The crowd, a volatile mix of curious onlookers, wandering hunters, and members of smaller sectors uninvolved in the feud, watched with bated breath, their murmurs dying down to a tense silence. Leader Yi's voice, thick with bloodlust, sliced through the air: "Kill them! Show no mercy!"
As fifty disciples from various sectors surged forward, rushing towards the five defiant hunters and Gen, the ground shuddered, a low rumble preceding their charge. Suddenly, a massive dirt mound erupted from the earth, swiftly enveloping the five hunters and Gen, encasing them within its protective walls, a seemingly impenetrable fortress. In the same instant, two majestic white foxes and a colossal gray wolf leaped over the stunned crowd, their forms ethereal, circling the newly formed dirt fort. They growled, a deep, primal sound that echoed through the square, a warning, their eyes fixed on the charging hunters, blazing with ancient power. The fifty hunters, momentarily frozen by the unexpected spectacle and the terrifying growls, slowly, hesitantly retreated, their momentum broken.
Murmurs rippled through the onlookers, a wave of confusion. "What's going on?" someone whispered, awe in their voice.
"Who are those three?" Ho Jinhai breathed, awe in his voice, his eyes wide with wonder.
Fu Yongrui, a sheepish grin spreading across his face, stepped forward, his body aching but his spirit soaring. "Brother Yang," he called out, his voice filled with relief.
"Have you found the Third Master, Yongrui?" Yang Bao asked, his relief warring with his confusion, his gaze fixed on the animals.
Fu Yongrui shook his head, a triumphant gleam in his eyes. "No, I didn't. I asked them for help." He turned, pointing to the two men and one woman who now stood casually beside the medicine shop, radiating an aura of immense power. "That homeless man is very strong, Brother Yang! He threw me thirty feet!" He beamed at the Guozhao hunters, clearly proud of his choice, oblivious to their true identities.
The Guozhao hunters all followed the direction of Fu Yongrui's finger, their eyes widening in stunned recognition, a collective gasp. Yang Bao quickly grabbed Fu Yongrui's hand, gently lowering his pointing finger, a silent admonishment.
Then, with a synchronicity born of deep respect, the hunters bowed, greeting politely, their voices filled with genuine warmth and reverence. "First Master, Second Master, Shimu, welcome home! We've missed you!"
Fu Yongrui's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with shock. "They are..." he stammered, utterly shocked, the realization dawning on him.
Tam Qiu, a knowing smile playing on her lips, whispered, "They are our masters and our Shimu, brother Fu. The very ones."
A wave of mortification, hot and stinging, washed over Fu Yongrui. He shyly approached the two masters and their Shimu, bowing deeply, his face beet red. "Master Guozhao, I've been inappropriate with you. I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
Guo Baiyu's voice was cold, cutting through the general chatter, his gaze piercing. "What's going on here, Ah Bao?"
Yang Bao stepped forward, giving a concise, respectful report. "Masters, Gen is the fire demon captured by Senior Brother. He swears that he and his wife are Senior Brother's servants. Thirteen years ago, he injured some Yi and Hu disciples. The Yi and Hu Sectors are now seeking revenge, claiming justice."
Guo Baiyu looked around, his gaze piercing, searching the crowd. "Where's Zhiqiang?"
"Tian Xiang went to find him, First Master," Xiao Mei answered quickly, her voice eager. "He should be here any moment."
"Xiaomei and I just operated on Gen's leg, Masters," Yang Bao continued, explaining the dire situation. "He was losing the fight, so the five younger brothers felt it was unfair for multiple sectors to join forces to fight Gen. They stepped forward to help him, despite the odds."
On the opposite side of the street, the six Sectors and other clans watched the Guozhao hunters with growing confusion, trying to make sense of the scene.
Leader Wong frowned, utterly perplexed. "What's going on? Who are they talking to? I don't see anyone of importance."
"We'll know shortly," Leader Yi muttered, his eyes narrowed, trying to decipher the scene, a hint of unease in his voice.
"Those three are fairies," Leader Huang whispered, a hint of awe in his voice as he recognized the ethereal beauty and power radiating from the figures.
Leader Fu sighed, a weary expression on his face. "They look familiar… incredibly familiar."
