Facing Robert Strong's deadly strike, Charles Bennett let out a long howl, using his body as a bow and his spear as an arrow. His body blazed like a great furnace, radiating scorching heat. His spine arched like a primordial dragon, the spear aimed at Robert Strong. Dense azure battle energy surged and churned, manifesting the shadow of a wild ancient bull. The aura was overwhelming, a savage force rushing forward, with a chilling murderous intent sweeping all around.

Kill!

The long spear shot forth like an arrow released from a bow, transforming into a dazzling streak of light, charging head-on.

Ding!

The clash between the two was earth-shattering. The rapidly spinning spear shadow exploded outward, colliding perfectly with the blood-red battle blade that came slashing in, sending sparks flying.

At the point of impact, a massive shockwave rippled outward at a speed invisible to the naked eye. The intense force of the collision sent both men flying backward, their weapons nearly slipping from their grasp.

“Elder Wood, if you don’t act now, when will you? Don’t think you can stay out of that matter either!”

Chapter 9 Breaking Through the Encirclement

Hmph!

Such a powerful collision brought a trace of paleness to Charles Bennett's face, a muffled groan escaping his throat. A rush of heat surged up to his mouth, the scent of blood lingering in his nostrils, and the immense force left his arms tingling and numb.

Because of this, Charles Bennett had to loosen his grip on the spear slightly to relieve the tremendous shock in his arms.

On the other side, seeing Charles Bennett stabilize himself instantly after being knocked back, Robert Strong's face grew so dark it seemed water might drip from it, a sense of defeat rising in his heart.

Charles Bennett was barely past twenty; even if he had become a Blood Refining Realm warrior, he should have been easy to defeat after just breaking through—especially given the scarcity of resources for thousands of miles around. For a warrior to reach the Blood Refining Realm was already a stroke of great luck; how could he have any real foundation? Yet, unexpectedly, he was so troublesome. What was thought to be a little lamb turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Seeing the Grand Elder of the Withered Wood Tribe standing motionless, afraid that delay would bring change, Robert Strong shouted at Peter Wood again, “Why aren’t you making a move! If this brat grows up and learns about that matter, heh heh, do you think he’ll let you go…”

His words were laced with a subtle threat, revealing the unspeakable secrets between the two, and it was clear Charles Bennett was deeply involved.

Seeing Peter Wood, who had been standing outside the battle circle like a statue, Charles Bennett's face also darkened upon hearing Robert Strong's words. He began to strategize in his mind: “I absolutely cannot let the two of them join forces! Otherwise, I’ll surely be defeated.”

The Grand Elder of the Withered Wood Tribe, who had been hesitating outside the battle circle, now had a cold glint flash in his cloudy eyes. He finally made up his mind to join forces to kill Charles Bennett.

Seeing Charles Bennett possess such martial prowess at such a young age, Peter Wood, who had lived for a hundred years yet remained stuck at the early stage of the Blood Refining Realm, felt his killing intent intensify.

Peter Wood drew the battle blade from his back, ready to join the fray—when suddenly, a change occurred!

Wild Bull Strike!

Charles Bennett seized the initiative, his spear turning into a streak of azure light, carrying a chilling killing intent as it pierced through several yards of space, thrusting straight at Peter Wood, who was just about to step into the battle.

“You little beast, courting death!”

Caught off guard, Peter Wood could only hastily meet the attack, his blood-red blade clashing with the oncoming spear.

Boom!

The two weapons collided in midair with a thunderous crash. Peter Wood was sent flying, blood gushing uncontrollably from his mouth, even mixed with tiny fragments of internal organs. This blow left Peter Wood gravely wounded before he could even act, rendering him completely incapable of fighting for the time being.

With ten thousand pounds of force behind Charles Bennett's spear, one could imagine the impact. Though Peter Wood was a Blood Refining Realm expert, he was already over a hundred years old, his vitality nearly exhausted. As the saying goes, “an old fist fears the young and strong.” Moreover, Charles Bennett had struck with full intent while Peter Wood was unprepared, leaving him unable to muster his full strength and resulting in such a fate.

All of this happened in a flash. By the time the others reacted, Peter Wood was already collapsed on the ground, unable to fight, and even Robert Strong could do nothing to change it.

Having succeeded in his strike, Charles Bennett immediately withdrew, pulling back his spear and assuming a defensive stance, ignoring Robert Strong's furious glare, his posture saying: if you want to fight, then fight.

“Chief Strong, you should know why I’m here.”

Hearing Charles Bennett's words, Robert Strong didn’t get angry but instead burst out laughing. “Haha… you little beast, do you really think I’ll let those wretches go?”

Charles Bennett was not surprised by Robert Strong's answer. Since the two sides were already enemies, what was there left to discuss?

As the saying goes, when enemies meet, their eyes blaze with hatred—especially when it’s a blood feud for killing one’s son. The two men glared at each other, sparks flying where their gazes met.

Negotiations between men are best settled by force. The two attacked almost simultaneously, the spear under the azure battle energy like a bloodthirsty viper striking at vital points, while the battle blade flashed like lightning, vowing not to rest until Charles Bennett was cut down.