The air in the gladiator pits was thick with the stench of sweat, blood, and despair. Ming Yue, now a Qi Gathering Stage 1 cultivator, could feel the chaotic energy coursing through his veins. His newfound power brought with it a heightened awareness and a darker, more violent edge. He knew he needed to escape, but the path to freedom was fraught with danger.
#### Adjusting to New Strength
Ming Yue tested his strength in the shadows of his cell, feeling the raw power in his muscles. Every punch, every kick was more precise, more powerful than before. The chaotic qi within him was like a raging beast, eager to be unleashed.
"These new abilities... I must control them. I must use them to my advantage," he thought, his eyes glinting with a cold determination.
#### A New Ally
One day, while Ming Yue was training alone, a figure approached him. It was Zhang Wei, a fellow prisoner but with a cultivation level higher than Jian Chen's. Zhang Wei spoke in a low voice, careful not to attract unwanted attention.
"Listen, I know of your current situation," Zhang Wei said, his eyes scanning the surroundings for eavesdroppers.
Ming Yue glanced at him, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor. "And why would that concern you?" he replied softly, not breaking his rhythm.
"Tian Liang is a major supplier to the gladiator. He's in cahoots with the owner," Zhang Wei continued. "I was also a victim of his human trafficking ring. There are others here who suffer the same fate. Some are his spies, but some are willing to help with an escape."
Ming Yue's interest piqued. "How do you know all this?"
"I have my sources," Zhang Wei said. "But I need your help because of Jian Chen. She's the only one allowed outside the gladiator. My spies say she meets with a man who's Tian Liang's messenger."
Ming Yue's eyes narrowed. "So, you want my help because she's close to me, and you suspect she's spying on me?"
Zhang Wei nodded. "Exactly."
Ming Yue smirked. "Alright, let's threaten her. We can use her to get outside."
#### The Confrontation
A week later, they set their plan into motion. Jian Chen was training alone in a secluded area when several figures surrounded her. She felt a dagger press against her neck and sensed multiple powerful auras.
"What do you want?" she asked, her voice trembling.
To her shock, Ming Yue stepped out of the shadows, a cold, ruthless smile on his face. "Did you think I wouldn't notice?" he said playfully.
Jian Chen's eyes widened in fear. "I'll do what you want. I just wanted freedom, please," she pleaded.
Ming Yue's smile faded. "I've heard you're allowed outside. Tell me about the man you meet. How strong is he?"
Jian Chen hesitated before answering, "He's Tian Liang's messenger. He only leaves when I report important intel. He could kill all of you easily."
Ming Yue nodded. "In a month's time, tell him you've found out about the Shadow Void Technique. That should make him leave. Then, you will lead us to the gate and convince the guards to let us pass. If they refuse, we'll kill them."
Jian Chen agreed, her fear evident. They ensured she didn't meet anyone else to keep their plan a secret.
#### The Plan in Motion
Over the next fortnight, Ming Yue and Zhang Wei refined their escape plan. They decided a distraction was necessary in the arena to draw the guards away.
"We need a riot, a massive brawl among the prisoners," Ming Yue suggested. "The guards will swarm to control it, leaving the gate less guarded."
Zhang Wei agreed. "But we need a body double for you. Someone who looks like you but with a disfigured face to make it convincing."
#### The Arena Distraction
The day of the escape arrived. The arena was filled with the usual din of prisoners and guards. Ming Yue and Zhang Wei incited a brutal riot, prisoners turning on each other in a desperate bid for survival.
Ming Yue found his body double, a boy with similar features. He ensured the boy was seen fighting valiantly before being killed.
"Rest in peace," Ming Yue whispered, a rare moment of softness in his otherwise hardened heart.
#### The Escape
The chaos in the arena was only the beginning. As planned, a second group of rioters initiated another brawl in the crucibles, drawing more guards away. The sound of clashing weapons and pained screams filled the air, creating the perfect distraction.
Ming Yue, Zhang Wei, Jian Chen, and a few trusted allies made their way to the gate. They encountered a group of guards, but these guards were tired and wounded from the previous fights.
"Now!" Ming Yue hissed, and they launched their attack. The battle was fierce, but the guards, already exhausted, fell one by one. Ming Yue's ruthless efficiency was on full display as he cut down anyone who stood in their way.
Finally, they reached the gate. Jian Chen approached the guards there, who were still unaware of the full scale of the chaos inside.
"We have orders to leave," she said with forced confidence. "Let us pass."
The guards hesitated, but the sound of the riot growing closer made them nervous. Just as one guard was about to question further, Zhang Wei attacked, and the group quickly overpowered the remaining guards.
#### Freedom and Paranoia
As they stepped outside, Ming Yue felt the cool night air on his face. For a moment, he felt pure joy—a rare emotion for him. But his training and experiences had taught him to be cautious.
Without a word, he sprinted away from the group, disappearing into the shadows. He knew they might turn on him to silence any witnesses, and he wasn't taking any chances.
Running through the night, Ming Yue's thoughts were a mix of relief and paranoia. "I can't trust anyone. Not after what I've been through," he thought. The joy of freedom was tempered by his deep-seated mistrust.
He ran and ran, until the sounds of the gladiator pits were a distant memory. Breathing heavily, he finally allowed himself to slow down. The night was silent, and for the first time in a long while, Ming Yue felt a strange sense of peace.
"I'm free," he whispered to himself, a small, genuine smile forming on his lips. "But this is only the beginning. I will have my vengeance."
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