Chapter 38: Betrayal

Tian Hua stared in disbelief at the warrior. He couldn't fathom what had just transpired. Glancing at Cheng Kong and the others, he then turned his gaze towards Mu Xiong. To his astonishment, Mu Xiong had silently risen from his chair while he wasn't paying attention.

"Is it... is it really you?" Tian Hua exclaimed, surprised by Mu Xiong's sudden appearance.

"It's been a while since I stretched my muscles; almost didn't make it in time just now," Mu Xiong mumbled to himself.

Observing the warrior and then fixing his gaze on Mu Xiong, Tian Hua wondered what Mu Xiong had done to the warrior to keep it unharmed.

"Mu Xiong, Mu Xiong..." Tian Hua mumbled the name, and suddenly, a realization struck him. Looking at Mu Xiong, he thought, "Mu Xiong, his last name is Mu. Could it be that he possesses a defense similar to Iran's? It seems so. Apart from the protective barrier that allowed the warrior to remain unharmed, there was no other ability demonstrated."

With this revelation, Tian Hua grew tense. Facing a formidable adversary like Chang Qing, and now with Mu Xiong's defensive abilities, his chances of winning seemed to be dwindling.

"It seems you've figured out my abilities. Your expression betrays some hesitation. Are you afraid or is it something else?" Mu Xiong smiled.

Tian Hua glared at him and retorted, "I'm thinking, if I defeat both of you today, where should I put your faces?!"

Mu Xiong chuckled at Tian Hua's declaration. "Well then, it depends on your skills. If you manage to defeat both of us today, rest assured, we'll find a good place to put our faces."

Having said that, Mu Xiong continued to smile.

While Mu Xiong was still smiling, Tian Hua suddenly vanished into thin air. Cheng Kong and the others were taken aback, but Mu Xiong remained standing with a smile. Soon after, Tian Hua reappeared not far from Mu Xiong, looking at him and saying, "Your defense barrier is indeed formidable!"

"Your speed is the fastest I've seen, second only to Yuxingtian and Tianlong!" Mu Xiong remarked.

On the sidelines, Chang Qing, watching Tian Hua, was also surprised. Tian Hua's speed had significantly increased since their last encounter. In a short span, his speed had improved remarkably. It seemed the growth rate of the Tianlong lineage was truly remarkable.

While Tian Hua stood there, the warrior, with a bow in hand, shot an arrow at him like a shooting star. Tian Hua sensed the approaching arrow but didn't dodge. Just as the arrow was about to reach him, a stone figure appeared beside him, holding a shield and blocking the arrow.

"Young people have good stamina. It seems I am indeed getting old," Cheng Qing remarked, watching Tian Hua with a smile.

As Cheng Qing spoke, the stone figure rushed towards her, and the warrior hurriedly engaged. In the midst of their battle, another stone figure appeared next to Tian Hua, heading towards Mu Xiong. Despite the gigantic sword swings from the stone figure, it was unable to close the distance to Mu Xiong. It seemed as if an invisible shield enveloped him, rendering the attacks futile.

While the warrior and the stone figures were engrossed in battle, another stone figure emerged, making Cheng Qing's warriors seem to struggle. Cheng Qing, realizing the challenge of controlling multiple figures simultaneously, intensified her attacks. Taking advantage of her divided focus, the warriors surrounding her slowed down. Cheng Qing, noticing the issue, focused her efforts, swiftly overpowering the warriors.

Witnessing Cheng Qing's struggle, another stone figure appeared, catching Cheng Qing by surprise. She was astonished; it was the fourth figure. Just as Cheng Qing processed this, a fifth figure appeared, leaving her dumbfounded. In her mind, Cheng Qing marveled at Tian Hua's ability to control five figures simultaneously. It seemed he had surpassed the capabilities of the Tianlong lineage.

While Tian Hua observed the battles, he felt the strain on his energy. However, determined to persist, he clenched his teeth. His plan was to keep Mu Xiong occupied with one figure while the remaining four dealt with Cheng Qing. If Cheng Qing fell, it would be much easier to handle Mu Xiong.

