Old Mao, sustained by the abundant vitality of the Qi Cultivators, clung to life and gazed upon Ximen Wei raising his arms in a desperate effort to defend himself. The sight before him was so shocking that Mao rubbed his eyes multiple times to confirm its authenticity. Ximen Wei, with gritted teeth, unleashed a relentless barrage of Qi Techniques, sacrificing his own life essence to buy a sliver of hope for escape. Each technique he called forth came at a heavy cost, but Ximen Wei was undeterred.
"Qi Technique - Strengthen!" A crimson stream of blood escaped from Ximen Wei's mouth as he bellowed the incantation.
"Qi Technique - STRENGTHEN!!" More blood oozed from his nose, eyes, and ears as the attack intensified.
"Qi Technique - STRENGTHEEEENNNNN!!!" Ximen Wei was now a fearsome sight, a blood-soaked divinity with eyes alight with determination and fury.
However, the guard was unfazed and only increased the force of his attack, even as Ximen Wei's life was being drained away.
The sword strike descended upon Ximen Wei's arms with the force to sever them from his body, but thanks to the Strength Qi Particles flowing within him, the sword was arrested mid-strike, stopped just short of his bones. With a sigh of relief, Ximen Wei quickly retreated, making his way towards the entrance. He couldn't linger any longer, the commotion of the fight was sure to have drawn attention. He was aware that once the effects of his Qi Techniques faded, he would be left with a debilitating weakness that would likely result in him collapsing unconscious. He needed to find a safe place to rest, or his journey would come to a premature end. Old Mao, weakened and on his knees, could do nothing to help. He summoned the last of his Qi and Energy, infusing his vocal cords with his life force, in an attempt to do something.
Old Mao summoned what remained of his strength and bellowed with a voice that shook the entire place.
"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING??"
His voice was like thunder, a formidable attack that sent shockwaves towards Ximen Wei, nearly causing him to stumble and fall. The voice attack was so powerful that it elicited more blood from Ximen Wei's pores, but still, he pressed on, never once looking back until he finally emerged from the hall.
The remaining guard was unable to give chase, their mortal speed no match for the enhanced speed of a cultivator, particularly one who had just empowered themselves.
Ximen Wei emerged outside the gate, his eyes landing on an imposing wrought iron gate. Beyond lay a district of the Green Lotus City, controlled by the Song Family. Despite the danger, Ximen Wei didn't hesitate. He charged towards the iron gate and with a herculean effort, tore it open with his bare hands.
With a newfound burst of strength, Ximen Wei bent the bars of the wrought iron gate open, just as he had done to the bars of his prison cell. He fled with abandon, disregarding the guards that gave chase. He ran through the city's winding streets, dodging pursuit, until he finally stumbled upon a secluded corner in one of the city's remote districts. Panting, he sought refuge there, pulling out a stash of potions he had acquired from the dungeon to aid in his recovery. The elixirs worked to restore his vitality, slowing the rate at which the effects of his empowerment dissipated. As he lay there, hidden from view, Ximen Wei waited for his strength to return, his mind racing with thoughts of what the future may hold.
After two minutes, the Ximen Wei's Qi Techniques finally dissipated, leaving him feeling exhausted and powerless. Overcome by weakness, he crumpled to the ground and lost consciousness.
Meanwhile, Long Gen was in a meeting with the Overlords of the Criminal District. These were the powerful figures who controlled the underground world, and each one was a formidable Rank 1 Qi Expert, capable of wielding immense strength. However, despite their impressive abilities, they looked upon Long Gen with reverence and respect.
Each word he spoke was listened to intently, and his every gesture was watched with great care. For they were in the presence of a Rank 2 Qi Expert, a being who was far above their own abilities.
In the world of Qi Trainees, the differences between levels could be bridged with a strong foundation. But in the realm of Qi Expertise, the gaps between ranks were like the distance between heaven and earth. The higher one's rank, the more difficult it became to achieve a breakthrough. And Long Gen was at the pinnacle of this stage, a being of immense power and prestige.
Long Gen cast his gaze upon the ancient hourglass resting on the table, its sand slowly trickling down, symbolizing the passing of time. He then turned his attention to the Criminal Overlords, his eyes narrowing in determination.
"The reinforcements will arrive soon," he announced, his voice ringing with authority. "The Immortal Devil Sect will not stand idly by as Western Wen seeks to interfere in our plans. We will claim Green Lotus City as our own, wiping out the Noble Families, and any who dare to stand in our way. If Western Wen dares to challenge us, they will face the full wrath of the Immortal Devil Sect."
In the distance, figures shrouded in black robes could be seen sprinting through the forest, their movements almost too quick to follow with the naked eye. As they raced forward, they left behind a trail of after-images that spun and blurred, causing one's head to spin dizzily. The figures themselves exuded auras of incredible power, their tyrannical energy sending shivers down the spines of those who felt it.
It was clear that something massive was about to occur, a grand confrontation that would shake the very foundations of the land. The aura of the black-cloaked figures was beyond extraordinary, striking fear into the hearts of all who felt its might. Something was coming, something that would change everything forever.