Fateful Encounter with the Spirit Beast - Chapter 66 - Diversionary Tactics 2

dual palms collided with the incoming giant axe, resulting in a thunderous crash, causing both Old Fei and the tall black-clad person to stagger back five steps.

With his hands still tingling and his internal strength completely depleted from the fierce battles, Old Fei looked at his subordinates, most of whom had already perished. Even Eldest Brother Old Lan was likely in grave danger. Although he could still take a few more down with him, he would ultimately be putting his own life at risk. It was better to retreat. Hmph! In the gang, a gentleman takes his revenge; three years is not too late! With this thought, he prepared to leave, using the last of his internal strength. The black-clad person in mid-air shot an arrow as a symbolic gesture to try to prevent Old Fei from leaving, but it was ineffective. In just a few bounds, Old Fei had disappeared into the woods.

Seeing that Old Fei had escaped, the tall black-clad person anxiously asked, “Aimon! What happened to you?”

Having just walked through the gates of death, Aimon replied, “Ah Gang, I’m fine! I’ve just come to terms with something I didn’t want to admit before. Please let me calm down for a moment!”

Ah Gang then turned to Youni, who held one-third of the treasure map, and said, “Master Xiang, weren’t we supposed to let Old Fei leave to frame the gang? Why did you shoot an arrow at him?”

Youni chuckled and said, “I was worried he would leave too slowly and realize that none of us actually wanted to kill him, which might raise his suspicions. Besides, if he doesn’t escape quickly, it will only delay my time to find Tianxiang, and it takes away from your rest as well! Considering all these reasons, of course I had to shoot him an arrow!” If Old Fei knew that Youni shot him an arrow for such reasons, would he choke on blood and die along the way?

Just as the laughter of the black-clad people echoed, and even Aimon couldn’t help but smile at Youni’s words, Ah Gang said, “Next, it’s up to you and Master Xiang. I really want to help you both, but I can’t go against Master Xiang’s wishes.”

Youni patted Ah Gang’s shoulder and comfortingly said, “I think Tianxiang understands your intentions, but your responsibility is even more important. If things go wrong, it could affect the livelihood of Yingyue Business House in the City of Exile.”

Ah Gang determinedly said, “I will definitely bring everyone back to Yingyue headquarters without a scratch!”

He then added, “Very well, I’m off!” With that, he flapped his wings up and down and slowly ascended into the sky.

Ah Gang looked at all the black-clad people and excitedly said, “We have finally completed the task assigned by Master Xiang. Now, the most important thing is to safely return to Yingyue headquarters and get some well-deserved rest.”

As the crowd cheered, the group vanished into the woods, leaving behind the remnants of the Hurricane thieves and the cold bodies of the Taoist deity Gang members, with the pungent smell of blood lingering in the forest air.

About an hour later, a tall and handsome young man, his arm muscles perfectly fused with the giant axe in his hands, frowned at the scene before him. Behind him, a group of black-clad people, upon seeing the bodies strewn all over the place and arrows sticking out of the corpses, suddenly felt a wave of nausea. Just as he was about to vomit, the young man exclaimed in dismay, “This is bad. Wen-Ge and I miscalculated; we might end up taking the blame for this.” He paused, then told his followers, “It looks like we are too late. Let’s head back to the City of Exile.”

Though returning empty-handed was disappointing, being alive was still a reason to be happy. On the way back, many of the disheartened black-clad people thought just that.

As the sun set in the west and the moon rose in the east, the Second-in-Command felt as cool as the night air, yet as desolate as a homeless dog, dragging his heavy steps towards his temporary camp. Along the way, he couldn’t help but berate himself for foolishly trusting Ming Ge, a deceitful scoundrel who had caused his brothers to lose their lives and their souls to descend into the netherworld. Now, with two-thirds of the treasure map in his possession, he became a target for many. This thought made him think of his brothers and the Dawu Tribe members left at the camp, at least having a group to protect him, which quickened his pace.

The camp was eerily silent, devoid of guards and commotion, resembling a desolate ruin. The quiet sent chills down the spine of the Second-in-Command, and he realized with horror that even the last remnants of their power had been eradicated. His wounded foot and inner turmoil left him feeling utterly helpless, unable to carry on.

Suddenly, numerous torches ignited in the camp, casting light across the ground and igniting a flicker of hope within the Second-in-Command. But that small flame was quickly extinguished when he heard chilling words. He looked at Yingzhai, whose cold demeanor was laced with murderous intent, and remembered the brothers loyal to the Boss and the members of the Dawu Tribe. Yingzhai declared, “Today is your day! Return my adoptive father’s life.” In that moment, the Second-in-Command truly understood the magnitude of their loss.

