Wandering Swordsman |

Just then, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the dilapidated temple. The burly man and the others were startled and turned to look at the door. A familiar voice rang out from outside: "Miss Zhao, I'm back."

Upon hearing the voice, Zhao Xue was overjoyed; it was He Yun's voice. However, seeing the large number of people in front of her, she worried that He Yun was no match for them, so she quickly called out, "Young Master He, quickly report to the authorities!"

Upon hearing this, He Yun immediately sensed something was terribly wrong and, filled with anxiety, rushed into the dilapidated temple. The temple was dimly lit, with only a few rays of morning light filtering through the broken windowpanes and casting dappled shadows on the floor. A musty, musty smell permeated the air, and the withered leaves and pebbles on the ground rustled softly underfoot.

His eyes shone brightly as he quickly scanned the surroundings, immediately spotting the several thugs surrounding Zhao Xue. Zhao Xue leaned against the corner of the wall, her eyes flashing with a mixture of determination and fear, her fists clenched, ready to face any possible attack. Her clothes were covered in dust, and her face showed signs of weariness, but her indomitable will, like the first rays of dawn, pierced through the darkness.

A flash of anger crossed He Yun's eyes. He swiftly drew the bronze sword from his waist, its tip pointing directly at the group of people. The blade gleamed coldly in the morning light, like a sharp blade breaking through ice, demonstrating its master's determination and courage.

"You thieves, how dare you bully Miss Zhao! I will not let you get away with this today!" He Yun's voice was deep and powerful, each word carrying immense weight, echoing throughout the dilapidated temple and shaking the very soul. His voice contained an unwavering sense of justice, like a majestic mountain, standing firm and unyielding.

The crowd was momentarily stunned by He Yun's deep voice, but the burly man sneered and remained unmoved. The man was imposing, with a full beard, and had already drawn the long knife from his waist. His eyes revealed a mixture of majesty and cunning.

He slowly took a step forward, his long sword twirling lightly in his hand, as if testing He Yun's patience. The burly man's voice carried a threat, his tone exuding an undeniable domineering authority: "Boy, are you tired of living? Daring to interfere in our affairs! If you know what's good for you, leave now. Otherwise, don't blame me for unleashing a bloodbath."

He Yun didn't answer; he simply stared coldly at the burly man, his eyes revealing an unyielding resolve. Seeing this, the burly man's lips curled into a cold smile, seemingly believing He Yun was bluffing. However, in that instant, He Yun moved. His movements were so swift that no one could react, like a bolt of lightning shattering the silence of the dilapidated temple.

He Yun took a step forward, his body moving like an arrow released from a bow, swiftly weaving through the swarming crowd. His agility was unbelievable, as if every step was meticulously calculated, avoiding everyone's attack range. Leaving only a blurry trail in the air, He Yun was already in front of the burly man. The burly man clearly hadn't expected He Yun to be so fast; before he could react, He Yun had already kicked him directly in the abdomen.

The kick was powerful, sending the burly man flying through the air before he slammed heavily to the ground with a dull thud. The man's face instantly turned ashen; he struggled to get up, but He Yun was faster. He Yun spun around, swiftly grabbed the man's collar, lifted him from the ground, and then shoved him forcefully against the wall.

This series of movements was clean, crisp, and executed flawlessly, showcasing He Yun's superb martial arts skills and astonishing those around him. Seeing this, the burly man's companions raised their weapons, preparing to attack He Yun. Their faces were filled with anger and resentment, their eyes flashing with ferocity, as if they wanted to tear He Yun to shreds.

However, He Yun gave them no chance. He quickly grabbed the burly man who had fallen to the ground, dragged him in front of Zhao Xue, placed his back against Zhao Xue, and pressed his sword against the man's neck. The bronze sword reflected a cold light in the morning light, its tip lightly touching the man's skin; with just a little force, it could sever his throat.

"If you don't want to get hurt, let us leave safely." He Yun's voice was deep and powerful, each word carrying an unquestionable authority. His eyes were full of warning, as if telling them he wasn't joking. He Yun knew in his heart that if he were alone, these people would definitely be no match for him, but he dared not take the risk of fighting while also protecting the injured Zhao Xue.

Upon seeing this, the burly man's companions all stopped in their tracks, exchanging bewildered glances, unsure of what to do. Their expressions turned extremely grim.

Seeing this, Zhao Xue felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She knew that He Yun had risked his life for her sake. A hint of gratitude flashed in her eyes, and her gaze towards He Yun held a touch of admiration.

Seeing the unfavorable situation and his life seriously threatened, the burly leader's expression changed drastically, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He quickly weighed the pros and cons, realizing that a direct confrontation would only put him in greater danger. So, he immediately nodded and said, "Okay, okay, I'll do whatever you say." His voice carried a hint of helplessness, but his eyes still revealed resentment, as if searching for an opportunity to retaliate.

He Yun stared intently at the burly man, the bronze sword still pressed against his neck, showing no sign of loosening his grip. He said coldly, "Did you all hear that? Put down your weapons and make way." His voice was deep and powerful, each word carrying an irresistible authority. The air in the dilapidated temple seemed to freeze; everyone held their breath, awaiting the next development.

Seeing that He Yun hadn't loosened his grip, the burly man grew even more anxious, nearly bursting into a tirade against his men: "Do as the young hero says!"

Seeing this, the other thugs, though filled with anger and resentment, dared not disobey the burly man's orders. They all laid down their weapons, some throwing away swords, others dropping clubs; the sound of their weapons hitting the ground was crisp and heavy, as if announcing their defeat.

Seeing this, Zhao Xue felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She knew that He Yun had risked his life for her sake. A hint of gratitude flashed in her eyes, and her gaze towards He Yun held a touch of admiration.

He Yun's gaze swept over everyone, and only relaxed slightly after confirming that they had all laid down their weapons. He loosened his grip on the bronze sword slightly, but remained vigilant in case the other party suddenly attacked.

The air inside the dilapidated temple seemed to freeze, all eyes fixed on He Yun and Zhao Xue. Although the other thugs had laid down their weapons, their eyes still gleamed with resentment and hatred, as if searching for any opportunity to retaliate. However, with the burly man still in He Yun's hands, they refrained from making any rash moves.