The fifth day after Li Chengfeng left the village for Falling Stone City. Evening.
In a grove of trees behind the village, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, a specter-like figure weaved swiftly between the thick trunks. It darted forward, shifted sideways, retreated abruptly, sometimes charging straight up a tree only to run back down the trunk as if running on level ground, or veering sharply sideways, almost moving horizontally forward.
This figure moved with incredible speed, pulling long afterimages in its wake, yet bizarrely, no sound of footsteps echoed. Only the faintest whisper of fluttering cloth could be heard. Any ordinary person stumbling upon this scene would likely shriek "Ghost!" and flee in terror.
This figure was naturally no ghost. It was none other than Bai Yunfei.
Ever since sending Li Chengfeng to Falling Stone City, a faint sense of unease had settled in his heart. For the past five days, he hadn't used his Enhancement Technique to increase Soul Force. Instead, he had devoted almost all his time to comprehending and practicing the method of manipulating acupoints.
His doubled efforts yielded highly efficient results. A day ago, he finally completed the cultivation of the major fundamental acupoints in his legs, achieving the prerequisite he had aimed for. He could finally begin practicing the soul skill: Ripple Step.
The long-awaited soul skill did not disappoint. Even at its most preliminary stage, it granted him unbelievable speed and agility.
It wasn't until he saw the curling smoke from village chimneys rising that Bai Yunfei ceased his practice. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he felt an immense sense of satisfaction.
"Truly like timely rain after a drought... With this Ripple Step now, I'm much more confident in facing the coming crisis!" he thought silently as he walked towards the village, where the scent of cooking food was beginning to drift. "Soon, I must bid farewell to this peaceful life! The Zhang family's pursuit is likely unavoidable. However, the me of now fears nothing! Soldiers will be blocked, floodwaters dammed with earth! Once I leave Qingyun Province, the ocean will be vast for fish to leap, the sky high for clouds to drift!"
That night, Bai Yunfei lay on his bed, hands clasped behind his head, watching the strands of moonlight creeping into the room as he pondered his current situation.
Something's strange... It's been seventeen full days since I killed Zhang Yang. Why haven't the Zhang family searched here yet? Even if those gang members fled far, it's impossible they all escaped. At most, the Zhangs needed a few extra days to hunt them down. Based on their testimonies, with the Zhang family's power, identifying me shouldn't be difficult. Once that happened, they'd surely launch a widespread manhunt. By my original estimate, they should have reached here within ten days...
So... perhaps Zhang Zhenshan wasn't home when I killed his son? And he was somewhere far from Falling Stone City? With the decision-maker absent, the Zhang family had to wait for his return, delaying things for several days...
If that's the case... did I miss my chance to escape? If I hadn't lingered here but fled far immediately...
No, that's not right either. I don't know the true extent of the Zhang family's reach. My knowledge of the outside world is too scant. If I fled blindly, consumed only by escape, I'd have no time for cultivation. Abandoning the chance to multiply my strength in a short time, only to face potential dangers with weaker power... that would be the real mistake. Hiding in this remote place, cultivating fiercely, seizing every moment to grow stronger... that was the correct choice!
Whatever the reason for the Zhangs' delay, it's good for me! At least now I've mastered control over more than twenty fundamental acupoints, honed the Ninefold Fist Force, learned the Ripple Step, and I'm approaching the mid-stage Soul Warrior level... My strength has increased many times over!
I can leave anytime now. I must depart before the Zhangs search this area. I cannot bring trouble to this village...
Once Chengfeng returns, I'll know the Zhang family's movements. I'll stay at most three more days. Then... it's time to leave here.
......
Early the next morning, shortly after breakfast, Li Chengfeng returned, covered in the dust of travel. His face showed clear exhaustion. For someone of his current strength to appear so weary meant he had undoubtedly pushed himself, continuously expending Soul Force to hasten his journey back.
More pronounced than the fatigue, however, was the urgency etched on his face. The moment he entered the village, he didn't even pause to greet his Linger. Instead, he caught Bai Yunfei's eye, gave a meaningful look, and turned to walk back out of the village.
Seeing his demeanor, Bai Yunfei had already guessed part of the news. He waved reassuringly at Linger, signaling she shouldn't worry about her Chengfeng, and followed Li Chengfeng out.
Once outside the village, Li Chengfeng seemed utterly spent. He plopped down heavily onto the grass, shaking his head wearily as Bai Yunfei approached.
"Yunfei, I figured you went back to Falling Stone City for revenge... but I never imagined your enemy would be the Zhang family's young master... You... really did it!" he said, his tone a mixture of exhaustion and resignation.
"Hmm. You found out?" Bai Yunfei replied calmly, unsurprised. "Yes, I killed Zhang Yang, the Zhang family's heir. Because... he deserved it! But that's beside the point now. Tell me, what's the situation in Falling Stone City? What are the Zhangs doing?"
"Well, killed is killed," Li Chengfeng shrugged, not pressing the matter. "I could tell that Zhang Yang was no good anyway. The common folk in Falling Stone City, though they don't dare speak of it openly... I could see the hidden glimmer of relief in their eyes."
His expression turned serious. "Right now, Falling Stone City is plastered with posters bearing your likeness. Even the City Lord's forces are mobilized, searching everywhere for your trail. And the Zhang family... they've sent out large groups of men. They've already started spreading outwards, searching towns and villages..."
He looked directly at Bai Yunfei, concern evident. "I think it's only a matter of days before they reach here. Yunfei, what do you plan to do?"
"Mmm, it's roughly as I expected," Bai Yunfei said after a moment of contemplation. "In that case... I'll leave within the next two days..."
"Must you really go?" Li Chengfeng asked.
"I must," Bai Yunfei nodded firmly. "Otherwise, I'll bring trouble to the village." He shifted the topic. "By the way, how many daggers did you buy? What's their quality?"
Seeing Bai Yunfei's resolve, Li Chengfeng didn't press further. With a flick of his wrist, he produced a gleaming dagger and handed it over.
"I did as you said. Bought out all the best daggers from the 'Treasure Armory'. About a hundred in total. A few are even better than this one."
Bai Yunfei took the dagger. A thought focused his mind, and the item's basic information appeared: "Equipment Tier: Superior." "Attack Power: 43." "Enhancement Requirement: 3 Soul Points."
He gave a slight nod. "Good. The quality is indeed better."
"Give me your spatial ring directly," Bai Yunfei continued. "I'll finish preparing both daggers for you over the next two days. And then... I'll leave."