Jiang Ming and Lin Feng stood in the clearing, nervously watching their surroundings. The vibrations and subtle sounds from the ground indicated that the enemy was moving underground, looking for an opportunity to attack. The mist had dispersed, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, making everything around them remarkably clear.
Lin Feng, with focused concentration, gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's. He could feel the enemy's movements; even though it was underground, the slight vibrations of the ground betrayed its position. Jiang Ming also sensed the approaching danger, nervously holding the handgun Lin Feng had given him, trying to stay calm.
Sweat had already seeped into Jiang Ming's palms, but he tried to maintain steady breathing, his eyes fixed on Lin Feng's every move, attempting to draw strength from him. Although his heartbeat was racing, he knew he had to stay focused and not let any fear affect his judgment.
"Get ready," Lin Feng said in a low voice, staring intently at the ground. "It's right beneath us."
Jiang Ming nodded, gripping the handgun tightly, his fingers trembling slightly. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He knew the tension and anxiety of this moment were unavoidable, but he also knew he had to overcome these emotions to fight alongside Lin Feng against the earth wyrm.
Suddenly, the ground cracked open, and the earth wyrm burst forth. Its massive body was covered in thick scales as hard as rock, each one gleaming with a grayish-brown sheen. Its eyes were sunken on the sides of its head, glowing with a cold light, and its sharp rocky teeth glinted menacingly. The earth wyrm's body was long and winding, covered in dirt and rubble, giving it an unfathomable appearance.
Instinctively, Jiang Ming took a step back, eyes wide with surprise and a hint of fear, but he quickly adjusted his stance and steadied his footing.
Lin Feng, having prepared in advance, swiftly activated his Wind Breathing technique, moving as agile as the wind, sidestepping the earth wyrm's sudden attack, and then swung his sword to counter.
"Wind Blade Wings!" Lin Feng chanted, and the blade emitted a sharp wind noise. In an instant, the sword's edge transformed into numerous wind blades, slicing towards the earth wyrm from all directions like sharp wings.
"Storm Impact!" A whirlwind swirled up, lifting the dust from the ground, forming a protective circle around Lin Feng and Jiang Ming.
The earth wyrm struggled against the combined assault of the whirlwind and wind blades. Lin Feng's wind blades were precise and lethal, each strike carrying the formidable power of the wind, slashing fiercely at the wyrm's scales.
The scales sparked under the wind blade's assault, gradually cracking. The earth wyrm roared in fury, trying to burrow back underground to escape.
At this moment, Jiang Ming, gripping the handgun tightly, aimed at the wyrm's exposed broken scales. He took a deep breath, steadied his mind, and then decisively pulled the trigger. The bullet whizzed out, hitting the wyrm's wound accurately. A flash of excitement and confidence crossed Jiang Ming's eyes as he saw the bullet hit its mark, feeling as though his heartbeat momentarily slowed.
The earth wyrm's body trembled violently, letting out a painful roar, its massive form exposed once again to the whirlwind and wind blades. Jiang Ming's expression shifted from initial nervousness to determination, knowing he had succeeded.
Seizing the opportunity, Lin Feng intensified his assault, his blade like lightning in a storm—swift and deadly. Each strike was impeccably precise, eventually driving the earth wyrm into full retreat. The earth wyrm collapsed powerlessly to the ground, struggling a few times before finally lying still.
A fox demon's gaze fell upon the fallen earth wyrm, a flicker of anger and unwillingness in her eyes. Her expression twisted slightly for a moment but quickly returned to calm. She knew the situation was unfavorable and continuing to fight would only put her in greater danger.
The fox demon stepped back gracefully, each step exuding elegance and confidence. Her voice was sweet and seductive, looking at Lin Feng and Jiang Ming with a faint smile.
"It seems your strength is greater than I imagined, hmm." She chuckled softly, her voice carrying a hint of unwillingness and provocation. "But, let's call it a day for now."
Her smile was like a gentle spring breeze, soft yet full of danger. Lin Feng and Jiang Ming watched her nervously, fearing she might suddenly attack. However, the fox demon merely smiled, turned around, and gracefully departed.
Her figure gradually disappeared into the woods, leaving behind her enchanting voice lingering in the air: "Next time we meet, I'll get serious."
