Chapter 27: Shadows of Deceit
She wiped sweat from her brow and gave me a tired smile. "Thanks, Feng. But honestly, I couldn't have done it without your mist formation. It really slowed that thing down."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her admission. "Really? I thought you were doing all the heavy lifting."
She laughed, shaking her head. "No, your formation was a huge help. It's amazing how you can make your allies immune to it while it confuses the enemy."
I grinned, feeling a bit of pride swell in my chest. "Well, there's a trick to it. I modified it to disperse on making contact with a certain type of qi. I injected some of that qi into you while we were hiding together."
Her eyes widened in realization. "So that's why you asked me to give you my hand earlier?"
I nodded. "Exactly. It was a precaution, in case we got separated or had to fight in the mist."
She looked at me with a mix of admiration and gratitude. "You really think of everything, don't you? you can even track me with this qi , how far can you track me ?"
I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just trying to keep us safe. As for the qi I injected I can use runes that I created myself to track this qi signature in radius of 3 KM using a low level grade 2 rune but it has a disadvantage as well which is it can only last for 1 hour. "
Ning Rong shook her head. "You're too modest, Feng. You've got a knack for team play and I think we make the best team." she was beaming like a fool.
Her compliment warmed me more than I cared to admit. I have felt lonely ever since I came to this world , I try not to remember my past as much as I could and the one person who kept me sane all this while was this little girl who has grown up to be a crazy powerful character.
All my memories in this world involves her one way or the other. she was first person I saw when I was able to properly see , she was looking at me like I was the most wonderful toy in the world. I start chuckling whenever I think of that.
As we stood there, catching our breath, I glanced around at the carnage. Three flaming apes lay defeated, their bodies already cooling. The forest was silent again, the danger momentarily passed
We went on as we have to complete our mission , as we went on we killed a few other beasts although we tried to avoid bigger groups . We collected as much information as possible.
"We should get back to the others," I said, sheathing my sword. "No telling what else might be out here."
Ning Rong nodded, and we began making our way back to the camp. As we walked, I couldn't help but think about the Lin clan members we had seen struggling earlier. Ning Rong had wanted to help them, but I had advised against it.
"By the way," she said, breaking the silence, "you were right about not helping the Lin clan members earlier. They're our competition, after all."
I glanced at her, surprised. "Really? I thought you'd be mad at me for that."
She shook her head. "No, I get it now. We have to be strategic. Morals are important, but so is winning. We can't afford to be too soft."
I smiled, relieved she understood. "I'm glad you see it that way. It's not always easy to balance, but we have to look out for ourselves first."
As we approached the camp, we saw the others had already returned and were gathered around the fire. Wang Mie looked up and waved us over.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"We took down three flaming apes," Ning Rong said proudly.
Wang Mie raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Nice work. We've been keeping watch and haven't seen any sign of trouble."
I nodded, glad to hear it. "Good. Let's keep it that way. We'll need all our strength ."
We settled in around the fire, sharing our experiences and making plans for the next phase of our training.
"Looks like Wang Mie is already comfortable with those two new kids otherwise she wouldn't have taken the initiative to speak she is actually rather shy." I thought while reminiscing about my past in my past life I was very similar to her.
"Everyone I saw no one from lin clan in southern direction but I found that south has a beast king in high stage of body tempering realm , I saw it from afar , I think it's a shadow leopard, I fought one in mid level body tempering stage , it..... " Lu jing continued his story as he explained it's capabilities.
I feel like Lu Jing was excited about something and wanted show off in front of Rong but didn't probably because of those two kids .
"I found out ....." Ning Po disclosed his findings.
Next was Li Liang who explained his findings " Lin clan members aside from two people were all here in eastern part of the forest , they were fighting a middle level beast and holding their own mainly because of Lin Ji but it seemed like they were doing something with a device which I couldn't see properly but it had a pole.
As for beasts , there is probably a beast king in this part of forest at the peak level body tempering realm." he finished with a smirk.
"What how are we supposed to deal with something like that" Ning Po asked .
"I think it's the only Peak level beast in the entire forest and considering how troublesome these beasts are to find and kill , defeating it would basically ensure our victory." Lu jing said .
Lu Jing has gained three points on his tablets while Rong's and mine had a combined value of seven points and that's only because both of us were lucky enough to encounter mid level beasts on the first day and we have two more days before all of this is over.
"You are joking right " Ning Po asked already knowing the answer.
"Not really , I can handle it along with three of them ." Lu jing said in his usual serious manner as pointed Rong, sister mie and .Li Liang.
Basically every part had a of the forest had a beast king with east being the most dangerous and with that our planning for tomorrow started.
As the night wore on and all of us retired to our quarters , I couldn't help but think about the Lin clan and their true objective. There is no way a weird person present in a group , a xianxia world and people probably chosen by heavens .
Hmmm.... doesn't look like a great situation to me to me.
They were all here to prove themselves and to gain 'face' , but there was more at stake than just points and victories. There were deeper currents at play, and I had to be ready for anything.
.....
Outside the dome, on a different island, a foreboding silence hung in the air. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the dense forest below. Two figures stood atop a flying sword, suspended in the twilight sky.
One was a young man, no older than fifteen, with a sharp, calculating gaze that belied his age. The other was an old man with a long, silver beard, his eyes cold and piercing. They seemed out of place in the serene setting, their presence a stark contrast to the peaceful scenery.
"Jian Wuji," the old man spoke, his voice a low rumble that cut through the silence, "is the plan proceeding as expected?"
Jian Wuji nodded, his expression unchanging. "Yes, Elder Zhao. Everything is going smoothly. The island near the immortal's abode, under the jurisdiction of the Heaven Dao sect, has been successfully infiltrated by the Lin clan."
Elder Zhao's eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of satisfaction flickering in their depths. "Good. And the formation flag? Have they received it and do they understand how to and where to plant it?"
"Yes," Jian Wuji replied with a calm assurance. "The Lin clan has been provided with the formation flag. They have been thoroughly instructed on its usage and the exact location where it needs to be placed."
Elder Zhao stroked his beard thoughtfully, the wheels of his mind turning. "And the additional materials? The runic scrolls?"
"They have received everything necessary," Jian Wuji confirmed. "Along with the formation flag, they were given grade 2 runic scrolls to deal with any beasts that might interfere with their task."
A grim smile spread across Elder Zhao's face. "Excellent. The Lin clan is ambitious, but they lack the necessary resources to challenge the Ning clan directly. With our help, they will be able to weaken the Ning clan's position significantly."
Jian Wuji remained silent, his eyes fixed on the horizon. The sun had almost disappeared, leaving the sky painted with hues of red and orange, as if foreshadowing the bloodshed to come.
"The Heaven Dao sect will not take kindly to this," Elder Zhao continued, his tone contemplative. "But by the time they realize what has happened, it will be too late."
"The Lin clan knows what is at stake," Jian Wuji replied. "They understand the risks, but they also see the potential rewards. Their alliance with us is born out of necessity and a desire for power."
Elder Zhao nodded slowly. "Desperation can be a powerful motivator. Make sure the Lin clan is aware of the consequences should they fail us."
