Xia Toutan and Lu Chen stood facing each other, ten paces apart. Even though they hadn't moved, the air was already thick with the tension of battle.
Their cold gazes locked, filled with stubborn determination.
Their palms rubbed together, itching for action, hinting at a earth-shattering fight about to begin.
Just then, an old man selling sesame cakes passed by. Seeing the scene, he immediately waved the rag hanging on his shoulder and roared:
"Get 'em!"
Lu Chen's eyes narrowed, and he attacked first.
"Embrace Yuan Force!"
A fist like a gale and thunder swept straight for Xia Toutan's face.
Xia Toutan activated Flowing Cloud Steps, turning to dodge the force of the punch. Then, with a "crack", he struck out with White Cloud Palm.
Lu Chen turned to block, and another "thump" of a fist landed, but Xia Toutan dodged it.
Then, with a "thud" of a kick, it was also blocked by Xia Toutan.
Seizing the opportunity, Xia Toutan launched Startling Thunder Finger, with two streaks of energy shooting out, "biu, biu," but they both missed.
Lu Chen immediately turned around and struck out a White Rainbow Piercing the Sun. With a "boom," Xia Toutan was directly knocked back fifteen feet.
Taking advantage of Xia Toutan's retreat, Lu Chen again used his fingers as a sword, performing the Qingyun Sect's "Seven Star Divine Technique Sword," immediately piercing the sky with energy, and once again sending Xia Toutan flying over thirty feet away.
This time, Xia Toutan was disoriented, only able to barely parry Lu Chen's continuous attacks, and was forced to retreat step by step.
Finally, backed into a corner and pushed to the limit, Xia Toutan roared, unleashing his trump card.
"Heavenly Cloud-Surging Palm!"
With a deafening boom, Lu Chen was thrown back several meters by the overwhelming force of the palm strike, and the situation on the field shifted once more.
"Lu Chen! Xuanji is mine, you won't lay a finger on her!"
At that moment, in Xia Toutan's mind, a scene flashed: Lu Chen was a pervert in love with his own sister, violating all ethical boundaries. Lu Chen took advantage of his sisterly affection to take advantage of Lu Xuanji every day, causing her to live in constant fear.
And he, Xia Toutan, was the prince charming who would rescue Lu Xuanji from this sea of suffering, and he would protect her from the evil clutches of the demon, no matter what.
"Xia Toutan, are you out of your mind!"
Lu Chen didn't have time to delve into Xia Toutan's filthy thoughts because he was already infuriated by being entangled with a lunatic.
"Qingyun Nine Immortal Swords!"
Instantly, sword light scattered in all directions, like streaks of meteors, forcing Xia Toutan to be completely defenseless.
Then, seizing the opportunity, Lu Chen used a palm strike to send Xia Toutan crashing to the ground, the immense force causing the ground to sink three feet.
The battle ended with Xia Toutan's defeat.
"Pfft~"
Xia Toutan's bones, tendons, and meridians were shattered by the force, and he couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of blood. Just as he was about to get up, Lu Chen stepped on his face.
"Stay away from my sister and the Lu Family, or I'll beat you up every time I see you!"
After saying this, he glared fiercely at Xia Toutan and turned to leave.
However, even though Xia Toutan was defeated, he continued to hurl insults in Lu Chen's direction as he left: "Lu Chen, you're a real piece of work!
Xuanji is your own sister! How could you have such thoughts about her? Why is there such a vile and despicable person like you in the world!
As long as I, Xia Toutan, am around, you won't even dream of laying a finger on Xuanji!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the onlookers who happened to be passing by all narrowed their eyes, and a strong sense of gossip erupted.
"So that's how it is?"
"No wonder the Lu siblings are inseparable. I didn't expect there to be such a relationship."
"Miss Lu is one of the most beautiful women around; a true beauty even in the world of jianghu. It's understandable that Lu Chen would have those kinds of thoughts about his sister."
"Oh my, how terrifying. You city folk really know how to play."
