Chapter 118: As if an Old Friend Had Come

Li Zhen paused only slightly at Che Wuyou’s question before striding once more toward the pillar of light. By now, few remained on the first level; those capable of breaking through had long since entered the second, while others had either given up, perished, or were stubbornly searching for that sliver of opportunity.

Though the Steel Giant possessed little intelligence, it was steadfast in its duty. It would hunt down anyone attempting to slip past, only returning to its post at a sluggish pace once the intruders had been driven back. For those with whom it held a deep grudge—such as Li Zhen or Che Wuyou—the pursuit was far more relentless. If it could, the giant would ensure they had nowhere to hide.

As Li Zhen drew closer, the fifty or so people remaining on the first level began to gravitate toward the Steel Giant as well. Perhaps they saw a chance; while Li Zhen was no match for the giant in single combat, he could at least draw its ire, which was clearly more focused on him than anyone else.

Che Wuyou followed closely behind Li Zhen, though he frowned as he watched the others converge. With everyone closing in, the giant would inevitably target Li Zhen first, and trailing behind him was hardly a wise move. He risked being caught in the crossfire.

"Fellow practitioners of the Immortal Path," Che Wuyou finally called out, unable to hold back, his voice carrying across the expanse. "Our only hope is to join forces. If we do not, none of us shall ever bypass the old thief of steel. I, Che Wuyou, propose we work together to confront the giant and break through its blockade at once. What say you?"

At his words, almost everyone faltered. No one present was a fool; they knew a joint effort offered the best chance, but...

"That is a fine idea," one man declared passionately. "Since you proposed it, why don't you and Brother Li Zhen take the lead? If you two can distract the giant for a moment, the rest of us will surge forward. With so many of us, surely we can succeed?"

"Hmph," Li Zhen scoffed, eyeing the speaker with disdain. "You are clever, trying to use me as a pawn. If you are so capable, why don't you and that fool Che Wuyou lead the charge? If you two idiots can hold off the giant for even a moment, I would risk my life to help you get through. How about that?"

"Li Zhen, I suggest this because I respect your profound cultivation," the man retorted, shaking his head with a look of feigned disappointment. "If I possessed your power, I would not hesitate. It is a pity that while we are all of the Immortal Path, you are so selfish and unable to distinguish right from wrong."

"Bah!" Li Zhen sneered. "You are a crafty one, but at least you have the eye to recognize my strength. I will not waste breath on you. As for who is worthy to fight alongside me, only Yang Fengge qualifies. As for that fool Che Wuyou, he is beneath my notice."

Watching the green-clad youth return to his arrogant posturing, the crowd fell silent. Che Wuyou felt his plan dissolve. It was no wonder the Yang family had flourished so greatly in Qingchi; at critical moments, individuals like Yang Shi and Yang Qi would step up without hesitation. Even Yang Yu, despite his manipulative nature, had remained to cover the retreat, ensuring that even the unconscious Zhang Tong was brought into the second level.

As the crowd neared the giant, it charged straight for Li Zhen. Li Zhen turned and fled, but this time the giant did not pursue him far, instead turning its wrath upon the remaining fifty. Lacking Li Zhen’s speed, they began to falter, falling or giving up one by one.

Even the silver-tongued youth found himself in danger. Suddenly, amidst the fleeing crowd, Che Wuyou spotted Yun Fan. The red text overhead had vanished with the opening of the second-level passage, making him easy to miss.

*Why is he still on the first level?* Che Wuyou wondered. Since attaining the third realm of spiritual perception, his senses had become acute. He sensed Yun Fan’s immense power; while he wasn't sure how he compared to Yang Fengge or Ye Xuan, he was certainly on Li Zhen’s level. Why hadn't he slipped through the chaos earlier? Even if he couldn't, he should have easily survived the giant’s pursuit.

Che Wuyou gritted his teeth. He couldn't fathom it, but if a conflict broke out between Yun Fan and the giant, he might find his own chance to reach the pillar of light. *Do or die!* He accelerated toward the energy pillar.

Just then, the silver-tongued youth confronted the giant head-on. In a single blow, the youth was sent flying by the giant’s greatsword. As the giant prepared to finish him, the devious youth, while mid-air, reached out and shoved a young girl into its path.

The girl’s body hurtled toward the giant, her face coming into clear view. Che Wuyou stopped in his tracks, his heart skipping a beat. He had never dreamed he would encounter her here, in the Tower of Heaven—a face from his past.