Tian Hua continued strategizing, realizing the risks involved. If he couldn't defeat them quickly, his energy would deplete, resulting in inevitable defeat. Yet, without executing this risky move, the prolonged battle would still lead to his defeat. This tactic aimed to catch the opponents off guard before exhaustion set in.

Amid Tian Hua's internal calculations, a sudden loud noise interrupted his thoughts. Looking toward the source of the sound, Tian Hua witnessed one of the stone figures attacking Mu Xiong being forcefully thrown back and landing on the ground.

Seeing the opportunity, Mu Xiong swiftly moved towards Cheng Qing. Realizing the imminent danger, Tian Hua shouted, "Stop!"

The previously thrown-back stone figure had already risen and dashed towards Mu Xiong. Simultaneously, countless spikes appeared in the air, flying toward Mu Xiong. Mu Xiong, undeterred, slowed his pace and reinforced his barrier.

In the midst of Tian Hua's attempt to prevent Mu Xiong from reaching Cheng Qing, the movements of the four stone figures around Cheng Qing slowed down suddenly. Cheng Qing, noticing the shift, thought, "Controlling five figures separately does seem to affect their speed. It appears he hasn't mastered the art of 'multiple control' well enough. Quantity alone doesn't guarantee efficiency."

Recognizing the challenge, Cheng Qing seized the opportunity to intensify her attacks. With a powerful strike, she forced the stone figures around her to retreat. Taking advantage of the moment, Cheng Qing's warrior swiftly leaped over the four figures and charged towards Mu Xiong.

By the time Tian Hua noticed the change in Cheng Qing's strategy, it was too late. Cheng Qing and her warrior had closed in on Mu Xiong, launching a coordinated assault. Tian Hua's anxiety surged as Cheng Qing's last attack smashed through Mu Xiong's defensive barrier, causing him and Cheng Qing to be thrown back, crashing to the ground.

The battle concluded, Tian Hua knelt down, hands on the ground, gasping for air. Cheng Qing and Mu Xiong struggled to sit up, covered in injuries, and gazed at Tian Hua.

"It seems I underestimated you," Mu Xiong said with a smile, though he couldn't help coughing afterward.

"Next, it will go as you wish," Tian Hua replied coldly.

"We'll be watching," Cheng Qing added.

As they spoke, the five stone figures gradually approached each other, merging into one colossal figure. The merged figure, wielding a massive sword, rose into the air. Tian Hua, still catching his breath, warned, "If you merge, I won't hold back."

The colossal figure, now unified, lifted its sword high and brought it down with immense force. The protective barrier shattered, and the sword struck

the ground, causing a seismic shock. Rocks scattered, and the warrior crumbled, broken into pieces. Cheng Qing and Mu Xiong lay on the ground, defeated.

With the battle over, Tian Hua remained on his knees, breathing heavily. Cheng Qing and Mu Xiong, battered but not broken, looked at Tian Hua with a mixture of surprise and admiration. The dust settled, marking the end of a grueling confrontation.

Chapter 38: Betrayal

Tian Hua stared in astonishment at the warrior, finding it hard to believe what had just happened. He wondered, "What's going on?" Glancing at Cheng Kong and the others, he then turned his gaze towards Mu Xiong. To his surprise, Mu Xiong had silently risen from his chair while he wasn't paying attention.

"Is it... is it really you?" Tian Hua exclaimed, astonished by Mu Xiong's sudden appearance.

"It's been a while since I stretched my muscles; almost didn't make it in time just now," Mu Xiong mumbled to himself.

Observing the warrior and then fixing his gaze on Mu Xiong, Tian Hua wondered what Mu Xiong had done to the warrior to keep it unharmed.

