Chapter Thirty: A Duel Within the Cave, the Might of the Dao Heart

Inside the cave, the cacophony of gunfire, screams, and roars mingled together. The members of Dragon Fang Squad tore through the trained mercenaries like wolves among sheep—those hardened fighters crumbled before them, unable to withstand even a single blow. Fists and kicks, imbued with inner strength, carried power far beyond ordinary martial arts, often incapacitating foes instantly.

The battle was nearing its end.

Just as Dragon Zhan prepared to lead his team deeper into the cave to rescue the hostages, a sudden change occurred.

“Careful!” Dragon Zhan’s voice thundered through the comms.

A shadow shot out from the darkness like a ghost, wielding a peculiar military knife that traced a sinister, unpredictable arc straight toward a team member’s throat.

The targeted man reacted swiftly, twisting aside, but the blade followed relentlessly, its speed astonishing.

In that split second, Shi Lei rushed in, shouted, and punched at the shadow.

Clang!

Fist and blade collided, producing a sound like clashing metal. Shi Lei grunted, stepping back half a pace, while the shadow used the force to retreat, widening the distance.

“Ghost!” Dragon Zhan spat the name through clenched teeth.

In the command center, everyone’s heart leapt into their throat. On the screen, the man called Ghost appeared tall and thin, a grotesque mask covering his face, his entire being exuding a cold, bloody aura. His speed and strength were clearly beyond human.

“Interesting,” I remarked for the first time as I watched Ghost on the screen. “He’s also practiced some form of body-enhancement technique. Though he’s taken the wrong path, his abilities are genuine.”

“Master, then—” Xiao Jingtian looked at me nervously.

“It’s fine,” I replied calmly. “Let them see the true distinction between genuine ancient martial arts and these twisted methods.”

Inside the cave, Ghost engaged Shi Lei and Dragon Zhan in combat.

Ghost’s blade moved like lightning, each strike deadly. Dragon Zhan and Shi Lei worked in perfect harmony—one attacked, the other defended. The Eight Wilds Shock Fist, with its powerful inner force, managed to barely stave off Ghost’s assault.

But as time passed, the difference became clear.

Ghost’s combat experience was extraordinary; he always found the most cunning angles, forcing the two into chaos.

“Hehehe… Since when did Chinese soldiers become so entertaining?” Ghost let out a harsh, grating laugh. “But the game ends now!”

Suddenly, he inhaled deeply, and strange blue veins appeared on his exposed skin. His aura surged dramatically.

“Not good! He’s using some kind of forbidden drug!” an expert exclaimed in the command center.

Ghost’s speed and strength doubled in an instant. He forced Dragon Zhan back with a slash, then turned his free hand into a claw, reaching straight for Shi Lei’s heart.

Shi Lei had no way to dodge.

As everyone believed Shi Lei was doomed, my voice came through a special channel, ringing clearly in his ear.

“Shi Lei, focus your mind, calm your breath.”

My words carried a peculiar force, instantly settling Shi Lei’s frantic heart.

“Forget your techniques, forget your fists. Feel your ‘qi’—let it flow through your body. If he’s fast, you stay still; if he’s strong, you become soft.”

Enlightened in that moment, Shi Lei abandoned all thoughts of blocking and, in an incredible motion, shifted his body gently with the flow of Ghost’s attack.

He became weightless, like a drifting willow.

Ghost’s claw, meant to kill, merely brushed past his chest.

A flicker of confusion crossed Ghost’s eyes.

That single instant of bewilderment became the beginning of his defeat.

Shi Lei, as he turned aside, pressed his right palm softly against Ghost’s chest like a lotus leaf.

The strike appeared gentle, but it carried the full force of his inner strength and a touch of martial enlightenment.

With a dull thud, Ghost was struck as if by a heavy blow, sent flying into the cave wall, spewing a mouthful of black blood. He stared incredulously at his chest—there was no wound, yet his internal organs felt utterly shattered by an invisible force.

“You… What is this…” He pointed at Shi Lei, but before he could finish, his head drooped and life left him.

Silence fell over the cave.

The Dragon Fang Squad gazed at Shi Lei, who still held his palm extended, their eyes filled with awe.

In the command center, one could hear a pin drop. After a long moment, Xiao Jingtian finally spoke, his voice trembling: “Master… Is this… Is this ancient martial arts?”

I withdrew my gaze and stood.

“This is but the surface of the martial path.”

“The battle is over. The rest is up to you.”

Without another word, I left the command center, ignoring the crowd of high-ranking officers who stared at me as if witnessing a miracle.

The night wind was cool, carrying away the scent of gunpowder from my clothes.

I looked toward the direction of Haishi, impatient to return.

Yi Yi must have finished her homework by now, waiting for my bedtime story.