Chapter 22: The Figure Behind the Scenes

“Damn, things have gotten out of hand…” Long Yun’s expression shifted subtly. Though the woman in white wore a veil of sheer gauze and had draped herself in Huang Yun’s coarse homespun, her graceful figure was impossible to conceal, stirring Long Yun’s heart at every moment.

If he felt this way, there was no need to mention those unscrupulous bandits led by Brother Hu. Seeing the greedy, lustful gleam in their eyes, Long Yun wished he could gouge them all out. On any other day, these weaklings would be finished with a single slap from him.

But now the situation was different. Dai Mo and Huang Yun were mere commoners. If Long Yun punished the bandits and left, the couple would surely suffer the mountain men’s cruel revenge. So, he shook his head inwardly. The woman in white was not like him; over the past few days, Long Yun had realized that, though she possessed formidable strength, she was naïve in the ways of the world and poorly versed in its subtle games.

“Little lady, how dare you talk to Brother Hu like that? Tired of living, are you?” one of Hu’s lackeys burst out laughing. “But you’ve got a nice figure. Brother Hu’s been wanting a girl to warm his bed. Since you’re so eager to speak up for them, come back to the stronghold with us!”

“You deserve death!” An icy killing intent spread outward from the woman in white.

Sensing this, Long Yun’s expression changed and, without drawing attention, he stepped between her and the bandits, pressing a hand gently to her back. His inner energy flowed steadily into her.

Recklessly releasing killing intent, her condition was clearly unstable. Long Yun lowered his voice and said, “You’re still injured. Don’t be angry. Leave this to me.”

To his surprise, the woman in white withdrew her energy. In the past, no one could sway her once she’d made up her mind; when her killing intent was roused, it was a fight to the death. Yet now, she let it go—so obediently that even she didn’t understand why she instinctively listened to Long Yun. All she knew was that the large hand on her back felt warm.

The bandits, oblivious to how close they’d brushed with death, continued to laugh wildly at Long Yun and the woman.

“Bring her to me!” Brother Hu barked. Two of his men, already poised, lunged at the woman in white, grinning.

“Brothers, please, calm your anger!” Dai Mo hurried forward, blocking their path and forcing a smile. “This is my cousin’s wife. She’s young, and if her words have offended you, Brother Hu, please don’t take it to heart. I apologize on their behalf.”

Brother Hu’s sneer made Dai Mo’s heart sink, but he continued desperately, “I caught a lot of fresh fish today—no need for rent, take them as a gift. Please, brothers, show some mercy.”

Brother Hu slowly approached, a smug smile playing on his lips. He clapped a hand on Dai Mo’s shoulder and said with a smirk, “I’m a man of some reputation. But now a little brat has cursed me, and you think a few measly fish are enough? How am I supposed to keep my authority? Out of my way, unless you want to see blood today.”

“Brother Hu—” Dai Mo tried to reason with him, but before he could finish, his body arched in pain and he crashed heavily to the ground at Long Yun and the woman’s feet, coughing blood.

“Dai Mo!” Huang Yun wailed, flinging herself to his side. Her husband wounded, she was beside herself with grief, tears streaming down her face.

“Help me kill them,” the woman in white whispered to Long Yun.

Murderous intent flashed in Long Yun’s eyes as well. For so many days, Dai Mo and his wife had treated them like family. How could he endure this bullying any longer?

Sensing that the woman’s injuries had stabilized, Long Yun withdrew his energy and spoke: “I won’t just kill them. When you cut the weeds, you must pull out the roots.”

“Dammit, I told you not to block the way. Still mouthing off? I’ll cut you down!” Brother Hu strode over, cursing, and raised his right foot to kick Dai Mo’s chest.

But before he could land the blow, a stabbing pain shot through his leg. With a scream, he collapsed, clutching his right shin in agony.

Long Yun had moved in a flash, stepping before Dai Mo and Huang Yun. He’d struck Brother Hu’s calf with such force and speed that none of the bandits had seen it, shattering the bone cleanly.

“Kill them! Kill them all!” Brother Hu roared. Among the mountain men, his skills were considerable, earning him a squad leader’s post with a dozen underlings. They were used to bullying and terrorizing, never expecting to run into a practitioner like Long Yun. But the thought never crossed their minds—few experts ever came to these remote parts. So, he simply gave the order.

The four henchmen hadn’t seen how Long Yun struck, only that Brother Hu was suddenly down. Now this youth stepped forward, and they assumed he must have used some dirty trick. Drawing their weapons, they rushed at Long Yun, hatred blazing in their eyes.

Long Yun’s gaze remained calm. He slowly raised his right hand, and a ball of golden light appeared in his palm, radiating with magnetic force.

As the four weapons neared, they were instantly drawn to the glowing orb, wrenched from their wielders’ grasp no matter how hard they struggled.

Brother Hu, sprawled on the ground, broke out in a cold sweat. This was externalized inner energy—a feat far beyond his own abilities, and not even their leader was capable of it. He had only ever seen such power from the mysterious master who taught all the mountain men their skills. To them, that master was a living god.

Yet now, this youth displayed the same feat. How could Brother Hu not be terrified?

“I have no wish to kill today. Leave—now!” Long Yun snapped. The golden light exploded from his palm, sending the four weapons flying and buffeting the men with such force that their faces flushed red. For the first time, they felt death so close, and their faces went pale with fright.

Now, Brother Hu regained his composure. As a squad leader, he had a calculating mind. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he stepped in front of his men.

“You may be strong, but you can’t protect all the villagers forever. I advise you to mind your own business, or the consequences will be dire,” Brother Hu threatened, his tone cold. Behind his back, he signaled to his henchmen.

They understood instantly, positioning themselves behind Brother Hu to block one of their own from view—and shield their actions from Long Yun.

Long Yun saw through it all, but did nothing. He stepped lightly in front of Brother Hu.

Brother Hu didn’t understand, but his arm trembled—perhaps from pain, perhaps from fear.

“Who taught you your martial arts?” Long Yun asked, his voice calm but chilling. Brother Hu shuddered involuntarily.

“I warn you, our master’s skills are unfathomable. If you’re smart, you’ll come with me to the stronghold and apologize. Otherwise—” Brother Hu’s lips curled with cold menace, but there was more bluster than substance.

“I’ll ask you one last time—what is your master’s name?” Long Yun’s aura turned glacial, his face like October frost. The air around them dropped sharply.