"Mu Xiong, Mu Xiong..." Tian Hua mumbled the name, and suddenly, a realization struck him. Looking at Mu Xiong, he thought, "Mu Xiong, his last name is Mu. Could it be that he possesses a defense similar to Iran's? It seems so. Apart from the protective barrier that allowed the warrior to remain unharmed, there was no other ability demonstrated."

With this revelation, Tian Hua grew tense. Facing a formidable adversary like Chang Qing, and now with Mu Xiong's defensive abilities, his chances of winning seemed to be dwindling.

"It seems you've figured out my abilities. Your expression betrays some hesitation. Are you afraid or is it something else?" Mu Xiong smiled.

Tian Hua glared at him and retorted, "I'm thinking, if I defeat both of you today, where should I put your faces?!"

Mu Xiong chuckled at Tian Hua's declaration. "Well then, it depends on your skills. If you manage to defeat both of us today, rest assured, we'll find a good place to put our faces."

Having said that, Mu Xiong continued to smile.

While Mu Xiong was still smiling, Tian Hua suddenly vanished into thin air. Cheng Kong and the others were taken aback, but Mu Xiong remained standing with a smile. Soon after, Tian Hua reappeared not far from Mu Xiong, looking at him and saying, "Your defense barrier is indeed formidable!"

"Your speed is the fastest I've seen, second only to Yuxingtian and Tianlong!" Mu Xiong remarked.

On the sidelines, Chang Qing, watching Tian Hua, was also surprised. Tian Hua's speed had significantly increased since their last encounter. In a short span, his speed had improved remarkably. It seemed the growth rate of the Tianlong lineage was truly remarkable.

While Tian Hua stood there, the warrior, with a bow in hand, shot an arrow at him like a shooting star. Tian Hua sensed the approaching arrow but didn't dodge. Just as the arrow was about to reach him, a stone figure appeared beside him, holding a shield and blocking the arrow.

"Young people have good stamina. It seems I am indeed getting old," Cheng Qing remarked, watching Tian Hua with a smile.

As Cheng Qing spoke, the stone figure rushed towards her, and the warrior hurriedly engaged. In the midst of their battle, another stone figure appeared next to Tian Hua, heading towards Mu Xiong. Despite the gigantic sword swings from the stone figure, it was unable to close the distance to Mu Xiong. It seemed as if an invisible shield enveloped him, rendering the attacks futile.

While the warrior and the stone figures were engrossed in battle, another stone figure emerged, making Cheng Qing's warriors seem to struggle. Cheng Qing, realizing the challenge of controlling multiple figures simultaneously, intensified her attacks. Taking advantage of her divided focus, the warriors surrounding her slowed down. Cheng Qing, noticing the issue, focused her efforts, swiftly overpowering the warriors.

Witnessing Cheng Qing's struggle, another stone figure appeared, catching Cheng Qing by surprise. She was astonished; it was the fourth figure. Just as Cheng Qing processed this, a fifth figure appeared, leaving her dumbfounded. In her mind, Cheng Qing marveled at Tian Hua's ability to control five figures simultaneously. It seemed he had surpassed the capabilities of the Tianlong lineage.

While Tian Hua observed the battles, he felt the strain on his energy. However, determined to persist, he clenched his teeth. His plan was to keep Mu Xiong occupied with one figure while the remaining four dealt with Cheng Qing. If Cheng Qing fell, it would be much easier to handle Mu Xiong.

Tian Hua continued strategizing, realizing the risks involved. If he couldn't defeat them quickly, his energy would deplete, resulting in inevitable defeat. Yet, without executing this risky move, the prolonged battle would still lead to his defeat. This tactic aimed to catch the opponents off guard before exhaustion set in.

Amid Tian Hua's internal calculations, a sudden loud noise interrupted his thoughts. Looking toward the source of the sound, Tian Hua witnessed one of the stone figures attacking Mu Xiong being forcefully thrown back and landing on the ground.

Seeing the opportunity, Mu Xiong swiftly moved towards Cheng Qing. Realizing the imminent danger, Tian Hua shouted, "Stop!"

