was paramount; otherwise, he’d perpetrate more harm, which he abhorred.

Chen Tai and the City Guard Captain grasped this too. Chen Tai’s rebuke echoed, “Idiot! Why hesitate? Are you content witnessing their escape from Huang City?”

Chen Tai, despite his airs, comprehended certain realities. Inside Huang City, they could capture them. Outside, they’d be elusive.

Once beyond Huang City’s boundaries, their pursuit would be futile against external powers.

They risked a gruesome end if they crossed certain factions.

Thus, their only recourse was preventing Chen Shaofeng’s entry into Huang City.

“Understood!”

Despite his inferiority to Yue Yang, the City Guard Captain had no choice but to pursue.

Chen Tai understood the guards’ limitations and sought aid from the City Lord’s Mansion’s experts.

Knowing Chen Shaofeng and companions couldn’t flee swiftly with the old man and girl in tow, they’d eventually be caught.

Utilizing the vulnerable pair would impede their escape.