The two of them, one pursuing the other, soon reached the foot of a ridge.
Lian Youming trailed the dark-skinned man at a measured distance, neither hurrying closer nor rushing to strike.
Though the man's steps were nimble and his footing steady, his attainment in the Martial Way fell short of even a Grand Boxer. Lian Youming had followed only because the man had actually fled into these desolate hills instead of heading somewhere crowded.
Could he have accomplices?
Seeing Lian Youming follow him straight on, the dark-skinned man's gaze grew so gloomy it seemed water might drip from it. He pressed his dry lips together, then actually stopped and spoke gravely in a northern accent. "Brother, you've killed whoever you needed to kill and saved whoever you needed to save. Why not let me go, and we can each go our own way? How about it?" "No." Lian Youming stepped forward, but just after his third step, his heart suddenly clenched in a violent spasm. An inexplicable, bone-piercing chill filled his chest, as though he had plunged into an ice cave, making his skin crawl.
Killing intent.
Lian Youming raised his eyebrows and slowed, every hair on his body standing on end.
"I won't waste words with you. Surrender, and I'll spare your life."
The dark-skinned man's face was pale, sweat beading on his forehead, but noticing the change in Lian Youming's expression, his tone turned vicious too. "Cut the fucking bullshit. Try that line on a three-year-old. Don't think I'm begging you. Push me too far, and I'll take you down with me."
Lian Youming glanced up at the ridge, faintly catching the glint of a scope out of the corner of his eye.
So it was a sniper rifle.
Suddenly, his eyes flew wide. Drawing a breath,