"They are well aware," Jian Wuji assured him. "They know that failure is not an option."
The old man glanced at the young prodigy beside him, a look of approval in his eyes. "You have done well, Jian Wuji. Your talents are being put to good use. Continue to oversee this operation closely. The success of this mission is crucial to our plans."
Jian Wuji bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment. "I will ensure everything proceeds as planned, Elder Zhao."
As the last rays of sunlight disappeared, plunging the island into darkness, the two figures remained on their flying sword, hovering silently. The night was still, the only sound the gentle rustle of leaves below.
"Elder Zhao," Jian Wuji spoke again, breaking the silence, "what of the Heaven Dao sect's response? They will not remain idle once they discover our involvement."
Elder Zhao's eyes flashed with a dangerous light. "Let them come. By the time they react, our objectives will have been achieved. We will be ready for them."
Jian Wuji nodded, his mind already calculating the next steps. "The Ning clan's defenses are formidable, but with this infiltration, they will be vulnerable. We must strike swiftly and decisively."
"Precisely," Elder Zhao agreed. "Timing is everything. The Lin clan's task is just the beginning. We have other plans in motion, plans that will ensure our dominance."
The two figures remained in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. The weight of their plans hung heavy in the air, a sense of impending doom that seemed to seep into the very fabric of the night.
"Elder Zhao," Jian Wuji said finally, "I will return to oversee the final preparations. The Lin clan's success is crucial, but we must also be prepared for any unforeseen complications."
"Go," Elder Zhao commanded, his voice firm. "Ensure everything is in place. We cannot afford any mistakes."
Jian Wuji bowed once more before stepping off the flying sword. With a swift motion, he descended towards the island, disappearing into the darkness below. Elder Zhao watched him go, his expression inscrutable.
The night was quiet again, but the silence was deceptive. Beneath the calm exterior, forces were at work, setting the stage for a conflict that would shake the entire continent.
As Elder Zhao stood alone on the flying sword, he could almost hear the echoes of the future battles, the clash of steel and the cries of the fallen. It was a sound he welcomed, a sound that heralded the rise of his faction and the fall of their enemies.
"Let the games begin," he murmured to himself, a sinister smile playing on his lips. The darkness of the night seemed to close in around him, a cloak of shadows that matched the depths of his ambitions.
The stage was set, and the players were in position. Now, all that remained was to see the plan unfold. And Elder Zhao had no doubt that it would be a spectacle to behold.
Chapter 28: A Monster
In the forest, the thick canopy of leaves cast dappled shadows on the ground below, creating an ever-shifting pattern. The air was thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, and the calls of distant creatures echoed through the dense foliage.
"Young master Lin Ji, what should we do? The task the clan has given us seems impossible. There is a silver basilisk at the peak of the Body Tempering realm in that area. We don't stand a chance—it took us so much effort just to defeat that mid-level frost boar!" a young boy, Lin San, said, his voice trembling slightly.
"Don't worry about that," Lin Ji replied, a calculating gleam in his eye. "I have my ways. As long as we reach within 20 meters of that snake, I will take care of it. But the problem is it's really good at sneak attacks. For us to reach that distance without losing lives is impossible unless..." Lin Ji trailed off, hinting at something.
Lin San came to a sudden realization. "That's a great idea, young master! We can use the Ning clan members as bait. We will be able to hit two targets with a single arrow," he said, excitement creeping into his voice.
Lin Ji nodded approvingly. "Exactly. Now, the challenge is to lure the basilisk out of its lair and towards the camp of the Ning clan."
"But how will we find the Ning clan's camp?" Lin San asked, furrowing his brow in concern.
Lin Ji smirked. "I've already taken care of that. Not only can I find them, but I have also come up with a plan to lure the beast. We need to ensure that the Ning clan people stay within a particular range of the basilisk."
"How will you do that?" Lin San asked curiously .
Lin Ji took out two vials of a blue concoction gleaming with iridescent light. "These are the special concoction that only be bought from the beast taming sect on the mainland.
It will do it's job but the problem is it's effect is too strong as it is grade 3 and we will have to deal with the beasts that get lured by it .
So be ready to defend yourselves as well , we will strike when they have the least numbers in their camp ." He said as ordered everyone to prepare.
In the morning all of them moved stealthily through the underbrush , careful not to make any unnecessary noise. Lin Ji had a special device, a small orb that pulsed with a faint blue light, designed to track the presence of other cultivators and beasts .
This was the device which helped him avoid more powerful beasts and even spy on basilisk from afar.
This was also a gift from Jian Wuji .
.
He held it in his hand, and its light grew brighter as they moved closer to the Ning clan's camp but something was interfering with the orb so it took more time than usual and it consumed a lot of qi , so he made Lin San carry the device.
"We're getting closer," Lin Ji whispered. "The orb is detecting their presence. Once we find their camp, we'll set our plan into motion."
As they crept closer, Lin Ji outlined his strategy. "We'll use the concoction to drive the beasts into a frenzy. We'll place it near the Ning clan's camp. When the basilisk comes searching for the source, it will inevitably encounter the Ning clan members. For now Prepare a camp of our own one kilometre away from their's."
Lin San nodded, impressed by Lin Ji's meticulous planning. "And what if the Ning clan decides to leave the area?"
"That's where our timing comes in," Lin Ji replied. "We'll need to place the concoction and then create a disturbance to ensure they stay put. Maybe we'll stage a minor attack to keep them occupied."
They soon reached a vantage point overlooking the Ning clan's camp. The Ning members were busy setting up their traps near a stream for beasts they have identified, completely unaware of the danger lurking nearby.
Lin Ji and Lin San retreated a safe distance to avoid detection." We have been waiting for some time now but they are not moving out for some reason there is no need to wait for too long" Lin Ji took out the concoction in a small vial. "This should do the trick," he said, handing the vial to Lin San.
"Place it about 50 meters from their camp, in the direction of the basilisk's lair. Make sure you're quick and don't get spotted while the rest of us will stage the attack."
Lin San nodded, taking the vial and moving swiftly towards the designated spot.
"Alright everyone get ready , we will attack their base and our goal is to pretend as if we are there to break their tablets , that is probably a deliberate loop hole in this competition and after Lin San uses the concoction we retreat as soon as possible as it will take effect in about 15 minutes." Lin Ji ordered.
....
In the forest, the air was tense with anticipation. My companions and I were gathered in a small clearing, going over our plans to hunt down a peak-level Body Tempering beast. The sound of rustling leaves and distant animal calls filled the silence between our discussions.
"Ning Feng, are you sure we can handle this beast?" one of my companions Ning Po asked, doubt creeping into his voice.
I nodded confidently. "Yes, Remember, it's not just about brute strength but also about strategy. We'll lure it into a trap and weaken it before going in for the kill."
Ning Rong, her face serious, was studying a map of the area. "We'll need to set up formations here and here," she pointed out, "to ensure it can't escape."
Just as we were finalizing our plans, Ning Rong's expression suddenly shifted. Her eyes widened, and she seemed to be concentrating on something unseen.
"Ning Rong, what is it?" I asked, sensing her unease.
