My Apprentice Is Too Diligent

Chapter 6: Face-to-Face Killing

The air exploded.

A substantial wave of energy suddenly emerged out of thin air, sweeping through the scene.

Xiong Zengming's massive body leaped into the air, his palms emitting a faint glow. He exuded a fierce and terrifying aura, resembling a real wild bear as he roared and pounced towards Chen Wuji.

"Roar~"

Almost at the moment Xiong Zengming leaped, Chen Wuji also threw a punch, mobilizing his qi and blood, releasing visible blood energy accompanied by a faint dragon's roar that resounded through the air.

Standing in place, he smashed his iron fist towards the sky.

The explosive force of his punch created a vortex in the air, swirling and forming a wave, as if a Flood Dragon was counterattacking Xiong Zengming.

The two forces collided in mid-air, instantly erupting with a dull roar.

Countless qi forces raged, exploding and stirring.

The resulting rebound force pushed Xiong Zengming's body backwards.

Chen Wuji stood in place, facing the rushing air flow. His long hair fluttered and his clothes rustled, but his body didn't move an inch. He stood firm like a rock.

Tap, tap, tap!

Xiong Zengming, who had fallen from the sky, stomped on the ground, spinning three times before dissipating his momentum. He stared at Chen Wuji with a face full of shock and anger.

"Body Refining Seventh Layer! You... you actually broke through!"

Xiong Zengming's face turned extremely ugly.

Chen Qingning, Chen Yifan, and Nan Jinyu, who had taken a few steps back, were shocked but also filled with joy.

"Master broke through to the Seventh Layer? That's great!" Chen Yifan exclaimed excitedly.

Chen Qingning's mouth hung open as she looked at Xiong Zengming, then at Chen Wuji, and finally at Han Ying. Especially when she saw Han Ying's face beaming with a satisfied smile, her eyes flickered and she leaned over, whispering, "Senior Sister, did you already know that Master broke through to the Seventh Layer?"

"Yes," Han Ying glanced at Chen Lindong and replied with satisfaction, "Two nights ago, this guy sneaked out to meet someone. Master and we saw it with our own eyes. He was discussing with Xiong Zengming how to deceive Master for money! At that time, Master broke through to the Seventh Layer!"

Chen Lindong's body shook even more violently.

"So that's how it is." After hearing this, Chen Yifan was both excited and looked at Chen Lindong with disdain and disgust. "Some people are just ungrateful wolves, worse than beasts!"

...

"Good, very good!"

Chen Wuji didn't answer. Xiong Zengming's face became extremely gloomy as he growled, "Where did Chen Master get the courage to play with me? Turns out he broke through to the Seventh Layer."

"Very good!"

"Now that you've reached the Body Refining Seventh Layer, I have to compete with Chen Master even more, so that you can adapt to the realm of the Body Refining Seventh Layer faster. What's going on!"

Swoosh!

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiong Zengming's foot landed on the ground, and his body rushed towards Chen Wuji like a small mountain.

"Lie Xiong Palm!"

"Earth Dragon Fist!"

Chen Wuji displayed his footwork to meet Xiong Zengming's attack.

His blood surged, enveloping his body, forming the symbol of Blood Transformation, with his blood energy like mist.

In the collision of fists and palms, the qi burst forth, sweeping the scene.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~

Bang! Bang!

His figure flickered, leaving behind footprints on the ground.

In just three breaths, the two of them exchanged blows dozens of times.

Xiong Zengming attacked with anger, his powerful force bringing forth gusts of wind, constantly sweeping through the scene.

Chen Wuji calmly received the attacks and occasionally launched counterattacks.

With a muffled sound, accompanied by the sweeping qi, the sand and soil were lifted into the air, constantly swirling.

For a while, neither of them could do anything to each other.

However, Chen Wuji's expression remained unchanged. He didn't erupt in anger or roar. He skillfully engaged with Xiong Zengming, unwavering and stable.

