Chapter 502: Farewell
"Courting death!"
Zhao Dong's footwork was nimble, his figure dodging the hairpin like a specter.
"No! How could you possibly dodge that!?" Ling'er was dumbfounded.
Zhao Dong had clearly had his back to her. How could he have possibly avoided that strike?
However, what she didn't know was that Zhao Dong had been on guard ever since she had bizarrely agreed to the duel. His Divine Sense had been active the entire time.
He charged toward Ling'er, his right foot rising and then slamming down with force!
CRACK!
The crisp sound of a breaking bone rang out.
"AHH!"
A scream tore through the air as Ling'er's right arm was crushed under Zhao Dong's foot!
He hadn't wanted to truly harm Ling'er; she was a woman, after all. But since she was courting death, she couldn't blame him for being ruthless!
Zhao Dong kicked out, sending Ling'er's body flying. His fists flew out in quick succession, unleashing three punches in an instant!
CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!
The sickening sounds of breaking bones mingled with Ling'er's screams. Shockingly, Zhao Dong had brutally broken all four of her limbs!
"Let Ling'er go!" Hai Dongqing yelled in a panic, unsheathing his longsword and charging straight at Zhao Dong.
But how could he possibly be Zhao Dong's match?
Zhao Dong sidestepped the sword, smoothly grabbing Hai Dongqing's wrist and twisting it hard.
CRACK!
Hai Dongqing's arm snapped. Zhao Dong followed up with a kick that sent him flying backward, spitting mouthfuls of blood.
Such brutal methods made the onlookers gasp in cold shock.
"A good beating! That felt great! So satisfying! Hahahaha..." Su Li's carefree laughter drifted over.
Overwhelmed with rage, Zhao Dong was about to strike again. Seeing his killing intent, Dongfang Shi and the other elders rushed to block his path.
"Young friend, calm your anger!"
Zhao Dong's eyes were like ice. "Elder Dongfang, you saw for yourself. I was only going to teach her a lesson! But she tried to take my life with a hidden weapon! And when the fight was already underway, Hai Dongqing still jumped in to help her! Can you really blame me for being ruthless?"
Upon hearing this, Dongfang Shi and the others looked thoroughly embarrassed. He gave a wry smile. "Yes, I admit you were not in the wrong, young friend Zhao. But they are disciples of our sect, after all. They may not have great merits in the Qingyun Sect, but they've certainly toiled hard. For my sake, could you spare their lives?"
As he finished, the other elders also began to plead for them.
Seeing this, Zhao Dong shook his head helplessly. "Very well. Out of respect for the elders, I will let this matter go."
Dongfang Shi and the others breathed a sigh of relief, quickly gesturing for disciples to carry the two away for treatment.
After the pair was taken away, Dongfang Shi said awkwardly, "Don't be angry anymore, young friend. Let's continue our drinks. We shouldn't let those two spoil our good mood, shall we?"
"Alright." Zhao Dong gave a slight nod and followed Dongfang Shi back to his seat.
The banquet did not end because of this interlude. The wine flowed freely and many courses were served. Cups were raised and toasts were exchanged in a lively atmosphere.
Eventually, when everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Zhao Dong rose to his feet. "Elder Dongfang, this junior has been away from home for some time. It is time for me to return."
"Leaving so soon?" Dongfang Shi asked with some regret.
Zhao Dong smiled bitterly. "I don't wish to leave in such a hurry, but you know I have many things I must attend to."
Dongfang Shi nodded. "That's true. You have your own business to handle, and it wouldn't be right for me to detain you. However, the road ahead is perilous. You must take care of yourself, young friend!"
Zhao Dong was touched. He bowed again. "This junior will certainly be careful. I will never forget the great kindness you and the elders have shown me. If you ever have need of me in the future, I would go through fire and water without a moment's hesitation!"
Hearing his words, the elders all looked moved.
"Good lad! Humble yet proud, loyal and righteous. We weren't wrong about you!"
"Kid, the Qingyun Sect will always be your home. If you ever run into trouble, just come back. We old-timers have got your back!"
The elders spoke one after another, personally escorting Zhao Dong to the mountain gate.
At the gate, Dongfang Shi took hold of Zhao Dong's arm, his eyes filled with reluctance. "Remember to consider what I said about joining the Qingyun Sect."
"Rest assured, Elder. This junior will certainly consider it," Zhao Dong nodded gratefully.
"Good." Dongfang Shi nodded slightly, then pulled two talismans from his robes and handed them to Zhao Dong. "The journey ahead is dangerous. These two talismans might be of use to you. This yellow one is a Ground Escape Talisman. When used, it can instantly teleport you over five hundred meters away. The red one is a Blood Explosion Talisman. It has the same effect as a Violent Blood Pill, temporarily enhancing your strength. It doesn't conflict with the pill; their effects can even be stacked."
Great treasures! These are truly great treasures! That Ground Escape Talisman is practically a second life!
Zhao Dong was overjoyed and quickly bowed. "This junior, Zhao Dong, thanks Elder Dongfang once again for his great generosity!"
Dongfang Shi nodded in satisfaction and helped him up. "There's no need for more thanks. During your few days here at the Qingyun Sect, we've all grown very fond of you, and you've received many favors from us. Even if you don't join, you are already half a disciple of our sect.
"If you face trouble in the future, remember to come back to us. We old fellows may not be the strongest, but we will always be your staunchest backing!"
As he spoke, the elders behind him puffed out their chests, their gazes resolute. Seeing this, Zhao Dong was moved even more deeply.
Ultimately, his gaze fell upon Su Li.
Su Li laughed loudly. "What are you looking at me for? Isn't having these old guys' backing enough? Do you need your big brother to make promises too?"
"No, no, no!" Zhao Dong said in a fluster. "I just wanted to say goodbye to you, big brother."
Zhao Dong knew that if he were ever in trouble, Su Li would act even if Dongfang Shi and the others did not. The bond between them was beyond words.
"Alright, that's enough," Su Li said, tossing two wine gourds to Zhao Dong with a flick of his wrist. "Cut the mushy stuff. It's not like we'll never see each other again. Now hurry up and get down the mountain to take care of your business. Your big brother will be waiting for you to come back for a drink!"
"Hahahaha, alright! Wait for me, big brother!"
With that, Zhao Dong didn't linger. He turned and started to walk away.
He hadn't taken two steps, however, before Dongfang Shi chased after him again. "Wait! Hold on!"
Zhao Dong turned in surprise. "Elder Dongfang, is there something else?"
With an embarrassed chuckle, Dongfang Shi pulled a stack of over a hundred pink envelopes from his storage ring and shoved them all into Zhao Dong's arms. "These are from the female disciples of the sect. They asked me to give them to you. I nearly forgot."
With that said, Dongfang Shi scurried away.
Zhao Dong was dumbfounded. What in the world?
He casually opened one, and the scandalous content instantly made his face flush red.
Damn it! Over a hundred of them… and they're all love letters!?
He thought about burning them but couldn't quite bring himself to do it. So, he simply dug a pit by the side of the path and buried all the letters inside.
Zhao Dong continued down the mountain with a resigned sigh, yet the corner of his mouth held a hint of pride unique to men.
"Sigh… being this handsome is a burden."