She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them with a look of realization. "There's a disturbance nearby. It's the Lin clan members. They're coming this way, and... I think they're here to break our tablets, to eliminate us without harming us."
A cold smile spread across her face. "They're trying to play it safe. I'll go handle this." Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving the rest of us puzzled.
I watched her go, already aware of what she was planning. I had anticipated something like this and set up a stealthy sensing formation around our camp using various materials, covering a 500-meter radius. Ning Rong's departure didn't concern me; she could handle herself.
She moved silently through the forest, her steps barely making a sound. Her soul sense, heightened by her soul attribute physique, allowed her to pinpoint the Lin clan members' location with ease.
As she approached, she saw Lin Ji and his group preparing to attack.
Ning Rong stepped out from the shadows, her presence immediately noticed by the Lin clan members.
Lin Ji turned to face her, a smirk on his face. "Ah, Ning Rong. I wondered when you would show up. Are you here to stop us?"
She gave him a cold, defiant look. "Your little plan won't work. You think you can eliminate us by breaking our tablets? Pathetic."
Lin Ji's smirk widened. "Confident as ever. But confidence won't save you. You're outnumbered and outmatched."
Ning Rong drew her sword, her aura flaring. "Numbers mean nothing. I'll take you all down myself if I have to."
Lin Ji laughed, drawing his own weapon. "Bold words. Let's see if you can back them up."
With that, the tension snapped like a bowstring, and the forest erupted into chaos. Ning Rong moved with blinding speed, her sword a blur as she struck at Lin Ji. He parried her blow, their swords clashing with a shower of sparks.
The other Lin clan members rushed to join the fight, but Ning Rong was a whirlwind of motion, deflecting their attacks and countering with lethal precision. Her movements were fluid, her strikes deadly accurate.
Ning Rong felt the power of mid level body tempering from Lin Ji , he was older than Li Liang who was already on the cusp of high level at the limit of mid level body tempering so this much was expected from a clan's young master.
Ning Rong started to get a bit more serious as she started using her techniques and not just her qi to fight.
Lin Ji slashed at her throat while another girl threw a qi imbued dagger at her from behind , she ducked to dodge the sword and a pulse of qi was released from her like a veil but it concentrated on the point where the dagger was supposed to hit .
The dagger bounced off to the side , even the girl had a shocked face at this display of qi control and this was all the time Rong needed to counterattack as she flickered and appeared beside the girl who was a little distracted and smashed her tablet that was hanging on her hip.
A protective shield appeared from above in form of a light which also acted as a prison trapping her within .
Lin Ji couldn't match her speed since his movement technique was only at initial stage while hers was at intermediate.
Three of the five attacked from the front while two charged from both her flanks she withdrew her sword in her spatial bag and took a fighting stance. She caught the first sword with her bare hands coated in dense qi as she delivered an upper cut to his face while she side stepped another one knocking him out.
Lin Ji took this chance to charge straight at he thrust his sword forward but before he could move his sword towards her back , he reeled back in shock as he almost got skewered by the sword that appeared on her left hand behind her back which was pointing at his abdomen .
She swung her sword sideways in arc forcing back both the people on her flank as they attacked her in unison. Both of their hands were shaking from sheer force in that swing .
"What kind of monster is this , not only she is at mid level at such a young age but all of her techniques are at intermediate level and her qi control is out of this world , it's basically like fighting a high level monstrous beast ?" Lin Yun said.
Lin Ji's confidence began to waver as he realized just how outmatched his group was despite their numbers. Ning Rong was a force of nature, her combat skills honed to perfection.
"You underestimated me," she said, her voice cold and steady. "That will be your downfall."
Lin Ji snarled, trying to rally his comrades. "Don't let her intimidate you! We can still win!"
But it was clear that victory was slipping away from them. Ning Rong's relentless assault left them with little room to maneuver or counterattack.
Meanwhile, back at our camp, I was monitoring the situation through my sensing formation. I could feel the battle's intensity and knew that Ning Rong had things well in hand.
My companions and I remained on high alert, ready to intervene if necessary, but trusting in Ning Rong's abilities. We had come too far to let the Lin clan disrupt our plans now.
As the fight raged on, it became evident that Ning Rong's sheer willpower and skill were too much for Lin Ji and his group. One by one, the Lin clan members fell, either incapacitated or fleeing in defeat.
Lin Ji, now left without any 'face', faced Ning Rong with a mix of fear and anger. "This isn't over, Ning Rong. We'll be back."
She looked at him with icy resolve. "Next time, come prepared for a real fight. Now get out of here."
Lin Ji stumbled away, his remaining comrades following him. Ning Rong watched them go, her sword still at the ready, but she didn't pursue. She had made her point.
She returned to our camp, her expression calm and composed. "The Lin clan won't be bothering us for a while," she said simply.
I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips. "Well done, Rong. Now, let's get back to our original plan. We have a peak-level beast to hunt."
.....
Lin San reached his destination .
He carefully placed the vial and activated it, releasing a potent scent into the air. He gave the predetermined signal to his team and ran off .
After 20 minutes passed, the wind carried the scent towards the basilisk's lair, and almost immediately, everyone heard a distant, furious roar.
"Now, we wait," Lin Ji said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "The basilisk will be drawn out, and the Ning clan will have no choice but to deal with it and the funniest part is they were moving in that exact direction."
As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the air grew palpable. The ground seemed to tremble with the approaching beast's movements. Lin Ji and Lin San watched from their hidden vantage point, ready to fight if needed.
The basilisk, a massive, silver-scaled serpent, emerged from the forest, its eyes glowing with rage. It moved with terrifying speed and grace, heading straight for the source of the scent. As it neared the Ning clan's camp, Lin Ji signalled to Lin San.
"Stay within range, and let the basilisk do the work," Lin Ji whispered to himself, watching as chaos unfolded in the camp below. The Ning clan members, caught off guard, were now faced with a deadly threat.
Lin Ji smiled coldly. "Now, let's see how they handle this."
From their hidden vantage point, Lin Ji and Lin San observed as the Ning clan members fought to defend themselves against the enraged beasts.
Lin Ji knew that their plan was working perfectly. The beasts would either weaken the Ning clan enough for them to make their move, or it would drive them away from their position, allowing the Lin clan to proceed with their objectives unimpeded.
In the chaos, Lin Ji's mind raced with thoughts of the next steps. If the Ning clan survived, they would be significantly weakened, making them easier targets. If they fled, it would be a simple matter to move in and plant the formation flag without resistance.
"Everything is going according to plan," Lin Ji murmured, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
Chapter 29: Beast Wave
---
The sun had barely risen over the forest, casting a warm glow on the clearing where we, the Ning clan members, gathered to discuss the recent attack from the Lin clan. The tension in the air was palpable, and every member was on high alert.
"Why would the Lin clan target us now?" Ning Po muttered, his brow furrowed in frustration. "And with such a reckless plan to break our tablets, it's almost as if they wanted us to know they were here."
Ning Rong, her eyes narrowed in thought, responded, "It's a diversion, or perhaps a way to test our defenses. But whatever their intention, we must stay vigilant."
I nodded, glancing at the others. "We need to reinforce our positions and prepare for any further attacks. The Lin clan may have more tricks up their sleeves."
