In reality, when Old Lin repelled the internal energy in his consciousness, the colossal grizzly bear form dispersed like smoke, and the grey-clothed man emerged, his face filled with astonishment.
Sensing the sudden disappearance of the internal energy, Old Lin also opened his eyes.
"Kid, bring on any other tricks you've got."
Old Lin's arrogant demeanor returned, though he was using Li Chonglou's body and thus discarding Li Chonglou's image.
"Senior, you should take it easy."
Li Chonglou thought to himself that this guy really learned nothing from his past pain. If it hadn't been for his reminder just now, he'd probably still be crawling between someone's legs!
However, Old Lin's thick skin made him ignore Li Chonglou's words, and he continued to stare at the grey-clothed man with a provocative gaze.
Li Chonglou's thoughts stirred, and he suddenly said, "Old Lin, find out his background."
The grey-clothed man was initially astonished that Old Lin could break his killing move so quickly. But under Old Lin's provocation, his face quickly turned furious.
"You think I can't kill you like a giant?!"
The grey-clothed man leaped into the air, pulled a soft staff from his waist, and swung it directly at Old Lin's head.
The staff was soft when drawn, but as the grey-clothed man raised it above his head, it emitted a metallic sheen, stronger than steel. It was imbued with his aura, as if they were one.
Old Lin dared not confront it directly and retreated, but he fell right into the opponent's trap.
"Bang!"
There was still half a meter between them, but the tip of the staff suddenly extended. Old Lin hadn't anticipated this and was hit in the chest by the staff, feeling a burning sensation.
But this only ignited Old Lin's fighting spirit.
"Using sneak attacks?"
In an instant, Old Lin, enduring the pain, lunged forward. The grey-clothed man was airborne with no leverage, and Old Lin directly attacked his vital spot, closing the distance.
It was known that weapons generally had a range limit. When the distance was too close, the sharp weapon became a hindrance. The grey-clothed man could only smash downward with his gripping hand.
"I'll show you true helplessness!"
Old Lin roared, startling the grey-clothed man, not by the volume of his voice, but by his words.
What man wouldn't fear this? The grey-clothed man instinctively clenched his legs, his attention focused entirely on his crotch.
"Bang."
Old Lin punched the grey-clothed man in the stomach with immense force, sending him flying. Old Lin took a deep breath, slightly adjusted the internal energy in his body, gathered it at his feet, and seized the opportunity to press his attack again.
In desperation, the grey-clothed man could only throw his staff to force Old Lin to stop.
Dispelling the force in mid-air, the grey-clothed man landed steadily, but his expression was somewhat grim.
"I don't kill nameless dogs. State your name and I'll leave your corpse intact."
Old Lin held the opponent's staff with a disdainful look.
"You forced my hand!"
It was only then that the grey-clothed man realized Li Chonglou's power. In terms of internal energy alone, he had no advantage, and his combat awareness and skills were equally matched.
However, the most significant factor was Old Lin's venomous tongue. While their strength was roughly equal, he was at a complete disadvantage mentally. Few could withstand such provocation!
As soon as he spoke, the grey-clothed man's aura surged again. His powerful presence even stirred a breeze around him, and his grey clothes fluttered slightly.
Those in the distant chaotic battle involuntarily stopped their actions and looked over.
"This aura!"
Long Fei was terrified, and the hope that had returned to his face dimmed again. It had to be said that Old Lin's habits not only angered enemies but also boosted teammates' confidence. Long Fei truly looked at Li Chonglou with newfound respect.
Unfortunately, in the face of absolute power, all else was merely talk.
Although Green Bull and A Niu did not feel it as deeply, they sensed the change in the grey-clothed man. Even from a distance of more than ten meters, they felt a sense of dread from that aura.
As for the grey-clothed man's accomplices.
"The master is about to use that move, retreat first."
The leader waved his hand, and the other six followed, retreating backward.
"Uh, they're leaving."
As the grey-clothed men arrived, they immediately caught A Niu's attention. He was just an ordinary person, and the grey-clothed man's aura affected him the most, but also the least. Therefore, most of his attention was focused on the seven-person team.
His reminder also made Long Fei realize the unusual situation, and he decisively said, "We should retreat too!"
The seven-person team was retreating towards the northern exit, while the three were naturally coming from their original path. Between the two was Li Chonglou and the grey-clothed man, their eyes meeting.
"Senior, he's likely used a secret technique to forcibly raise his cultivation."
Li Chonglou reminded him at the opportune moment. Old Lin understood and nodded slowly, "Don't worry, I'll handle it."
In this situation, the best course of action was undoubtedly to avoid the direct confrontation.
Old Lin also chose to retreat immediately, planning to create some distance and observe. However, the moment the grey-clothed man moved, he knew this strategy wouldn't work.
"Chiu!"
The grey-clothed man's speed became as fast as lightning. In less than a second, he had already appeared before Li Chonglou, his palm wind like a sword, aimed directly at Li Chonglou's neck.
In his haste, Old Lin dodged by bending down and kicked towards the man's abdomen with an ascending dragon kick, simultaneously bracing his hands on the ground to use the momentum.
However, the grey-clothed man's speed was too great. As Old Lin was just getting into position, the grey-clothed man had already twisted to the side and delivered a powerful counter-kick to Li Chonglou's waist.
"Damn it!"
Old Lin felt a force even more intense than before and couldn't help but curse. Although the kick landed on Li Chonglou's body, it was felt on his face.
After all, he had agreed so readily just moments ago. This time, without Li Chonglou's request, he already felt his own face burning with shame.
But the grey-clothed man's assault did not stop. He then struck Li Chonglou on the back, sending Old Lin crashing to the side.
Not only had he failed to extract information, but he had also taken a beating. Li Chonglou immediately said, "Let Stone take over."
At this moment, the grey-clothed man was still relentlessly pursuing. Old Lin had no time to respond and could only fight back in a desperate manner.
This guy's speed and strength had increased significantly. With every punch, Old Lin could feel his arms throbbing with pain. Although the opponent's technique was far inferior to his, sheer force could overcome all else.
By now, the time Li Chonglou had mentioned had long passed. Seeing that Old Lin was unable to cope, Li Chonglou made a decisive decision.
"Retreat first! Let Stone take over!"
Old Lin gritted his teeth, "No need, I've thought of a way!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Old Lin, using Li Chonglou's body, endured a punch from the grey-clothed man and wrapped his hands around the man's neck.