Chapter 3: Sudden Emergence, Mysterious Power

Just a useless cripple, and he dares to challenge me?

He strode forward again, offering Rain Xun not the slightest chance to escape. He seized her long hair, twisting her around and forcing her onto the bed with brutal strength.

At the same time, he pressed down on Rain Xun's slender legs with his body, his mouth cursing as he fumbled with his belt and threatened, "Breaking the law? Nonsense! In Li Family Village, I am the law! Refuse me? Fine, tonight I'll deal with Rain Xun right in front of this worthless cripple! Consider it a treat for you, boy—a good show!"

Pinned beneath Li Ma Zi’s weight, Rain Xun was utterly helpless, her body crushed as if by a mountain, so heavy she could scarcely breathe. Her heart raced wildly, threatening to leap from her throat, her entire body shaking, her face marked by tears of terror and despair.

In that moment, she truly was calling out to heaven with no answer, to earth with no reply. Her voice was weak, her cries barely audible in the silent night, powerless and pale. Her eyes brimmed with helplessness and fear, as if the whole world had abandoned her.

Li Chao was a sick man, frail and weak, utterly incapable of contending with a brute like Chen Er Gou. He lay on the ground, watching as Li Ma Zi’s filthy hands moved to pull down Rain Xun’s trousers, his fury erupting like a volcano.

He bit his lip hard, so hard that blood trickled down his mouth. Driven by rage, his eyes turned bloodshot, the once-clear gaze now fierce and resolute. He hated his own helplessness, hated Li Ma Zi’s vile actions, and hated this unjust world.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind:

You must not let that bastard bully Sister Rain Xun! No matter what!

"Ah!" With a roar, he plunged into a state of extreme rage. At that moment, he felt a thunderous boom within his mind, as if a door long shut was suddenly flung open.

A powerful and mysterious energy surged forth from within him, rushing through his body like a raging river. It was so strong he could barely control himself.

He took a deep breath, savoring the strength and confidence that this energy brought. The sensation was both familiar and strange, as if something long lost had returned to him.

He closed his eyes, carefully tasting the flavor of this power, his heart filled with awe and joy.

So this is what strength feels like? How wonderful!

Now he understood why people yearned for power: only with enough strength could one protect those they cherished, and realize their dreams and ambitions.

He clenched his fists, feeling the energy leap at his fingertips. His gaze sharpened, resolute and piercing, as if it could cut through all darkness.

He knew he was no longer the weak boy who could be bullied at will.

He would use this strength to protect Sister Rain Xun, and everything he cherished.

The night remained silent. Yet a new force was quietly growing, like spring buds breaking through the soil, ready to shine with its own light.

Li Chao stood tall, a surge of indescribable astonishment and excitement rising in his heart.

He gazed at his lower body, once utterly numb, now revived as if in a dream. His legs, formerly like withered wood, were suddenly filled with inexhaustible vitality, granting him the sensation of standing once more.

He pressed down, and his legs firmly supported his weight, as if boundless strength coursed through them.

Li Chao’s heart surged with joy beyond words. He did not know what had happened to him, but at that moment, he only wanted to wield this power for justice.

"Sister Rain Xun!" he whispered her name, his eyes sparkling with resolve.

He strode behind Li Ma Zi, grabbing his thick neck.

Li Ma Zi, intoxicated by impending triumph, never imagined Li Chao would suddenly regain his mobility.

Completely unprepared, Li Ma Zi was jerked violently, tossed aside like a broken kite.

Li Ma Zi crashed to the ground, grimacing in pain, his eyes wide with shock and confusion.

He stared at Li Chao, who stood not far away, his mind filled with disbelief: How is this boy standing?

Li Chao, ablaze with fury, clenched his fists, ready to unleash all his anger.

He looked into Li Ma Zi’s terrified eyes, a powerful sense of justice welling up within him.

He understood: he could not allow such a tyrant to rampage through the village any longer.

"Li Ma Zi, your evil deeds end tonight!" Li Chao roared, charging at the terrified man.

Li Chao moved with astonishing speed, and in the blink of an eye, he stood before Li Ma Zi. He raised his foot and kicked Li Ma Zi hard in the stomach.

Li Ma Zi curled up in pain, screaming like a slaughtered pig.

"This is for Sister Rain Xun!" Li Chao shouted.

He followed with several punches to Li Ma Zi’s face, bruising him severely.

"Don’t let me catch you bullying anyone again!" Li Chao warned.

The fire in Li Chao’s heart burned like an unstoppable blaze, leaving no room for Li Ma Zi's curses.

He clenched his fists, channeling all his fury, and lunged at Li Ma Zi.

Though Li Ma Zi was strong, before Li Chao he was utterly powerless.

They grappled fiercely, but Li Ma Zi was beaten back again and again, unable to withstand Li Chao’s wild onslaught.

Li Chao’s expression was dark and steady as stone, his fists raining blows upon Li Ma Zi’s face, each strike firm and powerful.

With every punch came his deep, angry shout:

"Boom! How dare you bully Sister Rain Xun!"

"Boom! As a villager, you break the law, unforgivable!"

"Boom! You dare act so arrogantly!"

Each roar thundered like the heavens, each punch struck Li Ma Zi’s heart like a hammer.

Beaten black and blue, most of Li Ma Zi’s drunkenness was knocked out of him. Realizing he was no match for Li Chao, terror seized him. He struggled desperately to escape, fleeing toward the door.

As he ran, he cursed, his voice filled with rage and frustration: "You little bastard! Just wait! This isn’t over!"

Li Chao ignored him, spitting coldly and fixing his gaze on Li Ma Zi’s retreating figure, his voice resolute and unwavering:

"If you ever bully Sister Rain Xun again, I’ll break your legs!"

His words echoed in the night, like a vow, declaring his commitment to justice and refusal to compromise with evil.