Jiang Ming looked in the direction the fox demon had left, still somewhat dazed. Lin Feng, on the other hand, remained vigilant, ensuring the fox demon had indeed left. The faint scent of the fox demon still lingered in the air, making one's mind sway.
Their car was damaged, and they still had some distance to go to Longyin Mountain. Lin Feng dialed the phone number of the relevant manager at the Exorcist Association, reporting what had happened.
After hanging up, Lin Feng turned to Jiang Ming and said, "President, please wait a moment. The association will send someone to pick us up soon."
Jiang Ming nodded slightly. "Brother Feng, no need to be so formal. Just call me Xiao Ming."
If it weren't for Lin Feng, he might have been killed by those two demons. Although Jiang Ming now held the title of president, he didn't dare to put on airs in front of Lin Feng, especially after witnessing Lin Feng's strength. He knew he was weak and would need Lin Feng's protection for a long time to come.
Lin Feng responded lightly, "I'm more accustomed to calling you President."
Seeing that persuasion was futile, Jiang Ming did not continue to insist.
After a moment of silence, Lin Feng suddenly spoke, "You did well just now. This wasn't your first encounter with a demon, was it?"
"Before, in an alley in Donghai City, I saw a cat demon. I almost died, but luckily Liu Yiyi arrived in time to save me. You know..." Jiang Ming rambled on, finally having someone to confide in after a long time. After hearing about the cat demon incident, Lin Feng provided Jiang Ming with some additional knowledge about the Breathing Techniques, though he only gave a brief overview.
Lin Feng used the Wind Breathing technique, which, combined with specific moves, greatly enhanced combat power.
After learning about the Breathing Techniques, Jiang Ming began to recount some interesting events from high school, which made the two of them feel less like strangers.
Lin Feng listened to Jiang Ming's stories, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, occasionally frowning, occasionally smiling.
"It seems you like Li Ting?"
Jiang Ming's voice suddenly grew louder, "No, I just think she's pretty."
"I understand, I understand!" Lin Feng gave a knowing smile.
Lin Feng threw the cigarette to the ground and stepped on it. "They're here!"
Jiang Ming looked up to see three giant flying birds swiftly approaching, cutting through the air with great momentum.
These birds spread their wings like they could cover the sky, their bodies covered with thick feathers and hardened scales, emitting deep and resonant cries that pierced the air.
The first to land was a tall white crane, elegant in posture, with long neck feathers and wide wings, wielding a slender beak. Zhao Mingcheng, clad in a deep blue robe, stood steadily on the crane's back, his chest embroidered with golden wave patterns, symbolizing the power and fluidity of the Water Breathing technique.
His gaze was calm and profound, displaying a sense of fluidity akin to water. He held a finely crafted water-patterned sword, the blade shimmering like flowing water.
Following closely was a red phoenix, its feathers vibrant and colorful, flying with grace. Ying Yanjie, dressed in a red robe, stood on the phoenix's back, her robe adorned with leaping flames, showcasing her mastery and determination in the Fire Breathing technique.
Ying Yanjie was tall and slender, with long, shiny black hair cascading over her shoulders, the slightly wavy ends gently floating in the wind. Her eyes were deep and intense, her pupils seemingly holding a burning flame.
She held a silver long sword, the blade engraved with phoenix patterns. The sword glinted with a faint red light in the sunlight, as if flames were licking the blade.
Lastly, a tall green parrot landed, its feathers a vibrant green, with lively eyes. Li Qinglin, dressed in a green robe, sat on the parrot's back, his robe adorned with leaf patterns. He smiled, exuding a gentle yet firm demeanor, blending seamlessly with the parrot, displaying his deep connection with nature.
He held a bronze longbow, inlaid with exquisite green gemstones, and the bowstring was woven from green bird feathers, each draw seeming to harness the power of nature.
Lin Feng promptly provided Jiang Ming with additional information, "President, based on their attire and mounts, we can quickly identify which department they belong to in the association. The one in the blue robe is Zhao Mingcheng from the Water Department, the one in the red robe is Qin Yanjie from the Fire Department…"
"These three are outstanding talents of the younger generation in their respective departments, excelling in both strength and talent."
The three dismounted from their birds and approached Jiang Ming.
"Greetings, President!" they said in unison, cupping their fists.