Cao Yunwei used her last life-saving Spirit Talisman to protect Ye Chenfeng from Ding Zhenhu's attack. However, Ding Zhenhu revealed a powerful Jade Pendant that negated the talisman's blast, leaving Cao Yunwei and her brother defenseless. A sense of despair washed over Cao Yunwei as their final protection was gone, and Ding Zhenhu remained unharmed.
Cao Yunwei employed her sole life-saving spirit talisman, but it ultimately failed to harm Ding Zhenhu.
Following a period of silence, the surrounding onlookers commenced murmuring amongst themselves.
“Cao Yunwei and her brother are in dire straits now; who would have predicted Ding Zhenhu possessed such a formidable defensive jade pendant? He wouldn’t have resorted to using it unless absolutely necessary. Cao Yunwei brought this upon herself,” one observer remarked.
“Precisely. Had Cao Yunwei not stepped forward to defend the newcomer, the siblings might have enjoyed a temporary reprieve. Now that they’ve exhausted their final protective charm, it’s difficult to envision any escape for Cao Yunwei from Ding Zhenhu’s grasp today,” another added.
“I truly wonder what draws Cao Yunwei to that good-for-nothing newcomer. That fellow is likely to meet his end swiftly at Ding Zhenhu’s hands,” a third chimed in.
Amidst the hushed conversations, Cao Yunwei pressed her lip tightly, with Cao Xiaodong standing steadfastly beside her.
Cao Xiaodong clenched his fists, seemingly bracing for the inevitable. Despite understanding the overwhelming disparity—akin to an ant confronting a titan—he was resolute in his decision to shield his sister.
“Sister, what course of action should we pursue now?” Cao Xiaodong inquired softly.
Cao Yunwei sighed internally. “Xiaodong, do you fear death? If I were to yield to Ding Zhenhu, your life would be spared, and you might still have a chance to return to Floating Cloud City.”
Cao Xiaodong shook his head with unwavering conviction. “Sister, I do not fear death. Please do not concern yourself with my fate. In our current predicament within this mysterious realm, survival is tenuous. We might as well reunite with our parents in the afterlife sooner rather than later.”
Cao Yunwei placed a hand on Cao Xiaodong’s shoulder, her expression filled with appreciation. “Xiaodong, you truly have matured. I, too, long to see our parents. Let us journey to them together!”
Turning her gaze towards Ye Chenfeng, Cao Yunwei spoke with a composed tone, “I have extended all the aid I possibly could. There is nothing further I can offer.”
Her impulse to assist Ye Chenfeng stemmed purely from her innate nature. Through their recent interactions, she had perceived him as a decent individual, though she hadn’t anticipated his character to be so fragile. She felt she had fulfilled her obligation.
In response to Cao Yunwei’s measured words, Ye Chenfeng merely shrugged. “I am indebted to you once more.”
Witnessing Cao Yunwei and Ye Chenfeng engaged in their seemingly sentimental exchange, Ding Zhenhu’s fury intensified. A malevolent smile twisted his lips as he sneered, “Kid, even Cao Yunwei cannot shield you now. What does she see in a coward like you, who merely cowers behind a woman?”
From Ding Zhenhu’s perspective, the outcome was predetermined. With the life-saving spirit talisman depleted, Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong posed no threat. As for Ye Chenfeng, whose aura seemed utterly negligible, he was of even less concern.
Ding Zhenhu, in no hurry, decided to prolong the torment. “Kid, if you’re willing to grovel now and clean my boots with your tongue, I might grant you your life.”
“Doesn’t Cao Yunwei hold a special place in your heart? While I am indulging in Cao Yunwei’s company, I could permit you to be a spectator. What do you say?”
Ding Zhenhu’s peculiar inclinations were evident; he presumed Ye Chenfeng, with no one left to champion him, would readily capitulate.
Upon hearing Ding Zhenhu’s proposition, Cao Yunwei’s eyes hardened, and her complexion grew even more ashen.
Ding Zhenhu’s depravity within the junkyard was widely known. Women who had defied him had taken their own lives, yet he never ceased his torment. This spoke volumes of his twisted disposition.
Cao Xiaodong, standing resolutely beside his sister, assumed Ye Chenfeng would inevitably submit to Ding Zhenhu, deeming him too feeble.
“Ye Chenfeng,” Cao Xiaodong called out resolutely, “if you possess any semblance of manhood, do not bow to Ding Zhenhu. I consider you a friend and hope you live up to that designation. None of my friends are weaklings.”
Ye Chenfeng instinctively touched his nose. “Did I ever state that I would submit?” he inquired, his voice devoid of emotion. “You and your sister, allow me to be your protector!”
With an air of nonchalance, Ye Chenfeng drew the Qingyun Sword from his back and fixed his gaze upon Ding Zhenhu. “You desire me to lick your boots? You are utterly unworthy to even touch mine.”
Ye Chenfeng remained standing casually, his grip on the Qingyun Sword equally relaxed, presenting a somewhat disarming image.
Cao Xiaodong chuckled upon hearing Ye Chenfeng’s retort. “Now that sounds like a friend worthy of Cao Xiaodong. We shall have each other’s company on the Road to the Netherworld.”
Cao Yunwei’s pale lips curved into a faint smile. “Ye Chenfeng, though you cannot save us, you are a true man.”
It was evident that both Cao Xiaodong and Cao Yunwei believed Ye Chenfeng had resigned himself to a futile defiance, underestimating his ability to overcome Ding Zhenhu.
Hearing Ye Chenfeng's firm decision, Ding Zhenhu’s countenance contorted with anger. He had never expected Ye Chenfeng would prefer death to surrender.
With a sinister grin stretching across his face, Ding Zhenhu’s form blurred as he lunged toward Ye Chenfeng once more, his imposing aura pressing down. "Kid, playing the hero comes with a steep price, and you're nothing but a pathetic worm. You’ll never be a hero; you’ll meet your end beneath my fist."
Witnessing Ding Zhenhu's swift advance upon Ye Chenfeng, the surrounding spectators unanimously concluded that Ye Chenfeng's fate was sealed.
Cao Yunwei and Cao Xiaodong, steeling themselves, also prepared to end their lives, intending to follow Ye Chenfeng in death once Ding Zhenhu delivered the killing blow.
However.
Just as everyone braced themselves for Ye Chenfeng's imminent demise.
Unseen by the crowd, Ye Chenfeng made a subtle movement. His left hand, not occupied by the Qingyun Sword, dangled naturally at his side, and with a flick, a small pebble shot forth.
The projectile streaked through the air with incredible speed, striking Ding Zhenhu's knee and causing it to shatter. Even without the aid of spiritual energy, Ye Chenfeng's physical prowess was not to be trifled with.
With his kneecap obliterated, Ding Zhenhu faltered, his momentum carrying him uncontrollably forward, having already reached the peak of his speed.
His body careened involuntarily towards Ye Chenfeng's right hand, which held the Qingyun Sword.
"Pfft!"
Ding Zhenhu's neck met the sharp point of the Qingyun Sword, the blade plunging through his throat. He perished instantly, his eyes frozen in a look of utter shock.
To the stunned onlookers.
Ding Zhenhu.
Had he truly just died like that?
So ignominiously?
…(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to go to qidian.com to vote for recommendation and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)