Xiong Zengming, on the other hand, became more and more surprised as the fight went on.

He could feel the vigorousness of Chen Wuji's blood energy, without any signs of instability or weak aura after just breaking through.

The power he released was no weaker than his own, especially the intimidating force of his punches, which forced him to be fully focused and vigilant at all times.

He couldn't defeat him!

In his mind, a thought quickly emerged.

Xiong Zengming was shocked and angry to find that he couldn't defeat Chen Wuji!

"Bang bang bang~"

Boom!

A muffled sound erupted violently, followed by a loud bang. Xiong Zengming quickly retreated, creating distance between himself and Chen Wuji.

Swish swish~

Using his body movement technique, Xiong Zengming retreated to the entrance. His aura surged as he adjusted his breathing, gradually slowing down. "Master Chen, I truly admire you. To have such strength upon entering the Seventh Layer is truly eye-opening."

"Thank you," Chen Wuji calmly replied. "Master Xiong, I am also impressed by you. Your palm technique is incredibly powerful, and your vitality is so strong that you must be close to completing the Blood Transformation, right?"

"Hahaha!"

Xiong Zengming laughed heartily. "Master Chen has keen insight. In no more than half a month, I will complete the Blood Transformation. Today, we only fought to get to know each other. I also greatly admire your fist, Master Chen. Your mastery of fist techniques and the fierceness of your punches keep one's mind clear."

"Not at all, it was just luck," Chen Wuji replied calmly.

"Luck is also part of one's strength!" Xiong Zengming smiled. "Master Chen, there's no need to be modest. You should be proud. Otherwise, others won't know how strong you are. Wherever you go, it's necessary to occasionally show your fists."

"I have learned from you!" Chen Wuji bowed.

"Master Chen, you're too kind," Xiong Zengming returned the gesture.

For a while, the atmosphere was harmonious. There was no longer the tense atmosphere of life or death, where either you die or I perish. No one mentioned compensation anymore.

Everyone was getting along well, with a sense of camaraderie.

Su Dayong, Chen Yifan, and others were dumbfounded.

The members of the Xiong Gang who came with Xiong Zengming were also stunned, looking at him with disbelief.

When did their boss become so easy to talk to?

Getting to know each other without fighting?

...

"That's it then."

Ignoring the others, Xiong Zengming finished his provocation and bid farewell. "I have something to attend to, so I won't disturb Master Chen any longer. I'll visit again next time."

"No need to see you off," Chen Wuji replied calmly, returning the gesture.

Soon, they watched as Xiong Zengming and his group left.

In the courtyard, Su Dayong, Han Ying, Chen Yifan, and others remained.

Chen Lindong stood stiffly in place, as if he had lost his soul.

"Chen Lindong, what are you still doing here?" Chen Yifan couldn't help but shout at Chen Lindong. "You are no longer a member of the Hidden Dragon Gate. Please be aware of that and leave immediately!"

"I... I..." Chen Lindong opened his mouth, but suddenly, he knelt down with a "thump" and cried out to Chen Wuji, "Master, I was wrong, I was wrong! Please give me a chance to change! I promise I won't make the same mistake again. I will change, I will definitely change!"

"Master, I was wrong! Please spare me, I really know my mistake!"

Bang bang bang~

As he begged for mercy, he knocked his head forcefully. After a few knocks, his forehead broke open, and blood flowed.

Chen Yifan opened his mouth but didn't say anything.

Han Ying did the same, wanting to say something but then closed her mouth, turned around, and didn't look at Chen Lindong.

Duan Zhen simply ignored him.

Chen Qingning dared not look and also turned away.

Su Dayong's lips moved, unable to help himself as he said, "Master, how about we..."

"Older brother," Chen Wuji interrupted coldly, "do you know what Chen Lindong is thinking right now?"

"Huh? Huh!" Su Dayong was stunned, not understanding.

