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Chapter 47

On a chilly night in early winter, a biting wind swept through the surroundings of the villa. Despite the bright illumination of lights, an eerie silence enveloped the area, with boundless darkness seemingly ready to engulf everything. Though the lights were on, the members of the Sandao Gang were uneasy and frightened. The glances they cast at Xiao Zihan were marked by varying degrees of fear.

"Hahaha..." Chen Muzheng suddenly burst into wild laughter. His eyes flickered towards Xiao Zihan, and then his expression abruptly turned cold as he said in a sinister tone, "A lone intruder in my Sandao Gang, such audacity. In all these years, this is the first time I've seen someone so bold."

Stepping forward, Xiao Zihan responded with a cold chuckle, showing his disdain. "The Sandao Gang is no impenetrable fortress. Why would courage be needed to enter? Besides, those who seek to kill often possess surprising boldness. The brave fear nothing. Master Chen, what do you think?" The implication in his words was clear – he had every intention of relentlessly pursuing his target. With a slight flick of his wrist, the blade's edge tilted, creating a dazzling semicircular arc. The vivid red hue of the demonic blade, Red Blood, stood out, unaffected by the intense glow of the lights. It seemed impossible to extinguish the unique blood-colored trail left by the blade.

Chen Muzheng snorted in anger, shifting his gaze to the eerie and lethal demonic blade wielded by Xiao Zihan. Since he laid eyes on this blade, he had developed an intense desire for it. After using blades for many years, Chen Muzheng was a discerning individual. With his sharp eyes, he could ascertain that this blade did not belong to the modern era. Despite technological advancements, the art of blade crafting had diminished over time. In the present day, people were not focused on delving deep into the craftsmanship of making blades sharper and more intimidating.

Now, by eliminating the person in front of him, Chen Muzheng could claim this blade as his own. Possessing this blade would undoubtedly elevate his position in the criminal underworld.

"Oh, Mu Zheng, so it's this lad disrupting the serene and heavenly peace of your meditation. Well, he looks quite handsome and heroic. It would be a pity to kill him. If we bring him to my club, I'm sure we can make a decent profit," a charming and alluring woman appeared behind Chen Muzheng. She had delicate features, and her beauty was striking. Draped in a long, white woolen coat that reached her ankles, she tightly pinched the collar of the coat with both hands, as if the slightest release would expose her seductive figure.

The members of the Sandao Gang were well aware of this woman's wanton and flirtatious nature. Even though it was freezing outside, there was a good chance she was wearing nothing under the coat. The thought of her potentially revealing an alluring silhouette made the gang members excited. Gradually, their fear of Xiao Zihan transformed into a desire for the charms of the gang leader's wife.

Chen Muzheng, upon seeing his wife emerge, revealed a smile on his previously stern face and said, "Zhao Yi, why did you come out? It's so cold outside. Quickly go back."

With a slight turn of her enchanting eyes, the woman observed the numerous bodies strewn haphazardly around, blood staining the ground. Instead of showing any shock, she spoke in a nonchalant tone, "This kid has some skills, Mu Zheng, you should be careful. Don't capsize in a ditch. Reputation is minor; life is what matters. Do what you can to ensure your survival."

Chen Muzheng pondered for a moment, then squinted his eyes, making a decision. After killing this guy, as long as his brothers kept their mouths shut, he could control the narrative. Considering the agility and fierceness of this guy's killing techniques, dealing with him alone might not be easy. It would be unwise to risk his life for the sake of reputation.

Having made up his mind, Chen Muzheng turned to Chen Guozheng and Chen Yuanzheng and said, "Second and third, get your knives."

Chen Guozheng was momentarily puzzled. Did the boss really intend to face this guy alone? Wouldn't that be embarrassing? On the other hand, Chen Yuanzheng understood the situation and thought it was the most sensible approach.

Observing the developments, Xiao Zihan remained calm and collected, coldly observing. Gong Jun, who had severely wounded Mei'er, had already been silently dealt with by him. Now, only the Chen brothers, who had been giving orders, were left. Since the three of them were stepping up together, it aligned perfectly with his intentions. Instead of killing them one by one, worrying about potential escapes, it was better to handle them all at once, efficiently and decisively.

Despite the tension, the remaining henchmen of the Three Blades Gang were now eagerly eyeing Xiao Zihan. The fear they had towards him moments ago vanished with the arrival of the gang leader's wife. They transformed from a state of fear to enthusiastic anticipation.

Taking the knife handed over by his subordinate, Chen Muzheng weighed it in his hand and then slid his finger along the back of the blade, which was thicker than the average steel knife, until the tip finally stopped. This habitual action signified that he was ready to kill. Behind him, Chen Guozheng and Chen Yuanzheng adjusted their knife positions, preparing to strike at any moment. The surrounding henchmen, responding to a gesture from Chen Yuanzheng, began to encircle Xiao Zihan, preventing any chance of escape.

