Bang!
Tuntun jumped up and exclaimed, "I was just slacking off. Don't count me!"
With a fierce expression, he rushed towards the Giant Turtleback Crocodile. Clenching his fist, he punched it and roared, "Damn it! I made Brother Shu lose face. I'm going to beat you to death today!"
This punch, empowered by the Dragon Jade Hand, sent the Giant Turtleback Crocodile flying.
Tuntun then leaped onto its back, raining down a barrage of punches on its weak points like a storm.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The punches came thick and fast.
At first, the Giant Turtleback Crocodile screamed in pain.
But soon, its cries faded.
Meanwhile, Zhao Wuji wiped the blood from his lips and sneered, "Not bad, kid. I never thought you'd improve so much. It's hard for me to fight you now!"
Lin Chen calmly approached him. "Zhao Wuji, don't worry. After you die, I'll have your family accompany you in the afterlife!"
Zhao Wuji's eyes widened in shock and his expression turned savage. "You dare to be so impudent! Let's see how I kill you today!"
Despite the threat, deep down, he knew he was outmatched.
As they exchanged words, Zhao Wuji let out a roar and charged forward. "Martial Spirit's Stomp!"
Lin Chen concentrated all his strength into his right foot. As Zhao Wuji lunged at him, he slammed it down on the ground.
"Boom!"
The violent vibrations created countless energy lines that surged in all directions.
Zhao Wuji faltered as the shockwaves coursed through his body. His vision blurred.
In that brief moment of disorientation, he lost his defenses.
"Bang! Bang!"
Two deafening blows echoed through the air.
Zhao Wuji was struck by an overwhelming force, sending him hurtling into the city wall. He crashed through and fell from the tower.
"Pfft!"
Blood spurted from his mouth as his eyes widened in disbelief.
He opened his mouth, struggling to get up, but his body betrayed him.
A gaping hole the size of a bowl had appeared in his chest. The impact had shattered his sternum and pierced his heart.
"Lin Chen, you..."
Zhao Wuji's face paled as his arm fell limply to the ground.
Zhao Wuji, once a mighty warrior at the eighth level of the Earth Spirit Realm, had met his demise at the hands of Lin Chen!
"Back then, in the Imperial City Square, you ruined my reputation and forced my sister to kneel. You were so arrogant. But from that moment on, your death was sealed!"
Lin Chen gazed at Zhao Wuji's lifeless body, each word dripping with cold fury.
With a steely determination in his eyes, he stepped into the Imperial City.
This time, the fallen genius had returned.
And he had come to reclaim his throne with indomitable strength.
Lian Qing sighed and followed behind Lin Chen.
She couldn't help but ponder his unpredictable nature. He could be calm and composed one moment, and ruthless and violent the next.
She questioned whether his bloodlust was a blessing or a curse. If it spiraled out of control, it could hinder his cultivation progress.
Lin Chen headed towards the City Lord's Mansion under the cover of darkness.
Zhao Wuji's family resided there. After eliminating him, it was only natural to eradicate the rest of his lineage.
It was a lesson to others. If he spared them, word would spread that Lin Chen was weak and easy to bully. Such a reputation could invite further threats.
As he approached the City Lord's Mansion, Lin Chen's eyes narrowed.
A surge of killing intent erupted from him, announcing his presence like a predator ready to strike.
A bloody massacre ensued.
By the time the first rays of dawn pierced through the sky, Lin Chen, drenched in blood, made his way to the palace.
Passersby flinched at the sight of his intimidating aura.
They dared not cross his path.
Unfazed by their reactions, Lin Chen continued his journey towards the palace.
Once upon a time, he had visited the palace to receive honors and awards. At that time, he was the pride and glory of the Da Cang Kingdom, bringing honor to his country and family.
His illustrious reputation had its roots in those moments.
But now, his return to the palace held a different significance.
"Who are you? What business do you have here?"
A guard spotted Lin Chen and rushed towards him, attempting to drive him away.
"I'm here... to kill."
Lin Chen's voice was devoid of emotion, as if he were stating a mere fact.
"Kill?"
The guard was taken aback and then scoffed, "Are you insane? You dare talk about killing in the Da Cang Palace? Do you even know where you are? Get out of here!"
"If you wish to die, try and stop me."
Lin Chen ignored his words and walked towards the palace.
He seemed indifferent to the consequences.
The guard felt a chill run down his spine. The murderous intent radiating from Lin Chen made him tremble.
"H-He..."
His hands and feet went numb.
This presence was overwhelming.
Like a fierce beast, Lin Chen continued his march, passing through the Meridian Gate and arriving at the palace entrance.
He raised his eyes and surveyed the scene before him.
In the past, he had harbored dreams of leading the Da Cang Kingdom to prosperity.
Now, it seemed like a distant and naive aspiration.
As the royal court bell tolled, hundreds of civil and military officials gathered at the Meridian Gate, preparing to enter the palace.
"Did you hear? Someone challenged Zhao Wuji yesterday, demanding that he come out and face death!"
"This morning, Zhao Wuji's body was found at the foot of the city wall..."
"Not just Zhao Wuji, but everyone in the City Lord's Mansion is dead!"
"Gasp! Who could be responsible for such a ruthless massacre? They're so... so brazen!"
"How dare they commit such a heinous act right at the Emperor's doorstep!"
The officials whispered among themselves, their voices filled with fear and awe.
Who could be so audacious?
As the bell chimed for the fifth time, the officials finally lifted their heads and prepared to march into the palace.
But suddenly, an official in the front row froze in place.
His eyes widened in horror as he pointed at the palace entrance, his voice trembling, "L-Look over there..."
All eyes turned in the direction he indicated.
In the next moment, everyone's hearts skipped a beat.
There, standing before the palace, was a figure soaked in blood.
He stood tall, his hands behind his back, a fierce expression in his eyes.
It was like... a war god guarding the gates of hell!