Chapter 900: Backlash

“Cough… cough, cough, cough, cough…”

Amidst the city ruins, Li Fu hunched over, each step leaving a bloody footprint as he stumbled forward.

Roaring sounds echoed from afar; the destinies of the quasi-emperors intertwined furiously, like a proud showdown between favored sons of heaven. Almost everyone’s gaze was drawn there.

The sky behind Li Fu flickered between light and shadow. In the desolate ruins, ignored by all, he hung his head like a battered stray dog.

“Brother Li, are you in a lot of pain…” A-Qian supported Li Fu, silent tears streaming down her face. Her voice was as faint as a mosquito’s buzz, afraid that speaking louder would make his wounds hurt more.

Li Fu breathed heavily. He forced a pale smile, touched A-Qian’s hair, and said, “Don’t worry, I’m not in pain… I’m just a little tired.”

“If you’re tired, why don’t we sit down and rest for a while?”

“…No.” Li Fu’s lips tightened. He looked up at the desolate, abandoned palace not far away, a flicker of unwillingness in his eyes. “I want to try again.”

Han Dong, who had followed Li Fu out, brightened slightly at this. “Really, Brother Li?”

Behind Han Dong were three other young men. They were all part of the group who had initially followed Li Fu. It was thanks to their past connection that they’d managed to clear a path, preventing Li Fu from being beaten to death.

But honestly, their help earlier was purely out of youthful impulsiveness. After running out, their faces were filled with worry and confusion, as Li Fu was now just an ordinary person, unable to lead them out of the ancient realm.

Upon hearing Li Fu wanted to try again, a glimmer of hope reappeared in their eyes.

“One more try… just one last try!” Li Fu silently clenched his fists, his fingernails digging deep into his palms. His eyes were filled with resolve.

Li Fu could endure being beaten and could endure pain, but Zhu Chong’s attack on A-Qian undoubtedly ignited deep anger and fury within him. At such a spirited age, how could he remain calm?

No one wanted to accept their fate, and no one was unwilling to fight back from a desperate situation. Seeing Li Fu’s determination, a spark of hope ignited in the others’ hearts as well.

“Alright!! Brother Li! You can do it!!” Han Dong punched the air emphatically. “We’ll go back and smash that kid Zhu Chong’s face in!”

Everyone helped Li Fu as they walked directly into the dilapidated palace.

The destiny of a quasi-emperor didn’t exist in just one palace. Li Fu could sense that this abandoned palace before them also contained the same destiny, and this might be his last chance to turn the tables.

As they delved deeper, the palace became increasingly desolate.

Vegetation was dead and withered, and corpses lay everywhere. Traces of fire still marred the walls. It was unclear from which historical period this palace hailed, but as they stepped inside, a sense of decay and loneliness washed over them.

Yet, this resonated with Li Fu’s state of mind. He advanced step by step through the unnoticed desolation, unsure if hope for a comeback or deeper despair awaited him.

Finally, he stepped into the empty main hall.

“Brother Li…” Seeing the quasi-emperor’s destiny above the throne, everyone looked at Li Fu. Just as Han Dong was about to say something, Li Fu strode forward without a moment’s hesitation.

He ascended the black steps, one by one, his eyes fixed solely on the quasi-emperor’s destiny.

He was like a gambler pushed to the brink, reaching out to fate one last time… then, with all his might, grasping it within his fingertips!

His fingers slowly penetrated the quasi-emperor’s destiny, but they seemed to be blocked by something invisible, then snapped back. He gritted his teeth and tried again, veins bulging on his neck.

Those at the foot of the steps held their breath, their expressions extremely tense.

*Thud!* A dull thud came from the throne. Li Fu’s body was swept away by an unseen force, falling directly from above and rolling clumsily onto the hall floor.

“Brother Li!” Han Dong and the others immediately rushed forward to help Li Fu up. His forehead had already hit the ground, leaving a gash, and blood stained his cheek, a shocking sight.

“Get away!!” Li Fu’s eyes were bloodshot. He shoved everyone away and stumbled back towards the throne.

*Thud!!* A few seconds later, his body was again sent flying backward.

Everyone was somewhat stunned. They watched Li Fu rush towards the throne again and again, only to be thrown back without exception. Their expressions shifted from initial shock to pity, and then to numbness.

They didn’t know how many times Li Fu had tried, only that the quasi-emperor’s destiny hadn’t diminished in the slightest due to his efforts. The only proof of his struggle was the puddles of blood on the hall floor.

“Brother Li…”“Leave me alone!”“Brother Li!”

The young men who had followed him out saw Li Fu fall repeatedly, and the spark of hope that had ignited earlier was completely extinguished. They exchanged glances, seeing confusion and complexity in each other’s eyes.

After a long silence, someone finally spoke hesitantly:

“Brother Li… my parents are waiting for me at home. I’m their only child… I… I need to get out of here.”

After being thrown back again, Li Fu staggered, trying to get up from the ground, but the intense pain in his ankle made him collapse weakly onto his knees before the hall.

Perhaps from extreme exhaustion or overwhelming pain, sweat streamed down his face, soaking his hair. He hung his head, his weary eyes glancing backward.

After a long moment, he spoke hoarsely: “Go… Those who want to leave, leave.”

Upon hearing this, the young men who had followed him all wavered. Gritting their teeth, they left the hall together, running back towards the direction of the two emperors’ battle.

Ultimately, they were just children who wanted to escape the ancient realm. Li Fu had once offered them food, and they had bravely stood up for him earlier. They owed him nothing. Now that Li Fu was clearly destined not to rise, they had to seek other opportunities for their own lives.

Li Fu understood this perfectly well.

Li Fu took a deep breath, and after several attempts, struggled to get up from the ground again. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Han Dong still standing by with a complex expression. He asked in a low voice,

“Han Dong, why haven’t you left yet?”

“I…” Han Dong opened his mouth but didn’t know how to reply.

“If it’s out of pity for me, there’s no need,” Li Fu said without looking back, as he stumbled towards the throne again. “I saved you once, but you also saved me. We’re even… Are you sure you want to risk your life for a useless person like me?”

Han Dong fell silent.

Li Fu didn’t wait for his response but continued on his own, moving towards the throne once more.