The night grew darker, and the remnant moon was already concealed by thick, heavy clouds, leaving the surroundings in dimness. Threads of desolation seeped through the air, signaling the imminent clash.

In this standoff, Chen Muzheng was the first to shout, but his body remained still. The ones making a move were his brothers, Chen Guozheng and Chen Yuanzheng. Like venomous snakes, their agile long knives thrust forward silently, one from the front and the other from the back, aiming for Xiao Zihan's left chest and right leg. The swift and soundless blade movements resembled ghosts.

Xiao Zihan's eyes revealed a vigilant expression the moment the two attacked. From their initial actions, he could tell that the brothers had indeed undergone considerable training with knives. While he had experience dealing with ordinary lackeys, facing skilled knife wielders required extra caution.

However, caution did not mean timidity. Xiao Zihan, with a glint in his eyes, responded to the threat with a disdainful long laugh and a loud shout, "Come on." The blood-red light flashed in his enchanted blade, swiftly meeting the threatening blade aimed at his left chest while simultaneously raising his right leg like lightning, evading the strike directed at his right leg.

As the two blades clashed, Chen Yuanzheng felt a sudden numbness in his tiger's mouth, and his face changed drastically. He realized that Xiao Zihan's strength was unexpectedly overwhelming, beyond anything he had seen before. Changing his train of thought, he vaguely saw a leg shadow passing through the gap where the two knives intersected, attacking him in the process. He hastily tilted his body and avoided the strike but couldn't help breaking into a cold sweat.

Chen Guozheng's first strike missed, and immediately he adjusted the blade's angle, thrusting it out again. The target shifted from Xiao Zihan's right leg to the left leg. The blade speed increased dramatically, far surpassing the first strike. It seemed that the initial strike was merely a probing move, and from this strike onward, the real killing technique would unfold.

Xiao Zihan, undisturbed, intensified his force as Chen Guozheng's blade speed accelerated. His enchanted blade, shimmering with red light, suddenly vanished from view. In the next moment, it heavily collided with Chen Guozheng's long knife.

With a loud bang, Chen Guozheng's indestructible long knife was swept away, and he followed the force of the blade, leaning to one side. Chen Guozheng emitted a muffled groan, his eyes showing astonishment. He knew Xiao Zihan was incredibly fast, but he hadn't expected him to be so powerful. This guy was truly formidable.

Seeing his two brothers easily forced back by Xiao Zihan, Chen Muzheng's heart tightened. His thick eyebrows furrowed, and with a swift two-step advance, his large figure swayed, and the broad-backed knife was already slashing towards Xiao Zihan's forehead. Although his knife seemed heavy, in his hands, it moved as if weightless. The heavy and wide blade cut through the air with a "shh" sound, exuding an extremely heavy and fierce aura.

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Xiao Zihan's eyes focused, anticipating Chen Muzheng's forceful strike. With a vigorous swing of his arm, the enchanted blade carried an unparalleled force, rushing towards Chen Muzheng like a gust of wind, thunder, and lightning.

Both knives were extraordinary, and after the earsplitting clash, sparks flickered, and starlight scattered. Chen Muzheng staggered backward, using the knife to support himself, only halting his steps after his wrist numbed, gasping for air.

Xiao Zihan was also forced to retreat by the tremendous recoil force on the blade. However, after retreating two steps, he couldn't retreat any further. Unlike Chen Muzheng, who had powerful backup by his side, Xiao Zihan was alone. At this moment, Chen Yuanzheng and Chen Guozheng's two knives, seemingly prearranged, were waiting just a foot behind Xiao Zihan.

They were well aware of Chen Muzheng's immense strength, and after Xiao Zihan's confrontation with him, he was bound to be forced to step back a few steps. The two brothers blocked Xiao Zihan's retreat, aiming to deliver a fatal blow as he retreated.

Chen Guozheng's knife was fast and fierce, and Chen Yuanzheng's knife was cunning and indistinguishable. The two sharp steel knives, once again coordinating, formed a knife net, fiercely trapping Xiao Zihan within. Time passed in the one-on-one combat, second by second.

Observing the situation, the henchmen of the Three Blades Gang sighed in relief. As long as their three big brothers joined forces, even the most formidable figure in the Changliao underworld, Wei Tuo, would probably surrender willingly. What's more, it was just an unknown guy in front of them. However, this guy was quite formidable; he not only held his ground against the three big brothers but also resisted for such a long time. Not simple at all. Unfortunately, he wouldn't leave here alive, or else there would be another big brother-level figure in the Changliao underworld.

