"I'll fight you to the death."
The Silver Orchid Bandit hadn't expected Lu Xiaotian to arrive so quickly. Having just taken a punch from him, how could he dare meet Lu Xiaotian's fist with his bare palm? He swung the long sword in his other hand swiftly at Lu Xiaotian's neck. His heart and guts were frozen with fear; he didn't hope to win, only to force his opponent back with this strike so he could join the others. They had only just exchanged blows, but from the other man's tremendous strength, the Silver Orchid Bandit could already tell he was no match for him.
"Senior Lu, be careful!" Cao Xi'er had thought she would not survive this time. After all, even her father could no longer protect her. She hadn't expected Lu Xiaotian to burst onto the scene just then. The last time Lu Xiaotian had taken his leave, Cao Sheng had invited him to attend her Golden Core ceremony, but Lu Xiaotian had declined, saying he had important business to attend to.
Cao Xi'er had been disappointed, but there was nothing she could do. She had only just succeeded in forming her core and had gone with Cao Sheng to retrieve something when they had run into this trouble. Several formidable enemies had intercepted them. Even her father was being held back by a hideous old man, while her Third Uncle was locked in a bitter struggle. Cao Xi'er had already given up hope, but then Lu Xiaotian had miraculously burst onto the scene. Just as he had decades ago, when he snatched her away from the Silver Orchid Bandit. His attack carried little fanfare; with an effortless motion, he sent the revolting bandit fleeing in disarray.
Cao Xi'er could barely contain her joy. But her heart soon