As we continued our discussion, a low rumbling noise began to echo through the forest, growing louder with each passing second. The ground beneath us trembled slightly, causing everyone to tense up and look around in alarm.
"What's that sound?" Li Liang asked, his voice tight with apprehension.
Before anyone could respond, the rumbling intensified, and the forest seemed to come alive with the sounds of crashing branches and heavy footsteps. From the north, west, and south, the ground shook as a horde of beasts surged toward our camp.
Ning Rong's eyes widened in realization. "A beast wave!" she exclaimed, her voice cutting through the rising panic. "They're coming from all sides. Everyone, prepare for battle!"
My heart pounded in my chest as I strained to hear over the mounting cacophony. The sound of snapping branches and the thunderous footsteps of countless beasts grew louder with each passing second.
"They're everywhere!" one of my companions exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice.
I could feel the qi in the environment swirling and churning, growing denser and more chaotic with each passing moment. The presence of mid-level beasts in all directions was unmistakable. Their powerful auras pressed down on us, suffocating and oppressive.
Ning Rong quickly took charge, her voice firm and commanding. "Li Liang, you hold the west. Lu Jing, you take the south. I'll handle the north.
Wang Mie, you'll fight here and deal with the beasts coming from the forest close to us across the river. Ning Po, you'll assist Wang Mie, and the rest of you, help her as well. Ning Feng, be ready to detonate the traps when the beasts cross the river."
I nodded, determination settling in my chest as I prepared myself for the oncoming battle. The clearing became a flurry of activity as everyone moved to their assigned positions. I could see the fear and resolve in their eyes, but we had never faced a situation so dire before. We would not and could not falter now or all of us will be toast.
As she finished speaking, the first of the beasts emerged from the forest. They came in a terrifying array of shapes and sizes: massive dire wolves with razor-sharp fangs, hulking bear-like creatures covered in thick, matted fur, and serpentine monsters that slithered with unnerving speed.
Qi swirled around us in violent currents, the air thick with the energy of the impending battle. The beasts' eyes glowed with a feral hunger, their movements synchronized as if driven by a single, malevolent will.
This is absolutely weird , it doesn't make any sense how can so many beasts attack us out of nowhwere but what's the problem here I have been monitoring everything for a while..... wait why did the Lin clan attack us out of nowhere and where is Ning Jian and why hasn't the elder from Lin clan arrived to pick up the lost member , she is still in that viel.
Ning Rong took her position to the north, her sword gleaming in the dim light. "Hold your ground!" she shouted, her voice unwavering despite the chaos.
Li Liang and Lu Jing moved to their assigned positions, their faces set with grim determination. Wang Mie stood ready near the river, his muscles tense and his eyes focused. Ning Po and the others took their places beside him, weapons drawn and prepared for the onslaught.
I hurried to the edge of our camp, where the traps were laid. The river was a natural barrier, but it wouldn't hold the beasts for long. I had to be ready to detonate the traps at the perfect moment.
---
From my vantage point, I watched as the first wave of beasts broke through the treeline. Their combined roars and growls created a cacophony of sound that echoed through the forest.
To the west, Li Liang stood firm, his spear glowing with a bright red light as he channeled his qi. He moved with precision his steps leaving a small explosion with each movement just like Ning Rong all his techniques were at inter mediate level.
Li Liang met the western wave head-on. His spear danced in the southern flank, his strikes swift and lethal.
He was slicing through the beasts with practiced ease. Each swing of his spear sent arcs of energy that cleaved through multiple creatures at once, his movements a blur of motion.
A huge dust cloud rose wherever he landed and all I could were brilliant flashes coming from various directions as one beast after another fell and then for the first time there was not the sound of something being ripped but instead sound claws and spear clashing.
Two mid level beasts were clashing with his spear in display of attacks and counter attacks.
To the south, Lu Jing faced a similar onslaught. He wielded his sword, its tip glowing with an iridescent silver light.
In his eyes there were only these beasts , all he could feel was his sword and all he could think about was saving the four people present here he considered family.
He knew he should conserve his qi but in front of him were two mid level beasts so activated his sword concept .
His sword started to vibrate releasing a pleasant hum, it glowed with a silvery hue and he saw many different strings in front of his eyes , they connected from various parts of his sword and led all the way to different parts of the beasts, all of them were different ways to kill the beasts .
He moved a single step back in that moment a flaming monkey missed his head by a centimeter , he slashed his blade in bottom to up motion cleaving the beast in half . Rest of the beast stood there rooted even under the effect of the potion.
With swift, fluid motions, he thrust his sword into the oncoming beasts, the silvery sheen stunning them before they could get too close. His agility and grace in combat were mesmerizing, each strike perfectly timed and executed.
"Keep pushing them back!" Lu Jing urged, his voice steady and calm despite the chaos around him.
"We can't let them overwhelm us and conserve your qi !" Ning Rong yellled at Lu Jing.
"Too late" Lu Jing thought .
Ning Rong was a force of nature in the north, her sword flashing like a streak of dark pink as she cut down beast after beast. Her aura was fierce and unyielding, her qi control so precise that she seemed to dance through the battlefield, evading attacks and delivering devastating blows with equal measure.
"Stay focused!" Ning Rong commanded, her voice ringing out above the din. "We can do this!"
Meanwhile, Wang Mie and her group fought valiantly by the river. The beasts surged toward them, their numbers seemingly endless. This area had highest concentration of the beasts.
"Be ready to charge , I am going to set off the traps they have entered the river ." I said as I created a few hand signs and a huge number of ice spikes formed in the river at the position from where the beasts entered the river .
A lot of beasts got impaled from behind and some got their limbs pierced but to my horror none of them stopped instead they were even more furious , they should have run away , I must find the source of this .
Lin clan must have planted something or used some kind of elixir to drive them this crazy but how can I solve this.
Ning Po and other member charged at the incoming beasts as they crossed the river in their injured state. they started killing them quickly but suddenly a bear like monstrous beast caught Ning Po off guard but instead of the paw crushing him to death , it was cleaved right off as some thing flashed by.
Wang Mie took out her bow her golden hair fluttering in wind and her eyes gleaming with a cold golden light, she started firing arrows, each shot fast as lighting and extremely precise , each strike sending shockwaves through the horde and crushing the beasts beneath it's might.
Ning Po and the others fought alongside her, their combined efforts creating a formidable defense.
"Stay together!" Wang Mie bellowed, her voice carrying over the roars of the beasts. "We can't let them cross the river!"
I stood ready with the traps, my heart pounding in my chest as I watched the beasts approach. The traps we had set up were crucial; they could turn the tide of the battle if used correctly. As the first wave of beasts began to cross the river, I activated the traps again this time one's I have set up on the bank, detonating them with a surge of my qi.
Explosions rocked the riverbank, sending plumes of water and debris into the air. The beasts were thrown back by the force of the blasts, their ranks momentarily disrupted. I seized the opportunity, calling out to the others.
"Now! Attack while they're disoriented!"
Ning Po and the others surged forward, their weapons flashing as they cut through the stunned beasts. The air was thick with the scent of blood and the acrid tang of smoke from the explosions. Despite the chaos, we fought with relentless determination, each of us pushing our limits .