Zhao Renshu suddenly put his hands on his hips, his voice booming across the square, filled with a playful arrogance. "You are all losers! You couldn't even defeat a few children!"
Li Nianzu cleared his throat, leaning in to whisper urgently, "Second Master, we are in public. Please be careful with your words. You're offending them."
Zhao Renshu shot a glance at Li Nianzu, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Tsk... don't remind me, Nianzu. First, deter the enemy, then throw a punch. That's my motto." He looked at Guo Baiyu, a playful challenge in his eye. "He's right, Baiyu. You need to act more like their master. More intimidating."
The group of people surrounding the dirt mound, still simmering with anger, glared at Zhao Renshu, their faces contorted in fury. A disciple, emboldened by rage, pointed his sword directly at Zhao Renshu. "Homeless, what did you call us?! How dare you insult us?!"
Guozhao Zhaohui's eyes flashed with anger, stepping forward. "Don't point your sword at my Master, you fool!" he roared.
Zhao Renshu smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes, enjoying the defiance. "I don't understand why everyone always says I'm homeless. I'm quite well-dressed." He looked at his disciple, then back at the challenging disciple. "Well, what Zhaohui said is right. I hate others threatening me. Especially with swords." He opened his right palm, and a shimmering light blue talisman materialized, glowing with power. Instantly, hundreds of razor-sharp icicles appeared in the air, glinting menacingly, each one pointing directly at every disciple surrounding the now-shattered dirt mound, a silent, deadly threat.
The many leaders standing opposite cried out in unison, their voices filled with recognition and fear, their faces paling: "Zhao Renshu! The Annihilator!"
Guo Baiyu's voice, cold and commanding, cut through the panic, an undeniable authority. "Put down your sword, disciples. Now."
Zhao Renshu added, his voice laced with mocking humor, a chilling jest, "Or die. It's a simple choice." He burst out laughing, a hearty, booming sound that echoed ominously, sending shivers down spines.
Guo Baiyu snapped his fingers, and the earth wall, which had protected Gen and the hunters, instantly dissolved into dust, vanishing without a trace. The three ethereal fairies, no longer hiding their true forms, their eyes glowing with ancient power, glided back and stood protectively in front of Guo Baiyu, growling fiercely at the still-hesitating hunters, their forms shifting slightly, hinting at their true nature. The five brothers helped Gen, who was limping badly, slowly walk back to greet their masters, a sense of relief washing over them.
Guo Baiyu's gaze swept over the bewildered hunters, his voice laced with an undeniable authority, a quiet power. "Back away. Retreat now."
"Or die," Zhao Renshu chimed in, a smirk playing on his lips, enjoying the repetition.
Guo Baiyu turned to Zhao Renshu, an exasperated look on his face. "They get the idea, Renshu. Do you really need to say it twice? You're being dramatic."
"I'm afraid they don't get the idea, Baiyu," Zhao Renshu responded, unapologetic, a playful glint in his eye. "Some people need a firm hand."
The fifty hunters, sensing the immense power radiating from the Guozhao Masters, quickly retreated to the other side of the square, their bravado gone, replaced by fear. Zhao Renshu flicked his right hand, and the hundreds of shimmering icicles vanished as quickly as they had appeared, melting into thin air.
Just as the icicles dissipated, Guozhao Zhiqiang, Deming, and Tian Xiang arrived at the medicine shop, having rushed there.
Guozhao Zhiqiang approached, his eyes scanning the scene, then landed on Tam Qiu, a hopeful note in his voice. "Is Master and Shimu home, Ah Qiu? Are they really here?"
Tam Qiu smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes, tears pricking them. "Yes, Senior Brother, our masters are home. They saved everyone!"
Guozhao Zhiqiang's face lit up with joy, a rare, radiant smile. He strode towards his two masters and his Shimu, Tian Xiang and Deming following closely behind, respectful of the reunion.
Guozhao Zhiqiang's heart swelled with happiness as he saw the back of his Shimu, a beloved figure. "Shimu," he said softly, his voice thick with affection, a profound love. Ping'an turned, a radiant smile gracing her face, her eyes shining. He rushed forward and enveloped Ping'an in a tight embrace, burying his face in her shoulder.
