Acting Like I Don't Have Backup!

"What?"

Zhao Wuji did not hear clearly. A terrifying aura erupted from behind him, causing him to turn around immediately. He could not identify the source of the crisis, yet the feeling of impending doom did not vanish.

It... it seems to be in the sky. Zhao Wuji stiffened as he looked up, only to see a brilliant streak of light descending like a meteor, aiming straight for his forehead.

Sensing the horrific power contained within the arrow, Zhao Wuji gasped in disbelief: "Title Douluo?!"

His body reacted on pure instinct, his form darting away in a desperate attempt to dodge. However, the arrow's speed was beyond imagination, leaving no room for breath as it pierced straight through his arm.

The next second, the arrow detonated within his limb, sending flesh and blood spraying everywhere.

The Soul Saint Zhao Wuji looked down at his empty right shoulder. Agonizing pain instantly swept through his entire body, and cold sweat poured down his temples. He clutched the gruesome wound tightly, warm blood gushing incessantly between his fingers.

At this moment, he did not hesitate. Only one thought remained in his mind: escape! Take the children and run!

Enduring the excruciating pain, he shouted at the Shrek Academy students who were still standing there in a daze, having been mere spectators until now. He turned and sprinted away from the battlefield, using every ounce of his strength to lead them away from this dangerous place.

It must be said that besides his defensive capabilities, Zhao Wuji was also remarkably fast at fleeing. In the blink of an eye, he had vanished from Lin Yan's sight with the Shrek Academy students in tow.

Far away, atop a high mountain, Lin Tian panted heavily, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. He wiped it away and watched Zhao Wuji flee from the inn, sighing with regret: "To think I didn't kill him in one blow. It seems my imitation still has flaws."

Lin Tian's imitation was not merely of an aura; it was a mimicry of strength and power. The soul power consumption and the backlash were immense. If he did not borrow external force, he could at most imitate a quasi-Soul Saint before his soul power was instantly drained.

By borrowing force, he could mimic the aura of a level 90 quasi-Title Douluo, but the consumption and backlash were far more severe. He was clearly struggling to stand now.

Just then, Lin Nuo, who had been studying, sensed that something was wrong with Lin Tian's condition. Seeing his massive soul power expenditure, he immediately began transferring his own level 19 soul power to him.

Within the Sea of Consciousness, Lin Nuo looked at Lin Tian, his tone carrying a helpless critique: "Xiao Tian, your soul power consumption is far too high. Overdrawing yourself like this is not the way."

Hearing this, Lin Tian replied with a mix of helplessness and indignation: "Who else is to blame? Lin Yan had rotten luck running into that group of ill-mannered Shrek Academy students. I couldn't just watch him suffer."

Lin Nuo's eyes flickered upon hearing this. He instantly understood the cause and effect, his tone softening with empathy: "I see. In that case, your luck today was indeed terrible."

Shrek Academy truly embodied the word "ill-mannered" to the fullest extent. Especially that school motto—"A soul master who doesn't dare to cause trouble is not a good soul master." Just listen to that; is that a motto a normal person would create?

With the soul power transferred by Lin Nuo, Lin Tian recovered enough strength to reach Lin Yan and carry him away.

It could be said that Lin Yan was pushing his luck. Seeing that his situation was similar to his own, Lin Tian quipped: "You really aren't afraid of death."

"No, don't I still have you as my trump card?" Lin Yan replied with a smile while being carried on Lin Tian's back.

Lin Tian rolled his eyes at this, speechless: "I am indeed a trump card, but I'm afraid you'll have to handle the upcoming Suotuo City soul master competition alone."

His exposure today was an accident. If he appeared in Suotuo City again, Zhao Wuji might eventually link him to the incident. Therefore, Lin Tian had to remain in the shadows for the foreseeable future.

Lin Yan nodded: "I understand."

He understood the logic. Since Lin Tian had mimicked the aura of a Title Douluo, his only method of attack had been exposed. The best course of action was to hide and avoid any further exposure, only reappearing once they had traveled elsewhere.

"Although this is the golden age, our lack of background is a fatal flaw," Lin Tian sighed. They were in the most prosperous era of the Douluo world, but without a powerful faction backing them, it was nearly impossible to complete their plans. If they waited to build strength before acting, it would be too late.

"However, there is one piece of good news. Do you want to hear it?"

"What news?"

"Tang Hao is not nearby. He must have gone somewhere else," Lin Tian replied. He had scanned the area with his powerful spiritual sense and found no trace of Tang Hao. It was certain he had temporarily left Tang San's side. But where did he go?

It was actually easy to guess. He had gone to the location of the Blue Silver Emperor.

Lin Yan scoffed: "Isn't that obvious? If he were here, would we still be in one piece?"

Lin Tian: "..."

He realized that this idiot Lin Yan really loved to argue with him.

"I don't want to talk to you anymore."

"Tch," Lin Yan sneered, his tone full of disdain. He couldn't be bothered to bicker with this guy anymore and mumbled, "I'm going to sleep." As soon as he finished speaking, he leaned against Lin Tian's back and fell silent shortly after.

Lin Tian glanced down at the now-steadily breathing Lin Yan on his back. The impatience in his eyes faded away. He didn't speak again, his pace unconsciously quickening, his fingers tightening slightly to hold the person on his back securely.

Although their personalities were worlds apart, deep down they were cut from the same cloth; in every gesture, there was an indescribable similarity.

Elsewhere in the Star Dou Forest, Zhao Wuji ran for an unknown distance before finally stopping with the Shrek Academy students.

Zhao Wuji looked back at the distant, unseen Title Douluo and let out a sigh of relief. He immediately began to bandage his right arm.

As I thought, he mused internally, that brat is truly not simple. It's fortunate I held back.

As for losing an arm, it was a small price to pay—better than losing his life. Although his level had dropped from 76 to 74, it was no great matter, and since his right arm didn't possess a Soul Ring, he could simply cultivate it back.

At this moment, Tang San stepped forward and asked: "Teacher Zhao, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, just a minor injury," Zhao Wuji waved his hand, then asked: "How are Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun?"

"Boss Dai has burns all over his body and will likely be unconscious for several days. Ma Hongjun will wake up soon," Tang San replied. In his mind, the image of Lin Yan lingered, especially that second Soul Ring. What was going on? Could it be that all the theoretical knowledge taught by his teachers was wrong?

This immature thought took root in his heart like a seed.

Zhao Wuji nodded: "I understand. We will rest for a few days before continuing."

The other Shrek Academy students nodded, though no one knew what they were thinking.

Lin Yan's actions today had inadvertently triggered a massive butterfly effect, and no one knew where it would lead.