The moon hung low in the star-studded sky as Liang made his way homeward, unaware of the danger that awaited him in the desolate, lonely area. A sense of foreboding crept up his spine, causing him to quicken his pace, his instincts alert to the looming threat.
Unbeknownst to Liang, a group of sinister figures had been lying in wait, concealed in the shadows. As he entered the secluded area, they emerged, their intentions dark and nefarious. Qi Long, the young master with whom Liang had previously clashed over Ling Xuan's honor, led the group, a twisted grin etched on his face.
A chill ran down Liang's spine as the assailants surrounded him, their presence suffocating. His heart pounded in his chest, but he refused to succumb to fear. He had faced adversity before and emerged stronger, and this would be no different.
Qi Long's voice oozed with disdain as he addressed Liang, his tone dripping with malicious intent. "So, we meet again, Liang. I must say, your audacity in challenging me is quite impressive. But remember, the outcome will not be in your favor this time."
Liang's gaze hardened, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He was no stranger to adversity, and he would not allow Qi Long to intimidate him. With unwavering resolve, he met Qi Long's eyes and replied, "I will not back down, Qi Long. I will not allow you to continue your reign of bullying and harassment. I stand up for justice and protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Qi Long's laughter echoed through the desolate night, a mocking sound that sent a shiver down Liang's spine. "Justice? Protecting the weak? Such naive ideals, Liang. In this world, power rules, and I will show you just how powerless you truly are."
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..
As Qi Long commanded one of his family guards to attack, Liang's heart sank. He could immediately sense the immense strength emanating from his assailant. Despite knowing that the odds were against him, he couldn't simply back down. His sense of justice and determination pushed him to take a stand.
With a focused gaze, Liang prepared himself for the clash. He knew he had to find a way to counter the guard's formidable strength. He swiftly analyzed the guard's movements, searching for an opening. However, the vast difference in power between them became evident as the guard effortlessly overpowered Liang's attempts to counterattack.
Qi Long, growing impatient with the prolonged confrontation, commanded another guard to join the fray. Liang's heart sank further, realizing that his situation was becoming increasingly dire. In that moment, thoughts raced through his mind. He knew his home was nearby, and he could seek help from his father. However, involving his parents in the conflict didn't sit well with him. He wanted to prove his own strength and protect Ling Xuan without relying on others.
..
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Despite Liang's determination, the two guards appointed by Qi Long proved to be formidable opponents. They unleashed a flurry of powerful strikes, combining their skills with deadly precision. Liang fought valiantly, but the difference in strength and experience was overwhelming.
The first guard, with lightning-fast reflexes, unleashed a barrage of punches, each strike landing with precision. Liang did his best to dodge and parry the attacks, but the relentless assault left him breathless. In a swift motion, the guard delivered a powerful roundhouse kick, sending Liang sprawling to the ground.
As Liang struggled to regain his footing, the second guard launched a series of swift and acrobatic kicks. Each blow struck with incredible force, sending waves of pain through Liang's body. Despite his efforts to defend himself, he was unable to match the guard's skill and speed.
The guards coordinated their movements, their attacks coming from different angles, leaving Liang with little room to maneuver. They executed a devastating combination, landing a powerful strike to his abdomen, followed by a spinning back kick that sent him crashing into a nearby tree.
Liang's body throbbed with pain as he fought to stay conscious. Blood trickled from his wounds, staining his clothes. He refused to give up, his eyes fixed on Qi Long, who watched the confrontation with a smug expression.
Undeterred by his injuries, Liang summoned the last reserves of his strength. He launched a desperate counterattack, aiming for a weak point in the guard's defense. However, his movements lacked precision and speed, and the guards easily parried his strikes.
With ruthless efficiency, the guards retaliated, unleashing a devastating combination of kicks and punches. Liang's defenses crumbled, and he was overwhelmed by the relentless assault. Blow after blow rained down upon him, leaving him battered and bruised.
As Liang lay on the ground, gasping for air, the guards stood over him triumphantly. Their mission to defeat him had been accomplished, and they basked in their victory. Qi Long's laughter echoed through the desolate surroundings, a taunting reminder of Liang's defeat.
Despite the pain and humiliation, Liang refused to let despair consume him. He clung to his unwavering determination, vowing to rise again and protect those he cared for.
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Despite the pain and humiliation, Liang refused to let despair consume him. He clung to his unwavering determination, vowing to rise again and protect those he cared for.
..
As he embraced the pain, Liang's indomitable spirit burned brighter than ever before. With each passing moment, he grew stronger, ready to face the challenges that awaited him on his path of cultivation and protect the ones he cherished most.
..
As Liang lay battered and bruised on the ground, Qi Long's wicked grin widened. He looked down upon Liang, relishing in his victory and reveling in his newfound power. With a flick of his hand, he issued a chilling command to his guards.
"Finish him," Qi Long ordered, his voice dripping with malice.
The guards, fueled by their loyalty to Qi Long, stepped forward, their eyes gleaming with a menacing glint. Their hands tightened around their weapons, ready to carry out their master's command.