Despite the leader's command, Gù Tiānháo didn't even flinch. He had faced far deadlier opponents in the suffocating depths of the Black Mist Forest; these town bullies, puffed up with arrogance but lacking true killing intent or refined skill, were barely a threat. As the two Level 3 cultivators rushed forward, one aiming a clumsy punch, the other attempting a sweeping kick, Tiānháo moved.
It wasn't a dramatic explosion of power, but a display of chilling efficiency. He employed Wind Steps, his form blurring slightly as he sidestepped the punch with ease. Simultaneously, his hand lashed out – not with a fist, but with an open palm utilizing the principles of Gale Palm. A sharp gust of Qi-infused wind struck the kicking cultivator's shin, throwing off his balance and eliciting a yelp of pain as the force impacted bone. Before the first attacker could react to his missed punch, Tiānháo pivoted, his other hand striking forward with the speed of Flash Fist, not aiming for heavy damage but delivering a rapid series of precise jabs to the attacker's chest and shoulder, disrupting his Qi flow and sending him stumbling back, gasping for breath.
The Level 4 leader, initially holding back to observe, was stunned by the speed with which his companions were neutralized. Seeing his opponent was far stronger than anticipated, a flicker of fear entered his eyes, quickly replaced by rage. He roared, channeling his Level 4 Body Refinement Qi – noticeably denser than his companions' – into a straightforward, powerful punch aimed directly at Tiānháo's head. It was a blow meant to crush, relying on superior cultivation level rather than skill.
Tiānháo met the attack head-on. Instead of dodging, he raised his own fist, channeling Qi through the pathways of the Divergent Fist's first move: Bone Shattering Fist. His fist, though seemingly smaller, pulsed with a condensed, potent energy that felt far more dangerous than the leader's brute force.
CRACK! The sound of bone breaking echoed sickeningly in the alleyway as their fists met. It wasn't Tiānháo's. The leader screamed, clutching his hand, his arm hanging at an unnatural angle, the bones clearly shattered by the impact. The force of Tiānháo's Qi-infused blow had completely overwhelmed his opponent's defense, despite the one-level difference in cultivation. The sheer quality and solidity of Tiānháo's foundation, combined with the power of a Profound Rank technique, created a gap that mere cultivation level couldn't bridge.
Before the leader could even fully process the agony, Tiānháo stepped forward, delivering a swift, precise kick to his sternum. It wasn't powerful enough to kill, but it knocked the wind out of him completely, sending him collapsing to the ground, wheezing and incapacitated. The entire confrontation, from the moment the bullies attacked to their utter defeat, had lasted less than ten seconds. The two conscious Level 3 cultivators scrambled backwards, terror replacing their earlier arrogance, before turning and fleeing the alleyway as fast as their legs could carry them, abandoning their injured leader without a second glance.
Tiānháo calmly lowered his fist, his breathing steady, his expression unreadable beneath his hood. He glanced briefly at the groaning leader on the ground before turning towards Lin Xiao Yue, who stood frozen against the wall, her eyes wide with astonishment and awe at the swift, brutal efficiency she had just witnessed.
"Young Master… you… they were…" she stammered, struggling for words. She quickly rushed over, concern replacing her shock. "Are you alright? They didn't hurt you? Thank you! Thank you so much, again! You are truly powerful!
""They were weak," Tiānháo stated simply, dismissing the encounter. He looked down the alley towards the town gate. His priority was still finding a secure location.
Lin Xiao Yue, seeing his gaze, seemed to understand his intention to leave. An idea sparked in her eyes, and she spoke quickly, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Young Master, please! You have saved me twice now. I cannot simply let you leave like this. My family's home is not far from here, just outside the town walls, quite secluded. Please, allow me to offer you some tea, at the very least? It is the least I can do to express my gratitude properly.
"Tiānháo paused, considering her offer. A secluded residence outside town? It sounded potentially ideal for his purpose. If her family was simple, they might have a spare room or an outbuilding he could use undisturbed for a day or two in exchange for a few spirit stones or even just the goodwill he'd earned. It was certainly better than trying to refine a crucial pill in the wilderness or risking exposure in a town inn. The opportunity seemed too convenient to pass up.
"Very well," he agreed after a moment, giving a slight nod. "Some tea would be acceptable. Lead the way. " Lin Xiao Yue beamed, her relief and happiness evident. She quickly picked up her herb basket, ignoring the few remaining scattered herbs, and eagerly began leading Tiānháo out of the alley and towards the town's edge, chattering nervously about her family and their quiet home, unaware of the true reason her powerful savior had accepted her humble invitation.