Chapter 23: Teaming up?
Li Ming walked through the forest with a big grin on his face, chewing on yet another bun. The huge beast he had knocked out earlier was already gone, leaving behind glowing dust.
"Ah... buns after a fight taste even better. I should open a shop one day. ’Li Ming’s Bun and Punch Shop.’" He laughed to himself.
From behind, Lan Yue stepped out of the mist. Her white robes were spotless, her sword still at her side. She looked like a fairy who had taken a wrong turn and ended up in a forest full of beasts.
"You’re reckless," she said calmly.
Li Ming turned and smiled, his cheeks still full of bun. "Mmm? Reckless? Nah, I just believe in myself. And in buns." He swallowed loudly. "Mostly buns."
Lan Yue raised one perfect eyebrow. "You fought a beast at the ninth stage like it was nothing. Why risk so much?"
Li Ming puffed out his chest. "Because if I don’t, how will I look cool in front of you, Senior Sister?"
For the first time, Lan Yue blinked in surprise. "...What?"
He coughed. "I mean... how will I grow stronger! Yes, yes. Definitely that."
Her lips twitched, but she stayed quiet.
They kept walking. The forest grew darker, the mist thicker, and weird bird cries echoed everywhere. But Li Ming looked like he was on a picnic, munching another bun, while Lan Yue stayed as calm as ice.
Suddenly, four disciples jumped out from the bushes. Their leader was a tall boy with a scar across his cheek. He sneered at them.
"Well, well, if it isn’t the clown and the fairy. Hand over your tokens if you want to live!"
Li Ming sighed loudly. "Again? Seriously? Do I have a sign on my head that says ’Please rob me’?" He looked at Lan Yue. "Senior Sister, do I look like an easy target?"
Lan Yue gave him a glance. "Yes."
Li Ming clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch! Betrayed by my own goddess!"
The scar-faced youth growled. "Stop joking! Attack!"
The four charged at once.
Li Ming casually popped a pill into his mouth. His body glowed as the jade slip refined it. He dashed forward with a big grin.
"Time for some exercise!"
BAM! The first guy flew into a tree.
WHAM! The second dropped his weapon and collapsed.
CRASH! The third rolled across the ground groaning.
POW! The last one fainted before he even hit the dirt.
In just a few breaths, they were all down.
The scar-faced leader’s jaw dropped. "Impossible! You’re only Qi Refining 3rd Stage!"
Li Ming dusted his hands. "Correction: I’m Qi Refining 3rd Stage, but also very handsome. That adds +10 to my strength."
Even Lan Yue’s calm eyes showed a flicker of amusement.
The scar-faced boy raised his sword with trembling hands, but before he could even swing, Lan Yue stepped forward. She unsheathed her sword, and a flash of light cut through the air.
The boy froze, his sword shaking. His face turned pale. He couldn’t even take one step toward her.
"You are not worthy," Lan Yue said coldly.
The boy spat blood from fear and ran away, dragging his fainted followers with him.
Li Ming whistled. "Wow, Senior Sister. You didn’t even fight him. You just... scared him away. That’s terrifying."
Lan Yue put her sword away and turned to leave. "We should keep moving."
Li Ming jogged after her with a grin. "Sure, sure. But admit it—together we looked really cool back there."
She didn’t answer. But the faintest smile appeared on her lips as they walked deeper into the mist.
To be continued...