As If I Didn't Have Backup!

"What?"

Zhao Wuji hadn't heard him clearly when a terrifying presence erupted behind him. He immediately turned around, but couldn't tell which person it had come from. The sense of danger, however, didn't fade.

It was—was it up in the sky? Zhao Wuji stiffly raised his head. A brilliant streak like a falling star shot down toward his forehead.

Feeling the terrifying aura on the arrow, Zhao Wuji spoke in disbelief. "A Titled Douluo?!"

His body reacted almost instinctively, his figure darting away in a sudden evasive burst. But the arrow was so fast it was beyond imagination, leaving him no time to catch his breath. It pierced straight through one of his arms.

The next second, the arrow exploded against his arm, spraying flesh and blood.

Soul Sage Zhao Wuji lowered his head and stared at his empty right shoulder. Agony swept through him in an instant, and cold sweat streamed down his temples. He clamped a hand over the ghastly wound, warm blood continually welling between his fingers.

Now he had no hesitation left. There was only one thought in his mind: flee! Get the children out of here!

Enduring the pain, he shouted to the Shrek students who were still standing there in a daze, watching the show. Then he turned and sprinted away from the battlefield, doing everything he could to get everyone out of this perilous place.

It had to be said, aside from his defensive power, Zhao Wuji was also incredibly fast at running away. In the blink of an eye, he had vanished from Lin Yan's sight with the Shrek students.

Far away, atop a mountain, Lin Tian panted heavily, blood already trickling from the corner of his mouth. He wiped it away and watched Zhao Wuji flee from the inn, sounding regretful. "I actually failed to kill him in one strike. Looks like my Mimic still has some flaws."

Lin Tian's Mimic didn't just copy auras; more than anything, it copied strength and power. The Soul Power it consumed and the backlash it caused were immense. Without borrowing power, he could at most imitate a Quasi-Soul Sage, and then his Soul Power would be instantly drained.

By borrowing power, he could imitate the aura of a level-90 Quasi-Titled Douluo, but the Soul Power consumption and backlash were even more severe. He was clearly having trouble standing now.

Just then, Lin Nuo, who was studying, sensed that Lin Tian was in poor shape and had used up too much Soul Power. He immediately transferred his own level-nineteen Soul Power to him.

Inside the Sea of Consciousness, Lin Nuo looked at Lin Tian, his tone carrying a hint of helpless reproach. "Xiaotian, you've used up far too much Soul Power. You can't keep pushing yourself like this."

At that, Lin Tian replied with helpless irritation. "Who else can I blame? Lin Yan had some bad luck and happened to run into that bunch of ill-mannered Shrek students. I couldn't just stand by and watch him get the short end of the stick."

Hearing this, Lin Nuo's eyes shifted slightly. He immediately understood what had happened, and his tone softened with sympathy. "I see. You really did have terrible luck this time."

Shrek Academy had truly taken the words "ill-mannered" to heart, especially with that ridiculous school rule: "If you don't dare cause trouble, you're not a good Soul Master." Just listen to that. Could a normal person come up with a school rule like that?

With the Soul Power Lin Nuo had transferred, Lin Tian recovered some of his strength and quickly reached Lin Yan, carrying him away.

Lin Yan had really been pushing his luck. Seeing that his own condition was much the same, Lin Tian grumbled, "You really aren't afraid of dying."

"No, I still had you as my trump card, didn't I?" Lin Yan replied with a smile as Lin Tian carried him on his back.

Lin Tian rolled his eyes at that, exasperated. "I am a trump card, sure, but I'm afraid you'll have to compete alone in the upcoming Suotuo City Soul Master Tournament."

His appearance today had been a complete accident. If he showed himself in Suotuo City again, Zhao Wuji might connect him to what had happened. So for the rest of his time in Suotuo City, Lin Tian would have to stay hidden.

Lin Yan nodded. "I understand."

He could see why. Lin Tian had imitated a Titled Douluo's aura this time, revealing his only means of attack. The best thing to do now was to hide and avoid drawing any attention. It would be best to show up again only after they had gone somewhere else.

"This may be the best of times, but having no backing is a fatal flaw," Lin Tian said with a sigh. He and Lin Yan were living in Douluo's golden age, but without a powerful faction to protect them, it would be almost impossible to carry out their plans. If they waited until they were stronger before putting those plans into action, it would be too late.

"But here's one thing to be glad about: I have some good news. Want to hear it?"

"What news?"

"Tang Hao isn't nearby. He must have gone somewhere else," Lin Tian replied. He had just swept the area with his powerful spiritual force and hadn't found Tang Hao. He could be sure Tang Hao had temporarily left Tang San's side. But where had he gone?

It was easy enough to guess. He had gone to the place where the Blue Silver Emperor was.

Lin Yan heard this and groused, "Isn't that obvious? If he were here, do you think we'd still be in one piece?"

Lin Tian: "..."

He was starting to realize that this damn Lin Yan really loved arguing with him.

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

"Cut it out." Lin Yan scoffed, his tone full of disdain. He couldn't be bothered to argue another word with the guy, and only mumbled, "I'm going to sleep." As soon as he finished speaking, he leaned against Lin Tian's back. Before long, he had gone quiet.

Lin Tian glanced down at Lin Yan, whose breathing had evened out on his back. The irritation in his eyes quietly faded. He said nothing more, but unconsciously quickened his pace, his fingers gently tightening as he held the person on his back securely.

Though their temperaments were worlds apart, at their core they seemed cut from the same cloth. In their every move, there was always an inexplicable similarity.

Elsewhere in the Star Dou Forest, Zhao Wuji led the Shrek students a long way before finally stopping.

Zhao Wuji looked back at the unfamiliar Titled Douluo, who hadn't followed them, and breathed a sigh of relief. He immediately began bandaging his right arm.

At that moment, he thought, Just as I suspected. That kid really isn't simple. Good thing I held back.

As for losing an arm, it was a good thing—it was better than losing his life. Although his level had dropped from seventy-six to seventy-four, it wasn't a big deal. Besides, there was no Soul Bone in his right arm. He could just cultivate his strength back.

Tang San stepped forward and asked, "Teacher Zhao, are you all right?"

"I'm fine. It's just a small wound." Zhao Wuji waved a hand, then asked, "How are Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun?"

"Boss Dai has burns all over his body. He'll probably be unconscious for several days before he wakes up, but Ma Hongjun should wake soon," Tang San replied. Lin Yan's figure still filled his mind, especially that Second Soul Ring. What was going on with it? Could all the theories his teacher had taught him be wrong?

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

Zhao Wuji considered it, then nodded. "I understand. We'll rest for a few days before continuing."

The other Shrek students nodded, though none of them knew what the others were thinking.

Lin Yan's actions had, without anyone noticing, set off an enormous butterfly effect. No one knew where it would fly.