Three days later, Xiao Feng limped through the forest, his body a patchwork of bruises and hastily bandaged cuts. He had survived two more Darkbeast attacks, a venomous serpent and something that looked like a mutated bear, and each battle had pushed his cultivation further.
But no awesome breakthrough yet!
He was halfway through First Order second Stage now. Progress, but nowhere near enough to face Liu Chen.
"At this rate," he wheezed, pausing to lean on a tree, "I'll either reach Third Stage or die trying."
A distant sound caught his attention, not the usual animal growls, but the distinctive vibration of spirit energy being released. Sounds of combat.
Another cultivator?
Curiosity overrode caution. And Xiao Feng as usual limped toward the noise, but this time decided to be smart by keeping to the shadows of the massive trees. The sounds grew louder until he reached the edge of a large clearing.
What he saw made his jaw drop.
A female cultivator moved fluidly in the center of the clearing, facing down a pack of... were those demonic apes? Their massive bodies, twice the size of normal apes, were covered in bone spikes and dark fur. Red eyes glowed with malice as they surrounded her.
Definitely demonic apes.
But she didn't seem to be afraid. Not even close.
Xiao Feng could sense from her spiritual undulations and qi, She was second order at least!
Every movement she made was perfect, precise and devastating. Her axe flashed like silver lightning, cutting through the air and flesh with equal ease. Where she stepped, destruction followed. Three ape corpses already lay on the ground, dark blood soaking into the earth.
"Whoa," Xiao Feng breathed. "She's incredible."
These were also second order dark beasts!
The lady wore a veil over her face, but even though it was hidden, Xiao Feng could tell that she was a beautiful person, call it male instinct but Xiao Feng could tell. Her long black hair was tied in a simple ponytail that whipped around as she moved. Her robes, though practical for combat, couldn't hide her graceful and perfect figure honed from years of combat.
Focus, Xiao Feng, he scolded himself. This isn't one of those harem novels where I save her and she falls for me but pretends not to and then. Boom. She's the princess of some empire and...nope not happening. Focus.
The remaining apes circled warily, chittering to each other. They were learning, coordinating. One lunged forward, drawing her attention, while another moved to her flank.
Xiao Feng saw what they didn't see, a third ape, weaker than the others, creeping up behind her through the tall grass.
A first order, peak stage!
Without thinking, he burst from his hiding spot. His injuries screamed in protest as he charged in, staff raised high.
"Behind you!" he shouted.
Why am I prone to making such impulsive decisions!?
The lady half-turned, but the ape was already leaping. Xiao Feng struck with all his strength, channeling every bit of qi he could muster.
CRACK!
The metal staff connected with the ape's skull. The ape seemed dazed but not hurt as he would have wanted, it snarled at him noticing he was weaker but for some reason it's eye darted to his staff before it suddenly turned heel and ran off after snarling at him.
Huh?
Xiao Feng grinned, rather pleased with himself. "That was close, wasn't—"
His words died as he met the woman's eyes beneath her mask. They weren't filled with gratitude or relief, instead they burned with cold fury.
"You dare interfere in my battle?" She said in a cold voice.
Xiao Feng blinked, looking from her to the the dead apes around her. "I... I just saved you?"
"Saved me?" She laughed, a sound without humor. "I knew it was there. Why would I bother with a first order being?"
"Oh." Xiao Feng felt his face heat up. The remaining apes took advantage of the distraction to retreat into the trees, disappearing from sight. "Well... um... sorry?"
The woman sheathed her two battle axes behind in one fluid motion. Up close, Xiao Feng could see just how fine her features were, her profile, body shape and eyes that were cold and ruthless.
"Who are you?" he asked. "Your movements were amazing!"
She studied him for a moment her expression guarded, taking in his injured state, the makeshift bandages, the way he leaned on his staff for support.
Her expression softened for just a fraction of a second before hardening again. For that brief moment, Xiao Feng thought he saw something like pity in her eyes.
Then it was gone, replaced by cool disdain.
Before he could speak again, she turned away, preparing to leave.
"Wait!" Xiao Feng called. "At least tell me your name!"
I won't pass this chance!
She paused at the edge of the clearing, looking back over her shoulder. Her aura rising slightly before it dispersed.
"Idiot," she said simply, and then vanished into the forest.
Xiao Feng stood there, mouth open, his staff hanging limply at his side.
What?