Chapter 32: A Desperate Rescue

“Who are you? Don’t meddle in our affairs.”

“Exactly! We’re with Brother Li. If you try to interfere, don’t blame my blade for being merciless!”

As I emerged from my hiding spot, the words I uttered brought scornful smiles to the faces of the two young men.

Perhaps my youthful appearance and slender build led them to believe I was some hot-headed fool, eager to dispense justice and get a taste of heroism.

Convinced of this, they now glared at me with undisguised contempt.

One of them even pulled a small dagger from his pocket, brandishing it menacingly in my direction.

I remained unfazed by their theatrics, my gaze subtly fixed on Li Fenghua.

A sigh of relief escaped me when I saw he hadn’t left, but instead stood rooted to the spot, watching me with hesitation.

My intervention here was solely for Li Fenghua’s sake. If he were to foolishly rush into the supermarket, it would only complicate matters further.

“Old man, hurry up and move! If you don’t bring the supplies back by afternoon, don’t expect to see your wife and children again!”

Just as I was beginning to think things might be easy, the two men at my side grew impatient.

One of them snarled at Li Fenghua, yet his eyes were fixed on me with disdain, as if flaunting his power to send people to their deaths on a whim.

Upon hearing his words, Li Fenghua’s face paled, and he actually started to move towards the shop.

“Hey, stop! I’m here to save you!”

Seeing events about to take a complicated turn, I had no choice but to speak up, kindly warning Li Fenghua not to act rashly.

“You’re listening to him? With his…”

Unwilling to tolerate any more of their bluster, I swiftly drew the blade from my waist. Before their very eyes, I cleaved the nearby shop sign directly in two.

The scene instantly fell silent.

Witnessing the might of my blade, the two men finally dropped their contemptuous expressions. However, they still craned their necks, stubbornly refusing to concede defeat, waiting for my next move.

The one with the dagger, in particular, sheepishly tucked his small weapon back into his pocket after seeing my sharp greatsword. Yet, his eyes still glared at me fiercely, unwilling to admit he was outmatched.

Their bluster only made me shake my head in resignation.

“Why aren’t you moving? If you don’t want your wife and children, then just go back!”

“That’s right, hurry up and come back with us!”

Just then, the two men suddenly spoke in unison, a synchronized effort that made my heart sink with a ‘thump’. ‘This is bad,’ I thought.

Sure enough, upon hearing their words, Li Fenghua finally made up his mind.

Before I could stop him, he turned and sprinted towards the store, a look of utter resolve on his face. It was clear he was prepared to risk everything.

If he lived, he would see his wife and children. If he died, he would at least find peace, free from his worries.

Seeing Li Fenghua willingly rush towards his demise, I quickly moved to chase after him and bring him back.

However, just as I took my first step, the two young men, oblivious to their own peril, blocked my path.

“What are you doing, brother? I see you’ve got good gear; why not join us? Maybe Brother Li will even make you his second-in-command.”

“Exactly, exactly! In the future, not only will you feast like a king, but if you want to play with big stars, we’ve got those too. We guarantee you’ll have the time of your life.”

“Get lost.”

I stared at them expressionlessly, utterly unwilling to waste another breath on their nonsense. Talking to such useless individuals was a complete waste of time.

I had to stop Li Fenghua now; he couldn’t be allowed to throw his life away!