Chapter 953
The figure looming over Evan was massive, towering above him like a giant oak compared to a sapling.
Evan had to tilt his head back just to meet the guy’s gaze, a testament to the stranger’s impressive stealth skills. Clearly, this wasn’t someone who had skipped his share of workouts.
The beam from Evan’s headlamp, an adventurer’s faithful companion for nocturnal escapades, illuminated the stranger’s face, revealing a patchwork of scars that crisscrossed his skin like awork of sinister, writhing snakes. Evan’s heart skipped a beat.
The man seemed to despise the light, his brow furrowing deeply as he swatted at Evan, though it was unclear whether he aimed to strike Evan or simply knock the lamp from his head. His strike cut through the air with the precision of a razor, catching Evan off guard.
This was no amateur; his skills were top-notch.
Evan instinctively stepped back, dodging the blow with a frown. White, sensing Evan’s peril, sprang into action with a whoosh, ready to strike.
But Evan was quicker, snagging White by the tail and stuffing him back into his pocket. The identity of the stranger was still a mystery, and White’s involvement could only escalate the situation. White had a knack for turning a tense moment into a lethal one.
“Before we go throwing punches, let’s get some answers,” Evan thought to himself.
Elliot’s voice crackled through the earpiece, laced with concern. “Evan, what’s going on p>
“It’s nothing, bro, don’t sweat it,” Evan reassured him, keeping his eyes on the mysterious figure who now stood a few meters away, his expression unreadable.
White peeked out from Evan’s pocket, hissing softly, its eyes wide and cautious. The stranger spelled trouble, and White was on high alert.
The man stood by an old well, eyeing Evan. “What do you want p>
His voice was rough, like gravel being ground underfoot, jarring to the ears.
“I was hoping to check out this well,” Evan admitted. “Heard some ghost stories about it and thought I’d see if there’s any truth to them. Maybe catch myself a ghost p>
“Aren’t you scared p>
“Not a bit p>
A brief silence fell before the man continued, “Was that you making all that noise in the woods earlier p>
“Yeah, startled some birds and a few critters on my way up the mountain p>
“You’re pretty skilled for your age. Who taught you p>
“That’s a secret p>
The man scrutinized Evan for a few seconds before suddenly lashing out, closing the distance between them with alarming speed.
White tensed, ready to leap into action, but Evan gave no command, holding White back to avoid derailing his plans.
The exchange was brief but telling. Evan noticed the man’s punches, though powerful and precise, were not intended to kill. It was more like he was probing, testing Evan. And their techniques were nearly identical.
Realization dawned on the stranger as well, and he ceased his attack, panting with a mix of excitement and agitation. “You’re his disciple p>
Evan’s brow furrowed, neither confirming nor denying.
The stranger laughed maniacally, as if the heavens had delivered Evan into his hands. “Where is he p>
Evan knew instantly he was referring to his master, and it was clear there was bad blood between them.
Before Evan could respond, the man tilted his head menacingly. “If you don’t tell me, I’ll make you wish you had. I’ll find him, one way or another p>
Evan, undeterred, pressed, “What’s your beef with my master, anyway p>
“Kid, some feuds are too deep for you to understand p>
Evan was about to reply when p>