---
To the west, Li Liang's defense held strong. He created a wall of blades and qi that the beasts could not penetrate. I watched as Li Liang unleashed a powerful qi wave, the energy rippling through the air and pushing a creature away that was in its path.
To the south, Lu Jing , had managed to corral the beasts into a bottleneck. Lu Jing's spear danced in her hands, each strike precise and lethal. The beasts fell one after another, unable to breach his defenses.
Ning Rong was a blur of motion in the north. Her movements were almost too fast to follow, her sword flickering like a silver flame as she cut down the beasts with ruthless efficiency. Even the most powerful of the mid-level beasts could not withstand her assault.
By the river, Wang Mie and his group continued to hold the line. The traps had given us a temporary reprieve, but the beasts kept coming but their numbers stated to dwindle.
Wang Mie's arrows rained down again and again, each blow injuring a beast. Ning Po and the others fought with equal ferocity, their combined efforts creating a formidable defense.
I continued to monitor the situation, ready to detonate more traps if necessary. The battle was far from over, and we needed every advantage we could get.
---
As the minutes ticked by, the tide of the battle began to turn in our favor. The beasts' numbers were dwindling, and our defenses held strong. we pushed the beasts back.
To the west, Li Liang was huffing and puffing as 3 mid level beasts lay at his feet and 10 low level beast beaten out of shape by his spear.
To the south, Lu Jing delivered the final blows to the remaining beasts, leaving the battlefield littered with their fallen bodies . he had a ragged breath.
In the north, Ning Rong stood victorious, her sword dripping with the blood of her enemies. She had held the line, her relentless assault leaving no beast standing.
By the river, Wang Mie and his group launched a final, desperate attack. With a last arrow piercing a shadow leopard , Wang Mie crushed the last of the beasts.
---
As the dust settled and the sounds of battle faded, a tense silence fell over the clearing. We stood amidst the carnage, our breaths heavy and our bodies weary. But we had won. The beast wave had been repelled, and our camp remained intact.
Ning Rong surveyed the battlefield, her expression grim but satisfied. "We did it," she said, her voice steady. "We held the line."
I nodded. "Yes".
"Be careful two strong ones are coming...no an there is something even stronger" Ning Rong Warned. as two creatures appeared from different directions.
But just as we were about to take a break both my and Rong's neck snapped in the river's direction and what we saw was a creature that was supposed to be our true target but right now we were in a very bad condition , every one was very tired.
As the dust settled and the sounds of battle faded, a hush fell over the clearing. The air was heavy with the scent of blood and smoke, and the ground was littered with the bodies of fallen beasts. But amidst the aftermath of the battle, a new presence emerged—a presence that commanded attention and instilled awe in all who beheld it.
From the depths of the river, a figure rose majestically, its silver scales gleaming in the dappled sunlight. It was a peak-level silver basilisk, its massive form coiled gracefully as it emerged from the water. Each scale shimmered with an otherworldly iridescence, casting rainbow hues upon the surrounding foliage.
The basilisk's eyes, twin pools of molten silver, glowed with an inner fire as it surveyed the battlefield with a regal air. Its presence alone seemed to command respect, instilling both fear and reverence in those who beheld it. It was a creature of immense power, a true apex predator of the forest.
But the basilisk was not alone. Flanking it on either side were two other formidable beasts—a high-level gold horn deer and a three-headed wolf. The deer stood tall and proud, its golden antlers gleaming in the sunlight. Its eyes, a brilliant shade of amber, radiated intelligence and strength.
Beside the deer, the three-headed wolf paced restlessly, its fur bristling with anticipation. Each of its heads bore a different expression—one fierce and aggressive, one cunning and calculating, and one wild and primal. Together, they formed a fearsome trio, a force to be reckoned with in their own right.
Chapter 30 : When a king stomps
"Ning Rong Come back , they are too powerful for any one of us to fight alone ." I shouted to bring her out of her reverie.
"Li Liang , Lu Jing you two retreat as well " Wang Mie said calmly but I knew that both of them were the most exhausted , I have been able to observe all the fights but at this stage I can only focus on one fight at a time so I missed what exactly happened in Li liang's fight .
Because I was too focused on Lu Jing , this person has already mastered a concept and a weapon concept at that .
It can not only improve the strength of his moves drastically but also in case of weapon concepts , it provides weird abilities like danger sense and superhuman mastery of that weapon.
His fighting capability is already at par with Li Liang's which is amazing considering , although I don't like to admit it , how talented he is and is older than Lu Jing by nine months and is already at mid level body tempering stage and can fight above his level.
"I will handle the three headed wolf " Lu Jing announced .
"I can also handle the gold horn deer by myself" Li Liang said.
"Normally , yes but you two are too exhausted , sister you should provide them both back up and nobody should hold back any longer , if the need arises use your unique ability." Ning Rong said facing Wang Mie.
" I will handle that silver basilisk. " She moved and so did the other two.
" Wait ! what about you ?" Wang Mie asked a little worriedly.
"Don't worry I have my own back up " she said glancing at me .
"But -" Wang Mie wanted to argue further but Ning Rong interjected " Sister Mie believe me I will be fine".
The three headed wolf charged at them with three different emotions on it's three faces making it look extremely creepy , Lu Jing took his stance ready to face it as their fight started.
On the other side , Li Liang held his spear as he activated his fire concept which was very close to reaching initial stage along with techniques which he had mastered that can compliment his preliminary concept.
Fire qi swirled around him like a torrent, his hair fluttering in the wind his hands were set aflame and his spear became bright red , he dashed towards the gold horn deer as it also charged at him .
When they both collided , spear meeting the glowing golden horns , the impact sent shockwaves in all directions .
The deer beast raised it's and stomped on Li liang who promptly swung his spear pushing the deer back , but suddenly a lot roots like extensions burst out ground and came for him , he weaved between them as he tried his best to not get captured by them .
He slammed his foot on the ground using explosive steps enhanced by his preliminary fire concept. He appeared in front of the deer who used his horns to clash with his spear as it deflected multiple attacks from it.
As the gold horn deer's roots burst from the ground and attempted to entangle him, Li Liang moved with a fluidity that belied his exhaustion. He twisted and turned, his spear a blur of motion as he slashed at the roots. The fire qi swirling around him burned with an intense heat, incinerating the roots that came too close.
With a fierce yell, Li Liang swung his spear in a wide arc, severing the remaining roots and sending a wave of flames cascading toward the deer using his 'Immortal hell fire' technique which was enhanced by his preliminary technique.
The beast recoiled shaking itself to get rid of the flames, its golden antlers shimmering as it prepared to charge once more.
Meanwhile, Lu Jing faced the three-headed wolf with unwavering determination. The wolf's three heads snapped and snarled, each with a different strategy in mind. The left head, cunning and calculating, darted forward, attempting to distract Lu Jing while the right head lunged for a lethal bite. The central head, wild and primal, watched with keen eyes, ready to strike at any moment.
Lu Jing's weapon, a long and slender sword, glowed with a faint blue light, a manifestation of his weapon concept. He moved with precision, his strikes fast and deliberate, parrying the attacks from the wolf's three heads.
