Fang Cheng Lang couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation at Lan Zi Yu’s bold and arrogant demeanor.
Just as the two seemed ready to start an argument, Ye Cong Xin tugged gently on Lan Zi Yu’s sleeve and softly reassured Fang Cheng Lang, “Senior Brother, we’ll keep it in mind.”
Lan Zi Yu snorted, turning his head away, but refrained from making any further contrary remarks.
Seeing this, Fang Cheng Lang suppressed his dissatisfaction and let it go.
Though the two appeared to reconcile, a subtle yet unnoticeable rift had been sown.
“Damn it, how unlucky!”
The seven-member group scrambled for their lives, running dozens of miles before finally collapsing, gasping for breath. Relief at having survived mixed with resentment and hatred was written all over their faces.
Kui Zi, who had suffered a slap earlier and then ran tirelessly for miles, was now both hungry and exhausted. His anger had significantly dissipated.
He made an impulsive suggestion. “Dragon Roar Valley is too dangerous. Brothers, let’s not stay here to stir up trouble.”
Though fortune is sought amid danger, one must know their limits.
Now that even sect disciples were involved, their chances of sneaking in unnoticed had drastically decreased. One misstep, and their lives could be forfeit.
Was it worth it?
The others were visibly tempted by his words. United, they could intimidate a few scattered cultivators, but facing a real powerhouse, they were utterly helpless. The recent events were a stark reminder of that.
Still, as the group’s decision-maker hadn’t spoken, they didn’t dare voice their thoughts openly.
Instead, they all turned to the effeminate man, waiting for his decision.
As the strategist, the effeminate man was already thinking far ahead. He had realized the rumors about the Seven-Colored Deer were likely a scam. Even so, leaving empty-handed felt demoralizing.
With the situation now stacked against them, persisting would only bury their remaining years in this valley.
He made a decisive call. “We’re leaving Dragon Roar Valley now. We’re done playing with them!”
The others couldn’t hide their relief, quickly nodding in agreement.
But as they prepared to head toward the valley’s exit, a low, raspy voice echoed chillingly.
“Apologies, everyone, but none of you are leaving today.”
The seven froze, drawing their weapons as they warily eyed the source of the voice.
A lean, poised figure emerged from the shadows. The man appeared young, dressed in an unfamiliar, peculiar outfit, with a silver necklace around his neck and lips red as blood.
After confirming he was alone, the group subtly relaxed.
The effeminate man signaled, and Kui Zi, as usual, stepped forward to provoke.
“Boy, you’ve got some nerve! Do you think the Yin Mountain Seven Tigers are pushovers? Scram, or we’ll take your life!”
Provocation required finesse.
Against genteel-looking types like Zhang Jun, a bold approach could intimidate. But with enigmatic figures like this, threats were often the best tactic to scare them off.
“Pitiful rabble.”
Wu Shao Zhen sneered coldly, his voice dripping with disdain and malice.
The seven were incensed by his indifference. With a quick exchange of glances, they unleashed their spiritual power in a burst of multicolored attacks—sword energy, blade flashes, and wind blades—all aimed straight at him.
Wu Shao Zhen didn’t move an inch, standing calmly in place.
The effeminate man’s expression turned suspicious.
A moment later, his face twisted in terror. “Run!”
The dazzling array of attacks struck Wu Shao Zhen, but his body scattered like sand, exploding with a puff. No blood splattered.
Instead, a swarm of insects buzzed into view, covering the sky as they swarmed toward the group.
Each insect, about the size of a thumb, was a sinister dark red with sharp, gleaming mandibles.
The seven panicked, scattering like startled birds. Yet, no matter how fast they ran, the insects were faster.
The first to fall was Kui Zi, the weakest of them.
Blocked on all sides, Kui Zi collapsed in despair, falling to his knees. He knocked his head against the ground repeatedly, desperate.
“Senior! Senior… I’ll serve you faithfully, anything you wish! Spare me! I don’t want to die! Please, don’t let me die!”
“A worthless worm like you should be honored to serve as nourishment for my Gu Insects.”
The raspy voice passed judgment.
Kui Zi didn’t even have time to scream before the ravenous insects devoured him, leaving behind a gleaming white skeleton.
“Haha… None of you will escape.”
“Ha… ha… ha…”
The effeminate man’s chest burned with every breath, as if a fire was raging within. Though his spiritual energy was drained and his body felt leaden, he dared not stop running.
He had witnessed Kui Zi’s gruesome end with his Divine Sense—a helpless meal for the repulsive swarm.
He refused to meet the same fate. He had to run, no matter what!
But soon, the shadow of death loomed over him again.
The ominous hum of wings grew louder behind him.
That man was coming!
Despair sprouted like weeds in his heart. His teeth clenched, his expression contorted.
If resistance was futile and death inevitable, he would at least die with dignity!
Just as he prepared to make a final stand, his right foot snagged on a vine, flinging him sideways.
He crashed toward a vine-covered boulder. There would be no chance of survival after such an impact.
So, Heaven truly sought to end him!
A silent wail rose in his heart, his eyes hollow with resignation.
Wu Shao Zhen’s lips curled in sadistic delight.
Yet, as both expected his death, the effeminate man vanished just before hitting the boulder.
Wu Shao Zhen froze, a glimmer of intrigue flashing in his eyes.
He had seen it clearly: the man disappeared without warning as he neared the boulder.
There was something unusual about that rock.
A secret realm? A formation?
Wu Shao Zhen smirked, intrigued by the unexpected discovery during his impromptu ambush.
After recalling his satiated Gu Insects into their pouch, he approached the boulder alone.
Carefully inspecting the surroundings and finding nothing amiss, he pressed his palm against the rock.
Whoosh—
A light breeze swept past, stirring the fallen leaves.