novelzi Chapter 8 Difference in Experience
Chapter 8 Difference in Experience
The two men who stepped cautiously into the room wore simple, light grey robes, each bearing the etched insignia of the Fang Clan on their chests. Their attire was unassuming, yet their demeanor hinted at something more.
The first man was short and round, his clean robes neatly pressed with barely a wrinkle in sight. Despite his stature, his posture suggested readiness, his arms raised in a defensive stance. A faint golden glow shimmered over his palms, betraying his intent to use spiritual techniques. His eyes scanned the room with suspicion, though his narrow focus made him look more like an easy target in Wen Ran's calculating gaze.
The second man was a stark contrast—tall and bulky, his broad shoulders straining against the seams of his servant robes. Resting on his palm was a small, flame-like serpent, its ethereal flicker casting dancing shadows on the walls. The juxtaposition of his intimidating aura and servant's attire puzzled Wen Ran. Perhaps the man had no real talent in battle or cultivation, relegated to menial work despite his physical presence.
As the two men fully entered the room, their movements were cautious and deliberate. They gestured silently to one another to remain quiet, their wary gazes sweeping over the ancient artifacts as though expecting trouble to spring from the shadows.
"Look, the trapdoor is open," the tall man whispered, gesturing toward the opening. He nudged the shorter man with a sharp elbow. "Go on, check it out!"
The short, round man recoiled, his face pale. "Wh-Why me? You're stronger! What if he's waiting down there?" His voice quivered as he glanced nervously at the dark opening, clearly reluctant to take the lead.
Their exchange was almost comical to Wen Ran, a master of battle who had faced far greater threats. Hidden among the shadows, he observed their bickering with quiet amusement as they shoved each other back and forth, neither willing to be the first to descend. Their fear and inexperience were palpable, a stark reminder that neither had the faintest grasp of true combat or survival.
They didn't even notice the footprints scattered across the dusty floor. Wen Ran chuckled inwardly, amused by their obliviousness. For a moment, he had worried they might pick up on something amiss in the room, but their carelessness brought him a wave of relief.@@@@
Wen Ran's gaze sharpened as his plan crystallized. Be patient and wait. Once one of them climbs down, I'll silently take out the other.
A faint tumble echoed from upstairs, and the fatty jumped, his energy dissipating as his nerves failed him. His trembling intensified, and a foul smell filled the air as his body betrayed his panic. He whispered, "Brother Liu Sheng?" his voice barely audible, a quiver running through each syllable.
When no answer came, he gulped loudly, his breaths shallow. "Brother Liu Sheng!" he called again, slightly louder this time, as he hesitantly stepped toward the ladder. His trembling hands gripped the rungs, and he began climbing, his fear mounting with every step.
Suddenly, something cold and sticky splattered onto his face. Startled, he wiped at it with his sleeve, but as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, his breath caught in his throat. Crimson streaked the fabric, unmistakable in color—blood.
His grip faltered, and he fell back, landing hard on the cold tunnel floor. His wide eyes locked onto the trapdoor above, where a figure loomed like a specter of death. The immense killing intent radiating from the shadow seemed to freeze the fatty in place, his body stiff with terror.
The last thing he saw was the figure descending like a devil god, a black blade gleaming in its hand. The blade pierced through his skull with terrifying precision, ending his life in an instant.
[Congratulations!]
[You have completed your punishment quest]
[As a reward for the swift execution of your task, you will gain one random item]
Wen Ran felt a sudden warmth spread through his hand, the sensation building until a golden light began to radiate from his palm. His heart quickened, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. What will it be? he wondered, the anticipation sparking a flicker of excitement even in his calculating mind.