NOVEL WEB Li Wei vs. Bandit: And the Winner Is… Uncle Bao
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Just when it seemed like the bandit had the upper hand, something shifted in the battle around them. Out of the corner of his eye, Li Wei uncle, Li Bao, cut through two bandits with a single, clean strike. His movements were calm, precise, and efficient—there was no wasted energy, no hesitation.
Meanwhile, the Zhou family guard was fighting fiercely, his sword flashing in the sun as he protected Zhao Jun, who was locked in his own struggle with another third-rate warrior.
But Li Wei couldn't afford to be distracted. His opponent, seeing that Li Wei was losing stamina, pressed his advantage. The bandit swung his fists harder, landing heavy blows against Li Wei's arms and ribs. The pain was sharp and immediate, but Li Wei forced himself to keep fighting.
The bandit was grinning now, clearly enjoying the struggle. He had the upper hand, and he knew it. With one final, powerful strike, he knocked Li Wei off balance and sent him crashing to the ground.
Li Wei's vision spun as he hit the dirt. Before he could scramble to his feet, the bandit was on him, raising a large stone high above his head. Li Wei's heart pounded in his chest, his body frozen with exhaustion and pain. He couldn't move fast enough to stop what was coming.
But just as the bandit brought the stone down, a blur of movement flashed in front of Li Wei. His uncle, Li Bao, appeared out of nowhere, his sword slicing clean through the bandit's arm, disarming him before he could land the fatal blow.
With a swift motion, Li Bao finished the bandit off, his expression calm and unbothered. "You're too slow," he muttered to Li Wei as he sheathed his sword.
Li Wei lay there for a moment, catching his breath, his body shaking with exhaustion. The battle had taken everything out of him, and it wasn't until his uncle saved him that he realized how unprepared he truly was.
The fight wasn't over yet. Zhao Jun and the Zhou family guard were still locked in combat with the remaining bandits, but as the tide turned in their favor, the bandits began to retreat, disappearing into the forest.
The escort group was victorious, but at a heavy cost. Several of the merchants were injured, and the fight had left Li Wei battered and bruised.
Li Wei watched as the remaining bandits fled into the forest, their confidence shattered. He took a moment to catch his breath, his body aching from the grueling fight. The battle had been fierce, but with his uncle's timely intervention, they had emerged victorious. However, the price had been steep. Zhao Jun, still catching his breath, held his side, wincing in pain.
"Are you alright?" Li Wei asked, eyeing Zhao Jun carefully.
Zhao Jun grinned, though the pain was evident. "I'll live. Just a scratch," he replied, trying to sound casual despite his discomfort.
Li Wei reached into his pack and pulled out a vial of Chen family medicine. "Here, take this. It will help you recover faster," he said, handing it over.
Zhao Jun accepted it gratefully and gulped down the bitter liquid. He felt the medicine work, easing the tension in his muscles and dulling the pain.
As they began to regroup, Li Wei's uncle, Li Bao, walked over, wiping his blade clean. The air was thick with the aftermath of battle, but they had more pressing matters at hand.
After a brief search of the fallen bandits, they stumbled upon a scroll tucked within the rags of the bandit leader. Li Bao unfurled it, revealing a worn piece of parchment.
"It's a technique that can strengthen hands," he said, his expression curious. "Iron Sand Palm."
Li Wei felt a flicker of interest. He had never heard of Iron Sand Palm, and the idea of studying it piqued his curiosity. "What's it about?" he asked.
Zhao Jun shrugged. "I've heard of it. It's a low-level technique, taught in some dojo in the province capital. Not many people succeed in mastering it. It's too much hassle for the result it gives, but it's worth a look."
Li Wei nodded, intrigued. "I'll take it," he said, tucking the scroll into his pack. Even a low-level technique could offer insights, and he would examine it later.
As they continued on their journey, Li Wei and Zhao Jun walked side by side, exchanging thoughts about the battle. The weight of the recent conflict hung in the air, and Li Wei found himself reflecting on what he had witnessed.
Zhao Jun broke the silence. "You know, my father, managed to break through to the 2nd rate with the help of the Heavenly Tide Sect."
Li Wei turned to him, intrigued. "What do you mean?"
Zhao Jun continued, "He was already 35 when he took their medicine. At that age, his chances of stepping into the 2nd rate were slim to none. So, it was a huge opportunity provided by the sect, even if it meant exhausting some of his potential."
Li Wei absorbed this information, recognizing the complexities involved in such decisions. It was a strategic move, and Zhao Jun's father had chosen to seize the opportunity despite the risks.
As they entered the town of Guanshan, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the streets. They secured the merchants' goods in a local inn and decided to take a break at a nearby restaurant.