Li Ming was being brutally beaten by the man, fists and feet landing heavily on his body. Each strike brought excruciating pain, but he gritted his teeth, forcing himself to suppress the anguish and anger that threatened to overwhelm him. He knew that if he let his rage take control, he might once again fall under the influence of the Chaos Pearl, which would only worsen his situation.
The man sneered, delivering blow after blow to Li Ming, his eyes filled with cruelty and disdain. "Is this all you've got? What a disappointment."
Li Ming's body trembled from the immense impact, yet he maintained his composure, trying to channel the last remnants of his Spiritual Energy to resist this terrifying force. He understood that he could not be defeated; he had to find an opportunity to strike back.
Su Xue watched weakly, her eyes filled with despair and pain. With all her strength, she pleaded, her voice trembling, "Qin Tian... please stop harming the innocent. If you must kill someone, then take me!"
Qin Tian laughed heartily, his voice dripping with cruel mockery. "Su Xue, how naive you are. Today, I will make you watch your companion struggle in agony before your very eyes; that's what makes it interesting."
With that, Qin Tian raised one hand into the air and grasped forcefully. Suddenly, an invisible handprint appeared around Su Xue's neck, as if Qin Tian's palm had a firm grip on her. Su Xue struggled in pain, her face turning pale as she gasped for breath.
Seeing this scene filled Li Ming with rage and anxiety, but he forced himself to remain calm; he could not let his emotions cloud his judgment. He knew he had to find a way to break this deadlock.
"Qin Tian... stop!" Li Ming gritted his teeth, his voice filled with determination and anger.
Qin Tian turned his head, a glimmer of excitement and cruelty flashing in his eyes. "You still have the strength to speak? It seems I haven't hit you hard enough."
Qin Tian released his grip on Su Xue and walked toward Li Ming with a wicked smile on his face. "Come on, I'll show you what true despair feels like."
Li Ming felt the Spiritual Energy within him surging continuously; the Chaos Pearl trembled slightly as if responding to his resolve. He took a deep breath, trying to focus his mind for one final effort.
"I won't let you succeed..." Li Ming whispered, a determined light flashing in his eyes. He knew this was his last chance; no matter how difficult it was, he had to persevere—for Su Xue's sake and for the peace of the Hidden Realm.
Just as Qin Tian was about to launch his next attack, the world suddenly came to a halt. Li Ming felt everything around him freeze; time seemed to have been paused, even the dust in the air suspended mid-flight. A strange power enveloped him, leaving him feeling utterly alienated and uneasy.
In that moment of stillness, a familiar yet eerie voice suddenly echoed in his ears: "It seems... if you don't resolve your current crisis quickly, you might really die here..."
Li Ming's heart raced as anger and fear surged within him. He looked around frantically for the source of the voice until he finally saw Mo Shiu's red spirit slowly materializing before him. Mo Shiu's gaze was filled with mockery and disdain, a perpetual smirk plastered across his face.
"I... I will never give myself to you again!" Li Ming shouted, his eyes burning with the flames of anger. "I will not lose my sanity again and become your monster!"
Mo Shiu laughed heartily, his voice filled with arrogance and disdain. "Li Ming, you are so naive. Do you really think your pathetic willpower can stand against me? The power of the Chaos Pearl is beyond the control of a mere mortal like you."
Li Ming felt the Spiritual Energy within him surging, but he knew he could not let Mo Shiu take control. He took a deep breath, striving to calm himself, forcing his mind to focus and not let fear and anger overwhelm him.
"I do not need your power." Li Ming clenched his fists, determination shining in his eyes. "No matter how difficult it is, I will rely on my own strength to protect my companions and guard the Hidden Realm."
Mo Shiu's laughter grew even more arrogant, his red spirit radiating a strong light. "Li Ming, do you really think you can fight against all this? You are nothing but an insignificant mortal, while I am the most powerful being in the Three Realms!"
Li Ming felt the pressure from Mo Shiu, but he did not back down. The resolve within him only strengthened; he knew that no matter how tough the road ahead was, he had to persevere. He took another deep breath, and his Spiritual Energy erupted once more, ready to face this life-and-death struggle.
