Fulfilling Ding Chao

The long-robed figure appeared abruptly, without the slightest sound, like a ghost beneath the moonlight.

The instant Senior Brother Ding saw him, cold sweat broke out across his back. He immediately shielded Junior Sister Yi behind him.

Junior Sister Yi seemed not to have reacted yet. Blushing shyly, she said, "Senior Brother... you... what are you doing?"

Senior Brother Ding did not answer. He merely wrapped his right arm firmly around Junior Sister Yi behind his back and said in a deep voice, "Who are you, sir? How dare you prowl around Shixin Peak at night?"

A low, hoarse voice rang out. "Are you Ding Chao?"

"That would be me. May I ask what business you have with me?" Senior Brother Ding remained calm.

The shadow was still not reassured. "Are you Ding Chao of the Misty Three Beauties?"

"That would indeed be me. Within Misty Hall on Shixin Peak, there is only one man named Ding Chao—no branch offices!" Ding Chao declared proudly.

"Good. Since you are Ding Chao, this will be easy."

The shadow gave a harsh cackle, then drifted into the air and struck a palm toward Ding Chao's chest.

Seeing this, Ding Chao asked no further questions. His feet shifted, taking up a stance, and his right palm shot toward the attacker's opening.

The shadow did not panic. Just as their palms neared each other, he suddenly turned his palm into a claw. In the flash of lightning and spark of flint, he seized Ding Chao's wrist pulse. With a slight squeeze, half of Ding Chao's body went numb, leaving him without a shred of strength. The shadow did not hesitate. With his other hand, he reached into his robes, took something out, and flicked it into Ding Chao's slightly open mouth.

Poison? Ding Chao's first