Chapter 8: Unveiling Deception

Days passed within the sanctuary, where Bai Yan meticulously honed Lei Wushuang's skills in mastering the Heavenly Thunder Body. Their training sessions deepened their bond, fostering mutual trust amidst the serene refuge of towering ancient trees and clear, starlit skies.

One tranquil evening, Bai Yan sat by the flickering campfire, his senses sharp to the approaching footsteps echoing through the dense foliage. Yet, Bai Yan sensed more than just Fei's presence; an ominous aura lurked in the shadows, filled with intent that made the air heavy with threat. The campfire's glow danced off the gnarled bark of the surrounding trees, casting flickering shadows that seemed to move with a life of their own.

"Fei, is there something you need?" Bai Yan's voice was calm, though his eyes scanned the darkness where hidden figures lurked. The air carried a hint of tension, mingled with the faint scent of pine and damp earth.

"Bai Yan, it appears you've seen through my intentions," Fei replied coolly, a smirk playing on his lips. His figure emerged from the darkness, clad in rugged bandit attire that spoke of long days on the road and ruthless encounters. Behind him, thirty shadows materialized into men and women, their faces weathered by life in the wilds of the demon realm. Most were at the Venerate Realm, with a few towering figures at the Self-Perfecting Realm, their eyes gleaming with predatory hunger.

Lei Wushuang, alert to the danger, stood beside Bai Yan, his expression grave as he realized the peril they were in. "Master, what should we do? Their cultivation levels far exceed ours."

Bai Yan's expression remained stoic as he considered their predicament. "Foolish disciple, have you ever seen my true cultivation?"

Wushuang hesitated, recalling that Bai Yan had never revealed his full power. "No, Master. I have not."

Suddenly, the air around Bai Yan trembled, a subtle yet undeniable aura of immortality emanating from him. The campfire's flames seemed to bow in reverence, casting an ethereal glow over his features.

The atmosphere shifted palpably as Fei and his bandits found themselves immobilized, a weighty presence pressing down upon them. They staggered, their bravado crumbling in the face of Bai Yan's suppressed might. Weapons clattered to the ground, and gasps of disbelief echoed through the night.

"Y-You're a True Immortal?!" Fei gasped incredulously, fear and disbelief coloring his voice. "But you're not even sixteen yet! The youngest True Immortal recorded was over two thousand years old!"

"You're all a nuisance," Bai Yan muttered dismissively, his voice carrying a hint of amusement at their ignorance.

With a mere thought, the gravitational force around them intensified, crushing Fei and his bandits into a gruesome mess on the forest floor. Leaves rustled softly overhead, bearing witness to the swift and decisive resolution of the confrontation.

Lei Wushuang stared in awe at his master's display of power, the campfire's flickering light casting shadows that danced across his face. "Master, I knew you were strong, but I never imagined..."

Bai Yan cut him off with a glance that conveyed both amusement and admonishment. "Never underestimate me, Wushuang."

Wushuang nodded earnestly, his respect for his master deepening as he surveyed the subdued bandits sprawled amidst the underbrush, their defeat starkly evident in their disheveled appearance and stunned expressions.