Chapter 1135: Chapter 86: The Death of Goris_2
The sun hung high in the sky, its scorching temperature akin to Ah Dai’s current mood. Finally, the hazy contours of the Illusive Forest appeared before him. Gazing at the familiar surroundings, he recalled the days he had spent here seven years ago. Ah Dai stood motionless, lost in his thoughts, as he summoned his first creation since following Goris from the Dragon’s Blood—a steamed bun wrapped in Silver Tin. Gently caressing the Silver Tin on the bun, Ah Dai choked up and shouted, "Teacher Goris, I’ve come back, your apprentice Ah Dai has returned." His voice, plaintive as a lamentation, carried far through his Aura, causing the trees around him to tremble slightly with his emotions. After his shout, Ah Dai took a deep breath and, like an arrow released from a bow, dashed lightning-fast deeper into the Illusive Forest.
Although Ah Dai was unfamiliar with the paths around the perimeter of the Illusive Forest, he knew that once he entered, finding a direction would lead him to the traps set by Goris. Once there, even with his eyes closed, Ah Dai was confident he could find his way to Goris’s log cabin.
Now, Ah Dai was no longer the clumsy boy who would stumble and fall during a tough journey. The misty haze within the Illusive Forest had no effect on him. He lightly touched the plants, his body weaving through the forest like a fish, swiftly gliding without pausing.
As he sped along, a gust of wind arose, and suddenly, Ah Dai smelled a pungent scent followed by a deafening roar. A massive shadow lunged accurately towards him. Startled, Ah Dai rapidly reversed the flow of his True Qi and forcibly stopped himself from surging forward while spreading his Defensive Aura around his body in preparation.
The shadow pounced like lightning. Although it appeared large, it was incredibly agile. Only now did Ah Dai see that the creature attacking him was the king of beasts—a white tiger with black stripes.
Ah Dai gave a wry smile, concluding that this tiger must have mistaken him for its dinner. Though the tiger looked ferocious, what was it compared to the dark beings from the Empire of Sunset City? His Defensive Aura burst forth, and with a slight turn, Ah Dai evaded the White Tiger’s attack and pressed his palm towards the king symbol on its forehead.
The White Tiger, evidently clever, sensed the threat from Ah Dai’s approaching hand and managed to dodge mid-air, gracefully landing to the side and avoiding Ah Dai’s strike.
Ah Dai paused, surprised that his lightning-fast attack had been dodged by a tiger. He observed the White Tiger closely. As it landed, its large brown-black eyes were fixed intently on him, growling softly, its cautious demeanor suggesting it was considering whether to continue attacking or to flee.
Ah Dai smiled slightly and said, "Are you new here? I’ve never seen you before. Go find some other food; you won’t be able to eat me."
The White Tiger grunted discontentedly, its round head shaking slightly as it leapt towards Ah Dai again.
Ah Dai, eager to meet Goris, was naturally not in the mood to entangle further with the tiger. This time, he didn’t dodge. His Defensive Aura formed a three-foot barrier around him as he awaited the White Tiger’s attack. No matter how clever the tiger was, how could it match a human? Seeing that Ah Dai neither moved nor avoided, the tiger’s large eyes gleamed cruelly, as if Ah Dai would be taken down just like other prey. Smiling, Ah Dai watched as the White Tiger stumbled against his Defensive Aura, which he had softened under his control. The force of the tiger’s several-hundred-pound frame was absorbed like it had hit a cushion, stopping it abruptly. Its large eyes reflected a terrified light. With a light laugh, Ah Dai gently placed his palm on the king pattern on its head and pushed the huge body of the White Tiger to the ground as if swatting a fly. Although Ah Dai didn’t use much force, the tiger still staggered and rolled on the ground before getting back on its feet.
Ah Dai shook his head and said, "I told you, you can’t eat me. Go find other food; I’m leaving." He then transformed into a streak of light and headed deeper into the Illusive Forest. The White Tiger stood watching his retreating figure, a glint of resentment flickering in its eyes before roaring and disappearing into the woods.
After nearly an hour of frantic running, Ah Dai could finally see the familiar sights again. He stopped, his blood boiling with excitement. Looking around at the tall trees, everything reminded him of so much. This was the place where Owen had been attacked by assassins, and Ah Dai had rescued him. Owen could be considered the second person who had changed Ah Dai’s fate, his significance to Ah Dai no less than that of Goris.
Ah Dai touched the Ming King Sword Handle at his chest. Upon his deliberate activation, a tremendous Evil Aura burst from the handle, the cold Evil Power causing the surrounding plants to shiver. Ah Dai felt as if he were transported back to the time when Owen had single-handedly confronted numerous assassins. The familiar, cold voice of the Hades Sword Technique: Heaven Earth Shaker seemed to resound as tears streamed down Ah Dai’s face. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, "Uncle Owen, I will definitely avenge you." Releasing the Sword of Hades, Ah Dai kept his eyes closed, led by his extremely familiar memories, and walked step by step. He was guiding himself with his heart, feeling ever closer to Teacher Goris. His fists clenched in excitement, each step solid and determined.
