Da Zhi's question hit the mark, stirring something within me.
In fact, I had also considered this matter: why did Gui Li Chi identify me as an enemy the moment I appeared, when there was no prior animosity between us?
He didn't even attempt to negotiate. After all, I had rescued Ada from Geng Hu's clutches.
It's not for self-praise, but facing a warrior as powerful as myself, anyone with a brain would at least try diplomacy first, resorting to force only if negotiations failed.
But Gui Li Chi did not.
Although he was an enemy, I had to admit that Gui Li Chi had some capabilities within the barbarian tribe of Du An; he wasn't just a brute with more brawn than brains, otherwise, he wouldn't have caused me so much trouble.
Therefore, Gui Li Chi's actions were indeed perplexing.
Gui Li Chi seemed to have not expected Da Zhi to ask this, as he paused for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"Hahahaha, Da Zhi, you are truly amusing. I almost don't want to kill you anymore!"
He laughed so hard his back bent, then suddenly straightened his head and glared fiercely at Da Zhi.
"Do you really think Ada almost died at Geng Hu's hands was an accident?"
"Hahahaha!"
"You did it?!"
Upon hearing this, the already weakened Da Zhi, as if fueled by a surge of strength from nowhere, struggled to get up. However, Gui Li Chi kicked him down again.
"That's right, you're going to die anyway. I don't fear telling you!"
Gui Li Chi walked up to Da Zhi, looking down at him.
"Originally, that hunt was never intended to let Ada return alive! Who knew that Ba Du, that mongrel, would suddenly appear and save Ada!"
"Therefore, he must die!"
Damn it!
Listening to Gui Li Chi's boast, I suddenly understood the truth of the matter.
If I hadn't appeared that day, according to Gui Li Chi's plan, Ada would have died at Geng Hu's hands.
Ada was Hu Tu's most loyal warrior. If he died, the next would be Hu Tu!
I thought to myself, you bastard, why do you want me dead so badly? It turns out I ruined your plan!
But all this was in the past. Da Zhi had already bought me enough time to get close to Gui Li Chi and his men.
Gui Li Chi's subordinates were all captivated by his words, paying no attention to the movement behind them.
Time waits for no one, every second counts!
Clenching my hunting knife, I viciously slashed at the subordinate closest to me.
The three of them were positioned closely. With one swing, I dared not slacken, and went straight for the second man!
"Ah!"
As screams echoed, Gui Li Chi's triumphant laughter, like that of a chicken being choked, abruptly ceased. He spun around abruptly.
And what he saw was a ground littered with corpses, and me, covered in blood, slowly slitting the throat of his last remaining subordinate with my hunting knife.
"Gui Li Chi, long time no see. I heard you were looking for me!"
I grinned, but there was no warmth in my laughter.
Gui Li Chi was momentarily stunned. After all, he thought he had victory in his grasp, only for me to appear out of nowhere and shatter his grand plan.
"Don't come any closer, or I'll kill him!"
In his panic, Gui Li Chi turned and attempted to seize the downed Da Zhi to threaten me.
This beast wasn't entirely foolish, knowing to use Da Zhi's life to menace me.
However, how could I give him the chance!
Seeing Gui Li Chi's retreating back, I let out a fierce roar and hurled the dagger I had been hiding in my hand.
This item was given to me by Ke Ya and had been in my backpack all along, finally serving its purpose.
The dagger cut through the air, covering the several meters distance in an instant. It ruthlessly pierced Gui Li Chi's left hand, the tip protruding from his palm.
Clang!
They say the fingers are connected to the heart. Gui Li Chi instinctively curled his body, and the hunting knife in his hand dropped to the ground.
Seizing this opportunity, I surged forward a few steps and landed a flying kick, sending Gui Li Chi tumbling back two meters.
I knew my own strength. With that kick, Gui Li Chi's kidney was probably half destroyed, and he wouldn't be able to get up for a while.
So, I didn't bother with Gui Li Chi for the moment, but carefully helped the lying Da Zhi up.
"Brother, you've suffered. How are you feeling now?"
As I moved, Da Zhi's face contorted in pain. Seeing this, I quickly stopped.
"Should be... broken ribs, but don't worry... I'm not dead yet."
I was still a little uneasy, so I carefully examined Da Zhi's wounds again. Although they looked bloody and horrifying.
Upon closer inspection, most of them weren't deep and didn't injure the bone. Moreover, Da Zhi was a tough man. The wound on his broken arm had been cauterized with fire he had somehow procured, turning the flesh black. From up close, one could still smell the cooked meat.
After temporarily settling Da Zhi, I turned around, my expression shifting from gentle to icy, and walked step by step towards Gui Li Chi.
Gui Li Chi, our grudges must be settled!