"Okay, that's enough, Zhiqiang," Ping'an chuckled, gently patting his back, a fond exasperation in her voice. "You're snuggling me too tight. I can't breathe!"
Zhao Renshu playfully pulled Guozhao Zhiqiang away, a mock frown on his face. "Hey, I told you many times, Zhiqiang, don't hug my wife too romantically! She's mine!"
Guo Baiyu, ever the stern one, interjected, his voice firm. "I need a good explanation after this matter, Zhiqiang. And a proper report, Ah Bao."
The leaders of the six sectors, having regained some composure, cautiously walked towards the Guozhao hunters, their expressions now tinged with deference.
"I didn't know that the two masters are at home," Leader Yi said, his voice now tinged with deference, a forced politeness.
Zhao Renshu grinned, a knowing glint in his eye, enjoying their discomfort. "If we weren't home on time, Leader Yi, would you continue to play tricks on the children? Would you have burned down the shop?"
"He was asking you nicely, Master Guozhao," Leader Wong grumbled, his face red with indignation, trying to defend his ally.
"I didn't answer very harshly, did I, Leader Wong?" Zhao Renshu said sarcastically, looking around the assembled leaders, a cold amusement in his eyes. "If I were truly harsh, the place where we're standing now would be full of corpses. Consider yourselves lucky." He smirked, a chilling threat beneath the jest, making his point clear.
"You…" Leader Wong sputtered, rendered speechless by the blatant threat.
"Don't think that just because we're not at home, you can come and use your leadership titles to hurt the children," Zhao Renshu continued, his tone hardening, his voice unwavering. "They just don't want to fight with you. They show restraint."
"Why not?!" Leader Wong demanded, furious, unable to comprehend their reluctance.
Zhao Renshu laughed, a booming, dismissive sound that echoed through the square. "The venerable sectors' leaders defeated by young hunters? If this news gets out, you idiots will be the laughingstock of the hunter world! You'd be humiliated!"
"I did give them a chance to get out of the way," Leader Yi insisted, clinging to his justification, trying to save face. "And they chose to stay. It was their choice."
Guo Baiyu's calm, authoritative voice cut through the tension, his presence commanding. He looked at the people standing before him, his gaze piercing. "You said that Gen is the fire demon who hurt your disciples, right?"
"Yes," Leader Yi confirmed, his voice confident, despite the shift in power.
"Your witness?" Guo Baiyu probed, his voice sharp.
"We are the witnesses," Yi Guozhi and Hu Jianguo declared in unison, stepping forward.
"You two witnessed Gen injure your juniors with your own eyes?" Guo Baiyu's gaze was piercing, a silent challenge.
"Yes," they replied, their voices firm.
Guo Baiyu scoffed softly, a dismissive sound, a hint of disdain. "What kind of weapon was used at that time?"
"He uses fire," Yi Guozhi responded, perplexed by the line of questioning, wondering where this was going. "Through his palm."
"How?" Guo Baiyu pressed, his voice cold.
Yi Guozhi rolled his eyes, as if the answer were obvious. "Through his palm, Master Guozhao. He shot fire from his hand."
"Why wait for thirteen years to pursue Gen?" Guo Baiyu's questions were like daggers, cutting through their flimsy story.
"I saw him today, and I recognized him," Yi Guozhi explained, a hint of desperation in his voice, trying to justify their actions. "He injured his leg and ran away. We couldn't catch him at the time."
"How do you know that Gen is the same fire demon?" Guo Baiyu challenged, his voice growing colder, more menacing.
"We both injured his knee when we fought him thirteen years ago," Hu Jianguo volunteered, trying to strengthen their claim, their faces pale.
"I'll ask you again," Guo Baiyu said, his voice laced with an undeniable steel, his gaze unwavering. "Are you sure Gen is the same fire demon who injured your juniors?"
Hu Jianguo and Yi Guozhi exchanged a quick, nervous glance, their confidence crumbling. "Yes. We are positive," they insisted, though their voices wavered.
