"82nd step", Tang Lin counted.
'Here it comes', he thought as he instinctively lifted both of his arms, while crossing them.
The Law of Death quickly surrounded Tang Lin in darkness as he felt his qi defences being gnawed at.
However, the crimson bloodline still managed to hold off the black mist.
Despite this, it failed to protect Tang Lin's mind from succumbing to lethargy and despair.
"83rd step", he continued counting.
At this moment, Tang Lin started to recount his life.
A newborn with a loving mother and a peaceful life. Those were the times he missed the most.
As he grew up, he was slowly loved and doted on by the rural community he lived with. He was a handsome young man with a pair of bright, big black eyes and a cheeky smile. Not only that, he was incredibly talented and smart, but this only hastened the tragedy.
***
Six years ago.
"Mum! Mum! Look over there!" Tang Lin shouted curiously, while pointing in front.
In the middle of the town square was the chief of the village.
"It's Uncle Bei! Who are those two people he's talking to?" he asked.
The two were cloaked in black robes and looked awfully suspicious, but Tang Lin didn't pay any attention to that. He was very energetic and charismatic and got along with everyone he met, so he thought he would easily be able to befriend them like always.
'I'm not sure, but they look like trouble. We should just walk past-... LINLIN! COME BACK HERE!' Tang Mei replied before realising he had already sneaked away from her side.
"I'm just going to go say hi!" he yelled back with a big smile.
Walking discreetly, Tang Lin approached Uncle Bei from behind.
Sweeping his left leg back, Tang Lin clasped his hands together, while only leaving both of his index fingers pointing outwards as he got into a crouching position.
"Death…" Tang Lin whispered as his eyes became yellow stars.
"...Strike!" he yelled as he shot his arms out.
*Sschk!*
"A$&%H#@!?!" Uncle Bei screamed in an inaudible voice.
"Which little shit did that?" he asked angrily as he turned around.
"Surprise! Hehe~~", Tang Lin said shamelessly, while sticking his tongue out, closing his left eye and knocking his head lightly with his right fist.
"Who are you?" asked the man on the left.
Now that he was up close, Tang Lin could clearly see their faces. The man on the left was bald with a scar going through the middle of his face and multiple tattoos on his muscular body. On the other hand, the man on the right seemed like the complete opposite. He had a gentle face with short, brown hair, glasses and a slim body physique.
Popping his head out from behind Uncle Bei, Tang Lin squinted his eyes; scrutinising them.
"I'm Tang Lin!" he replied cheerfully. T-T-Tang Lin! What are you doing here?" Uncle Bei desperately asked as his face paled.
"Linlin! Come over here and stop disturbing them!" Tang Mei ordered, who had caught up to him, as she pulled his wrist and turned to leave.
"Stop!" commanded a voice from behind.
Suddenly, a massive force of pressure befell them, which prevented them from moving.
"What's the meaning of this?" Tang Mei asked.
"Chief Bei, is this boy one of the geniuses you were talking about?" asked the man on the right,
'Scary! To think that this big brother, who looks so kind, is actually this scary,' thought Tang Lin as he struggled to breathe.
"I-I-uhh…" Uncle Bei stuttered, while looking at Tang Lin.
"Don't even think of lying to me", he threatened after seeing Uncle Bei hesitate.
Looking at Tang Lin, Uncle Bei sighed in lament and guilt as he turned back towards the men.
"Yes, he's one of the people I mentioned earlier", he replied in a resigned tone.
"Good. Xu Lizhi, bring him with us", said the man on the right.
"Looks like you're coming with us kiddo", Xu Lizhi said as he walked towards them.
Unable to move still, Tang Lin watched in horror as the scar-faced man stretched out his right arm to kidnap him.
"Don't even think of touching him!" shouted a voice.
It was Tang Mei. By this time, she was already annoyed by the turn of events, but no some random men were trying to kidnap her only son in front of her.
"Unforgivable!" Tang Mei said coldly as she dispelled the pressure placed on them and sent a blast of condensed qi at the man.
Mid-air, the condensed qi split apart, turning into sharp icicles.
"Agh!" Xu Lizhi yelped in surprise as he quickly shielded himself with qi.
*Boom*
Xu Lizhi was sent flying into the fountain in the middle of the town square.
"Ugh… ow, ow! Dammit, I was caught off-guard", he grumbled as he wiped the water off his water; he was drenched.
"Oi! XU Sheng! Help me deal with her", Xu Lizhi grunted.
However, Xu Sheng didn't pay him any attention as he was busy thinking about something.