Chapter 409: Encirclement

Observing the calm expression on Lin Xiao’s face, Jiang Shiliu’s anger intensified. He could hardly wait to see Lin Xiao’s head broken and bleeding, begging for mercy.

“Uncle Xin, when the time comes, strike with all your might.” Jiang Shiliu looked at Xin Ping, his voice cold and ruthless. “Even if you beat him to death, it doesn’t matter. I’ll bear all the consequences.”

A flash of killing intent appeared in Xin Ping’s eyes as he slowly nodded and stepped out. Though not tall, about 1.7 meters, his physique was robust, his steps steady, resembling a moving wall, showcasing solid martial skills.

Xin Ping stopped three meters before Lin Xiao, his hands hanging by his sides, his sharp eyes coldly fixed on Lin Xiao, expression indifferent, silent.

Half a minute later, three more individuals stepped out, positioning themselves at different angles, together with Xin Ping, encircling Lin Xiao.

These three men were all in their prime and varied in height and build, each with bulging temples and sharp eyes, exuding a murderous aura. They were battle-hardened. Though their presence was slightly inferior to Xin Ping’s, they were not far behind, evidently all experts with Dark Force cultivation in ancient martial arts.

Dark Force experts were notable figures anywhere, yet at this moment, these four Dark Force experts intended to disregard their reputation to besiege Lin Xiao! Such news, if spread, would likely cause a huge stir in the ancient martial arts world.

The atmosphere in the pavilion seemed to solidify, a tangible pressure emanating from the four, spreading around, making breathing difficult, hearts race.

The surrounding young masters slowly retreated, creating a large open space. Though they didn’t practice martial arts, they had the discernment to see that an earth-shattering battle was imminent. To avoid being caught in the crossfire, they retreated as far as possible.

Wan Caixuan, holding Lin Xiao’s clothes, slowly stepped back, her eyes fixed on him, showing no sign of worry. She had complete confidence in Lin Xiao.

“Hey, buddy, do you know who those four are?” Discussions arose among the crowd.

“You’re asking the right person, I do know them. They are experts brought by Young Master Jiang, Young Master Li, Young Master Nangong, and Miss Liu. The one in front is Xin Ping, the one on the left is Shan Dagong, the one on the right is Li Yunwei, and the one behind is Zhong Wu—all reputed Dark Force experts. Impressive, right?”

“Using four Dark Force experts to surround Lin Xiao? Isn’t that overkill?” The previous speaker exclaimed in disbelief. “Could it be that Lin Xiao is really that formidable?”

“Indeed, these are four Dark Force experts, not four cabbages. That guy named Lin Xiao must be quite formidable. Didn’t you notice the serious expressions on those four experts’ faces?”

Another person said gleefully, “But no matter how formidable he is, he’s bound to lose this time. Being surrounded by four Dark Force experts, unless he has three heads and six arms, there’s no way he can win!”

“Why doesn’t Miss Wan intervene? Didn’t she come with Lin Xiao?” The previous speaker showed some sympathy for Lin Xiao. “If Miss Wan spoke up, with her status, Young Master Jiang wouldn’t dare to do this, right?”

“Shh!” The other person put a finger to his lips, lowered his voice, and said, “If Young Master Jiang hears you, you’ll be in big trouble. Haven’t you noticed? Jiang is deliberately causing trouble for Lin Xiao. As for why Miss Wan doesn’t intervene, I’m not her, how could I guess?”

“Sigh, let’s not talk about it. Just watch.”

***

In the pavilion.

After Xin Ping and the other three Dark Force experts surrounded Lin Xiao, they didn’t immediately attack but continuously adjusted their positions, waiting for the right moment. Four pairs of eyes, filled with killing intent and apprehension, simultaneously focused on Lin Xiao.

Without any words or actions, a sharp aura emanated from the four, converging in unison, forming a massive pressure like a tidal wave, surging toward Lin Xiao! It felt like standing by the sea, watching a monstrous wave crash down; an ordinary person facing such a scene might be scared into wetting their pants.

However, Lin Xiao remained calm, his gaze steady, the overwhelming pressure that could scare an ordinary person seemed to him like a gentle breeze.

“Finally, something interesting.”

Lin Xiao could sense the apprehension and malice from the four. His eyes flashed, and deep within his calm pupils, two points of light slowly emerged.

The next moment, Lin Xiao’s eyes suddenly shone brightly. His internal energy surged rapidly. Dark Force roared. A more immense and vigorous aura than the four Dark Force experts erupted from him.

Lin Xiao had endured countless arduous battles, faced numerous life-and-death crises, but he always relied on his iron fists and courage to emerge victorious.

In this process, Lin Xiao naturally developed a strong aura of his own. This aura contained bone-chilling, razor-sharp killing intent and an unstoppable, invincible dominance. Even if he weren’t a master of transforming energy, this aura isn’t something ordinary Dark Force experts can withstand.

The four surrounding Lin Xiao simultaneously trembled, their eyes revealing shock.

“What is this?”

Although they were only at the initial stage of Dark Force, and at their age, further breakthroughs were unlikely, being able to cultivate Dark Force still made them one in a hundred talents, each battle-hardened with rich combat experience.

Sensing the terrifying aura from Lin Xiao, they immediately knew they couldn’t wait any longer; the longer they delayed, the more disadvantageous it would be.

Strike while the iron is hot, decline in the second attempt, and exhaustion in the third. Facing an opponent like Lin Xiao, they must eliminate all distractions and go all out to have a chance at victory.

“I’m going to strike, be careful,” Xin Ping said, seemingly warning Lin Xiao, but reminding the other three.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xin Ping’s left foot stomped on the ground, leaving a deep footprint on the grass. Using this momentum, his robust body lunged at Lin Xiao.

Though sturdy and muscular, his sudden attack showed no stiffness or sluggishness; his movements were as swift as lightning. In a blink, he was before Lin Xiao, his right hand clenched into a fist, under the influence of Dark Force, the entire fist turned dark, punching toward Lin Xiao’s chest.

As Xin Ping’s punch was thrown, a tiger’s roar suddenly echoed in the air, shaking everyone’s eardrums.

Before the fist touched Lin Xiao’s body, he felt a sharp wind pressing against him. Although it didn’t significantly affect his movements, his shirt front was nearly torn by the punch’s wind.

This was precisely the killing move from the Twin Crane Fist he practiced—Twin Cranes Soaring.