The left head's feints were met with swift counters, the right head's lunges deflected with graceful ease. He was like a dancer, weaving between the attacks with a deadly elegance.
However, the wolf was relentless. It shifted its strategy, the central head launching a ferocious attack while the other two heads attempted to flank Lu Jing.
For a moment, it seemed as if the wolf's coordination would overwhelm him, but Lu Jing tapped into his reserves, his movements becoming even more fluid and unpredictable.
He spun and twisted, his sword cutting through the air with a whistle, meeting each attack with unwavering resolve. Then all of a sudden , it was as if the the whole area around Lu jing was submerged in a sea of needles, a surge of pain shot through the mind of the three headed wolf as it whimpered and stepped back.
Just at this moment an arrow plunged into the one of the heads of the wolf and the head that was waiting to do a sneak attack and was about yo strike despite the pain , the arrow shone in a golden hue.
This was Lu jIng's unique ability from his mid level concept present in his physique . He concentrated his qi on the sword as he activated his sword concept and this time a path that was in a 'S' shape appeared , this was path for him not just for his sword.
He moved trying to take advantage of the situation, he weaved his way along the path as he dodged one head attacking him and finally the qi exploded as he slashed .
A huge head of a wolf separated and another one had sword stuck on his forehead, he did this in a single movement . Lu Jing lay beside the corpse unconscious.
On the other side of the battlefield, Ning Rong faced the silver basilisk. The massive serpent hissed, its eyes glowing with a fierce intelligence as it magestic body slithered towards her.
It moved with a grace that belied its size, coiling and uncoiling as it prepared to strike. Ning Rong stood her ground, her sword held steady, her aura calm and composed.
The basilisk lunged, its jaws wide open, fangs glistening with venom. Ning Rong sidestepped the attack, her movements swift and precise. She struck at the basilisk's side, her sword leaving a shallow cut along its silver scales. The basilisk hissed in pain, its tail whipping around in an attempt to swat her away. She jumped back, avoiding the strike, her eyes never leaving the beast.
Ning Rong knew that this battle would require more than just physical strength. She began to channel her unique ability, her aura intensifying as she drew upon her inner reserves. The air around her seemed to hum with energy, the qi swirling and churning as she prepared for her next move.
.....
Li Liang was fighting the gold horn deer he held his own so far and with some help from wang mie's arrow volley the deer was more injured than he was but he was more tired .
He knew what he had to do he prepared to do one thing he liked the least but he wanted to control it as well , it was a very contradictory feeling .
Li Liang's breath came in heavy, labored gasps as he faced the gold horn deer. His body ached from the exertion, his muscles screaming for respite.
Despite the injuries he had inflicted with the help of Wang Mie's arrow volleys, the deer remained a formidable adversary, its golden horns glinting menacingly in the sunlight. The roots had receded temporarily, their charred remains littering the ground.
With a grim determination, Li Liang knew what he had to do. It was a technique he dreaded yet yearned to master—a contradiction that gnawed at his core. He prepared to unleash his unique ability, a power that held both promise and peril.
Drawing a deep breath, Li Liang began to accumulate his qi, channeling it from the depths of his dantian. The energy flowed through his meridians, growing more intense with each passing second. His spear, already glowing with residual fire qi, began to pulse with a brighter, more volatile light. Flames danced along the weapon's length, reflecting the inner turmoil he felt.
"Just a bit longer," he muttered to himself, his eyes never leaving the deer.
He needed to lure the beast into making a critical mistake. He steadied his breathing, focusing on the task at hand. The gold horn deer, sensing a shift in the air, pawed the ground and snorted, its golden eyes narrowing.
Li Liang took a deliberate step back, feigning exhaustion more severe than he felt. The deer, emboldened by what it perceived as weakness, charged forward, its horns aimed to impale him. The ground trembled with its approach, the roots around it writhing as if sensing victory.
"Now!" Li Liang whispered fiercely.
In the nick of time, he unleashed his unique ability. The accumulated qi within him surged outward, channeled through his spear in a blinding, explosive burst. A deafening roar echoed through the clearing as the energy erupted, creating a massive explosion that engulfed both him and the deer in a searing inferno.
The impact was immense, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Dust and debris flew in all directions, forming a thick cloud that obscured everything from view. The force of the blast knocked Li Liang off his feet, sending him sprawling to the ground. His vision blurred, the world spinning as he struggled to stay conscious.
As the dust began to settle, the battlefield grew eerily quiet. The gold horn deer lay motionless, its once majestic form now charred and broken. The explosion had taken its toll on both combatants.
Li Liang, his body battered and his energy spent, tried to rise but found his strength failing him. He managed a weak smile, knowing that he had succeeded in his task. The price had been high, but victory was theirs.
His vision darkened, and with a final, weary sigh, he succumbed to exhaustion. The world faded into blackness, leaving him in a deep, restorative sleep.
....
Pink lightning crackled around Ning Rong as she unleashed her unique ability from lightning concept in public for the first time, her body surging with power from her preliminary mid-level lightning concept. The entire area became charged with pink qi, the air humming with energy. She could sense an impending disaster, a foreboding that loomed over their heads like a dark cloud, especially with the strange silence from Ning Jian despite the events of the day.
She was covered in Pink Lightning enhanced by her preliminary mid level lightning concept even though it was only a prelimary , the boost it gave was not a small one , the whole area became charged with pink qi as she concentrated her lightning qi in feet to move at fastest possible speed while activating her movement technique.
Her body enhanced from her unique ability and concept used various intermediate level technique to barely match the peak level beast . This was her true limit for now
Her gaze narrowed as she scanned the battlefield. With a burst of lightning qi concentrated in her feet, Ning Rong moved at blinding speed. Her body, enhanced by her unique ability and lightning concept, became a blur as she dashed across the battlefield. She struck a random point.
The ground exploded where her attack landed, revealing the camouflaged basilisk. Its silver scales shimmered as it hissed in fury, its eyes glowing with rage. The battle was on.
She sensed the basilisk's presence despite its illusion.
The silver basilisk was cunning, and she knew it was using its illusion abilities to camouflage itself. Illusion-type beasts were rare, but in front of Ning Rong, who possessed a soul attribute physique, their tricks were not very effective.
The basilisk's illusion attribute was not fully developed; even with its powerful bloodline, true capabilities would only manifest at the Qi manifestation stage. Thanks to the knowledge I had shared with her and her own understanding, Ning Rong was close to reaching a preliminary understanding of the soul attribute.
For anyone else this was an extremely dangerous beast and can probably fight cultivators that are a level higher than itself.
Ning Rong's pink lightning surged around her as she closed the distance, her sword crackling with energy. She struck at the basilisk, aiming for its head, but the beast moved with incredible speed, evading her blow and countering with a swipe of its powerful tail. She barely dodged, the tail smashing into the ground and sending debris flying.
The basilisk lunged at her, its fangs bared. Ning Rong parried with her sword, sparks flying as metal met scale. She felt the beast's immense strength pushing her back, but she held her ground, using her qi control to stabilize herself.
