Why do I have so many masters?

But in her heart, amidst despair, a sliver of hope rose. If there was still a gap between these two people, she might have a slim chance of escaping.

At that moment, the three of them faced off in front of a room in a large courtyard with seven entrances, like three statues. The large, stout man sat with his legs wide apart on a bench, breathing heavily and muddily, eyes occasionally casting a fierce glance at Xi Ming.

Chi Pengfei, whose arm had been crippled, stood thirty steps away, holding a crossbow, wary of the beast that might retaliate at any moment.

With Chi Pengfei's cover, Xi Ming cautiously pulled out a strand of hair, wrapped it around her finger, steadied her breathing, calmed her mind, and attempted to use the Dongfang Clan's secret technique again.

This method required harmonization with the Ancient Sounds passed down through generations. She dared not make a sound, only murmuring in her heart, hoping it would work. In this tense moment, she oddly calmed down, recalling many words from her grandfather.

Her grandfather was a very ordinary person in the Dongfang Clan. She heard people gossiping that he had a bad temper and wasn't very talented, but she felt that her grandfather was a knowledgeable and good person, explaining many principles even in the most basic of mystical arts.

Common lecturers and books only talked about how those Ancient Sounds should be emitted.

But her grandfather would tell her about the origin and evolution of these Ancient Sounds, their past meanings, and the sacrifices and bravery represented in each syllable.

Perhaps because they had just met, or maybe because the distance wasn't too far, the weakened Dongfang secret technique gradually began to draw in response. The faint connections seemed like a waft of smoke rising from sandalwood, drifting into the distance.

She vaguely felt that someone was rushing urgently, even sensing that he had changed his entire appearance, transforming from a previously elegant young martial artist into a fierce, imposing swordsman rapidly approaching her direction.

Joy and excitement surged uncontrollably in Xi Ming's heart, eager to guide him in. Suddenly, a broad, warm hand grasped her fingers, enveloping them in a delicate aura.

The strand of hair she carefully pulled out instantly turned to dust.

A gentle voice sounded:

"To achieve the secret technique without using the Ancient Sounds, though a bit eager, almost succeeded. Such skill, truly the most outstanding legitimate heir of the Dongfang Clan's younger generation."

Xi Ming's heart almost stopped.

However, she remembered her current situation and that someone was still striving to rescue her. With all the courage she mustered since her youth, she maintained her composure and opened her eyes.

Then she saw that a middle-aged man had appeared before her at some point. His temples were slightly grayed, with black hair draping behind his shoulders, expression on the lips, half-smiling. Yang Hu had already withdrawn his murderous aura and madness, kneeling on the ground, body leaning forward, arms outstretched, forehead gently touching the ground, respectful to the point of abject humility.

Chi Pengfei, holding his crossbow, looked at Xi Ming with a strange expression, remembering how he was previously ambushed. He understood that when he left her alone previously, she had also used this secret technique.

Twice in succession, each more perilous than the last.

He couldn't believe the sheer audacity this slender girl possessed.

Thoughts racing through his mind, Chi Pengfei suddenly thought of the relentless, tiger-like young martial artist in pursuit. His heart skipped a beat, and he abruptly looked up at the middle-aged man, speaking:

"Subordinate has something to report!"

The middle-aged man seemed in a good mood, smiling:

"Speak."

Chi Pengfei dared not delay, quickening his speech to voice his speculation entirely. The smile on the middle-aged man's face gradually faded. He glanced at Chi Pengfei and said:

"The man pursuing is likely someone from the Dongfang Clan, given he's Dongfang Ningxin. Though their lineage mainly focuses on astrological geomancy, it's not as if the Dongfang Clan lacks people proficient in martial arts. How is this person's skill?"

Chi Pengfei paused slightly, recalling the almost frenzied onslaught. His heart was still racing. In the wild, he had hunted tigers, and this was the presence of a thoroughly enraged beast, vividly impressed. He exhaled and said:

"Subordinate does not dare to predict, only knowing that if he attacks with all he has, subordinate is definitely not his match. If combined with Yang Hu, risking life and death, the two perhaps could stall him for a moment."

"His martial arts style and disposition are extremely fearsome, nearly flawless in execution, comparable to relentless battle-hardened warriors, incredibly fierce, without a trace of hesitation."

"Among his peers, subordinate has never seen a more outstanding martial artist."

The smile completely faded from the middle-aged man's face.

Yang Hu raised his head and cursed:

"What crap are you spouting, Chi Pengfei?! Have you never seen the young master's bravery? Among his peers, how many could rival the young master? The so-called Xue Family, The Number One Manor in the World, is nothing but an empty reputation. If it came to a real fight, how could these few youngsters rise to fame?!"

Chi Pengfei remained silent, feeling both enraged that Yang Hu, this brute, was still flattering at such a time, and looking at the middle-aged man, he bowed and loudly said:

"The young master's martial prowess is formidable; subordinate is in awe. Among his peers, none can compare."