Contrary to the thoughts of these henchmen, Chen Muzheng's wife, Zhaoyi, had additional concerns. From the beginning of the four-person fight, she had been watching Xiao Zihan closely. Xiao Zihan's speed and strength gave her a deeply unsettling feeling. She knew the capabilities of the three Chen brothers well, and anyone who could withstand their joint assault for so long in Changliao was few and far between. What worried her most was that, from her perspective as a bystander, it seemed that Xiao Zihan had yet to exert his full strength.

In the midst of the action, spectators were confused while observers remained clear-headed. Xiao Zihan indeed hadn't exerted his full strength; he was waiting for the perfect opportunity to take down all three opponents in one move. To achieve a simultaneous strike against three opponents, he needed to employ "Extreme Speed." Although he had passed the first hurdle with "Limitless Elemental Dao," he still couldn't fully control "Extreme Speed." He had used it a little earlier and found that it consumed a considerable amount of "Limitless Elemental Dao" energy. At the moment, he could only use it one more time.

Fortunately, things were different now. Even if the energy from "Limitless Elemental Dao" was depleted by "Extreme Speed," he wouldn't find himself in the awkward situation of fatigue as before. This was the greatest advantage of passing the first stage of "Limitless Elemental Dao."

The Chen brothers fought more valiantly as the battle raged on, their boldness soaring to the skies. The eldest brother wielded a heavy blade, the second brother had a swift knife, and the third brother's blade possessed an eerie quality. Coordinating seamlessly, they created a formidable and unstoppable pressure.

Xiao Zihan, amidst this formidable trio, felt the intensity acutely. The Three Blades Gang henchmen around them couldn't help but shout, urging their boss to finish off Xiao Zihan quickly and avenge their fallen comrades. However, Zhaoyi, standing in front of the door, saw her eyebrows furrowing more and more.

Xiao Zihan chuckled coldly, focusing his spirit even more, carefully dealing with the onslaught of the three frenzied blades. Suddenly, his eyes shot out a brilliant light, and the opportunity to strike down the three opponents at once finally arrived.

At this moment, the eldest brother, Chen Muzheng, was pulling back his heavy blade, the second brother, Chen Guozheng, hadn't swung his knife yet, and only the weakest, third brother Chen Yuanzheng, was attacking horizontally.

It was a perfect opportunity, exploiting the timing differences in their knife movements to finish them off.

The "Limitless Elemental Dao" energy within Xiao Zihan's body rapidly circulated. The vigorous and unmatched energy surged towards his right hand, gripping the enchanted blade. Part of the energy uncontrollably entered the blade, causing it to glow even more intensely with a reddish hue, exuding a fiercer killing intent. Especially the blood-red object at its center, resembling an engorged demonic eye, emitted a sinister light, chilling to the soul.

This sudden phenomenon startled the Chen brothers. Despite their rich experience gained through numerous battles, upon seeing this scene, they realized that Xiao Zihan was about to unleash a lethal move.

Chen Muzheng's wife, Zhaoyi, had sensed an inexplicable tremor in her heart even before this. Seeing the fierce and murderous gaze in Xiao Zihan's eyes, she exclaimed in her mind, realizing that something was wrong. She swiftly snatched a finely crafted steel knife from a henchman beside her and rushed forward.

As the red shadow of the enchanted blade flickered, it split into three like an illusion. Three streaks of light surpassed the speed of a startled swan, appearing like three descending crimson lightning bolts, making it impossible to discern which one was the true form of the enchanted blade.

The faces of the Chen brothers immediately showed expressions of utter horror. They had never expected Xiao Zihan to be this formidable. If they had known earlier, they would never have attempted to challenge him with their lives.

At this moment, dozens of henchmen had already arrived as reinforcements, but even if their numbers were greater, they couldn't save the lives of the Chen brothers.

The enchanted blade, like a swift wind and lightning, almost simultaneously passed through the foreheads of the three. They suddenly felt their entire strength drain away, and the long knives in their hands fell to the ground with a "clatter," their vitality fading from their eyes.

Xiao Zihan coldly stared at the three, then shifted his gaze to his abdomen, where a steel knife was forcefully inserted. Although he had timely detected it and gripped the blade with his left hand, the knife still penetrated an inch or so, and blood oozed through his clothes.

Standing in front of Xiao Zihan was a woman with a colorless expression. Her clothing was open, confirming some people's assumptions – she wore nothing underneath. The snow-white body, in this cold early winter night, contracted with tight muscles, forming small bumps. However, her enticing breasts remained smooth and slippery, emitting waves of a seductive fragrance. Yet, her long and slender thighs trembled as if they were about to collapse under the weight of her upper body.

The woman glared at Xiao Zihan with resentment, her peach blossom eyes seemingly wanting to devour him alive.

“Why, why did you come to kill Muzheng?” Zhaoyi's voice trembled.

