Zhihao sensed a foreboding energy surrounding them, instinctively positioning himself in front of Xinran. His hand extended protectively, a shield against potential harm. His brows furrowed, gaze keenly observing their every move.
"No thanks," Zhihao retorted, unease deepening as they approached. "We're more than capable on our own."
"You sure?" questioned the bearded man, a scar marring his cheek, clad in tattered black attire. "Because that woman seemed lost."
Zhihao took a step behind and turned his head as he whispered, "Do you know them, Xinran?"
Meanwhile, the brown-haired woman's expression was tense, her eyes squinted, laden with anticipation. "They were from the inn."
Zhihao sighed, knowing that the situation could turn out very badly. Undeterred, the disheveled man and his accomplice persisted, wearing mischievous expressions.
"We're still not done with you," he declared, a sinister grin stretching across his face. "Where is that sensual slut you're always with?"
Laughter erupted from his companions, one of the lanky individuals in unflattering attire suggesting, "Yeah, should make her limp before she runs away from us."
"Good idea," echoed the others, their attention shifting towards Xinran. "Let's do it with her first."
"Don't lay a hand on her!" Zhihao bluffed, determined to thwart the impending danger, despite his awareness of his limited combat abilities.
Their laughter intensified, the one in the forefront mocking, "What's your plan, kid? Douse us with your concoctions?"
Zhihao retorted loudly, "My elixir isn't worth wasting on the likes of you!"
The bandit, visibly provoked, approached with a lifted brow, a sudden hush falling over the group. "Seems like you're seeking trouble," he declared, advancing as Zhihao retreated alongside Xinran. "I'll ensure you face the consequences of your actions."
With a signal, the two assailants lunged forward, launching a rapid onslaught of strikes against Zhihao. "Take this!" shouted the wiry man.
"Xinran, escape!" Zhihao swiftly directed her to retreat before evading the incoming assault. "Return to the village!"
"You won't escape from this!" their leader intercepted Xinran who was now alone while Zhihao was overwhelmed with two bandits at once.
However, instead of obeying the black-haired man, Xinran stood still, let go of her basket, and made a battle stance. Seeing that, the bandit smirked and asserted, "Heh, this is going to be fun!"
Distracted by Xinran's plight, Zhihao took a severe blow to the cheek, collapsing and urgently yelling, "Xinran, flee!"
As his clothes were roughly torn away, the brute struck again, targeting Zhihao's linked hands. In a moment of self-defense, devoid of any formal training, Zhihao fought back, releasing the bandit's grip and delivering a forceful punch to the liver.
Zhihao knew that a strike in that area would be fatal and was one of the deadly attacks that could paralyze an opponent. Quickly the bald man whimpered, bent over until he finally knelt, unable to endure the excruciating pain.
Driven by an adrenaline surge, Zhihao saw this as his chance for survival, determined to rescue Xinran from their savagery. However, he still had to confront the thin man, who, fueled by anger, brandished a dagger pulled from his waist.
"You little shit!" he raged seeing his comrade lying helplessly. "You will pay with your blood!"
Seeing a weapon drawn, Zhihao's chest suddenly tightened as the sharp object could potentially take away his life. Questioning whether the second life given to him was just a short one.
Yet, in a fleeting moment, memories of moments shared with Meisha, Jia, and Xinran flashed before him. Determined not to succumb, Zhihao couldn't accept an end here, knowing there were still dreams and aspirations left unfulfilled.
Xinran showcased remarkable agility, skillfully parrying the onslaught of attacks from the man with a distended stomach. "Impressive," he taunted, as Xinran, with her hair tied up, adeptly evaded his strikes. "You're agile, but how long can you keep it up?"
The burglar charged towards Xinran with unbridled passion, declaring, "You're mine!"
The woman was distraught and frightened to see him running towards her so quickly. But, she composed herself and prepared to launch an attack. Feeling that he was close enough, Xinran deployed her kick towards the bandit which hit him right on target.
However, the bandit blocked the attack with his hand, seizing Xinran's foot in the process. With a sly smile, he effortlessly knocked her to the ground, pinning her down and securing a grip on both her hands, rendering her helpless.
"You are stubborn," he chuckled triumphantly. "You won't be able to escape me!"
Aware of the dire situation, Zhihao rushed towards Xinran, intercepted by a dagger-wielding man. Engaging in a swift exchange, the man dodged and retaliated, momentarily distracted by Zhihao's interference, allowing a scratch to be inflicted upon him in the process.
"Die, you damn alchemist!" the bandit roared, driving the dagger into Zhihao's abdomen, rendering him speechless, wide-eyed. "Don't mess with us!"
Zhihao felt an extremely painful sensation, something seemed to creep into his throat causing him to cough up blood. This was the first time he felt stabbed and it almost knocked him unconscious from shock. But, his dedication has not waned as he catches his elixir on his waist.
Precisely hitting his mark, Zhihao smashed the bottle onto the bandit's head, the impact scattering and rendering him unconscious. Kneeling for a moment, Zhihao caught his breath, the pain evident in his soft whimper.
Struggling with unbearable distress, Zhihao attempted to pull the dagger out, but his shaking hands hindered the effort. Surrendering to the pain, he turned his attention to Xinran, who was still in the midst of the fight. Mustering all his strength, Zhihao stood back up, determined to save her.
Xinran skillfully deflected, shaking her head in defiance as the man above her lecherously focused on her chest. "Stay calm," he flirted, his face inching closer. "I want a taste!"
His concentration was broken when someone approached to disturb them, quickly turning his head and being greeted by a clenched hand aimed right at him. With a single upward fist, Zhihao was able to throw the man off Xinran, lying on the ground about to get back up.
"You okay?" Zhihao called out, extending his hand toward Xinran, who noticed the dagger lodged in his stomach. "We need to leave, now!"
"Zhihao..." she uttered, speechless, standing up and moving beside the limping man. "Give me your arm!"
Taking the lead, the woman wrapped Zhihao's arm around her shoulder, assisting him in moving away as the bandits refrained from pursuit. However, Zhihao's condition was worsening, his weakness apparent, making it clear he couldn't make it back to the village in such a state.