393 Another Reunion

Boom!

Deep within the forest, Fang Huo crashed onto the ground, a large piece of wood held tight in his grip. The impact sent dust and smoke spiraling upwards, creating a skyward plume.

But Fang Huo’s expression was grave. He had just released the signal and already someone had responded.

“Wow, my luck seems to be so good today,” he commented, eyeing an aged figure emerging from the forest.

A terrifying aura burst from the figure, a palpable wave of murderous intent discernible even from tens of meters away. Neither party bothered to hide anything. Or perhaps, they had made up their minds the moment they saw Guo Ze’s pitiful condition.

Thick brown hair sprouted on Fang Huo’s chest as he bared his teeth, emitting a low growl. He watched the figure approach, then abruptly withdrew his sharp fangs. His eyes reflected a measure of shock. “Great… Great-grandfather?”

Fang Huo stared in disbelief at the figure before him, who looked eerily similar to the image in the ancestral hall portrait back at his imperial clan’s home. Their resemblance was uncanny — they were practically identical.

“Great-grandfather?” The old man looked taken aback, examining Fang Huo. “Your grandfather is…?”

“Fang Chengcai!” blurted Fang Huo.

“And your name?” asked the old man, excitement flaring in his eyes. His hands trembled noticeably.

“I’m Fang Huo! As a kid, I was always causing trouble. They said my name should reflect my nature in hopes of keeping me in check and bringing me good fortune,” he said, flashing a toothy grin.

“Hahaha! That little rascal learned this trick from me.” The old man chuckled. “I had planned to change his name to Fang Bucai, but I wound up in this wretched place before I could.

“Yes, the resemblance… Your eyes, your nose… and especially your attitude. You’re just like that little rascal in his younger days!” The old man ambled towards Fang Huo, the killing intent previously surrounding him vanished. He appeared as benign as an old man soaking up the sun in a typical alleyway.

“Who would’ve thought I’d live to see my descendant,” he mused. “And what a talented one at that! Hahaha…”

As the old man erupted into peals of laughter, tears welled up in his eyes. He opened his arms to embrace Fang Huo, who reciprocated.

Bang!

Suddenly, blood sprayed out. Fang Huo gazed in shock at the hole in his chest, his hot blood pouring out like a stream. His eyes became red, and the sight of his own blood made him seethe with rage.

“Why?” Fang Huo yelled at the old man.

The old man only answered Fang Huo’s question with a powerful punch, deploying the power of a king. His body hair turned a dark brown instantly as he roared fiercely, throwing punches that reverberated like thunder.

Bang!

Fang Huo raised his hand in defense and threw a punch of his own. The force was evenly matched, allowing Fang Huo to use the clash as an opportunity to retreat a significant distance.

However, the old man was quick to deny Fang Huo this advantage. His century’s worth of experience allowed him to read Fang Huo’s intentions in a blink. He chased after him, unleashing a series of unrelenting punches.

“Why? Why did you attack me?” Fang Huo asked in confusion.

“You’ll understand when you’re trapped in the bronze realm for over a hundred years, burning through your vitality and blood essence!” the old man raved. “What good is a shared bloodline or kinship? It’s all worthless! I haven’t seen my so-called family in more than a hundred years.”

His sanity seemed to slip away as he spoke, his earlier warmth disappearing, replaced by a potent, murderous intent. The old man seemed to have lost his mind completely.

The realization hit Fang Huo, making his face pale. His chest bore a gaping hole, his internal organs only slightly damaged. But if he didn’t tend to the wound soon, it could prove fatal. Even if he survived, his lifespan would be significantly diminished.

But survival was his primary concern. He needed to endure for the next fifteen minutes.

A sound from the distant forest was rapidly approaching, which brought a surge of hope to Fang Huo. His aura actually grew stronger. The brown fur on his body started to glow faintly gold, enhancing his fighting prowess.

Using a blood replenishment technique, he temporarily sealed the wound on his chest, allowing him to maintain his peak condition. He engaged the old man using both fists and legs, relying on his vast combat experience.

The old man switched his tactics suddenly, adopting more devious moves and tricks. Yet, Fang Huo easily parried them after a brief pause.

“It’s all thanks to Brother Zhou. His varied combat strategies during our fights really come in handy now,” Fang Huo said to himself. He realized if he hadn’t sparred with Qin Huai for two months, he would have been at a severe disadvantage. “I owe that guy half my life… I’ll buy him a drink when I get back,” he thought, a grin spreading across his face.

“You still find the strength to laugh?” The old man was infuriated to see Fang Huo holding his own despite his state.

“Heh, you guys are indeed past your prime. Even at my worst, you find it difficult to gain an upper hand,” Fang Huo retorted, his words piercing the old man’s ego.

“Little punk!” The old man gritted his teeth.

Whoosh!

A spear cut through the air in the forest.

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