With a swift motion, she channeled lightning qi into her sword, delivering a powerful slash that left a glowing pink trail. The basilisk recoiled, its scales sizzling where the lightning struck. But it was far from defeated. It lashed out with its tail again, faster this time, catching Ning Rong off guard. She was thrown back, skidding across the ground.
Gritting her teeth, Ning Rong rose to her feet. Her body ached, but she couldn't afford to falter. She concentrated, gathering her qi and using her soul attribute to pierce through the basilisk's illusions. The beast's form flickered, its camouflage failing under her scrutiny.
Ning Rong dashed forward, her movements a blur of pink lightning. She struck again and again, her attacks growing more precise as she adapted to the basilisk's patterns. The beast hissed in frustration, its illusions faltering as it struggled to keep up with her relentless assault.
Despite her progress, the basilisk's strength and speed were overwhelming. It managed to land several blows, its fangs grazing her arm but failing to penetrate the skin due to her defensive technique and tail whipping her side. Each hit drained her energy, but Ning Rong's qi control gave her an edge.
She was able to precisely allot her qi to right spots which reduced wastage and increased power of her blows. She channeled her qi into her sword, enhancing her attacks with bursts of pink lightning as she dodged a tail whip as she jumped and basilisk sensed an oppurtunity to attack , it coiled itself ready to attack but a pink lightning bolt fell on it .
Ning Rong had used the momentum from the jump to spin around in mid air and threw her sword towards the damn snake at the perfect moment when it coiled , the basilisk try to duck but the sword plunged on it's side. It hissed in pain.
The fight raged on, the forest filled with the sounds of their clash. Ning Rong's qi control and lightning allowed her to match the basilisk, but it was a grueling battle. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her body covered in cuts and bruises.
Just as she began to gain the upper hand, the basilisk stomped its tail on the ground with a force that shook the forest. A loud hiss echoed through the trees as its qi veins began to glow radiantly.
Ning Rong's eyes widened in shock as she felt the basilisk's power increasing dramatically. It was on the verge of a breakthrough.
The air around the basilisk seemed to shimmer as its qi began to materialize, taking a tangible form. Its scales glowed with an intense light, and the ground trembled beneath it. The forest fell silent, the only sound was the basilisk's ominous hiss.
Ning Rong watched in awe and trepidation, knowing that the battle was far from over. The silver basilisk, now posed an even greater threat. It was on the brink of a..... breakthrough.
Chapter 31: This time a Holy Demon?
Wang Mie had just helped Li Liang injure the berserk deer with its crazy defenses and assisted Lu Jing in killing the three-headed wolf. Before she could celebrate, she saw five members of the Lin clan charging toward them.
"What are you doing?" she shouted, her voice filled with rage. "This is against the agreement between our clans."
"You should worry about yourself," Lin Ji responded coldly as he surveyed the battlefield.
Lin Ji's eyes widened with shock as he took in the scene. Lu Jing, a mere youth at the limit of the low-level body tempering stage, had just killed a high-level beast. The sight was almost unbelievable. Lu Jing's body was battered and bloodied, yet the power he had displayed was undeniable. His mastery of weapon concepts and his raw determination had allowed him to achieve something that should have been beyond his capabilities.
"Impossible…" Lin Ji muttered under his breath, feeling a pang of unease. He had underestimated Lu Jing, a mistake that could have proven costly if not for their intervention now.
His gaze then shifted to Li Liang, who had gained the upper hand over the gold horn deer. The deer, known for its formidable defenses and berserk nature, had finally fallen under Li Liang's relentless assault. The air around him was still crackling with the remnants of his fire qi, his spear glowing with residual heat. Li Liang's prowess was formidable, his potential unmistakable.
Lin Ji's eyes narrowed as he turned to Ning Rong. He had personally fought her before, and her strength was seared into his memory. Now, she was holding her own against the peak-level silver basilisk. Pink lightning crackled around her, a testament to her unique lightning concept. Despite the basilisk's illusions and raw power, Ning Rong was matching it blow for blow, her qi control and combat prowess giving her an edge.
Lin Ji's mind raced as he processed the scene. The Ning clan's young warriors were far stronger than he had anticipated. If left unchecked, they would become an unstoppable force.
He felt a twisted sense of satisfaction, realizing that his clan had chosen the perfect moment to strike. The Lin clan had to act now, or else the entire Seven Great Islands would eventually fall to the Ning clan. He could see it clearly: the Ning clan's future dominance, with these prodigious talents leading the way.
"Attack!" Lin Ji commanded, his voice slicing through the tension.
The Lin clan members charged forward, their weapons drawn and qi flaring. Wang Mie braced herself for the onslaught, then turned to face Lin Ji.
As the Lin clan closed in, Wang Mie fixed Lin Ji with a fierce gaze. "Do you think I'm weak?" she demanded, her voice carrying over the din of battle. "Do you think I'm a soft persimmon, easy to crush?"
Lin Ji smirked, his eyes glinting with a mix of contempt and curiosity. "Weak? Soft? I see you as someone who clings to outdated agreements and naive ideals. This world doesn't favor the weak, Wang Mie. It crushes them."
Wang Mie's gaze hardened and a cold smile appeared on her beautiful face. "You underestimated me ."
Lin Ji's smirk faded slightly as him and his clan members were a little mesmerised by the beauty smiling in front of them.
"Power," Wang Mie retorted. "I'll show you what power truly means. I won't let your betrayal go unpunished." She said with a stony expression as her body started to emit an intense golden light.
"She is just like the others , use your full power , she is dangerous." Lin Ji yelled
Wang Mie drew her bow with full power and aimed at Lin Ji. At that moment, a swirling vortex of air appeared in the form of a donut behind her back.
"She has a concept at initial stage!" Lin San screamed, panic evident in his voice.
Lin Ji was taken aback as well. He had already lost count of how many times he was shocked today, but he didn't panic. "She might have a concept at the initial stage, but she has been fighting other beasts as well. She must have a considerable amount of qi left, and I am also at the mid-level body tempering stage. We can handle this."
But just as his voice fell, he saw an arrow bathed in golden light darting toward him. He used his movement technique and jumped out of the way. However, instead of moving past his location, the arrow turned mid-air at a 30-degree angle and struck two of his clan members.
The two were running together, one on the left side of the other and a little bit behind. They were both pierced by the arrow as it passed through their stomachs. Cultivators were resilient enough to not die from such injuries unless they were critical, but what truly horrified Lin Ji was the aftermath.
The wounds of his clan members began to shine golden. Their skin around the wounds darkened and started to wrinkle rapidly, as if decades were passing in mere seconds. Their flesh began to rot and decay, muscles shriveling and turning black. A foul stench filled the air, an acrid reminder of the horrific process.
Their eyes, once full of life, now stared wide in terror as their bodies betrayed them. The golden light spread through their veins, turning their skin translucent as the decay continued its gruesome march. Hair fell out in clumps, and teeth loosened, dropping to the ground. Their screams turned into gurgles as their throats constricted and rotted away.
Within moments, their bodies were nothing but skeletal remains, bones clinging with decayed flesh and muscles. The golden glow lingered, casting an eerie light on the gruesome sight. The ground was littered with remnants of what once were living warriors, now reduced to horrifying carcasses.