Chen Lindong, who was knocking his head, trembled, fear and shock filling his eyes as he trembled, "M-Master... I... I'm not... I'm not thinking anything. I just want to beg for a chance, to ask Master to spare me!"

"Whether or not that's what you're thinking, you know best," Chen Wuji turned his back, saying calmly, "Our master-disciple relationship has come to an end. You may leave now. Don't waste your efforts, and don't sever the last bit of our bond."

Chen Lindong's body stiffened, and his eyes filled with fear, astonishment, disbelief, and a lot of resentment, unwillingness!

"Tha... Thank you, Master."

Trembling, he stopped knocking his head and got up from the ground. Lowering his head, he walked step by step towards the entrance.

During this process, no one spoke, and no one looked at Chen Lindong.

He walked as if he had lost his soul, step by step, towards the outside.

"Always acting, never forgetting!" Chen Wuji's face remained indifferent, but deep down, he couldn't help but sigh.

[Loyalty: -70]

On the disciple information panel, Chen Lindong's loyalty had increased again!

An increase in negative numbers.

What does this mean?

It means that up until this moment, Chen Lindong still hasn't repented in his heart and continues to resent him!

To be so two-faced and treacherous, Chen Wuji didn't know what to say.

"Wait!"

"Master?" Chen Lindong stopped and turned around, looking happily at Chen Wuji who called him to a halt.

"Now that our master-disciple relationship has come to an end, return the martial arts skills I taught you and the cultivation you gained from me," Chen Wuji said expressionlessly, "Third, fourth, and fifth disciples, take action and disable Chen Lindong's cultivation!"

"No, Master... Chen Wuji, I hope you have a miserable death!" Chen Lindong panicked and tried to escape.

Nan Jinyu, Chen Yifan, and Duan Zhen had already rushed over, blocking Chen Lindong and launching an attack.

Chen Lindong struggled desperately, roaring in resistance, but he only lasted for half a joss stick's worth of time before his collarbone was shattered, and he let out continuous screams of agony.

Colluding with others and betraying the sect.

Disabling his cultivation was already a relatively lenient punishment.

Su Dayong couldn't bear it any longer, but he had nothing to say and turned away without looking.

"Throw him out."

Chen Wuji ordered indifferently.

"Yes, Master!"

Chen Yifan and Duan Zhen each grabbed Chen Lindong and forcefully threw him out of the gate.

"Bang!"

Wow~

A heavy thud accompanied by a louder scream suddenly resounded.

Chen Wuji's pupils contracted.

In his line of sight, Chen Lindong, who had been thrown out, flew back in mid-air.

With a "thud," he heavily crashed onto the ground, making a muffled sound. Then, he lay on his back, his face covered in blood, his chest partially caved in. Chen Lindong kept coughing up blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes wide open, as if he wanted to say something. In the end, his neck tilted, and he died.

"Xiong Zengming!"

"What are you doing!"

Chen Yifan exclaimed, glaring angrily outside the gate.

"Fourth and fifth disciples, come back."

Chen Wuji's voice was cold as he called back Chen Yifan and Duan Zhen. He stared coldly outside the gate at Xiong Zengming, who had returned, and said in a deep voice, "Xiong Zengming, didn't you leave?"

"Haha, I just remembered that there was something I hadn't taken care of," Xiong Zengming stood on the steps, smiling. He clasped his hands and said, "Master Chen, you just said that this kid is a two-faced wolf who bites the hand that feeds him. You've already expelled him from the sect. I suddenly remembered that this guy still owes me money."

"Now that he's no longer Master Chen's disciple, he has to repay it himself. But as you know, Master Chen, he doesn't have any money. So, there's no other way but to let him pay with his life."

"Speaking of which, for traitors like him, disabling his cultivation is not enough. Killing him directly is the right way!"

"I've sent him on his way, Master Chen, you don't need to thank me, hahaha!"

Amidst laughter, Xiong Zengming turned and left with big strides.

A group of Xiong Gang members followed behind, laughing loudly.

"Master!"

