Swoosh! Swoosh! Ryujin activated his Wind Steps repeatedly, moving swiftly to a particular location. After studying the map, he identified two bandit dens nearby. He ventured to one of these dens and kept a vigilant watch. However, to his shock, he discovered that these bandits were even more terrifying and ruthless. He realized that this was just a branch of the main bandit organization. What he witnessed was a scene of unimaginable horror. The bandits had chained individuals around their necks, clearly identifying them as slaves. The slaves had been subjected to unspeakable cruelty: some had been killed, mutilated, and women and children had been raped. The bandits showed no regard for age, exhibiting a level of cruelty that was beyond comprehension. Ryujin couldn't fathom why the sect hadn't eradicated these bandits.
"Ah, human nature is profoundly malevolent. There's no difference between this place and Earth, perhaps even worse here. The strong grow stronger, while the weak are consumed by the strong... It's a cycle of life that persists from beginning to end," Ryujin thought, reflecting on the harsh reality of the world.
"Why hasn't the Sect annihilated these monsters?" Ryujin pondered. The scenes of cruelty replayed before his eyes, stoking a fiery anger within him. This anger grew from the depths of his heart until suddenly, something within him snapped but he didn't lose his insanity.
He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"Status"
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[Status]
[NAME: Ryujin]
[LEVEL: 29 ] - [[HIDE]]
EXP : 200 / 29000
[STRENGTH : 132 (+25+50) ] [ENDURANCE:22(+50) ] [DEXTERITY : 24 (+33)]
[AGILTY: 66 (+42) ] [INTELLIGENCE : 34 ]
[SENSE:31 ] [QI: 78 ]
[STATUS POINT: 1240]
[SKILL POINT : 2]
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Ryujin opened his status window, contemplating channeling additional status points into the Qi attribute. With 78 points already allocated, he decided to invest 140 more points into Qi. This boost elevated his Qi attribute total to 218 points. Strengthening his Qi would directly enhance both his offensive and defensive capabilities. This strategic investment was made with a long-term perspective, focusing on refining his attack and defense.
"Alright, it will be enough for me to walk into the Shadow for a long term," Ryujin whispered to himself, his determination evident in his eyes. Continuing with a resolute tone, he added, "First, I should help out the prisoners." As if becoming one with the shadows themselves, he effortlessly melted into the darkness.
However, Ryujin's unique ability came with its limitations—he could only bring one person into the shadow realm at a time. The realization struck him that it would take considerably longer to rescue all of the prisoners. The thought of eliminating the bandits one by one crossed his mind, yet he hesitated, knowing that the lives of the captives hung in the balance.
Afraid that the bandits might retaliate and harm the prisoners if provoked, he weighed his options carefully. Despite his internal conflict, his compassion for those suffering never wavered.
With nearly fifty prisoners awaiting liberation, Ryujin devised a plan. He silently approached a woman among the captives, his movements so subtle that no one noticed. In a swift and fluid motion, he spirited her away into the encompassing darkness, away from prying eyes and danger.
Initially, the woman struggled against Ryujin's grasp, her fear painting vivid pictures of demons and monsters. But as his intentions became clear through his words, her anxiety gave way to a mixture of relief and uncertainty. Ryujin's hand over her mouth stifled her initial outcry, and he assured her in hushed tones, "Stay quiet! I'm here to help you escape."
The woman's wide eyes reflected her uncertainty, yet Ryujin's words seemed to reach her. As he released his grip on her mouth, a tear rolled down her cheek. "You're not here to hurt me?" she managed to whisper, her voice trembling.
"No," Ryujin replied with conviction. "I'm here to get you out of here. Follow my lead and stay hidden."
Guiding her to a concealed spot, he urged her to wait for the others. With a nod of understanding, the woman took shelter among the bushes, her heart still racing from the sudden turn of events.
Ryujin emerged from the shadows once more, this time guiding the children and then the adults to safety. He had successfully helped 27 children find their way out of captivity and into the protective embrace of the darkness. Each step taken in the shadows was a step closer to liberation.
With a calm yet authoritative demeanor, Ryujin instructed each person to remain as quiet as possible. The woman he had first rescued played a vital role, helping to keep the children calm and their voices hushed. As Ryujin returned to the fray, he extended his aid to two women and a man who carried himself with the bearing of a warrior. With unwavering resolve, he assured them that he was there to assist them.
