The giant rat crawled so fast that Cobert had no time to react before the pumpkin-sized creature landed on his shoulder, making his legs buckle.
The giant rat opened its bloody maw, baring a dozen shark-sharp teeth. Just as it lunged for his neck, a fist flashed past and sent the creature flying into the wall. It slid slowly to the floor and lay still.
"Phew... that was close." Cobert panted, giving Zeng Mu a grateful look.
Zeng Mu had no time to reply. He moved again, rushing toward the room where the other two apprentices were shouting.
In this slightly larger room, which held a double bed, more than twenty giant rats crowded across half the floor. Cobert's two apprentices had backed into a corner, and the older one, already twenty-nine, looked as helpless as a nine-year-old child.
Whoosh! Zeng Mu struck again, disposing of the strange creatures with one swift, decisive move.
Before he could even sigh, more scuttling sounded behind him. After several more punches and kicks, Zeng Mu finished off every Red-Eyed Giant Rat that had invaded the house. He released his elemental power and carefully searched the entire building. Only after confirming he had missed none did he withdraw the golden light and nod to the four men.
"They're all taken care of. Not a single one left."
"Phew..." Cobert and his three apprentices were pale, their eyes reflecting the shock of a fierce battle, as though they had been the ones exterminating the rats rather than Zeng Mu.
After half a minute to recover, Cobert, the oldest among them, finally spoke. "Phew, that was terrifying. I'm not dreaming, am I?"
Zeng Mu stepped forward, caught his wrist, and twisted it gently, only letting go when Cobert cried out in pain.
"That really hurt... looks