What kind of farming technique was this?
With a swing of his hoe, he bashed in the skull of a Scorpionman. What was supposed to be plowing the fields became manslaughter. A Dark Elf was directly rammed to death, and the old man pushing his wheelbarrow casually crushed two werewolves. No one would dare think that these cultivators at the Life Aperture realm had gone mad or were too slow to react, or that their bodies were as fragile as tofu. One strike—instant death.
These so-called "Three Farming Fists", although simple in execution, were deadly. Any farmer could mimic the motions, yet they had just slain four Life Aperture experts in quick succession. This was anything but ordinary. No one dared see these fists as mere agricultural motions, and no one could continue viewing this old farmer as some common peasant.
After all, what ordinary farmer could live so comfortably here in such dangerous lands?
Even Yi Tianxing couldn't perceive the depth behind this man's strength.
"This is a terrifying powerhouse, unfathomable in depth. His cultivation far exceeds the Life Aperture realm—whether it's the Life Map realm or something even higher is hard to guess. Perhaps he's even concealing his aura with a powerful concealment technique. If he's truly a farmer, then that rustic aura must be deeply rooted in his bones—it's too authentic to fake."
—Yi Tianxing's thoughts
"Old sir, your skills are incredible. These Three Farming Fists are truly awe-inspiring," Yi Tianxing said with a smile as the farmer walked back with his hoe.
"Hah, I'm old and past my prime. Not like I used to be," the old man said cheerfully. "But weeds like these? They're not enough to trouble me. Think I didn't see them sneaking around? I might be old, but I'm no fool. I tell you, even the tiniest weed in my field can't escape my eyes!"
With that, he laughed, turned around, and closed the door to his thatched hut.
Everything about it felt surreal.
Ye Zhiqiu came forward and examined the corpses, dragging them over.
"One Scorpionman, one Dark Elf, and two werewolves. The Scorpionman was struck on the crown by a hoe—died instantly. Seems he had just started to release his battle energy before his skull shattered. As for the Dark Elf—also known as a Drow—they dwell underground and are masters of assassination. His chest is crushed, heart ruptured, death was instantaneous. These two werewolves? Punched to death. Heart and internal organs turned to mush. No chance of survival."
After his inspection, Ye Zhiqiu couldn't help but gasp in horror. His gaze toward the thatched hut changed entirely.
Whoever was sleeping in there was definitely not a normal farmer. Anyone fooled by his humble appearance would die without even realizing how. These bodies were vivid proof of that.
"This old farmer must be a hidden master,"—Jia Xu remarked with narrowed eyes.
"The important thing is—he's human," Yi Tianxing said slowly, staring intently at the hut.
"Lord Yi," Jia Xu continued, "after yesterday's battles, with tens of thousands of enemy troops falling before us, it seems the foreign races have changed tactics. They've realized direct confrontation is costly. So now they've turned to assassination. And the target, undoubtedly, is you."
"These aliens aren't brainless beasts. Many possess intelligence equal to or even greater than humans. Realizing they can't break through the Eight-Gate Golden Lock Formation without great loss, they've shifted focus. If they can kill you, the human forces in Xuanhuang City would lose their head. Their goal isn't just our army—it's all of Xuanhuang City and the human territory that's formed around it."
Jia Xu's words carried a chilling insight. His instincts in matters of strategy were razor-sharp, already calculating probabilities and threats as soon as the killers appeared.
Yi Tianxing nodded solemnly. "There's a high chance you're right. But killing me won't be easy. If they want to try, let them come."
He could feel it in his bones—Jia Xu's assessment was likely correct. Assassination was now the game, and the threat was all around. In some ways, it was even more terrifying than facing an army. The mental strain of always expecting a blade in the dark was crushing. One moment of negligence could mean death.
"Lord Yi must not be careless. As they say—the son of a noble should not sit under a leaning roof. Your life is tied to millions in Xuanhuang City and the surrounding human domains. You must treat every threat as serious," Jia Xu said gravely.
Yi Tianxing's well-being wasn't a personal matter. If he died, all their progress could unravel. He had no heir. No one else in the city carried enough weight to lead in his place. He must survive.
"I suggest we use the spatial gate to return to Xuanhuang City. Even if our goals haven't been fully met, we've demonstrated enough strength to deter the enemy. That alone has value," Jia Xu advised again, always leaning toward caution.
But Yi Tianxing shook his head.
"Not yet. This road is the road home, yes—but it's also the path of blood. It's the true test—who among the foreign races are enemies, and who might be allies? If we retreat on the first day, we may never get another chance. Besides, even if danger comes, with the spatial gate, we can still retreat in time. They won't kill me so easily. Danger and opportunity walk hand-in-hand. This is the age of chaos—it's now that a hero must rise."
He had confidence. The Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower within him could ward off all sorts of soul-based attacks. If an assassin did get through, the tower would react and defend him instantly. Unless the enemy could suppress even that tower, killing him would not be easy.
It was a risk worth taking.
"Since you've decided, I have no more to say. Just—stay safe, Lord Yi," Jia Xu bowed slightly.
He knew once Yi Tianxing set his mind, nothing would change it unless events forced his hand.
That night passed uneventfully.
By dawn, the sky remained overcast. The sun was nowhere to be seen. The heavens hung heavy with dark clouds—clearly, a storm was coming.
After a quick breakfast, the thatched door creaked open. The old farmer, hoe on shoulder, stepped out.
"You're leaving already?" he asked with a grin, seeing the army gathered.
"Indeed. We stayed the night and now it's time to move on," Yi Tianxing nodded.
"Good, good. The wilderness may be full of brambles and thorns, but slash through them, and you make a road. Just like tilling a field. Even wasteland can become fertile if you work hard. But be lazy, and good fields become wild again. Depends on whether one has the will to act."
The old farmer spoke with heartfelt wisdom.
It struck a chord.
Yi Tianxing gave a deep nod. "Thank you, elder. I will remember your words."
His words were rough, but the truth within them came from life itself—genuine experience. That was the voice of the real world.
The army set off once more.
There was no path ahead. But with blades in hand, they would carve one.
This was the Road Through the Wilderness—dangerous, harsh, and long.
"Damn that old bastard. He ruined everything!"
"Damn him! A farmer? Killing four elite assassins?! Who would believe that? He must be some hidden human master. I've heard that among the human race, there are powerful recluses everywhere. Even a farmer turns out to be deadly. Thankfully, he didn't join the army, or we'd be in real trouble."
"Send scouts. Test the old man. We need to know exactly what he is."
From the shadows, the various alien races ground their teeth in fury.
Last night's assassination was carefully planned—meant to kill with one strike. It was supposed to be swift and fatal. But just as they struck, that old man stepped in. Three simple moves—done. Every assassin: dead. Worse, now their plans had been exposed. Yi Tianxing and his men would be on high alert. Any future attempts would be even harder to execute.
They were furious.
And some of them already cast sinister glances toward that old farmer.
Moments later, from the surrounding wilds, a massive wolf pack suddenly surged out—without warning.
These wolves were the size of calves, howling as they charged toward the old farmer.