Chapter 220 - Arc 13: Wild Beast Plains | Chapter 220: Discoveries
Translator: Lynn
Sponsored chapter (2/4)
In front of them, over ten three-horned beasts are poised to strike. Yun Lie stands idle, observing the impending danger.
Quietly standing behind, Xu Ziqing watches as the wild beasts approach, his heart surprisingly calm. He extends his hand, and with a sudden surge of true energy, a blood-red seed materializes in his palm.
The seed drops to the ground, swiftly penetrating the soil. A sharp sound follows, and dozens of blood-red vines shoot forth!
Each vine is tens of feet long, as thick as a bowl, and exceptionally robust. Occasionally, inadvertently striking the ground, they split earth and rocks with formidable strength.
Flowing like a wave, the vines interlace, resembling a thick, extended blanket that sweeps through the wild beasts. Instantly, multiple triangular beasts are pierced by at least two vines, their hides shattered, and their flesh and blood emptied in an instant.
Extending his right arm, Xu Ziqing directs the vines to retrieve the inner alchemy from the beasts. Once the inner alchemy is secured, the vines contract, thinning until they vanish into the soil, reverting to a red seed. The seed reappears in Xu Ziqing’s palm and disappears.
This ability to manifest the demon vine dawned on Xu Ziqing after it divided into thirty-two branches. It appears to be the secret of the “Ten Thousand Woods Great Heart Planting Technique,” emerging in his mind as he advances in his practice.
Rongjin, as Xu Ziqing’s natal tree, serves as the foundation for practicing this method. When this natal tree gains the supernatural power of seed manifestation, all secondary trees and branches can employ the same ability. The immense power of this profound law becomes evident when cultivated to its highest depth, and this is Xu Ziqing’s reliance.
After reclaiming Rongjin, Xu Ziqing turns to Yun Lie, inquiring, “Shixiong?”
Yun Lie nods slightly, remarking, “Rongjin’s influence can be wielded effectively.” He then glances at Xu Ziqing, asking, “How does the blood-eating evil spirit feel?”
Under Yun Lie’s penetrating gaze, Xu Ziqing feels a bit exposed, a twinge of embarrassment and discomfort, though there’s a subtle sense of allure. Suppressing these emotions, he smiles and replies, “The hostility of these three-horned beasts no longer affects me.” With each advancement in cultivation, Rongjin’s branches increase, dispersing the influence of the blood-eating evil spirit. It dissipates rapidly, having minimal impact on him.
Yun Lie, trusting in Xu Ziqing’s honesty, nods and cautions, “Take care.”
Xu Ziqing’s heart flutters slightly, and his smile becomes gentler. “Yes, Shixiong.”
At that moment, a piercing eagle’s cry echoes in the sky, followed by the sound of wings slicing through the air.
Xu Ziqing looks up with a smile, spotting a golden-feathered eagle descending. Its brilliance is captivating, yet there’s a white bundle on its body, appearing somewhat comical and endearing compared to its large frame.
It turns out that Chonghua, being a monster, retains some of its animal nature even as Xu Ziqing’s pet. These days, he set Chonghua free to circle in the air and gain experience.
Hu Xue’er, already crafty at a young age, refused to act alone. When released, she would act coy, compelling Chonghua to carry her on his back as they soared through the sky together.
It’s unclear why they suddenly descended, but Xu Ziqing extends his right arm and waves to them from a distance.
In the next instant, Chonghua swoops down to the ground, causing a strong gust of wind that scatters the surrounding weeds. Chonghua’s wings unfurl, casting a vast shadow, while its talons grip the ground, crushing earth and rocks with formidable force.
Hu Xue’er, flicking her hind legs, leaps from Chonghua’s back.
Xu Ziqing feels a bit helpless, raising his hands and effortlessly catching her.
Following that, Chonghua and Hu Xueer flew back to the sky, leaving Hu Xueer behind.
Observing the scene, Xu Ziqing playfully remarked, “Is Xueer tired of flying?”
Hu Xueer, with her agile black eyes, wriggled for a moment, then leaped to the ground and bit onto her master’s trousers.
Unsure whether to laugh or sigh, Xu Ziqing asked, “What’s the matter?”
Hu Xueer, using all her strength, couldn’t budge him an inch. Frustrated, she let out a series of howls.
Understanding, Xu Ziqing said, “…Do you want me to go with you?”
Hu Xueer’s eyes brightened, and she nodded vigorously.
Squatting down, Xu Ziqing lifted her up and asked Yun Lie, “What do you think, Shixiong?”
Yun Lie, maintaining his composed expression, commented, “Sky foxes are sensitive; she must have sensed something.”
With a smile, Xu Ziqing said, “Then let’s go with her.”
Yun Lie agreed.
Rubbing Hu Xueer’s fluffy head, Xu Ziqing advised, “You can’t move me. If you want to guide the way, use your tail; it’s clearer.”
