Chapter 153: Slaying the Condensed Core
Chapter 153: Slaying the Condensed Core
The gorge fell silent except for the crackling remnants of scorched ground and the faint groans of the dying. Mu Feng stood over Ma Li's body, his breathing heavy, but his gaze sharp and unwavering.
A Bloody Battle Ends
Ma Li coughed violently, blood streaming from his mouth as his once-mighty frame shuddered in its final moments. The thunderous blow from Mu Feng's Nine Flames Explosive Punch had shattered his ribs, pierced his lungs, and left him helpless. The Shura Bloodblade embedded in his chest only sealed his fate.
"You... you're not just any student," Ma Li rasped, his voice barely a whisper. His eyes were wide with disbelief. "Who... are you?"
"Someone who doesn't forgive those who harm the innocent," Mu Feng replied coldly, his grip tightening on the hilt of his blade. "Your sins end here."
With a swift twist of the blade, Mu Feng ensured Ma Li's life force was extinguished. The bandit leader's body fell limp, the once-dreaded overlord of the Ma Shan bandits now reduced to a lifeless husk.
The Aftermath
Across the battlefield, Bai Ziyue had just dispatched the remaining bandits with the help of his Wind Wolf and Snake-Tail Leopard. The beasts tore through the survivors with ruthless efficiency, their fangs and claws drenched in blood.
Bai Ziyue, his chest heaving from exertion, wiped his blade clean and approached Mu Feng. His eyes scanned the scene, noting the dozens of charred corpses and the destruction they had wrought.
"It's over, Brother Feng," Bai Ziyue said, his tone a mix of relief and respect. "You did it. You killed a Condensed Core-level cultivator."
Mu Feng pulled his blade from Ma Li's corpse and nodded, his expression grim. "It wasn't easy. He was strong, but arrogance blinded him. Let this be a lesson for us too."
Looting the Spoils
The two began combing through the remains of the bandits, searching for valuables. Ma Li's storage ring proved to be a treasure trove, containing:
5,000 gold coinsHigh-grade spirit stonesSeveral weapons and armors, including his prized Black Iron Chainmail, which Mu Feng decided to keep.A collection of cultivation manualsand maps marking hidden caches of wealth.
"This will make the trip worthwhile," Bai Ziyue said with a grin, pocketing a small pouch of spirit stones. "These bandits may have been scum, but they lived richly."
Mu Feng took a moment to inspect the chainmail, noting its durability despite the damage his techniques had inflicted. "We'll distribute some of this wealth to the villagers. The rest will go to the academy."
The Villagers' Reaction
Returning to the nearby village, the sight of Mu Feng and Bai Ziyue dragging Ma Li's corpse behind them brought a mix of relief and awe to the villagers.
"The bandit leader is dead!" the village elder exclaimed, his voice trembling with emotion. "You've done it!"
Cheers erupted from the villagers, their faces alight with hope. Many wept openly, grateful to be free from the shadow of the Ma Shan bandits.
"We've recovered much of their stolen wealth," Mu Feng announced. "A portion of it will be returned to the victims, and the rest will fund further defenses for your village."
The villagers knelt, their gratitude overwhelming. "Thank you, young heroes. We'll never forget your kindness."
A New Resolve
As night fell and the village celebrated, Mu Feng sat alone under the stars, his thoughts heavy.
"Brother Feng, you're brooding again," Bai Ziyue said, joining him. "What's on your mind?"
Mu Feng sighed. "This was just one group of bandits. How many more like them exist? How many lives are still suffering while we celebrate?"
Bai Ziyue clapped him on the shoulder. "We can't save everyone, but we made a difference here. That's what matters."
Mu Feng nodded, though his resolve hardened. "One step at a time, then. Let's return to the academy and prepare for the next challenge."
With the stars shining overhead, the two warriors rested, their journey far from over. The battle with Ma Li had proven one thing: no matter the odds, they would stand firm against injustice.