At Fang Xiong's signal, the prisoner lunged at Hao, wielding the spear in an attempt to catch him off guard.
Hao began forming the diagram for his technique, but his concentration was shattered as a spear hurtled towards him, disrupting his efforts.
"Twilight Crane Spear!" Ren Lang's voice rang out as the spear closed in on Fang Hao, compelling him to abandon the array creation and swiftly adopt a defensive stance, invoking the "Lotus Form Defensive" technique.
The impact forced him back, the force of the attack sending him reeling, his defence of petals shattering upon the impact.
Before Fang Hao could regain his footing, Ren Lang seized the opportunity, his voice booming as he cried out, "Moonbeam!" The energy coalesced at the spear's tip, creating a radiant glow as it hurtled forward at astonishing speed.
Fang Hao, still enveloped in a diminishing shield of petals, felt each one break in succession as the Moonbeam spear neared. He managed to narrowly evade a potentially fatal blow, but it grazed his chest, drawing blood as it left a cut in its wake.
Blood trickled down, a stark reminder of the peril Fang Hao faced. He gritted his teeth against the pain, acknowledging the grim reality.
Fueled by unyielding determination, he abandoned his defensive stance, changing to a more aggressive approach. He charged his sword, transforming the petals into cutting projectiles that sliced through the air. Some petals found their mark, grazing Ren Lang and leaving minor wounds.
Ren Lang's seasoned expertise enabled him to deftly evade most of the petals, though a few still managed to inflict superficial injuries.
Swiftly countering, he launched a powerful kick at Fang Hao. The impact sent Fang Hao flying backwards, his ribs absorbing the force. He coughed up blood, the metallic tang staining his mouth.
Fang Xiong observed the unfolding battle, his brow furrowed with concern. Despite his apprehension, he refrained from intervening, understanding the importance of letting the confrontation play out. He remained aware that the situation could change and make Hao get the upper hand.
"Will he be okay?" Haos's mother asked, worried.
"I can't step in. If I do, he'll never become strong on his own," Fang Xiong replied, shaking his head.
Spitting up blood, Fang Hao tasted metal in his mouth. With his opponent closing in, he took a deep breath and decided to try something new.
Using three small flags, he arranged them in a triangle around himself, connecting them quickly. Ren Lang, not fully understanding formations, felt a sense of concern as he saw Fang Hao setting something up.
Rushing toward Fang Hao, he thrust the spear with force, the air emitting sharp 'swish' sounds as the weapon closed in on Fang Hao's face.
In a life-or-death moment, Fang Hao channelled his power into the small formation he had set up. A barrier materialized, blocking the spear with a resounding 'clank' sound. Ren Lang was pushed back by the impact, and although the barrier trembled developing cracks, it held firm.
Time was limited. Panting and clutching his ribs, Fang Hao set to work, forming the diagram. Blue lights emanated as the diagram took shape.
Sensing the imminent danger, Ren Lang understood he had to disrupt Fang Hao before he completed his task. With trembling hands, he thrust the spear toward the barrier.
Despite its resistance, the spear's tip managed to breach the barrier, making contact with Fang Hao. However, the force behind the attack had significantly weakened, managing to pierce his shoulder.
Feeling the pain from his wounds, Fang Hao emitted a low groan but remained resolute. His focus remained fixed on the array diagram, which began to radiate even brighter.
A frenzied determination filled his eyes as he grabbed Ren Lang ignoring the spear lodged in his shoulder. With a wild and crazy look, he let out a primal scream, "DIE!"
The array diagram radiated a brilliance surpassing any level Hao had achieved before, generating a soft, amplifying light. Suddenly, a laser-like beam surged forth, hurtling toward Ren Lang.
Overwhelmed by terror as the beam approached, Ren Lang struggled to evade it, but Fang Hao's grip held him steadfast. Then, an impact struck him in the head, triggering a loud explosion that sent blood splattering in all directions.
Before Fang Hao stood a motionless figure, the spear slipping from their grasp. The decapitated body of Ren Lang crumpled to the ground with a resounding thud.
Drenched in blood and struggling for breath, Fang Hao lay on the ground. He turned his head slightly in pain, gazing upon the sight of a headless body surrounded by a pool of blood. The jarring image etched itself into his memory.
The prisoner known as Ren Lang was dead, his demise brought about by Fang Hao for the sake of training. Thinking about his father's earlier promise to spare Ren Lang, Fang Hao emitted a shallow laugh, despite the pain. "As if that would ever be possible," he murmured, shaking his head.
In this world, where power reigned supreme, only those at the top could determine their own fates. Ren Lang, lacking a strong background or power, was destined to meet his end one way or another. By killing him, Fang Hao had spared him from a torture that would have spanned centuries.
As his vision dimmed, Fang Hao succumbed to his injuries. In his fading consciousness, he caught a glimpse of his father's arrival, extending a pill toward him, before blackness consumed him.
Observing his son on the ground, Fang Xiong's voice held a gentle tone. "Good job, Hao. Rest now. This is just the start. If you wish to avoid the hardships of cultivation... I apologize, but I cannot permit it," he murmured, his expression a mixture of emotions.
"In this life, I, Fang Xiong, will force you to become a cultivator... You don't have a choice, Hao, similar to that prisoner. A mortal life is a fake dream, something that you won't experience," he declared resolutely, his wife's silence confirming her agreement.