Hu Xueer rolled her eyes but promptly raised her long white tail.
Curiosity piqued, Xu Ziqing wondered where the young Sky Fox would lead them.
Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing walked side by side, following the direction indicated by the fox’s tail.
In the nearby wild beast plain, they had confronted numerous threats, but the direction Hu Xueer guided them in showed no signs of significant beast activity, gradually diminishing. It almost seemed as if they were being expelled.
Uncertain, Xu Ziqing glanced at Yun Lie.
Yun Lie nodded slightly, confirming Xu Ziqing’s suspicions.
As they advanced, the richness in the plain intensified.
Gradually, the atmosphere turned milky, distinctly different from the faint scarlet hue found where beasts congregated.
As they delved deeper, the fog thickened, nearly engulfing their figures.
An ominous feeling stirred in Xu Ziqing’s mind.
Brother!
Just as he was about to speak, he felt a firm grip on his wrist, powerful fingers locking tightly around him.
It’s his brother.
Relieved, Xu Ziqing grabbed Yun Lie’s palm in return, saying, “Shixiong, there’s something strange in this fog.” Despite being side by side, Yun Lie’s figure was obscured, making him indistinguishable. When he spoke, however, Yun Lie responded, “Stay focused.”
Acknowledging, Xu Ziqing replied, “I understand, Shixiong.”
Something was undoubtedly amiss in this fog. He had entered with his brother, and in times like this, sticking together was essential.
With various speculations in mind, Xu Ziqing considered that the fog might pose a natural danger, a formation, or some kind of supernatural power. Since it could block their spiritual consciousness, it wasn’t to be taken lightly.
They walked for an indeterminate amount of time until their senses blurred, and their moods grew uneasy.
Suppressing his disquiet, Xu Ziqing discarded other senses, concentrating solely on the touch in his hand. His senior brother remained as steadfast as a mountain, his palm’s strength unwavering. Yun Lie’s composure quickly settled Xu Ziqing.
He mused, If he could be as composed as his senior brother, he’d be a bit better off.
As they proceeded, the monotony couldn’t shake him anymore.
Having walked for an extended period, Xu Ziqing found it challenging to discern the passage of time within his consciousness. Gradually, however, his five senses started to sharpen.
Perhaps the fog was dissipating? Pondering this, he came to a halt.
Simultaneously, Yun Lie beside him also stopped and whispered, “Conceal your presence.”
Startled, Xu Ziqing wondered what his senior brother had discovered.
Yun Lie explained, “You have a technique, skilled at concealing your aura. I’m not as adept at it.”
Momentarily surprised, Xu Ziqing quickly grasped the situation and was even more astonished.
His brother intended for him to utilize the “Escape Wood Containing Breath Art” to seamlessly merge their breath with the vegetation… and take his senior brother along?
Although both could release their spiritual consciousness, Yun Lie insisted on maintaining secrecy.
Preferring to be close to his senior brother, Xu Ziqing didn’t initiate the contact. Instead, he extended his consciousness and cautiously explored ahead.
Half a mile, then one mile, two miles… not far off, the thick fog lifted, revealing a clearer landscape.
Wherever Xu Ziqing’s consciousness reached, numerous green grasses, low trees, and many small peaks of moderate height came into view. Though not as towering as those in the Immortal Sect, they were exceptionally rare in this plain.
Each small peak, however, exuded an ominous feeling.
The pervasive malevolence distinguished this place from where wild beasts gathered.
Xu Ziqing’s earlier speculations were now mostly confirmed.
The Wild Beast Plain wasn’t just inhabited by groups of wild beasts; countless monsters also dwelled here. This likely served as their habitat. The dense fog acted as a natural barrier, preventing easy intrusion by wild beasts, monks, and warriors into their domain.
Numerous powerful auras permeated the area, surpassing even Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie. It explained Yun Lie’s caution and his insistence on Xu Ziqing using the most potent concealment method. Yun Lie’s aura was too strong, and his killing sword intent was extremely domineering. Though he possessed a concealment method, in this wilderness teeming with weeds, the golden energy was particularly conspicuous. While he could hide individuals of the same level, concealing those of higher ranks proved challenging.
In contrast, Xu Ziqing’s “Escape Wood Containing Breath Art” was distinct. This technique allowed individuals to seamlessly blend with the vegetation. Anyone, unless proficient in a higher-level concealment technique, wouldn’t detect them. This uniqueness stemmed from the derivative exercises of legendary techniques.
Understanding his senior brother’s thoughts, Xu Ziqing took a step closer, releasing the true energy within his body.
This true essence, tinged with subtle wood energy, blended with the atmosphere of the surrounding weeds upon release. In an instant, it became indistinguishable from the surroundings. The wood energy surged rapidly, enveloping Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie within less than a breath.
Now, the two of them mirrored the nearby weeds. As long as Xu Ziqing’s true energy persisted, unless confronted by wood monks proficient in high-level exercises, they would remain undetected.
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