Hearing the surrounding gossip, Lu Chen's anger flared. He immediately turned and strode towards Xia Toutan, and without a word, stomped on his face!
"Shut your filthy mouth! My sister and I are innocent. How dare you slander us!"
"Heh, caught red-handed, weren't you? You're nothing but an animal, disgusting and sickening! One day, I will expose your filthy facade to the world!"
"How dare you!"
Enraged, Lu Chen grabbed Xia Toutan and unleashed a storm of furious blows, turning Xia Toutan's face into a bloody mess.
Looking at Xia Toutan, who was now like a dead pig, Lu Chen spat on his face and then delivered a harsh warning, "Xia, my father's birthday is approaching, and I don't want to cause any more bloodshed. But today, your words were disrespectful, and you insulted my family. I've taken note of this debt. I will visit the Xia Family in the future to seek justice!"
With that, he left without looking back.
Seeing that there was no more excitement to be had, the surrounding crowd dispersed.
At noon, Xia Toutan limped down the street, covered in wounds.
As he passed a teahouse, his eyes lit up.
Inside, a beautiful woman in a Qing silk dress sat quietly, her delicate features captivating as she read an ancient book.
This woman was none other than Lu Xuanji, the object of Xia Toutan's affections.
He quickly straightened his clothes, fighting through the pain that wracked his body. He plastered on what he thought was a casual smile and strolled into the teahouse.
"Miss Lu, I never expected to see you here today. It's a pleasure," Xia Toutan said, taking a seat directly opposite Lu Xuanji, striking the pose of an absolute simp.
Lu Xuanji frowned slightly when she heard the voice.
Without even raising her head, she naturally knew who was sitting opposite her.
Lu Xuanji was utterly fed up with Xia Toutan's pursuit.
She was currently focused on seeking the Dao and had no interest in matters of the heart, not to mention Xia Toutan wasn't her type.
Little miss, this chapter has more to come, please click the next page to continue reading, it's even more exciting!
Thus, she planned to make her feelings perfectly clear.
However, as soon as she looked at Xia Toutan, the words she was about to say were abruptly stopped.
Xia Toutan's face was bruised and swollen, and his clothes were disheveled. He didn't have a shred of his usual suave appearance.
"What happened to you?"
Lu Xuanji's question immediately made Xia Toutan feel like spring had arrived.
She's worried about me.
This was a delusion that Xia Toutan entertained.
So, he excitedly said, "Xuanji, don't worry. I will definitely save you from this filthy family and give you true happiness."
Lu Xuanji was utterly bewildered by these inexplicable words, but she still sensed the faint aura of Qingyun Sect's techniques emanating from his injuries. She therefore asked, "Did you fight with my brother?"
Xia Toutan replied, "For you, these injuries are nothing. Please give me a little more time, and I will definitely rescue you from this sea of fire."
Lu Xuanji frowned, completely failing to understand what he was talking about.
Just as she was about to inquire further, He Yishou, who was sitting next door drinking tea, suddenly approached them with a smile on his face.
"Miss Lu, greetings. I have some matters to discuss with Young Master Xia. I wonder if we could borrow a little of your time?"
"Please, go ahead."
Lu Xuanji agreed without a second thought.
Xia Toutan was anxious when he heard this. He had finally found an opportunity to be alone with the goddess, and he couldn't let this old man ruin it.
He was about to refuse, but He Yishou pressed a hand on his shoulder, wearing a kind smile. "Young Master Xia, it will only take a moment, just a quarter of an hour or so. It won't hurt your plans. You wouldn't want to refuse like this, would you?"
Xia Toutan brushed off He Yishou's hand and stood up, saying, "You're a defeated general. What exactly do you want from this young master?"
"Hehe, please follow me, Young Master Xia. You'll find out soon enough."
With that, He Yishou put his hands into his sleeves and turned to leave.
Xia Toutan sighed, then said to Lu Xuanji, "Miss Lu, please wait here for a moment. I'll be right back."
With that, he followed He Yishou out of the teahouse.