Chapter 11 An Ambush

• “Today, I'm joining the hunting party made up entirely of outer sect elders to hunt down demonic beasts deep within Evergreen Mountain Range. I won't be able to protect you for over half of the upcoming month. I've received word that Mr. Sutton knows I'm venturing into the mountains, and he might seize this opportunity to target you. You must find a safe place to hide immediately and ensure he doesn't find you,” Connor said solemnly.
• Francis was startled, and his mind raced as he asked, “Mr. Highmanes, is Mr. Sutton going to take action personally?”
• “No.” Connor shook his head. “Mr. Sutton is tied up with other matters. Moreover, if he were to act personally, it would draw too much attention. Regardless, you're a member of the sect. If he wants to kill you, he'll only dispatch his subordinates to do so.”
• “What skill level do his subordinates have?”
• “His most accomplished disciple, Jarron Campbell, has reached Sky Gate Realm Level Six. Apart from him, there are also a few who have reached Sky Gate Realm Level Five.” Connor looked at Francis, his tone stern. “Francis, don't even think about staying here to confront them. With your current level of cultivation, staying would be a death sentence! Listen to me. You need to flee immediately and hide as far away as possible.”
• “Yes, Mr. Highmanes. I understand.” Francis nodded in agreement. “Don't worry. A real man knows when to be flexible. I won't confront them head-on.”
• Connor nodded, leaving with peace of mind.
• In his memory, Francis had always been a very honest and steady young man. Once he made a promise, he would surely not break it.
• However, he was wrong.
• “Mr. Highmanes, I'm sorry. I have to go against your wishes.” Francis watched Connor's departing figure, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve. He muttered under his breath, “Since Kain, that *sshole, wants my life, I will make him pay! It seems that the lesson I gave Sion last time wasn't painful enough. This time, I'll make sure it hurts! I'll show him that I'm not only not a good-for-nothing but also not someone to be trifled with! However, don't worry, Mr. Highmanes. I don't act recklessly. With Bedoro Leaf Scripture and Palm of Light in my possession, I'm confident enough to face even a Sky Gate Realm Level Six expert!”
• After having lunch, Francis continued his training in the afternoon. He estimated that Kain's people would likely arrive by nightfall. He had to make the most of his time, strengthening his abilities as much as he could.
• Francis was pleasantly surprised to find out that as he continued to cultivate Palm of Light, his vital energy became more robust. By evening, his strength had reached one thousand and one hundred pounds, surpassing the martial artists of Sky Gate Realm Level Four. However, his cultivation level remained at the peak-stage of Level Three, without any breakthrough. Francis wasn't in a hurry, though. He understood he was at a bottleneck stage, and a breakthrough would require the right opportunity.
• Under the night sky, as dark and deep as a quiet lake, two figures swiftly approached the thatched cottage.
• When they were still some distance from the thatched cottage, their pace slowed down. They moved stealthily, step by step, evidently fearful of alerting the person within the cottage. The two of them were acting suspiciously, and it was clear they were up to no good.
• They arrived next to the thatched cottage, peering through the window. One of them, with a voice as faint as a mosquito's, whispered, “Senior, it seems like the little thief isn't inside!”
• “Who cares if he's there or not? Just barge in and finish him off with a single stroke!” the senior responded in a hushed tone.
• The two of them were just about to break through the window when an authoritative shout echoed from behind. The ground behind them erupted suddenly, and a figure shot out from the explosion, his vital energy rippling. A pure gold palm materialized in mid-air, mercilessly imprinting itself onto the chest of the junior. Struck by a force equivalent to one thousand and two hundred pounds, the junior let out a miserable scream as he was sent flying, blood gushing from his mouth.
• The senior immediately stepped back, his face full of caution. With a fierce tone, he demanded, “Who's there? Show yourself!”
• Francis emerged from the shadows of the night, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “Terry, aren't you here looking for me? What's the matter? Don't you recognize me now?”
• “It's you?” Terry exclaimed in disbelief. “You, the good-for-nothing, have managed to hurt Harry with a single strike! What kind of martial skill did you use? How could you possibly be this powerful?”
• It seemed they weren't dealing with a good-for-nothing anymore.
• “You dare come after my life without even bothering to find out the details. You deserve to be left here today!” Francis said with a cold laugh.
• “How dare you ambush us? You're despicable!” Terry exclaimed in anger.
• “Were you not planning to ambush me? If I hadn't been prepared, I would already be dead because of you! Despicable? You are the truly despicable ones.”
• These two individuals were out for his life, and Francis had no intention of playing fair. He was planning a surprise attack. After all, the goal was to kill them, and the means were insignificant.
• He had dug a pit next to the thatched cottage in advance, then laid his entire body into it, covering himself with dirt, leaving only a tiny crack for breathing. Subsequently, he slowed his breathing, trying his best to give off no signs of life.
• Sure enough, the two of them hadn't noticed him, and he had managed to ambush them successfully.
• “Haha! So what? Did you think harming Harry would give you any advantage over me? Let me tell you something. A good-for-nothing will always be a good-for-nothing. You'll never be a match for me. Die!” Terry sneered, drawing the long blade from his waist. He leaped into the air, slashing his blade toward Francis.
• He was one of Kain's most star disciples, already having reached Sky Gate Realm Level Five. That was two whole cultivation levels above Francis.