Chapter Three: Astonishment
Facing the incoming assault, Liu Feng merely extended his right palm, unleashing a surge of ferocious force that met the attack head-on with a violent momentum.
A thunderous sound erupted as fist and palm collided, the energy scattering in all directions and immense power rippling outward.
The man was sent reeling backward by the shock.
"Well now, kid, let me have a go at you," another challenger strode forward swiftly, his hands curved like hooks, exuding a chilling aura as he grabbed fiercely at Liu Feng's arms.
Liu Feng raised his palms, shaping them into blades. Layers of true essence pulsed forth, a sharp surge of energy slicing toward the man's claws.
Another explosive sound rang out, and the man clutched his hand as he retreated quickly.
"This kid has some skill. Let's go together," the remaining two attacked in unison.
One clenched his fist, swinging with leopard-like speed and strength toward Liu Feng's chest. The other thrust both palms forward, unleashing a massive stream of energy aimed at Liu Feng’s heart.
Confronted by these two, Liu Feng's expression grew solemn. He swung both fists, a wild power bursting forth, even causing the air to roar as he hammered against their attacks.
A deafening drum-like crash sounded, and all three were forced violently backward.
Before the pair could counterattack, Liu Feng pushed off with his toes, leaping forward again. His palms, sharp as blades, slashed fiercely at their bodies.
The two were caught off guard by Liu Feng's swift retaliation, hurriedly raising their fists to defend.
Two more explosive impacts followed, and they were sent sprawling backward.
Liu Feng, relentless in his advantage, struck out again with his palms, a violent surge of energy colliding fiercely with his opponents.
The two were already at a disadvantage, unable to regain control, forced to grit their teeth and endure.
The exchange between the three was swift and intense.
In the brief span of moments, the two were pressured by Liu Feng into constant retreat. His hand-blade strikes left thin trails of blood on their arms.
"This kid is something else. Stop standing around, hurry up and join in!"
Beaten by Liu Feng into mere defense, the pair called anxiously to their companions.
"Fine, let's all four go at him. I refuse to believe we can't take him down."
The other two joined in, one with his palm, one with his fist, launching direct attacks at Liu Feng.
Liu Feng immediately felt the pressure escalate. He whirled his fists like windmills, striking out rapidly. The air whistled with each blow.
"Yu Ming, Xiao Feng is fighting four men at once—isn't it dangerous?"
"It is dangerous, but as long as he stays determined, there's still hope for victory."
"Let's go help him."
"Don't be foolish. You have no martial skill, and my old wounds haven't healed. We'd only be a burden."
Liu Feng's parents paced anxiously within the house, sweat streaming down their faces, unable to think of a solution.
Outside, the battle raged, explosive sounds merging into a continuous roar as the fighters retreated from each other.
Liu Feng halted his movements, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes sharp as he looked at the four opponents before him.
They too were in tatters, blood trickling from their lips—clearly the fierce exchange had hurt them as well.
"Who would have thought, the four of us can't even subdue this kid for a moment."
"No use. If we can't take him alive, we'll just kill him. The young master won't blame us."
With that, the four drew knives from their waists, each about seven inches long, gleaming with chilling light and looking deadly sharp.
Without hesitation, they lunged forward, stabbing viciously at Liu Feng.
Liu Feng instantly felt a cold aura envelop his body, watching as four shining blades thrust toward him.
He dared not be careless, pushing off with his toes to leap backward, evading their strike.
Before he could counter, the blades flashed again, Liu Feng sprang upward, narrowly avoiding another attack.
Seizing the moment while still airborne, he drove both feet downward, releasing wild energy that crashed into two of his attackers.
The force shook their bodies, and as Liu Feng landed, he pressed forward, hammering both fists at them.
Twin phantom fists appeared, like tigers descending the mountain, smashing fiercely at the shaken pair.
They scrambled in panic, retreating hastily.
But the other two seized the gap, their knives flashing. Liu Feng couldn't dodge in time, his arm sliced twice, blood dripping instantly.
Glancing at his wounds, Liu Feng’s eyes blazed. He resolved to risk everything.
All four attacked together, knives gleaming with deadly light, aiming for Liu Feng’s vital points.
Liu Feng reached out quickly, true essence swirling in his palms like rippling water, grabbing at two of the knives.
The two attackers hesitated, their blades slowing. Liu Feng slapped the sides of their knives, stunning them, then followed with rapid kicks.
They were sent flying, vomiting blood, but Liu Feng’s arms were again sliced by the remaining knives.
He retreated swiftly, hands shaped like blades slicing through the air in a violent counterstrike.
His palm’s true essence rippled outward like waves, the air erupting with continuous blasts as a fierce power crashed into the four attackers.
All four, injured, moved sluggishly. Liu Feng struck like lightning.
The four were hurled out, spitting blood, while Liu Feng, drained by his last attack, collapsed in exhaustion. At that moment, "Awakening Technique" began to circulate automatically, and Liu Feng felt strength return.
Seeing his opponents struggling to rise, Liu Feng dragged his tired body toward them.
He picked up a knife and stabbed it into their legs, blood spurting out. Their screams were piercing and anguished.
Just then, Liu Feng's parents emerged.
"Xiao Feng, that's enough. Destroy their dantian—there’s no need for more."
"Very well. With their dantian broken, they'll be less than ordinary people." Liu Feng spoke with cold indifference.
"You can't do this, kid! If you cripple us, we’ll have no value left in the Wang family!" The four pleaded in terror.
Liu Feng stepped forward, pressing on their dantian points in quick succession, breaking their qi sea. Instantly, their bodies deflated like punctured balls.
"Get out!" Hearing Liu Feng's command, the four limped away from the courtyard, hatred blazing in their eyes.
"I'm afraid the Wang family will retaliate even more fiercely next time," Liu Feng said to his parents with concern.
"Yes, Yu Ming, what do we do if they come again?" Zhao Jing asked, her face filled with worry.
Liu Yu Ming's gaze sharpened, his voice domineering, "I want them to live in fear from now on."
"Tonight, I'll find someone to settle this matter." With that, Liu Yu Ming strode toward the house.
Liu Feng and his mother said nothing further, their trust in Liu Yu Ming absolute.
Liu Feng found some healing ointment, dressed his wounds, and sat on his bed to circulate his cultivation method, replenishing his depleted energy.
Soon, he felt his strength restored, with his true energy even improving. He marveled at the technique’s wonders.
Night fell, darkness enveloping the sky.
After dinner, Liu Yu Ming hurried out.
"Father, let me go with you," Liu Feng called.
"No need, stay home and keep your mother company," Liu Yu Ming said decisively, vanishing into the night.
"Will father be in danger?" Liu Feng watched his father's departing figure, worry etched on his face.
Zhao Jing pondered, "I remember your father mentioning his cultivation. He must be seeking help to deal with the Wang family."
Liu Feng was somewhat reassured by his mother’s words. Both prayed silently for Liu Yu Ming’s safe return.
Liu Yu Ming arrived at a grove outside Qingfeng Town, stopped, and lit a blue talisman, sending a mysterious power into the distance.
Moments later, he sensed the air behind him tremble slightly. Turning, he saw someone standing nearby.
The newcomer approached quickly, delighted, "Senior Brother, I finally get to see you again."