The Supreme Asura

Chapter 40: Ruthless and Bloody

Wang Liuping's sinister laughter filled the air, his lascivious gaze fixed on Xiao Ting, the young woman among Zhao Chen's group. The six men from the Yellow Tiger Gang closed in with malicious grins, while Zhao Chen and his companions steeled themselves for a fight to the death.

A calm voice suddenly interrupted the tense standoff.

"Excuse me, but don't you think it's a bit unfair to gang up on them like this?"

Two figures emerged from the forest, their movements unhurried. The speaker was a boy no older than fifteen or sixteen, his features sharp and masculine, marked by a scar that lent him an air of maturity far beyond his years. Dressed in black with a broadsword strapped to his back, his gaze was steady, with a faint crimson glint hidden in his eyes. Beside him stood another youth, equally young but robust, with a short haircut and a battle-hardened demeanor.

Wang Liuping sneered. "Where did these brats crawl out from? Do you really think you can play hero?"

"Heroes? Not really," Mu Feng replied with a faint smile. "But it's hard to stand by and watch scum like you throw your weight around."

Zhao Chen's initial relief at seeing potential reinforcements faded into concern as he realized the newcomers were mere teenagers. "This doesn't involve you two," he said sternly. "Leave before you get yourselves killed."

The young woman, Xiao Ting, chimed in. "Yeah, kids, go home. These Yellow Tiger thugs are nothing but trouble."

Ignoring the warnings, Mu Feng turned to Zhao Chen and said, "No need to worry, sir. Some things simply must be called out. If bullies like these aren't put in their place, they'll only grow bolder."

Wang Liuping's laughter grew harsher. "Oh, we'll show you what happens to meddlesome pups like you. You two—take care of them."

Two of the gang's men stepped forward, their swords glinting as they charged the boys. Both were seasoned fighters, ninth-level Meridian Unblocking cultivators, confident in their ability to crush these inexperienced interlopers.

Deadly Precision

Mu Feng and Mu Kuang exchanged a glance and drew their weapons. The first gang member lunged at Mu Feng, thrusting his blade straight at his throat. The attack was swift and merciless, meant to kill without hesitation.

But Mu Feng sidestepped with an almost supernatural ease, pivoting smoothly to counter. His broadsword gleamed as his twelve fully-formed spiritual meridians channeled Yuan energy into the blade. It radiated a bright white light as he swung down with explosive power.

The gang member barely managed to raise his sword in defense.

Clang!

A sharp metallic ring echoed as Mu Feng's sword cleaved through the man's blade, shattering it. The momentum carried the strike downward, splitting the man cleanly from skull to waist. Blood and entrails spilled onto the ground in a grotesque display.

The battlefield froze. Even Xiao Ting, usually unflappable, turned pale and retched at the gruesome sight.

Meanwhile, Mu Kuang clashed with his opponent. His raw strength, honed by relentless training with the Blood Refinement Body Art, overwhelmed the gang member. Each strike of his blade drove his opponent back, the force numbing the man's arms and causing his grip to falter.

With a final, decisive sweep, Mu Kuang's blade slashed cleanly through the man's neck. The decapitated body collapsed in a spray of crimson, staining Mu Kuang's clothes.

The Tide Turns

As the lifeless bodies of their comrades hit the ground, the remaining gang members hesitated. Even Wang Liuping's cruel smirk faltered as he observed the boys' chilling composure.

"What are these kids…?" one muttered, unnerved by Mu Feng's calm demeanor and the subtle but palpable killing intent emanating from him. That aura, born of countless life-or-death encounters, was something even seasoned warriors struggled to achieve.

Zhao Chen and his group, who had braced themselves for the worst, now looked on in awe. "Incredible," Zhao Chen murmured. "These two boys… they're not ordinary."

Wang Liuping's face twisted with fury and disbelief. "You dare kill my men? You think you can leave An Nan Ridge alive after this?"

He drew his sword, its blade shining with an ominous yellow light as he advanced. As a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator, Wang Liuping was leagues above the average Meridian Unblocking cultivator. Against him, the boys' earlier victories seemed insignificant.

"Stay back," Zhao Chen warned, stepping forward with his blade ready. "These two helped us. We won't let you fight them alone."

Xiao Ting and the others quickly joined him, forming a defensive line.

Wang Liuping hesitated. With Zhao Chen, another Purple Mansion cultivator, and two more skilled fighters supporting the boys, the odds were no longer in his favor.

"Damn it!" he cursed under his breath, weighing his options.

An Unexpected Resolve

Mu Feng stepped forward, addressing Zhao Chen without turning his gaze from Wang Liuping. "You don't need to step in. This is our fight."

Zhao Chen's brow furrowed. "You're brave, but this man is far stronger than those you've faced. Don't underestimate him."

Mu Feng merely smiled. "Strength isn't everything. A predator who underestimates his prey often finds himself outmatched."

Mu Kuang gripped his blade tighter, his determination mirroring his brother's. Together, the two boys prepared to face Wang Liuping head-on, their courage unwavering in the face of overwhelming odds.