Chapter Twelve: Furious Battle

Exchanging glances, the group suddenly lunged forward like a pack of wolves. Chu Jie sought a gap in the alley to break through, only to see four or five swords thrusting toward him! His face contorted with ferocity; instead of dodging the blades, fire flared from his hands as he seized four swords at once. The blades pierced his flesh but did not reach the bone—pain exploded in his palms as he gripped the blades tightly. Using the momentum of the attackers’ swords, he flipped out of the encirclement.

With a clang, the four swords snapped cleanly, returning as broken blades. Each of the four attackers had an eyeball pierced and burst, rolling to the ground, only to be trampled and crushed by the onrushing crowd.

"Let's see if you can escape even a spirit treasure!" a minor leader howled wildly.

Two hemp ropes shot from the ground like silver serpents, winding tightly around Chu Jie's legs. Caught off guard, he was thrown to the ground.

Suddenly, the ropes transformed into whips, whistling through the air toward Qi Wei's back. Chu Jie twisted midair, taking the blow himself—a bloody welt slashed across his chest, splitting his shirt in two.

Crack! Only after the pain had spread throughout his body did the sound of flesh being torn reach his ears.

As he hesitated, several more whips lashed out. Chu Jie shielded Qi Wei with all his might, reaching for the ropes. The bones in his hands fractured, but he managed to grip one hemp whip.

Using the rope’s force, Chu Jie quickly stood, turning defense into attack. Flinging the spirit treasure whip back, he ensnared the wrist of the subordinate wielding it. With a thunderous shout, Chu Jie twisted the rope across several meters, snapping the man's arm despite its softness!

Then, two more subordinates wielding spears swung at Chu Jie's shins. His knees buckled, dropping him to the ground. The spearheads, as relentless as hornets, drove into his calves like iron spikes, pinning him in place.

"He can't move! Everyone, get him!"

Before the attackers arrived, their blades flashed toward Chu Jie's face. Enduring the agony in his legs, he twisted aside, snapping the white spear shaft, though the spearhead remained in his thigh.

Without pause, he grabbed the broken shaft as a short staff, blocking several heavy swords. But how could wood withstand steel? The makeshift staff shattered, and blades swept across Chu Jie’s body.

He nearly lost consciousness. Yet, with Qi Wei still on his back, the flowing blood from his wounds brought his senses back.

His hands now free, he grabbed two swords, pulled them from his own shoulders, and slashed back, but his arms were weak—he couldn't even sever an attacker's arm.

The Body of Nine Tribulations—was it truly so useless?

Had he reached the sixth level of the Iron Body Realm only to be so easily defeated?

Was he truly fated to die here? Rage surged within Chu Jie, consuming him.

Suddenly, Qi Wei screamed in agony—she too was struck by a blade, and the cloth binding her snapped. Weakened, she slid off Chu Jie's back.

Several swords immediately stabbed for her. Chu Jie, thinking escape was possible, found himself facing this turn of events. Without hesitation, he shielded Qi Wei, taking several blades in his back. He clenched his teeth, making no sound.

Fists and weapons rained down like hail, pounding his back until it went numb, sweat rolling from his face as he clearly felt his skin split and flesh tear—still, he maintained his posture, holding Qi Wei close and shielding her.

"Boss, how much do you think Old Master Qi will reward us with Spirit-Gathering Grass tonight?"

"You’ll get your share, don’t worry."

Chu Jie's eyes were bloodshot as the Reincarnation Scroll within him spun madly.

Though she wasn't gravely wounded, Qi Wei felt a pain no less than Chu Jie's. Suddenly, as if remembering something, she fumbled at her chest, producing an item and pressing it to Chu Jie's lips.

"Spirit-Gathering Grass!"

"Take it!"

Everyone saw the Spirit-Gathering Grass and lunged to snatch it. But they were too late—without hesitation, Chu Jie chewed and swallowed it.

Spiritual energy flowed from the root of his tongue like a clear spring, coursing through his body. Though it was only one stalk, the energy was enough to revive him. The Reincarnation Scroll seemed to ignite, surging with power that replenished Chu Jie.

He felt his meridians opening rapidly, his wounds swiftly staunching. Power gathered in his palms—more than ever before.

"Die!" Chu Jie roared. Four or five nearby attackers were blasted away. Seizing the moment, he scooped up Qi Wei and snatched a broken sword, slashing desperately.

Though his strength was returning, with Qi Wei in his arms, Chu Jie dared not tarry. He pressed forward—westward—ignoring the wounds on his back, thinking only that escape meant survival.

"Don't be afraid! He’s just bluffing!" someone shouted.

Yet, the sight of Chu Jie empowered by Spirit-Gathering Grass made them hesitate.

Ahead lay a long alley—narrow enough for one man to hold. Without pausing, Chu Jie charged in. The pursuers were disciplined, filing in after him rather than scattering.

Reaching the other end, Chu Jie spun and hurled his short sword back—a wave of sword energy halting his pursuers. Then, with a mighty punch, he smashed down the wall before him.

Without looking back, he demolished the surrounding walls with a flurry of blows, stifling the blood in his mouth. Drawing a deep breath, Chu Jie became a streak of light, fleeing ahead.

Dust and chaos filled the air. Coughing and wiping grime from their faces, the pursuers emerged from the ruins—only to find the two had vanished.

After walking for the length of an incense stick, Chu Jie reached a withered forest where ruined thatched huts stood in abundance. He found a concealed spot and set Qi Wei down.

"How are you?" Chu Jie asked hoarsely.

"What about you?" Qi Wei replied, ignoring his question and asking after him instead. She knew all too well how many wounds Chu Jie had taken for her sake.

"I'm fine. Rest for a while." With that, Chu Jie finally collapsed to the ground.

The Reincarnation Sutra whirled within him, and the spiritual energy from the Spirit-Gathering Grass worked on his wounds, healing them rapidly.

The Reincarnation Scroll, as though stimulated, spun ever faster, tirelessly repairing his injuries.

A warm current surged through his meridians, as if he were soaking in a hot spring.

Before his eyes, the wounds on his body healed at a visible rate.

Slowly, Chu Jie opened his eyes, realizing the crucial point:

Reincarnation.

The Reincarnation Scroll was true rebirth—it was the extent of his injuries that finally allowed it to fully merge with his body, releasing that healing warmth!

It was like being reborn through tribulation.

The Reincarnation Scroll was truly formidable. In less than half an hour, Chu Jie had regained half his strength. Just as he stood, a chorus of howls echoed from outside.