The previously thrown-back stone figure had already risen and dashed towards Mu Xiong. Simultaneously, countless spikes appeared in the air, flying toward Mu Xiong. Mu Xiong, undeterred, slowed his pace and reinforced his barrier.

In the midst of Tian Hua's attempt to prevent Mu Xiong from reaching Cheng Qing, the movements of the four stone figures around Cheng Qing slowed down suddenly. Cheng Qing, noticing the shift, thought, "Controlling five figures separately does seem to affect their speed. It appears he hasn't mastered the art of 'multiple control' well enough. Quantity alone doesn't guarantee efficiency."

Recognizing the challenge, Cheng Qing seized the opportunity to intensify her attacks. With a powerful strike, she forced the stone figures around her to retreat. Taking advantage of the moment, Cheng Qing's warrior swiftly leaped over the four figures and charged towards Mu Xiong.

By the time Tian Hua noticed the change in Cheng Qing's strategy, it was too late. Cheng Qing and her warrior had closed in on Mu Xiong, launching a coordinated assault. Tian Hua's anxiety surged as Cheng Qing's last attack smashed through Mu Xiong's defensive barrier, causing him and Cheng Qing to be thrown back, crashing to the ground.

The battle concluded, Tian Hua remained on his knees, breathing heavily. Cheng Qing and Mu Xiong, battered but not broken, looked at Tian Hua.

"It seems I underestimated you," Mu Xiong said with a smile, though he couldn't help coughing afterward.

"Next, it will go as you wish," Tian Hua replied coldly.

"We'll be watching," Cheng Qing added.

As they spoke, the five stone figures gradually approached each other, merging into one colossal figure. The merged figure, wielding a massive sword, rose into the air. Tian Hua, still catching his breath, warned, "If you merge, I won't hold back."

The colossal figure, now unified, lifted its sword high and brought it down with immense force. The protective barrier shattered, and the sword struck the ground,

causing a seismic shock. Rocks scattered, and the warrior crumbled, broken into pieces. Cheng Qing and Mu Xiong lay on the ground, defeated.

With the battle over, Tian Hua remained on his knees, breathing heavily. Cheng Qing and Mu Xiong, battered but not broken, looked at Tian Hua with a mixture of surprise and admiration. The dust settled, marking the end of a grueling confrontation.

After a bout of coughing, Mu Xiong, with a sly smile, said, "Unfortunately, even so, the outcome remains the same! Today, you have lost!"

Tian Hua, panting, looked at Mu Xiong and then at the weak and helpless Chang Qing sitting there. His gaze then shifted to the three individuals standing in the distance: Cheng Kong, Zou Ming, and Kong Xu!

The three stood there, watching the battlefield where Tian Hua and the others fought. Tian Hua looked up at them, then glanced at the already stunned Little Bell sitting in a chair, sighing helplessly.

Tian Hua sat weakly on the ground, hands hanging down, a sense of sorrow welling up in his heart: Now, he was so vulnerable, and a child could easily knock him down!

In the distance, the sound of birds chirping came from the woods, and the wind stirred the dust on the ground, slowly drifting into the air, blocking the view of the people!

"Zou Ming, the three of you, take him down now!" came Mu Xiong's determined shout from not far away.

Hearing this, Tian Hua, unable to see the surrounding situation clearly at this point, faintly felt like someone was approaching. He closed his eyes and awaited their arrival.

Footsteps suddenly stopped, followed by a series of clashing sounds of blades and swords. Tian Hua, puzzled, opened his eyes, but the dust was in his face, obscuring his vision.

"Cheng Kong, how dare you betray the town's leader!" Kong Xu's voice rang out after a series of clashes between blades and swords.

Tian Hua, Mu Xiong, and Chang Qing were all taken aback: What's happening!

The dust blocked their sight, and they could vaguely see two silhouettes, engaging in mutual attacks. The wind gradually subsided, the dust cleared away, but the clash of blades and swords continued unabated.