Wang Mie watched them without a hint of empathy. Her eyes were cold, her face a mask of cruelty. The air around her crackled with power, and she showed no remorse for the terror she had unleashed. Her gaze shifted back to Lin Ji, who stood frozen in shock.
"Is this the power you thought you could handle?" she said, her voice icy and calm. "You underestimated me again, Lin Ji... and that will be your downfall."
Lin Ji's heart pounded in his chest, fear gripping him. He had never imagined such a brutal display of power. The strength and ruthlessness of this crazy woman was far beyond his expectations. As he faced Wang Mie, he realized that the battle ahead would be more perilous than he had ever anticipated.
Lin Ji's mind raced as he saw his clan members decaying before his eyes. Fighting the rising panic, he barked orders to the remaining members of his clan.
"Coat the infected parts with your qi! Use your defensive techniques to isolate her decay qi from spreading. It will eventually dissipate, but it won't be easy while fighting. Stay focused!"
The remaining Lin clan members, their faces pale with fear, immediately began channeling their qi to their wounds, forming a protective barrier. The golden glow of the decay qi met resistance, slowly being pushed back, but the process was agonizingly slow. Sweat poured down their faces as they struggled to maintain their focus.
Lin Ji continued, his voice firm despite the turmoil inside him. "And be wary of those golden arrows. They can change trajectories due to her air concept. Keep your defenses up and stay alert!"
His eyes flicked back to Wang Mie, who stood confidently, her bow still raised and ready. He knew that dealing with her required not only physical strength but also strategic thinking. She was no ordinary opponent.
Wang Mie watched the Lin clan members with a cold detachment, noting how they struggled to fend off the decay. A faint smirk played on her lips as she pulled back another arrow, bathing it in golden light.
Lin Ji moved swiftly, positioning himself to protect his remaining comrades. His mid-level body tempering stage provided him with the strength and resilience to endure, but he knew they were still at a disadvantage. Wang Mie's arrows were not just weapons; they were instruments of terror.
"Spread out!" he commanded. "Don't give her a clear target. Move unpredictably!"
The Lin clan members obeyed, scattering and weaving as they kept a wary eye on Wang Mie. They knew that one misstep could lead to a fatal encounter with her deadly arrows.
Lin Ji felt a surge of determination. He couldn't let fear dictate their actions. They had to fight smart, using every bit of their training and qi control to survive.
As they maneuvered, Wang Mie released another arrow, its golden light gleaming ominously. The arrow darted toward one of the Lin clan members but abruptly changed direction mid-air, heading for another. The targeted member barely managed to deflect it with a qi-infused shield, but the effort left him visibly shaken.
Lin Ji's heart pounded as he tried to find a way to turn the tide. The realization hit him hard: this was not just a battle of strength but of wits and endurance. They had to outthink and outlast their formidable opponent.
With a deep breath, he refocused, gathering his qi and preparing for the next onslaught. He had to protect his clan and find a way to overcome Wang Mie's terrifying power.
Lin Ji's mind raced, the chaos around him a blur. He couldn't fathom the power Wang Mie wielded, nor the cold cruelty she exhibited. The sight of his decaying clan members haunted him, their flesh turning to dust under the influence of her decay qi.
"What kind of demon is she?" he thought, his pulse quickening. "A demon with a golden aura that feels so holy."
Despite his mid-level body tempering stage and his considerable skill, he felt a chill run down his spine. The power radiating from Wang Mie was unlike anything he had ever encountered. Her arrows, glowing with an ethereal golden light, were not just weapons but harbingers of death and decay.
His clan members were fighting desperately to contain the decay qi. They wrapped their qi around the infected parts, forming defensive barriers to isolate the corrupting energy. But it wasn't easy. The decay qi clung stubbornly, resisting their efforts to expel it. They fought to maintain their focus, knowing that any lapse could be fatal.
Lin Ji issued a stern command, his voice cutting through the panic. "Stay focused! Keep your defenses up and isolate the decay qi. It will dissipate eventually, but we must hold on until then."
The remaining Lin clan members obeyed, their movements becoming more coordinated as they formed a defensive formation. They spread out, moving unpredictably to avoid becoming easy targets for Wang Mie's arrows.
Lin Ji watched Wang Mie closely, his eyes narrowing. She stood tall, her bow raised, another golden arrow nocked and ready. Her expression was one of calm confidence, a stark contrast to the fear and desperation gripping his own clan.
His clan members , scattered and weaved as they kept a wary eye on Wang Mie. Each movement was calculated, each step a testament to their training.
As he gathered his qi, preparing for the next onslaught, he couldn't shake the image of Wang Mie from his mind. She was a force of nature, a warrior with a golden aura that seemed to radiate both holiness and horror.
"I guess I will have to use it here." He was very vexed about the situation , the trump card they had prepared for that peak level beast was going to be used so early .
"Even the tablets have stopped working." He thought.
Lin Ji's hand trembled slightly as he pulled out a grade 2 talisman, its surface etched with intricate runes and emanating an aura of pure destruction. The talisman thrummed with power, a tangible force that seemed to distort the air around it. He held it tightly, ready to unleash its devastating potential on Wang Mie.
Wang Mie, meanwhile, was catching her breath, ranting about her almost drained qi reserves. "Damn it, I don't have much qi left," she muttered, her eyes scanning the battlefield. Her gaze fell on Lin Ji, the last significant threat standing against her. As she focused on him, she noticed the overwhelming energy signature radiating from his hand. Her eyes widened in alarm.
Lin Ji was about to hurl the talisman toward her when a sudden, ominous hiss pierced the air. Both of them turned to look in the direction of the sound. There, they saw the furious and injured silver basilisk, now grown to an immense size comparable to a house. The beast's scales glowed radiantly, and its eyes burned with unrestrained fury. It was preparing to release a catastrophic attack on Ning Rong, who was desperately holding her ground.
However, the basilisk's soul sense also locked onto Lin Ji and Wang Mie, its murderous intent palpable. Lin Ji's heart pounded as he realized the beast intended to annihilate all of them in one fell swoop.
"Damn it," he cursed under his breath. He knew he had no choice. Instead of directing the talisman at Wang Mie, he turned it towards the basilisk, his face set with grim determination.
With a swift motion, Lin Ji activated the talisman and launched it at the silver basilisk. The talisman erupted in a blinding flash, releasing an all-engulfing burst of ice.
The temperature plummeted instantly as the wave of icy destruction expanded outward, encasing the massive basilisk in a thick layer of crystalline frost. The beast roared in fury and pain, but the ice spread rapidly, freezing its movements and silencing its wrathful cries.
The battlefield fell eerily silent as the ice settled, completely encasing the basilisk within a colossal, glittering block of frost. The radiant glow from its scales dimmed, now trapped beneath the icy prison.
Wang Mie gulped, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and relief. The sheer power of the talisman, combined with the sudden neutralization of such a formidable beast, left her momentarily speechless.
Ning Rong, still catching her breath, met her gaze across the battlefield. The brief moment of understanding passed between them—an unspoken acknowledgment of the unexpected turn of events .