"I will not yield," Li Ming said softly, a glimmer of determination flashing in his eyes. "I will defeat Qin Tian with my own strength and protect my companions."
As Mo Shiu looked at Li Ming's steadfast demeanor, a sudden stir of emotion arose within him. This feeling had not surfaced in over a thousand years. The last time he felt this way was when he was still among the living; he had never encountered such an opponent before. Li Ming's will and determination ignited something deep within him that had long been dormant.
This will, this steadfastness... I used to be just like that. Mo Shiu silently mused to himself. He understood that the existence of will is where the soul resides. Once upon a time, he too was unwaveringly resolute, never faltering in his beliefs regardless of the challenges faced. This kind of will was fundamental to supporting him in becoming a strong being.
Watching Li Ming, Mo Shiu felt a long-lost resonance that sparked a deeper interest in him. Perhaps this young man was not just a cultivator with immense potential but also a powerful individual with an indomitable will. This kind of will transcended physicality and Spiritual Energy; it was the very power he once desired but never fully possessed.
How interesting it is that such will can manifest within a mortal. Mo Shiu's gaze grew profound as he pondered whether this young man could truly become his rival in the future or even surpass him.
Li Ming angrily shouted at Mo Shiu, "Get lost! If all you want is to watch me make a fool of myself!"
Mo Shiu laughed heartily again, his voice dripping with mockery. "Have you forgotten our discussion about the deal? I must admit, you are quite bold... but with your current strength, don't even think about contending with Qin Tian; being able to withstand one of his attacks would be impressive enough."
Li Ming looked at Mo Shiu as turbulent waves surged within him. He knew Mo Shiu spoke the truth; Qin Tian's power exceeded expectations and even possessed formidable mental control techniques. Right now, he truly had no chance of winning. The intertwining feelings of anger and helplessness filled him with overwhelming despair.
"I don't need your mockery!" Li Ming gritted his teeth, a glimmer of determination flashing in his eyes. "I will find a way; I won't give up!"
The red spirit of Mo Shiu floated in the air, a teasing light in his gaze. "Oh? What astonishing resolve. But what can you really do with just that determination?"
Li Ming took a deep breath, gripping the Chaos Pearl tightly as the Spiritual Energy within him surged. He knew he had to find a way out, no matter how difficult it was; he could not yield to reality. His gaze fixed firmly on Mo Shiu, his voice filled with unwavering resolve. "I will find a way. No matter what, I won't let you control me!"
As Li Ming found himself in dire straits, Qin Tian's attack continued to close in. He realized he was powerless against such a formidable opponent.
At that moment, Mo Shiu's red spirit gathered a powerful surge of Spiritual Energy beside him, the crimson light flickering in his hand. The usual mockery on his face vanished, replaced by an unusual seriousness and gravity. "Consider this a gift for our meeting... I don't want you dead yet."
Li Ming looked at the Spiritual Energy, filled with conflict and hesitation. He understood what accepting Mo Shiu's help would mean, but the predicament before him left him no choice. He clenched his fists tightly, struggling internally, unwilling to compromise easily.
"No, I can't accept your help," Li Ming said firmly, determination shining in his eyes. "I won't let myself fall under your control again."
Mo Shiu chuckled, a hint of disdain flickering in his eyes. "It's just a bit of Spiritual Energy; it's nothing. Do you think I'd let you go so easily? If we're going to cooperate, we need to trust each other, right?"
Li Ming recognized the truth in Mo Shiu's words; this moment of hesitation could lead him and his companions into greater danger. He took a deep breath, his gaze becoming more resolute. "Fine, I'll accept your help, but that doesn't mean I trust you."
Mo Shiu's smile deepened as he pushed the Spiritual Energy toward Li Ming; the red light swiftly merged into Li Ming's body. He felt a powerful force rapidly spreading within him; the exhausted Spiritual Energy was instantly restored, filling him with strength.
"How does it feel?" Mo Shiu's voice carried a hint of teasing but also an unusual anticipation.
Li Ming clenched his fists tightly, feeling the power surging within him, his inner resolve stronger than ever. He knew this was his last chance; he could not afford to miss it.
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