The Lazy Sovereign

The bandit leader took a step forward, his blade gleaming in the moonlight. His smirk was as sharp as his weapon.

"Now, be good lads and hand over the glowing thing on your hand," he said, pointing at Xu Tian's palm. "No need to make this messy."

Xu Tian hid his hand behind his back, forcing a nervous laugh. "Glowing thing? What glowing thing? I think you've got the wrong guy!"

The bandits exchanged amused looks.

"Boss, he's holding a hoe," one of them snickered. "Maybe he's just a farmer with a flair for drama?"

The leader's smirk widened. "Farmer or not, he's got something valuable. Boys, let's take it!"

Xu Tian stumbled back, clutching his hoe like it was the only thing standing between him and certain doom.

"Shen Feng," he hissed, glancing at his companion. "Any brilliant ideas?"

Shen Feng casually flipped a dagger in his hand, his grin unshaken. "Oh, I have plenty. But watching you flail around first is half the fun."

Xu Tian glared at him. "How are you this useless in a crisis?"

"Useless? I'm just saving my energy," Shen Feng replied, leaning against a tree. "Trust me, you'll thank me later."

As the bandits charged, Xu Tian swung his hoe wildly, yelling at the top of his lungs. Miraculously, he managed to trip one of them, sending the man sprawling into another bandit.

"Did you see that?" Xu Tian shouted, a mix of panic and pride in his voice. "I think I'm actually winning!"

The bandit leader growled. "Enough of this nonsense! Surround them!"

Before Xu Tian could react, a burly bandit grabbed his arm, yanking him forward.

The glowing seal on his palm flared to life, and a shockwave burst forth, sending the bandits flying in all directions.

Xu Tian blinked, staring at his hand. "Did I just… do that?"

Shen Feng whistled. "Not bad. Looks like your glowing cheat has a temper."

The bandit leader recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing. "You've got some tricks, but that won't save you!"

He charged at Xu Tian, his blade raised high.

Before the leader could strike, Shen Feng appeared behind him, moving with impossible speed. With a flick of his wrist, Shen Feng's dagger pressed against the man's throat.

"I'd rethink that if I were you," Shen Feng said, his tone light but menacing.

The leader froze, his blade trembling.

Xu Tian gaped. "You could have done that the whole time?"

Shen Feng grinned. "What can I say? Timing is everything."

The remaining bandits hesitated, glancing between their immobilized leader and the strange duo.

"Here's the deal," Shen Feng said, addressing the group. "You leave now, and I won't have to start counting fingers."

The bandits didn't need to be told twice. They dropped their weapons and fled, disappearing into the forest.

Shen Feng released the leader, who stumbled back, clutching his neck. "You… you'll regret this!" the man stammered before running after his crew.

Xu Tian slumped to the ground, his hoe falling from his hands. "That was the most terrifying thing I've ever experienced."

Shen Feng patted him on the shoulder. "You did great! Really, I'm impressed. You've got a knack for chaos."

Xu Tian glared at him. "Chaos? I nearly died!"

"Exactly," Shen Feng said, grinning. "And yet, here you are. Alive and glowing."

As the adrenaline faded, the seal on Xu Tian's palm began to pulse again. This time, the light was softer, almost inviting.

Xu Tian frowned, holding up his hand. "What now? Is this thing broken, or is it trying to give me a heart attack?"

Shen Feng leaned closer, his expression unusually serious. "It's pointing us somewhere. This isn't over yet."

Xu Tian groaned, picking up his hoe. "Of course it isn't. Why would it be? Lead the way, oh fearless guide."

Shen Feng chuckled. "That's the spirit! Onward to more trouble!"

As the two disappeared into the forest, the bandit leader watched from a safe distance, his eyes filled with rage.

"They think they've won," he muttered, pulling out a strange, glowing talisman. "But they've just made a powerful enemy."

The talisman flared to life, and a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness.

"What do you want?" the figure asked, its voice cold and menacing.

The bandit leader grinned. "Revenge."