Chapter Twenty-Eight: Encirclement and Slaughter

"Brother Longyun, what are you..." Dymo was momentarily taken aback by Longyun's urgent words and asked.

"No time to explain, Brother Dymo. If you trust me, quickly gather your things. I'll take you away right now!" Longyun was anxious, knowing that Xu Qing would soon arrive with skilled fighters. By then, it would be too late for any escape.

"Alright! We'll go at once!" Huang Yun recovered a bit sooner than Dymo and hurriedly tugged at him. The two rushed back inside to pack.

Sweat began to bead on Longyun's forehead as he prepared to head toward the white-robed woman's room. Suddenly, the door latch rattled, and a white figure appeared before him.

Seeing the white-robed woman emerge on her own, Longyun took out a Jade Vitality Pill, poured out a single bead, and spoke urgently, "Something unexpected happened—the chief escaped. We're in danger here. Take this pill; we must move quickly!"

"Jade Vitality Pill?" The white-robed woman spoke softly, recognizing the medicine.

"You know it?" Longyun was slightly surprised, then immediately realized—she was a disciple of the Phoenix Pavilion, so her familiarity with the pill was hardly unexpected.

The white-robed woman took the Jade Vitality Pill, no larger than a bean, wholly emerald and glowing with a faint green light. A rich aura of life emanated from it, marking it as no ordinary item.

She placed the pill in her mouth, where it melted instantly, sending a stream of cool warmth down her throat. She paused in silence before speaking, "Jade Vitality Pill is the rarest healing medicine of the Two Pill Gates, renowned for its remarkable effects. How did you acquire it?"

Longyun sighed. "It's a long story—I'll tell you later. These bandits are not as simple as they appear. Like those on Monk Hill, it seems there's a hidden force controlling them. You're gravely injured and can't face masters now, so we need to lay low for a while."

The white-robed woman nodded. "With the Jade Vitality Pill, I’ll return to peak condition in twelve hours."

Longyun was secretly astonished. Her injuries were severe; under normal circumstances, it would take three to five months to recover, yet the pill's potency was overwhelming.

Thinking of this, Longyun recalled the bronze flask he carried—the treasure of the Small Pill Gate, the Heaven-Stealing Pill. If the Jade Vitality Pill was so formidable, the Heaven-Stealing Pill could only be imagined in its power.

Nearly two cups of tea later, Dymo and Huang Yun had finished packing. The four exchanged few words and headed directly outside.

"Brother Dymo, I've dragged you into this. I apologize," Longyun suddenly said.

Accustomed to the quiet life of the mountain village, Dymo was reluctant, yet he understood the situation. "Brother Longyun, no need for extra words. I trust you."

Longyun was moved and replied softly, "Rest assured, brother. I will arrange everything for your well-being."

Just as Longyun finished speaking, his expression changed sharply. He muttered, "They’re fast!"

At that very moment, three figures landed before Longyun and his companions.

Longyun stepped forward, shielding the white-robed woman and the others behind him. The three men before him were all at the Spirit-Concealing level, a rank above himself, dressed in ordinary clothes to conceal their identities.

"Longyun?" one of them asked coldly, his gaze filled with murderous intent.

Longyun’s heart skipped a beat. "Are you here to escort me back to the sect, or to kill me?"

The man frowned. "I don’t understand what you mean."

"Heh, you don’t need to understand. As long as I know, that’s enough. This has nothing to do with them; let them go," Longyun replied calmly.

Though three Spirit-Concealing experts could pressure him, to truly break his spirit was impossible.

The man flickered with surprise at Longyun's words but quickly snorted, "If you were me, would you let them go?"

No sooner had the man spoken than Longyun launched his attack!

Seizing the initiative was crucial; only by gaining the upper hand could he control the battle. With rich combat experience, Longyun never hesitated to strike first.

He formed his fingers into a sword. Golden light burst forth three feet from his fingertips, chilling sword energy radiating from his body. A sorrowful, compassionate aura spread instantly.

The Sword of Supreme Compassion and Bliss! Longyun began with one of the five ultimate sword techniques, signaling his resolve to kill.

The white-robed woman imperceptibly shielded Dymo and Huang Yun behind her, her eyes beneath the veil fixed on Longyun. Her jade hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched tightly.

"Scoundrel! How dare you attack first!" The man had not expected Longyun to strike so suddenly, forcing him to retreat in haste. His two companions reacted instantly.

Two long swords rang out, their sharp energy stabbing at Longyun’s flanks from left and right.

Though Longyun had the advantage of surprise, the opponents responded quickly, retreating as far as possible. If he attempted a forced kill, it could be done, but he would also suffer from their joint assault. He knew these three were likely just the vanguard meant to block him; risking his life for a kill would leave him in dire straits for the battles ahead.

Seeing the trio attack in near unison, Longyun withdrew his sword energy, spinning his sword fingers outward in a reversal—the move known as "Buddha’s Bow" from the Supreme Compassion and Bliss Sword Technique.

"Buddha’s Bow" was inspired by the moment when countless Buddhas bow before the Lord Buddha. Mastered to its peak, it could unleash millions of sword strikes in an instant, each one lethal.

Though Longyun could not yet summon millions of swords, his energy pointed at the two attackers, transforming into tangible light that struck their sword energy directly.

"Clang—" Two crisp sounds rang out together. Longyun’s seemingly gentle sword energy, upon contact, exploded, shattering both attackers’ sword energy at once.

"Buddha’s Bow" embodied compassion, delivering salvation. The two attackers’ sword energy was steeped in deadly intent, directly clashing with the Buddhist sword energy. Longyun’s move was the perfect remedy—its effectiveness was remarkable.

The two figures retreated simultaneously, a trace of shock flashing across their faces. They knew Longyun possessed the peerless sword techniques handed down through Jade Sword Gate.

But with their superior rank and a three-man encirclement, they had assumed that holding Longyun would be effortless, if not capturing him outright.

Yet after this brief exchange, their underestimation vanished. Now they realized the youth before them, merely at the Energy-Gathering stage, was by no means simple.

If they continued to be careless, their lives might well end here. Especially the master Longyun had attacked—cold sweat broke out along his spine.

He understood: had Longyun risked all for a kill, that previous strike would have ended his life without a chance of survival.

As these thoughts raced, Longyun’s sword once more unleashed countless golden energies. This time, he held nothing back, letting his vast sword intent roar forth.

Fused into the true energy of his sword, the Supreme Compassion and Bliss Sword Technique reached its peak in his hands.

Ripples spread outward, and within the field of sword intent, it seemed as if sacred Buddhist chants echoed from the heavens, causing the faces of the three attackers to pale.

Sword intent is formless, yet it can affect the mind. Longyun’s sword intent made their consciousness tremble violently. Biting their tongues, they spat blood, finally breaking free from its influence.

"Buddha descends, delivering all beings!" Longyun’s figure soared several yards high. Then, his sword energy crashed down, and the blade’s edge slowly descended, a vast pressure enveloping the three men at once.

"This kid is formidable! You two hold off his attack—I’ll find a weakness and break his sword intent!" The first man spoke again, his eyes growing heavy with concern.