Chapter 2: Counterkill

Seven or eight days passed, and Chen Fei’s originally thin and small body slowly filled out. Some muscle gradually appeared on his frame, and he no longer looked so frail and easy to bully.

Just as Chen Fei was looking forward to breaking through to the Skin Tempering Realm, the medical clinic suddenly announced that they were to go to the mountains outside the city to gather herbs.

Early the next morning, a group of laborers from the clinic carried their herb baskets out of the city and arrived at Pingyin Mountain.

It had not been very peaceful outside the city lately, but the clinic was short on herbs, and the arrangement for laborers to go out was naturally not something they could refuse. Everyone had a quota for gathering herbs; once completed, they could head down the mountain.

If they couldn't finish, they still had to return after three days, but a sound beating was unavoidable.

The group scattered into the vast Pingyin Mountain and soon disappeared from sight.

Chen Fei walked for the time it takes to burn an incense stick before spotting a medicinal herb, which he happily stepped forward to pick. With the continuous improvement of his cultivation, not only had Chen Fei’s physical strength improved recently, but the sharpness of his five senses had also increased significantly.

Although Chen Fei was picking herbs, his ears and eyes were constantly monitoring his surroundings to ensure he wouldn't be caught unaware by any incoming danger.

While there were no large wild beasts in Pingyin Mountain, there were plenty of venomous insects and snakes. Every time they went to gather herbs, many laborers would end up injured or even dead.

Just as he was halfway through picking the herb, Chen Fei’s expression suddenly changed, and he lunged forward abruptly.

The next moment, an arrow struck the spot where Chen Fei had been standing. The arrow was still vibrating slightly, showing the immense force behind it. If Chen Fei hadn't dodged, he would likely have been pierced through his internal organs by now.

Chen Fei hid behind a large tree, holding his firewood chopper, his heart overflowing with rage. If he had been a second slower, he would have been at the mercy of others.

"You're quite quick on your feet," a laugh rang out.

"The kid learned for a while at the Jishan Martial Arts Hall, so he’s got a bit of cunning," Sha Daxin’s voice replied.

"He’s got some skills, alright. You go around to the other side; he won't be able to run today... No, the kid is trying to run! Chase him!" Niu Kuo’s brows twitched slightly. Just as he was about to raise his bow and arrow, he realized that Chen Fei was constantly darting between trees, making it difficult to lock onto him.

Although Niu Kuo was a hunter with some archery skills, he was ultimately only at the level of an ordinary person. Chen Fei was now on the verge of a breakthrough, and both his physical strength and agility were far superior to an ordinary person's.

Consequently, as he ran, Niu Kuo found himself unable to do anything about it.

"Chen Fei, why are you acting like a coward? Why are you running? Come over here and fight me, come and kill me!" Sha Daxin roared.

Chen Fei did not respond. He ran with long strides, and within a quarter of an hour, he had shaken off the two men behind him. Chen Fei’s expression was cold and grim. This matter could not just end here, but Niu Kuo had a bow and arrow, and with Chen Fei’s current strength, he couldn't break through head-on unless his realm improved.

Thinking of this, Chen Fei looked at his panel.

【Name: Chen Fei】

【Profession: Martial Artist】

【Technique: Jishan Fist (Not yet initiated), Jishan Breathing Technique (Grand Completion)】

【Realm: Martial Practitioner (99/100)】

"Almost there!"

Chen Fei’s expression brightened slightly. He had originally estimated ten days, but it seemed it would be even sooner. Furthermore, the intense running and breathing seemed to have accelerated the speed of his breakthrough.

Chen Fei thought about Niu Kuo’s attire; he was likely a hunter from Pingyin Mountain and might be able to track him. Chen Fei didn't stay in one place and ran in another direction.

He ran for a while, then rested for a bit. Half an hour later, Chen Fei stopped because he felt his body undergoing a violent transformation.

The next moment, the sound of bones and tendons resonating together erupted from within Chen Fei’s body. He couldn't help but lift his head as a wave of pain surged from inside him, followed by a tingling, itchy sensation coursing through his skin and flesh.

Fortunately, this feeling only lasted for a moment before stopping. A sense of power surged through his body, and Chen Fei instinctively clenched his fists.

【Realm: Skin Tempering (1/1000)】

The panel clearly displayed Chen Fei’s current realm. Chen Fei looked around; subtle sounds drifted into his ears, and he could see much further than before.

Chen Fei jumped in place a few times. Whether it was due to the panel or the Grand Completion breathing technique, he had perfect control over his strength immediately upon breaking through.

Every movement, turn, and exertion of force was exactly as he willed it. Facing his former self now, he could knock him down with a single punch. As for Niu Kuo’s bow and arrow? They were nothing more than the strength and archery of an ordinary person.

Hundreds of meters away.

"That kid can really run. When we catch him, we have to torture him properly first!" Sha Daxin said through gritted teeth, his voice cold and sinister.

"Torturing someone is easy. When the time comes, we'll cut his skin and pour some honey into the wounds; that’ll keep him nice and comfortable," Niu Kuo laughed loudly.

"Thanks for the trouble, Uncle Niu," Sha Daxin said obsequiously.

"I took your money, so doing a bit of work is only right."

Niu Kuo didn't care at all. He looked ahead and said, "Even though the kid can run, he must be terrified right now. We’ll just follow slowly behind; we’ll wear him out eventually."

"I’m just afraid he’ll run back to the medical clinic."

"I actually hope he runs down the mountain; it’ll be even easier to intercept him." In Niu Kuo’s eyes, killing a person was much simpler than killing a wild beast.

"Uncle Niu is truly impressive!" Sha Daxin flattered him.

"Hahaha, if there’s anything like this in the future, just come find—"

"Whoosh!"

Before Niu Kuo could finish his sentence, his expression suddenly changed. He rolled to the side just as a rock the size of a bowl flew over his head.

Niu Kuo stood up and was about to raise his bow and arrow when a figure appeared before him out of nowhere. With a kick, the figure sent his bow and arrow flying, and Niu Kuo himself was flipped over by a massive force, falling backward involuntarily.

"Chen Fei!"

Sha Daxin hadn't even realized what was happening when he saw Chen Fei appear and kick Niu Kuo away. He instinctively swung his firewood chopper toward Chen Fei.

"Bang!"

Chen Fei kicked Sha Daxin in the chest. Sha Daxin let out a muffled groan, spat blood, and flew backward several meters, crashing into a large tree before sliding to the ground.

"Young hero, this is a misunderstanding!"

In the blink of an eye, the situation had completely reversed, and Niu Kuo shouted loudly. Chen Fei didn't say a word; he stepped forward to stand before Niu Kuo and swept his chopper across.

Seeing Chen Fei’s decisiveness, a flash of cruelty appeared in Niu Kuo’s eyes. He produced a handful of lime from his pocket and threw it at Chen Fei, while his other hand drew a dagger to stab at him.

"Slash!"

A pair of hands flew into the air. Niu Kuo stared blankly at his own arms. The next moment, a pain flared in his neck, the world turned upside down, and finally, it faded into darkness.

Chen Fei turned around expressionlessly and walked toward Sha Daxin.

"Murderer! Chen Fei, you’ll die a horrible death!" Seemingly knowing he wouldn't survive, Sha Daxin cursed wildly.

Chen Fei swung his blade and sheathed it. Sha Daxin slumped to the side.

(End of chapter)