Preemptive Strike

Xiao Chen refined the rare dragon crystal, its vast dragon essence nearly all condensing into the Shangqiu acupoint of his right foot. Only a small portion of the dragon's vital energy melted into his wounded body, yet even that was enough to greatly ease his injuries.

For three days, Zhao Lin'er had not appeared, but she would surely not abandon the chance to kill him. They were racing against time, and a thunderbolt strike could come at any moment.

Xiao Chen urgently needed time to recover. For days, he had been adjusting his breathing in the primeval forest, never ceasing his cultivation.

This island was profoundly mysterious. In the outer territory of the Tyrant Dragon's domain, he had discovered traces of many colossal creatures—primordial ancient beasts all. There were divine leopards that could tear apart elephants, ancient crocodiles over twenty meters long, golden centipedes as thick as a rice bowl... and even dragon roars echoing from deep within the island, certainly not the Eight-Armed Malignant Dragon or the Ancient Tyrant Dragon, but unknown dragon species.

The spiritual energy of vegetation flowed like a gentle stream, green light flickering through the woods. Xiao Chen sat surrounded by hazy vitality, the soft green radiance wrapping around his body. Strands of pure wood essence surged into his form, his wounds gently nourished by the warm emerald glow.

Another two days passed. Xiao Chen's body was much better than before. He decided to scout what Zhao Lin'er was doing. She could not have changed her intent to kill him; the next blow might be a net-like absolute strike. It was necessary to investigate.

Detouring around the areas where the Tyrant Dragon often roamed, Xiao Chen passed through dense virgin forest, evading all kinds of ferocious beasts, and finally returned to the edge of the island near the bamboo hut he had built.

The small lake was as clear as a sapphire, perfectly reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. Vines twisted around its perimeter, and large patches of colorful flowers bloomed in profusion, their intoxicating fragrance filling the entire forest grove.

The bamboo hut was verdant green, adorned with creepers and blossoms. Hanging from a vine in front of the hut was a silk scarf, gently swaying in the breeze.

The hut Xiao Chen had built had now become Zhao Lin'er's dwelling—a true trophy of war.

But Xiao Chen did not see Zhao Lin'er. He began searching the area thoroughly. Suddenly, his pupils contracted. Deep in the dense forest a hundred meters from the lake, there were five newly built bamboo huts! And he caught sight of a unfamiliar figure.

It was a tall young man, around twenty years old, with long brown hair and unusually pale skin. His eyes, however, were somewhat sinister, making it hard to feel any goodwill toward him.

Who was this?

Xiao Chen stood quietly in the forest, watching the brown-haired man.

Before long, a large flock of seabirds startled from the woods near the seashore. Two figures emerged from the forest, walking swiftly toward this place. They were a man and a woman, both about twenty, with light brown hair. From their attire, they seemed to be servants of the man by the bamboo huts. Together, they bowed to the brown-haired youth.

The brown-haired youth waved a hand, signaling them to rise, and asked, "Still no sign of them?"

"No, my lord. There is not a single ship on the sea."

The brown-haired youth frowned slightly. "The Forbidden Sea is unusually calm. Without the mysterious forces blocking the way, there should not be great danger. Why have they not arrived yet? Did they encounter that evil dragon?" He then turned his head to look at the bamboo huts by the lake. After a brief silence, he muttered to himself, "Peerless beauty... even the Unicorn Sacred Beast stays by her side. She is truly as beautiful as an angel..."

The male servant standing nearby said, "If my lord fancies her, why not—"

"Hmph!" The brown-haired man cut him off with a cold snort. "Best keep such words to yourself! When our people arrive, we will first eliminate that vicious enemy of hers. I have my own plans."

From the depths of the forest, Xiao Chen quietly withdrew.

Zhao Lin'er! When Xiao Chen thought of that name, a piercing light flashed from his eyes. She had already allied with people of the World of Immortality, sworn to kill him.

Now, with this new and powerful enemy added, he could not help but sigh. Beauty was indeed the most effective weapon. Zhao Lin'er's loveliness had convinced this brown-haired man to help her.

He now had two choices: either flee deep into the island at once, or seize the chance to strike first.

He was a decisive man. After a brief deliberation, he resolved to take the initiative, to weaken the enemy's strength before their reinforcements arrived, lest he become even more isolated and passive.

Xiao Chen carefully searched and observed the area. Near the newly built bamboo huts, three more men were hidden, protecting the brown-haired youth. Then, among the coconut grove along the shore, he found three more. From their attire, they were all servants of the brown-haired man, watching the sea from different vantage points, clearly awaiting reinforcements.

Having thoroughly scouted the island's edge, Xiao Chen decided to strike.

The coconut grove by the sea was lush and green. The three men were stationed at intervals of over five hundred meters. Xiao Chen moved silently through the forest toward one of them.

Without a weapon, his own body was the best tool. With a flash of cold light, a single finger to the throat! Blood spurted. Xiao Chen darted back. One brown-haired servant fell to the forest floor, his throat torn open.

There was no hesitation. If you do not kill the enemy, the enemy kills you. Only ruthless decisiveness could let him survive.

He approached the second target. But when he was still seven meters away, a ripe coconut fell with a soft thud onto the sand, causing the servant to turn his head at the sound. Xiao Chen instantly pushed his speed to the limit, leaping up, twisting in midair, and swinging his leg in a sweep aimed at the man's throat.

It all happened like lightning. The servant was alert; he did not panic at the sudden event. He instinctively retreated quickly while raising both arms to block.

"Bang!"

Xiao Chen's leg struck with the force of a thousand pounds, instantly shattering the man's forearms. The excruciating pain twisted his features, but his mind remained clear, and he shouted urgently, "Help—"

Xiao Chen's right palm shone with divine light, like a heavenly blade cleaving through the void. With a flash of brilliant radiance, the servant's head flew sideways, carried by a spray of blood. Xiao Chen darted away like a phantom.

The man's cry was swallowed by the roar of the waves.

Blood gushed from the headless corpse as it toppled onto the sand. The smell of blood spread through the grove. Xiao Chen had already vanished without a trace.