Turning his attention to the warrior, Ryujin addressed him directly. "Rian, take the children and the three women to a place further from here, one that's well away from these bandits."
Rian, the warrior, bowed his head respectfully. "Yes, Savior. I'll lead them to the nearby city or find a suitable cave. Once they're safe, I'll return to this location."
"Very well, let's proceed with that plan," Ryujin agreed.
As he watched Rian and the group move away, Ryujin felt a sense of accomplishment. The weight of his actions and the toll they might take on his strength were secondary to the relief he saw in the eyes of those he had rescued. His Qi had been used extensively, but he sensed that his energy was regenerating, a testament to his disciplined training.
However, he was aware that pushing beyond his limits could lead to exhaustion. The knowledge that there were boundaries to his abilities served as a reminder of his own humanity. Yet, the adrenaline of the moment fueled him, and the importance of his mission outweighed his personal fatigue.
"19 more prisoners!" No one realized that Ryujin had brought 31 people out of the prison, as it was nighttime and everyone was enjoying their feast.
When he attempted to help the 32nd person, someone shouted at him, "Who are you!" A voice exclaimed as they punched Ryujin from behind.
Ryujin was thrown and collided with several layers of the wall. He realized he had been ambushed by bandits who were clearly stronger. Ryujin contemplated whether he should take on the leadership of this group and establish a higher level of organization and power.
Cough !! Ccough !! Ryujin was Bleeding so Much, Some of his bone are Broken and even his sight is slowly fading, but he kept his mind. He can use his skill to Heal him but he hold this to get more information about the enemy
Soon, all the bandits surrounded Ryujin. A figure spoke from a distance, their voice firm, "Where have you taken all my slaves?"
"Sir, I tried to explain that someone had kidnapped some of the people. I informed the staff, but they..." Suddenly, an elderly female prisoner started to speak, but her head exploded from a blow delivered by the bandit leader.
"Shut up! How dare you address a great man like me? And you, why did you take my slaves? Don't you recognize me?"
Seeing this, Ryujin realized that someone had noticed that he had brought some prisoners. He observed that the woman whose head had exploded like a melon seemed to possess cultivation. Ryujin refrained from inspecting the enemy because he didn't use his blindfold. However, he was aware that not using the blindfold could be more dangerous since he wouldn't know the enemy's skills, abilities, or weaknesses. He couldn't discern much about her or the man who continued to approach him.
"Who are you?" Ryujin addressed Durak Marauders.
"I am Durak's Marauders, one of the followers of the Demon Sage. You pitiful mortal, how dare you kidnap someone's belongings?" The man sneered with arrogance, exuding an air of authority.
Ryujin then glanced at the other frightened prisoners. Durak Marauders noticed this and looked at the prisoners. One of them, who realized the menacing gaze of the bandit leader, spoke up, "We didn't ask to be helped," and the others followed, shouting with tears, "Kill him!" The prisoners' fear was palpable. Annoyed, Durak Marauders raised his hand, causing 18 people to explode into a mist of blood. He then turned his gaze back to Ryujin.
"Who are you, and what kind of trick did you use to take my slaves?"
They laid the blame on Ryujin, but he didn't take it to heart. However, he felt helpless as he couldn't help them.
Ryujin began to stand and drew his sword, the 'Soul Bamboo Sword.' He entered a state of focus and suddenly appeared behind Durak Marauders. Without hesitation, he executed the Elemental Blade Slash technique, channeling half of his Qi into his sword. As a result, the leader sustained a long but not too deep scar across his chest.
Durak Marauders took the strike without dodging, observing that a mortal like Ryujin was capable of harming an Early Nascent Soul cultivator. He laughed, "Hahahah, a puny mortal like you can even hurt a Nascent Soul like me."
Upon realizing that his attack had not inflicted significant damage on his opponent, Ryujin initially thought that Durak Marauders might be at the Late Foundation Establishment Realm or the early Golden Core Realm, because in the fantasy novel, if someone talk about his higher title as a low lacky the should be east to be defeat. He didn't expect his adversary to possess a higher realm.
"Damn!" Ryujin exclaimed as he held his wound.