While I was walking Dorothy home, about twenty people suddenly appeared roughly ten meters in front of us. They were holding knives and chains, their expressions hostile and cold.
I stopped in my tracks, my face turning gloomy."What do you want?" I asked calmly.
The leader of the group stepped forward, a twisted smile on his face."Why do you care?" he said menacingly. "You're going to die soon anyway."
Dorothy, standing behind me, let out a frightened yell.
I frowned. Twenty people coming to kill just two of us—it didn't feel natural at all. I looked straight at the leader and asked,"Tell me. Who sent you?"
The leader looked surprised for a moment, then laughed."Wow, you're quick to catch on, aren't you?" he sneered. "Let me tell you something, boy—you'll never know."
The entire group began moving toward us.
I took my stance. This was the most serious situation I had ever faced. I not only had to fight them off, but also protect Dorothy. I couldn't afford to make a single mistake.
Just as I was about to move, my phone suddenly vibrated.
I took it out and froze.
20 missed calls — Mom.
I panicked.
Facing my mother's rage was far scarier than facing twenty armed men.
The leader noticed my expression and burst out laughing."Hahahaha! Boy, now you understand, don't you? Kneel down and kowtow. Maybe I'll spare you."
I didn't even look at him. I was lost in my own thoughts.
At the Peak of the Third Stage of Mortal-Level Cultivation, fighting fifty ordinary people wouldn't even make me sweat. After reaching this level, my body had become far more compact and refined than that of normal people. This kind of physique couldn't be achieved through training alone—only by stepping onto the path of martial arts could one transcend mortal limits.
After making up my mind, I stepped in front of Dorothy.
"Close your eyes," I said firmly. "Cover your ears. Don't open them until I tell you to."
Dorothy panicked."What are you talking about?! Are you out of your mind? They're getting closer every second, and you're telling me to close my eyes?!"
I turned to her, held her hand, and said seriously,"Please trust me, Dorothy. I know what I'm doing."
She was caught completely off guard by me holding her hand. After a brief hesitation, she subconsciously replied,"…Okay."
I turned back toward the men approaching us. I slammed my right leg into the ground and took a deep breath.
Behind me, Dorothy muttered nervously,"If something happens to me, I'll kill you, Danial."
I smirked, stared at the leader, and said,"You chose the wrong person, buddy."
The leader's face twisted with rage."Brat! Let me teach you some manners!"
I inhaled deeply and spoke softly, almost like a whisper.
"Dragon Abomination Art—Dragon Roar!"
ROAAOOOOOOAAAAARRRRR—!!!
The energy surged out through my mouth, forming a roar that sounded like that of a true dragon. The sheer force sent branches, pebbles, and rocks flying into the air. Trees were uprooted as violent air pressure tore through the surroundings. The air itself twisted and spiraled, all of the energy converging toward the leader and his men.
The shockwave arrived instantly.
The leader's eyes widened in terror. Before he could react, the raging wind caught him and sent him flying. The men behind him were thrown away just as helplessly. The energy waves spread throughout the area, destroying everything in their path as they swept through the street.
When the dust settled, I looked ahead.
Bodies were scattered everywhere like fallen leaves—some groaning in pain, some unconscious, and some… no longer moving.
I felt a chill run down my spine.
So much damage… and I only used about forty percent of my energy.If that's the case, what would happen if I used my full power…?
I shook my head and walked toward the leader.
He was lying on the ground, groaning and writhing in pain. I inspected his body—there were no major cuts, no visible blood.
I see… Dragon Roar only causes internal damage.
I looked down at him coldly."Now tell me. Who sent you?"
He was too terrified to speak.
I slapped him hard across the face."Who sent you?"
He finally stammered weakly,"A–Adren… from the Lawman family."
I was stunned.
Adren?So he was behind this. I'll demand an explanation from him tomorrow.
I walked back to Dorothy and said gently,"You can open your eyes now."
She was clearly in shock. Even though she had been behind me, the sound and pressure had still affected her. Her hands trembled violently, her body twitching with fear.
I pulled her into a hug and used my Energy Manipulation Art, carefully transferring some of my energy into her. Her breathing gradually steadied, but I knew it would take time for her to recover emotionally.
Thankfully, since I had been standing in front of her, she hadn't seen the bodies scattered across the street.
"Let me walk you home," I said softly.
She nodded vigorously.
I took her hand, and we walked away from the scene. As we moved, I sent a message to Albert, telling him to clean up the mess. The last thing I needed was the police knocking on my door.
I also sensed the presence of other Master-level cultivators watching from the shadows. I decided it was best to avoid them for now.
With Dorothy by my side, confronting them while keeping her safe would be too dangerous. Besides… I didn't want her to find out that I was a Peak Third Stage Mortal-Level Cultivator.
If she did—she would be absolutely horrified.