The evening breeze carried the oppressive atmosphere to its peak, and suddenly the Second-in-Command laughed heartily, saying, “We were all blinded by greed in the beginning, and we still are! Truly, people die for wealth, and birds perish for food!” With that, he raised his right hand and struck his own forehead, deciding to end his life.

Yingzhai watched the Second-in-Command’s lifeless body and muttered, “Adoptive father, can you see? I’ve avenged you. Your spirit can finally rest in peace.”

As Yingzhai took two-thirds of the treasure map from the Second-in-Command’s embrace, a delicate laughter suddenly echoed from the woods. From between the trees emerged a stunningly beautiful woman, exuding charm and grace. With a warm smile, she said, “Little brother, you really shouldn’t take things from the dead! Hand it over to me for safekeeping!” Her soft words flowed like sweet nothings from a lover’s lips, leaving Yingzhai and his companions utterly bewildered.

Yingzhai asked in confusion, “Who are you?”

With a gentle smile, the woman replied, “You don’t even know me? It seems you’re not part of the City of Exile. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Bing Qing, the leader of the Biren Alliance. Now, I’ll say this again: hand over the treasure map in your hands, and I will spare your lives.”

Yingzhai exclaimed in astonishment, “Just by yourself?!”

Bing Qing said gently, “I, Bing Qing, have never had to lift a finger since entering this world, and that won’t change today.” Suddenly, her expression hardened as she said coldly, “But my subordinates and the Blood Blade Thirteen Riders from the South Blade mercenary group are not to be taken lightly.”

As Bing Qing spoke, two groups of people emerged from the forest, forming an encirclement. One group consisted of about a hundred individuals, while the other, though only thirteen, bore resolute expressions, with strong, flawless physiques. The red silks tied to the hilts of their blood-colored blades danced in the wind, creating an imposing barrier that seemed insurmountable.

Yingzhai, feeling the pressure of their formidable presence, realized that the odds favored his opponents. He understood that it would be unwise to gamble the lives of his brothers and the members of the Dawu Tribe for an uncertain treasure map. Moreover, he had promised Tianxiang to safely escort the Dawu people away. Thus, he spoke up, “Alright! I accept your terms, but I have a few questions for you. After I ask them, I’ll hand over the treasure map immediately.”

Deep down, Yingzhai was unsure why he proposed this trade. Perhaps he was trying to buy some time in hope of a miracle. Or maybe he wanted to see what clever plan Tianxiang might have to turn the tables. But would Yingzhai’s musings ever come true?

Bing Qing’s expression softened like the morning sun melting the last remnants of snow when she heard Yingzhai’s proposal. She smiled gently and said, “Go ahead and ask your questions! I hope you’re not just trying to stall for time!”

Yingzhai inquired, “How did you come to know about this place?”

Bing Qing replied with a smile, “I have my informants here! Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind’?”

Yingzhai then asked, “What is Ming Ge’s relationship to you?”

With a playful laugh, Bing Qing answered, “Young man, you’re quite sharp! To tell you the truth, Ming Ge is the nephew of the second leader of the Taoist deity Gang, but he has fallen under the spell of my daughter. Now, I hope you understand!”

Yingzhai muttered, “Infatuated!” Then he asked, “Here’s my last question: where is the remaining third of the treasure map?”

Bing Qing said, “You don’t need to worry about that; it will ultimately return to me! Now then, you’ve finished your questions! Hand over the treasure map!”

Just as Yingzhai was about to hand over the treasure map to Bing Qing, a flurry of holy light balls suddenly launched from the forest, heading straight for Bing Qing and her subordinates, the Blood Blade Thirteen Riders.

Bing Qing, who had never shown her true capabilities, let out a sharp command. In an instant, her hands glowed with a deep blue light as she summoned her ice palms. With graceful movements, she created a flowing barrier around herself, deflecting the incoming holy light balls away from her body.

On the other side, with a resounding clang, the Blood Blade Thirteen Riders drew their blood blades in unison. Thirteen crimson blades sliced through the air, creating a blood-red glow that filled the space around them, turning it into a deadly trap for the holy light balls. As expected, upon contact with the blade radiance, the holy light balls emitted a screeching sound and were swiftly extinguished.

Meanwhile, the subordinates of Bing Qing were not strong enough to withstand the holy light balls. Those who were quick and nimble managed to escape the targeted area right away, while others could only hope for the best, taking cover as the explosions rumbled like rapid-fire cannon shots, disrupting the formation.

Just when Bing Qing’s group was left in a state of confusion, a new wave of dark blades, as numerous as stars, suddenly shot out from two directions in the woods. Wave after wave, they targeted everyone present. However, the dark blades aimed at Yingzhai’s group seemed devoid of any real damage, striking them like blank rounds and merely ripping their clothes without causing any substantial harm. Nevertheless, this unexpected assault instilled a significant amount of fear in Yingzhai’s crew.

