The air around the pit seemed to freeze in an instant. Every gaze locked on the handsome man who had suddenly opened his eyes within the coffin. Hearts pounded wildly, as if about to burst from their chests.
Those eyes were too deep, carrying the weight of millennia, steeped in desolation and cold killing intent. Just being stared at by them made a chill rise from the marrow.
The next instant, something even more terrifying happened.
The man’s body stirred slightly, and without warning, he floated out of the crystal coffin. As light as a feather, he slowly rose into the air, stopping half a zhang above the pit.
Sunlight spilled over his white robe, outlining his tall, straight form. A faint aura of radiance surrounded him, as though a deity from legend had descended. Looking down upon the crowd below, his gaze was filled with indifference and disdain, as though watching a swarm of insignificant ants.
Li Wenxing, Li Guanglong, and Li Juntang exchanged glances. In each other’s eyes, they saw deep doubt and dread.
That overwhelming pressure, that ethereal aura—it far surpassed their expectations.
Who was this man?
“Could it be… an immortal?” a soldier whispered, his voice trembling.
Qian Jin’s brow furrowed, his grip tightening on the branch in his hand until his knuckles turned white.
If the man before them truly was an immortal, then they were in grave danger.
The handsome man slowly swept his gaze across the group. Wherever his eyes passed, soldiers lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze. Even their breathing became cautious.
When his eyes finally fell upon the three brothers, his coldness grew sharper still.
“Breaking into Penglai Island… disturbing my slumber…” The man’s voice was clear and cool, like jade, yet carried an undeniable authority. It resounded like thunder in their ears.
“You… must all die.”
The moment the words fell, he lifted a slender hand and pointed at one of the commanders in the crowd.
The commander’s face changed drastically. He tried to dodge, but found his body locked in place, unable to move at all.
A moment later, agony tore through him. His body suddenly exploded with a deafening “boom,” spraying blood and flesh in every direction. The grisly remains splattered onto the soldiers nearby, painting the scene with horror.
“Ahhh—!” Soldiers screamed in terror, panic surging like a flood. They stumbled backward, desperate to escape this dreadful figure.
Li Guanglong’s pupils contracted violently, his expression betraying shock. Yet, seasoned by countless campaigns, he forced himself to steady.
He knew—hesitation now would only lead to swifter death.
“All men, hear my order! Seize him at once!” Li Guanglong roared.
Several experts among his troops reacted, weapons flashing as they leapt toward the man in midair.
These were the finest warriors of the army, each one unmatched on the battlefield. But before this man, they were insignificant.
The handsome man glanced at the rushing figures, the corner of his lips curving into a mocking smile.
Slowly, he raised his left hand and waved casually. The gesture seemed effortless—yet it carried dreadful power.
The dozen or so warriors in the lead froze midair, then—just like the commander before them—burst apart with thunderous cracks. Flesh and blood exploded into a mist, filling the sky. They perished without even a scream.
The remaining fighters paled, rooted to the ground. Fear overwhelmed them; none dared to advance further.
Li Wenxing and Li Juntang stood frozen, their bodies cold as ice. Watching the carnage, their hearts felt gripped by an invisible hand, nearly stopping altogether.
They had never witnessed such terrifying power. With a mere wave, the man had obliterated more than ten experts—without giving them even a chance to resist.
“Retreat! Retreat now!” Li Wenxing finally reacted, his voice shaking.
He knew clearly that with their current strength, they could never match this man. Staying longer would only mean annihilation.
Li Guanglong, too, understood. Though unwilling, he knew retreat was the only option.
He waved his hand and shouted to the remaining soldiers: “Fall back!”
The soldiers, already terrified out of their wits, clung to the order as if to a lifeline. They turned and fled madly toward the beach, wishing they had grown extra legs.
In an instant, the once-orderly formation crumbled into chaos, each man caring only for his own survival.
Hovering above them, the handsome man did not give chase. His eyes held no ripple of emotion. He simply stood in the air, cold and aloof, watching these “ants” scatter in panic before him. - Marinien
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