Xiao Zihan laughed arrogantly, his gaze sharp, “If anyone dares to touch my wife, there's only one outcome – merciless death. Gong Jun has already been sent on his way by me. Unfortunately, he was alone, while Chen Muzheng had two companions. The journey to the underworld won't be lonely for them.”

As his words fell, Chen Muzheng, who had been standing forcibly, suddenly widened his eyes and fell backward with a thud.

"Muzheng!" Zhaoyi screamed, rushing to Chen Muzheng's side and bursting into tears.

The Three Blades Gang henchmen stared dumbfoundedly as their seemingly invincible leader turned into a wisp of ghostly presence in an instant. Their boss was exceptionally powerful, and with the assistance of two deputy leaders, how could he be defeated by a single person? For a moment, apart from Zhaoyi's loud wailing, there were no other sounds.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "Brothers, get him! Take down that guy and avenge our boss!"

"Finish that guy!" "Avenge our boss!" The loud and determined voices echoed incessantly. The Three Blades Gang henchmen, awakened from their daze, gritted their teeth and, disregarding everything, charged towards Xiao Zihan.

Xiao Zihan, wounded in the abdomen, though not severely, couldn't afford to engage in a fierce fight with the frenzied mob. Surveying the surroundings, people were everywhere, and it was impossible to discern which direction had more or fewer individuals.

Xiao Zihan had entered from the south, so he decided to retrace his steps, as familiarity could be an advantage. Glancing towards the south, he saw a dense crowd of people – at least thirty. Escaping through the blockade of over thirty people was no easy task.

Despite a wry smile, Xiao Zihan's determination solidified. Killing three or thirty people made no difference to him now. Anyone blocking his path would be mercilessly dealt with – no room for hesitation. The enchanted blade still emitted a crimson glow, reminiscent of a demonic weapon from hell, stained with traces of blood, invoking fear upon those who beheld it.

The Three Blades Gang henchmen were also terrified by the blade, but the realization that their boss had fallen to this weapon fueled their courage. In the world of the underground, it was the camaraderie and audacity that mattered. There was no room for second thoughts; the word was clear – attack.

A roar resounded, cries of revenge filled the air, and the henchmen, driven by self-empowerment, swarmed Xiao Zihan, burying him within the sea of people.

Xiao Zihan roared, clutching his abdomen with his left hand, gathering strength in his right hand, and swinging the blade fiercely. The unstoppable force on the blade made every swing devastating, sending opponents flying with blades and bodies disintegrating. One after another, screams filled the air; no one could withstand a direct strike from him.

Countless strikes later, Xiao Zihan hadn't broken free from the crowd. Covered in blood, he resembled a relentless specter. Blood flowed incessantly from his body – a mixture of his own and that of numerous Three Blades Gang henchmen.

The henchmen, brave as they were, remained undeterred after Xiao Zihan's relentless onslaught. Perhaps they all understood that whoever managed to kill Xiao Zihan at this moment would become a hero in the Three Blades Gang. Not only would they have a chance to ascend to a higher position, but their name would also resound throughout the Long Liao underworld. Driven by such interests, the henchmen charged fearlessly, entirely disregarding life and death.

With little strength remaining, Xiao Zihan immediately changed his blade's trajectory, making it elusive and unpredictable. The eerie blade frequently left opponents confused about its origin, resulting in their demise without knowing where the blade came from. Xiao Zihan had already utilized the "Softened Qi Rotation" to conserve energy, allowing the enchanted blade, now stained with crimson blood, to disrupt the henchmen's steel blades. Upon contact, the henchmen's limbs would immediately go numb, their bodies trembling as they helplessly watched Xiao Zihan's blade pierce through them.

Finally, after a series of frenzied killings, a gap opened up to the south. Without hesitation, Xiao Zihan, covered in blood and with significantly depleted strength, began a sprint. Loss of blood and the substantial depletion of his energy made him feel heavy-headed and unsteady on his feet. It was as if he were treading on cotton. Yet, even in this weakened state, Xiao Zihan's speed surpassed that of the pursuing Three Blades Gang henchmen.

In his determined effort, Xiao Zihan distanced himself further from the pursuing mob. During this interval, he had wiped the blood from the enchanted blade and returned it to his waistband, as carrying such a conspicuous item might reveal his identity.

Far from the villa, heading south, Xiao Zihan encountered an east-west asphalt road. Although it was late in the night, occasional cars passed by on the road.

Xiao Zihan was contemplating whether he had the strength to hitch a ride on a high-speed passing car when suddenly, a white van sped towards him. After a sharp brake, the van halted in front of him. The door opened, and Xing Ao's voice came from inside, "Boss, get in."

Xiao Zihan relaxed, smiling, and was pulled into the van by the outstretched hands of Lei Dong.

The van swiftly departed, leaving behind the Three Blades Gang henchmen, standing disheartened and defeated. They had missed the prime opportunity to kill Xiao Zihan.