Guo Baiyu smiled coldly, a chilling, triumphant expression, a predator cornering its prey. "Thirteen years ago, Yi and Hu Sectors had announced to the world that they killed the Fire Demon. If thirteen years ago the two sectors had killed the fire demon, then Gen is absolutely not the same fire demon who injured your juniors or back then, did you lie to the world..." He looked directly at the two young men, their faces paling, their lies exposed.
Zhao Renshu smirked, his eyes gleaming with malicious satisfaction. "Unless… you two did not actually kill the fire demon but claimed the merits for a fake victory. You lied for glory."
Guo Baiyu's gaze, cold and unwavering, fixed on Hu Jianguo and Yi Guozhi. "Now, let me ask you again: are those two," he pointed to Gen and Wan, who stood meekly nearby, their faces filled with fear, "the same fire demon who hurt your junior thirteen years ago?"
Guo Baiyu's utter fearlessness in his speech deeply impressed Deming. He leaned into Guozhao Zhiqiang, whispering, "Now I understand why you are most afraid of your First Master. His words can turn white into black, and black into white. He's terrifying."
Zhao Renshu looked at Yi Guozhi and Hu Jianguo, a dangerous edge to his voice, demanding an answer. "Speak." Then he glanced at the two fairies, who were still staring intently, their eyes glowing with ethereal power. "You two, stop staring at the children. You're making them afraid to the point they can't even talk. You're scaring them." The Xiao sisters hissed playfully at Zhao Renshu, a soft, amused sound. "Quickly, change your look. You're terrifying them."
Xiao Hui and Xiao Dan instantly transformed, shifting from their ethereal, animalistic forms into two exquisitely beautiful young women, their ethereal glow softening into approachable charm, their eyes sparkling.
Xiao Hui smiled sweetly at Yi Guozhi, a captivating charm. "You are handsome too," she cooed, a playful flirtation.
Xiao Dan giggled, her voice like wind chimes. "There are so many handsome guys around! This city is wonderful!"
"That's why I don't want you two here," Zhao Renshu grumbled, though a hint of affection softened his tone, a fond exasperation. "Do you two want to be sent back to the mountain?"
Hu Jianguo knew it was over. With Guo Baiyu here, their lies exposed, they couldn't win with words. He had to swallow his pride for now, to save face. He looked at Guo Baiyu, his voice strained, a forced humility. "I'm sorry, Master Guozhao. That fire demon who hurt our junior left us with deep scars, so when we learned that he was a fire demon, we reacted rashly..."
"That fire demon and this fire demon are two different fire demons," Guo Baiyu stated, cutting him off, his voice firm. "Just because one fire demon has done bad things, you can't label all fire demons as vicious. Each individual is responsible for their own actions." He then addressed all the students in the field, his voice resonating with wisdom, a lesson for all. "Good and evil have coexisted since ancient times. We must remember that where there is light, there is darkness. Where there is good, there is evil. It is not about race, but about character."
Leader Fu stepped forward, nodding in agreement, his voice grave. "Master Guozhao is absolutely right. Since this fire demon is not the one who hurt your juniors thirteen years ago, then he should not be responsible for the crimes of others. He is innocent of that charge."
Another Clan leader added, "I agree with Master Guozhao. We should not punish the innocent."
"Since everything is clear, let's forget it," Guo Baiyu concluded, his voice signaling the end of the confrontation, a final decree.
As the leaders of the six sectors and other clansmen began to disperse, their faces a mixture of defeat and relief, a chilling thought struck Deming. If I stay here with Guozhao Zhiqiang, this might be the last time I ever see Hu Dingxiang. A desperate urgency seized him, a cold dread. If I let this opportunity slip away, I may never have another chance to take revenge and stop my body from rotting. He had assured Guozhao Zhiqiang he wouldn't retaliate, but the situation had fundamentally changed. If he didn't take revenge, if he didn't confront the one who cursed him, his body would slowly decay over time, a horrifying fate.
Deming looked at Guozhao Zhiqiang, his voice filled with a profound regret, a silent apology. "Zhiqiang, I'm sorry." Then, with a sudden surge of adrenaline, a desperate, impulsive decision, Deming rushed out of the crowd, his voice cutting through the retreating figures, ringing with a desperate roar. "Hu Dingxiang, wait!"