At the moment when everything seemed to plunge into despair, a sudden rumble of thunder echoed through the sky, as if the heavens and earth had been split apart by a colossal crack, with lightning descending from above. This thunderous roar resembled a golden dragon leaping out from the stormy skies, exuding immense power and might. In an instant, a dazzling beam of golden light streaked across the horizon, carrying with it an earth-shattering force that struck directly towards the ground.
The golden light fell like a massive hammer, crashing down with a deafening roar that shook the earth. The ground trembled violently, dust and debris swirling into the air, while fissures erupted around the impact site, creating a chaotic scene shrouded in smoke.
Feng Tianlong had been enjoying his moment of triumph as he gripped Master Han's neck, relishing the sensation of controlling another's life. However, his expression changed abruptly; he released his hold and turned to look at the cloud of dust that was rising. A flicker of shock and unease crossed his eyes as he wondered where this sudden surge of power had come from.
As he focused intently, he could barely make out a vague figure amidst the dust. This figure was surrounded by golden lightning, resembling a deity descending from the heavens—imposing and powerful. As the lightning flickered, Feng Tianlong felt an unfamiliar sense of threat wash over him, a long-lost feeling that sent shivers down his spine.
"Who... is this?" Feng Tianlong muttered through gritted teeth, his face darkening further as a wave of intense anxiety surged within him.
Chen Yao was equally stunned by this unexpected turn of events; she had never anticipated such overwhelming power would suddenly manifest. She gazed in astonishment at the figure bathed in golden light, her mind racing with confusion and shock. How could such strength exist to make someone like Feng Tianlong change countenance?
Feng Tianlong's gaze remained fixed on the swirling dust, his heart ignited with fury. His expression turned terrifyingly grim as he felt himself being provoked by an invisible threat. He bellowed in anger, "Who? Show yourself!"
No sooner had he spoken than a flash of golden light darted past him with blinding speed—so fast that even someone as powerful as he was caught off guard. A blurred figure appeared before him in an instant and ruthlessly seized his neck. Feng Tianlong's eyes widened in shock; before he could react, an overwhelming force hurled him backward.
He flew through the air like a ragdoll struck by a heavy hammer, crashing into the debris of a collapsed building with a resounding crash. Stones flew everywhere as dust billowed up around him. Feng Tianlong groaned in pain, helplessly collapsing into the rubble, feeling a sharp agony radiating from his neck that rendered him unable to rise.
At that moment, Chen Yao found herself freed from Feng Tianlong's grasp due to his sudden defeat and fell weakly to the ground. She looked up in disbelief at the figure glowing with golden light, her eyes filled with incredulity and shock. As the dust began to settle, she finally recognized the familiar face before her; her heart raced as she exclaimed in astonishment, "Li Ming!"
Standing before her was indeed Li Ming! He was enveloped in Thunder Power, his gaze cold and resolute. The fierce aura emanating from him was strikingly different from the Li Ming she once knew; it was as if he had undergone some monumental transformation and emerged as an entirely different powerhouse.
Li Ming radiated an aura of strength; bolts of lightning crackled around him like armor, concentrating all the forces of heaven and earth within him. The vast power made the air around them feel dense; each breath carried an oppressive weight. Even Chen Yao couldn't help but feel a deep sense of fear and reverence for this man she once knew—now transformed into a being akin to a deity descending upon them, brimming with unfathomable strength and authority.
When Li Ming turned his head, his sharp gaze swept across the surroundings, as if he could see through everything. The air was still thick with dust and the remnants of thunder, yet his eyes fixed on Chen Yao. In that moment, it felt as if all the chaos in the world was silenced by his gaze. His expression softened, and a gentle light sparkled in his eyes, completely different from the powerful figure that had just shaken the heavens.
Li Ming slowly walked towards Chen Yao, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly. Chen Yao felt her heart race in sync with his footsteps, overwhelmed by an irresistible pressure emanating from him. She widened her eyes, emotions surging within her like a tidal wave; she was both shocked by Li Ming's sudden outburst and confused by her own fear.
As Li Ming approached her, he lowered his head to look at her. There was no longer any sharpness in his gaze—only warmth and apology. He slowly extended his hand, still carrying the residual warmth of thunder, but he controlled it with utmost precision, his touch gentle as if afraid to hurt her.
“Chen Yao, it’s okay now.” His voice was deep yet carried an irresistible strength.
Chen Yao stared at him blankly, her lips trembling slightly. The words she had intended to say were suppressed by the complex emotions swirling within her. Unconsciously, her hand found its way to Li Ming's palm, feeling the warm energy transfer into her body, bringing her a sense of safety and reliance.
At that moment, Li Ming suddenly spoke again, his tone laced with regret: “I’m sorry I’m late.”
Those words exploded in Chen Yao’s heart like thunder on a clear day. Her eyes instantly welled up with tears as all her fears and worries transformed into endless relief and gratitude. She looked at Li Ming; the man before her was no longer the ordinary Li Ming she once knew but a strong warrior willing to fight and protect for her and everyone he cared about.
“Li Ming…” Chen Yao called softly, her voice filled with complex emotions.
Li Ming smiled gently and tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her up softly. Once she stood steady, she still found it hard to believe what was happening before her. Just as she opened her mouth to say something, she suddenly felt Li Ming's strength—a powerful yet peaceful force enveloping her like a warm current, granting her an unprecedented sense of security.
“Don’t worry,” Li Ming said softly, “with me here, everything will be alright.”
Chen Yao took a deep breath and looked at Li Ming’s determined face. Finally unable to hold back any longer, she revealed a faint smile. That smile carried a hint of relief and gratitude; in that moment, she felt she had finally found a home for her soul.
As Chen Yao felt Li Ming's strength, the anxiety and fear that had been suppressed in her heart finally shattered completely. A sudden wave of weakness washed over her; just moments ago she had been able to fight against Feng Tianlong with all her might, but now she felt as light as a falling leaf, barely able to stand. It turned out that the reason she had been able to keep fighting was entirely due to adrenaline; now that this power had faded away, weakness surged forth uncontrollably.
In the moment when she almost lost her balance, Li Ming keenly sensed her distress and quickly reached out to catch her, gently holding her in his arms. Chen Yao felt a wave of weakness wash over her, and as dizziness enveloped her, she was wrapped in a warm and solid strength.
Li Ming's embrace brought her a sense of security, yet it also caused her heart to race uncontrollably. Their eyes met, and in that instant, their breaths became hurried and chaotic. Chen Yao could feel the rhythm of Li Ming's heartbeat; that familiar and comforting sensation stirred something deep within her.
The atmosphere shifted subtly, an awkward silence spreading between them. Chen Yao's cheeks flushed slightly; she didn't know what to say or how to face such a situation. Li Ming hadn't anticipated holding her like this either, and for a moment, he was at a loss for what to do.
He gently adjusted Chen Yao's position, his eyes reflecting a hint of confusion, but he quickly regained his composure. Carefully, he loosened his grip, though inside he was reluctant to let go of that warm touch.
"Are you... okay?" Li Ming asked softly, concern lacing his voice.
Chen Yao nodded slightly, striving to calm herself but still feeling a lingering awkwardness. Her hand gently grasped Li Ming's arm, feeling the strength and warmth there; her emotions became even more complicated at that moment. She knew she could finally rely on this man without fear, yet she also felt an indescribable shyness.
"Thank you... Li Ming," Chen Yao finally spoke, her voice trembling with gratitude.
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