"That damn guy!"

"..."

Han Ying, Chen Yifan, and the others snapped out of their daze, each filled with anger.

Watching Xiong Zengming and his group go further away, they clenched their fists, wishing they could chase after them.

Chen Lindong was a traitor, but how to deal with him was not for an outsider like Xiong Zengming to decide.

Especially since this outsider was a member of the gang who colluded with Chen Lindong!

To kill Chen Lindong, who had already lost his cultivation, in front of them with a single palm strike.

Xiong Zengming's intentions couldn't be clearer.

A threat!

A blatant threat.

If he could kill Chen Lindong, he could kill Chen Yifan, Han Ying, Duan Zhen, and the others as well.

Chen Wuji, this master, even if he breaks through the Body Refining Seventh Layer, still can't do anything to him!

"Master..."

"That's enough." Chen Wuji took a deep breath, stabilized his emotions, and said in a deep voice, "You don't need to worry about Xiong Zengming's matter, I will handle it. For the next few days, none of you should go out, stay in the mansion."

"...Yes, master!"

Han Ying, Chen Yifan, and others gritted their teeth and responded.

"Uncle Ge, go find a coffin and have someone take Chen Lindong outside the city and bury him somewhere."

Chen Wuji looked at the old housekeeper who had just arrived and ordered, "After burying him, don't go out of the gate unless necessary."

"Yes, young master," the old housekeeper responded with concern.

No one expected that Xiong Zengming would make such a move.

They thought that after fighting Chen Wuji and witnessing his strength at the Body Refining Seventh Layer, he would behave for a few days.

But unexpectedly, less than half a cup of tea later, he turned his face and killed Chen Lindong in front of them, crippling his cultivation and expelling him from the sect.

"Xiong! Zeng! Ming!"

Chen Wuji, with no expression on his face, burst with killing intent in his heart.

In the previous fight, Chen Wuji didn't go all out.

He only used seventy percent of his strength and fought evenly with Xiong Zengming.

His perfect boxing technique was not even displayed, only using the power of the Great Accomplishment realm.

A perfect boxing technique can release the intent of the fist.

The power of the fist can intimidate the mind.

But the intent of the fist can interfere with the mind and extinguish the spirit!

The reason he didn't go all out was because of Xiong Zengming's identity.

This guy was only the deputy leader of the Xiong Gang.

Above him, there was still a leader, the leader of the Xiong Gang, Xiong Zengtong, a master at the Body Refining Eighth Layer!

Chen Wuji held back thirty percent, not only for himself but also for this leader.

Through the fight with Xiong Zengming, Chen Wuji discovered that the strength of this deputy leader was only at the Great Accomplishment of Blood Transformation.

Killing him was not impossible for Chen Wuji.

It's just that it's not easy to do it in front of others.

But at this moment, Xiong Zengming killed Chen Lindong and threatened Chen Yifan, Su Dayong, and the others.

This guy couldn't be kept anymore, he had to die!

...

Night.

The curfewed county town was extremely quiet.

Only the figure of the night watchman appeared regularly.

Whoosh!

A figure flew across the roof and walked quickly.

Chen Wuji had a mask on his face.

With a few jumps, he flipped over and entered the small courtyard he had visited two days ago.

Snap!

He deliberately made a sound to alert the people inside the house.

"Who!"

As the door opened, a round-faced young man rushed out of the house.

Hoo~

Chen Wuji flashed and pounced, lightning-fast, grabbing the round-faced young man by the neck.

"Mmm!"

The round-faced young man felt his vision blur and found himself being controlled by someone. He hurriedly held his breath and nervously said, "Spare... spare my life!"

"Where is Xiong Zengming?"

Chen Wuji asked in a low voice.

There was no one else in the house within his perception range!

"Leader... the leader is in Changning Lane."

The round-faced young man's face turned red as he struggled to say, "That... that's where his home is, there's a big courtyard!"

"Give me the exact address!"

(End of this chapter)