Time is running out. I must get the antidote from his hands, or both Master Ha Jin and Jin will be in grave danger," Will thought, his eyes closed as he focused on sensing the air around him, trying to read Anuo's presence.
"Let me see if you're just bluffing," Anuo, hidden in the smoke, had already pinpointed Will's location. With stealthy, careful movements, he quietly crept closer, positioning himself behind Will. He held his breath, his grip tightening on the poisoned dagger in his hand.
Then, Anuo made his move. He advanced slowly, careful not to make a sound. Will, still with his eyes closed, continued to rely on his senses to track Anuo's energy.
Anuo was nearly upon him, less than half a meter away, and he could now see the back of Will's head. A wave of excitement and bloodlust surged within him. As a former member of an assassination squad, the thrill of sneaking up on an unaware target and delivering the fatal blow was his greatest pleasure. Anuo lifted his dagger, poised to strike and pierce Will's throat from behind.
"Behind me! The bloodlust is overwhelming!" Will's senses suddenly sharpened at the intense killing intent from Anuo. He discreetly turned his head, confirming that Anuo was indeed right behind him. However, to avoid raising suspicion, Will decided not to alert him. Despite his calm demeanor, a cold sweat broke out along his spine, and his neck hairs stood on end. He knew that one misstep would ruin his plans, and his life would be in grave danger.
"It seems he really is just bluffing; he still hasn't noticed me," Anuo thought, a cruel smile creeping across his face. He stepped closer, savoring the moment.
"He's taking the bait!" Will thought, his heart swelling with a mix of joy and anticipation as Anuo's killing intent drew nearer.
"Now, I just need to wait for the perfect moment," Will steadied himself, tightening his grip on the holy sword Durandal.
As time passed, the smoke began to thin, and visibility increased. For Anuo, this was his last opportunity. If he didn't strike now, all the tools and tricks he had used would be for nothing.
"Die!" At last, Anuo surged forward, raising his dagger to strike at Will's neck. His eyes widened with anticipation, already picturing Will's blood splattering as the blade drove deep.
What Anuo didn't realize was that his every move had already been anticipated by Will. As the dagger approached, Will spun around in an instant, his sword raised to deflect the strike.
"What?!" Anuo gasped in shock as his dagger collided with the blade of Durandal.
"Now!" Will seized the moment, effortlessly deflecting Anuo's attack, then swiftly raised his sword to slash down toward Anuo's body.
"Damn it!" Anuo quickly retracted his dagger, instinctively trying to block the attack with it.
"Take this!" Will roared, his pent-up anger finally bursting forth as he struck.
The holy sword Durandal, renowned for its ability to cut through metal like butter, grew even more formidable under Will's spiritual influence.
As the smoke cleared, the outcome of the clash became apparent. Will's strike had severed Anuo's dagger in two and cleaved through his right arm, leaving a gaping wound across his chest.
Will stood motionless, covered in Anuo's blood, staring down at the fallen figure of his adversary. Even now, he could hardly believe that he had actually succeeded in striking Anuo.
"Right! The antidote!" Will suddenly remembered his urgent task and immediately dropped his sword, rushing to search Anuo's body.
"Is this it?" Will found a small vial of green liquid strapped to Anuo's belt.
"Is this the antidote? Why is there only one vial?" Will muttered in frustration.
"Will, quickly give it to Master Ha Jin. He's the first to have been poisoned, and his time is running out!" Jin, pale and weak, spoke with great difficulty.
"Can't we split it?" Will asked, his voice filled with concern.
"How could someone like Anuo possibly carry enough antidote for more than one person?" Jin countered.
"You're right," Will replied, his tone tinged with disappointment.
"Quick, go now!" Jin urged, his voice growing more frantic.
"Alright," Will said with resolve, quickly tucking the antidote into his pocket and hoisting Jin into his arms. He sprinted toward Lisa and Master Ha Jin.
"Lisa!" Will called as he ran.
"Did you find the antidote?" Lisa asked anxiously.
It had been almost an hour since Master Ha Jin was poisoned, and his convulsions had stopped. His face, like Jin's, had turned deathly pale.
"I found it, but there's only one vial," Will said, pulling out the small green bottle from his pocket.
"Is this really the antidote?" Lisa asked, her voice tinged with doubt.
"It's the only liquid on him, so it has to be," Will answered.
"Give it to Master Ha Jin. I can hold on for a while," Jin said weakly, his hand pressing against the wound on his arm. Though the blood had slowed, this was no relief—his body was quickly running out of life.
At that moment, the shelter, battered by multiple explosions, suddenly trembled. The ceiling began to crumble, and debris rained down.
"What's happening?" Will asked in alarm, looking up.
"This ancient shelter is collapsing," Lisa said, her voice filled with concern.
"Damn it! King Sam II is still in his room!" Will exclaimed, suddenly rushing toward the king's quarters.
"Ah, luck's on my side. He's unhurt," Will said, finding the king lying on the floor. Without hesitation, he scooped him up and rushed toward the hall.
Master Ha Jin, who had drunk the antidote, slowly regained color in his face. His eyes fluttered open.
"What... What happened?" he asked groggily.
"It's alright, Master Ha Jin," Lisa said with a relieved smile.
"Thank goodness... It really was the antidote," Jin murmured weakly.
"But what about you?" Will asked, setting the king down and quickly rushing to Jin's side.
"What happened to Jin?" Master Ha Jin, now fully awake, asked when he saw Jin slumped against the wall, his face ashen.
"He's been poisoned too," Will said without thinking.
"Then what are you waiting for? Use your spiritual power to save him!" Master Ha Jin urged.
"Me? Can I save him?" Will asked, pointing to himself in confusion.
"Yes. The power of the ancient saints has healing abilities," Master Ha Jin explained.
"Alright! Tell me how!" Will said, his eyes alight with determination as he released a golden aura from within.
"Transfer your spiritual energy to Jin," Master Ha Jin instructed.
"Okay!" Will immediately crouched down, placing his hands on Jin's wounded arm. He began to channel his energy into Jin, watching in awe as the wound slowly healed.
"I feel it... A warm energy," Jin whispered, still weak but feeling the change.
"Alright, Will, save some energy for yourself. Healing others takes a lot out of you," Master Ha Jin cautioned, watching Will continuously channel his energy.
"Okay... I'm so tired," Will said, his strength finally giving out as he collapsed onto the ground. But seeing Jin starting to recover, he managed a tired but contented smile.
"Alright, let's leave this place," Master Ha Jin said. Lisa gently helped him to his feet.
"You're not going anywhere!" A hoarse, fury-filled voice suddenly called out. The barely conscious Anuo had struggled to his feet and was glaring at Will and his group with malice.