The blade closed in, a glint of murderous intent behind it, but Li Wei's face remained eerily calm. In that heartbeat, he let his aura surge—a quiet storm that expanded, filling the air around him with an intense, almost suffocating power.
The attackers hesitated, eyes widening as the truth dawned on them. Qi Gathering Stage 8. He was leagues above them. The leader faltered mid-strike, his smug confidence crumbling in an instant. Li Wei watched the terror flicker across his face, a glimmer of satisfaction deep within his icy blue eyes.
*To me, they are but children,* he thought, a detached coldness settling over him.
"You're… at Stage 8?" the leader stammered, his voice choked with disbelief. His arrogance had shattered, replaced by fear that gnawed at his very core. He hadn't expected to find a predator among them, disguised as prey.
Li Wei tilted his head, his expression empty. "And yet, you dared to ambush me."