Like a butterfly, Bing Qing elegantly dodged several of the dark blades while maintaining her focus on her ice palms, stating, “The enemy doesn’t know how many of us there are; it seems there might even be a mage in their ranks. Blood Blade Thirteen Riders, you need to enter the forest quickly and eliminate their mage. Otherwise, being outnumbered will put us at a serious disadvantage.”

The Blood Blade Commander, after deflecting a rapid dark blade, responded, “Take five brothers with you!”

Just as the Blood Blade Six Riders were about to leap into the forest, a massive silver fire dragon, the size of two people embracing, shot toward the Blood Blade Thirteen Riders with an intense, blinding light. As it passed, it crackled loudly and left behind charred black earth in its wake. The Blood Blade Commander shouted in alarm, “Holy light flame! Don’t try to confront it head-on!”

As the holy light flame dispersed the Blood Blade Thirteen Riders, Bing Qing found herself facing an attack from five dark arrows. While Yingzhai and his crew stared in shock at this sudden onslaught, a shadow suddenly swooped down from the treetops. With wings spread wide, it flew down, drawing back an unstrung shadow bow, with a dark arrow nocked and ready to fire.

With a whoosh, the dark arrow was released, and midway through its flight, it transformed into a circle of shadowy bindings. In the blink of an eye, it ensnared the treasure map in Yingzhai’s hands. Before he could even react, the map was yanked out of his grasp. Focusing on evading the dark arrows and the holy light flame, Bing Qing and the Blood Blade Thirteen Riders suddenly heard Yingzhai shout, “The treasure map!” They quickly saw a figure heading north, its silhouette fading into the distance.

Bing Qing immediately warned, “He has accomplices in the forest-do not let them escape!” With that, she led her surviving subordinates into the woods to search for Yingzhai’s attackers. However, Yingzhai chose a different course, saying, “We won’t rest until we get the treasure map back!” After saying this, he rallied his Hurricane brothers and the Dawu Tribe members to head north in pursuit.

From the very beginning, with a third of the treasure map sent out, various factions moved like chess pieces on a board, following the patterns laid out by Tianxiang. First, Ming Ge, the indecisive two-faced man, finally revealed his true allegiance and ultimately sided with the Biren Alliance.

Youni, Ah Gang, and Yingyue’s group disguised themselves as members of the Taoist Deity Gang and the local gang, launching two surprise attacks that left everyone bewildered. To ensure realism and prevent leaks, Tianxiang utilized the Spirit Technique’s Heart Delusion spell, implanting in their minds that they were disciplined professional soldiers. This tactic allowed them to act decisively and without hesitation. Although returning would come with its own consequences, they all bravely accepted the condition. According to Youni’s report upon her return, they performed exceptionally well and should have been en route back to Yingyue’s headquarters by now.

The deaths of the Second-in-Command and Old Lan made Yingzhai drop the heavy burden of hatred in his heart. He should have also entered the northern mountainous region by now, framing the Taoist Deity Gang for the wrongdoing of the local gang.

The final and most crucial point was that Tianxiang himself needed to act as bait. Apart from Youni, neither Yingzhai nor Ah Gang was aware of this plan. Only by doing so could they all escape unscathed. However, he underestimated the situation when Bing Qing decided to unite with the South Blade mercenary group to seize the treasure map, putting him in the crosshairs of two powerful factions.

In the vast woods, Tianxiang had unleashed several broad, basic attack spells, leaving him weary and relying on himself as bait to lure Bing Qing and her group into pursuit. Thanks to his innate ability from the Six Spiritual Senses and the practice he had conducted in the woods, he repeatedly managed to break through the encirclement. However, the chaotic sounds of branches snapping beneath hurried footsteps grew increasingly intense, while torches and illuminating magic trailed behind him like a ghostly noose.

Yet, the sparse trees at the edge of the woods seemed to signal to Tianxiang that his luck had run out. Emerging from the tree line, he found himself facing a winding, turbulent river stretching for miles, its surface wide open and devoid of any hiding place, leaving Tianxiang in despair.

The true name of this river had long been forgotten, but the people of the City of Exile referred to it as the Flying River, implying that only flying creatures could cross it. Anyone who dared to enter would be swept away by the strong eddies beneath the surface, ultimately succumbing to the lack of air and facing a fatal fate.

Gazing across the surface of the river, unaware of its dangers, Tianxiang suddenly felt a stirring within him. He turned slowly toward the woods, appearing relaxed, while Bing Qing and the Blood Blade Thirteen Riders emerged first into his line of sight. Seeing only Tianxiang standing there left them momentarily perplexed; they even wondered if they had been chasing the wrong person. However, Tianxiang’s weary gaze and the sweat from his run were undeniable.

Bing Qing spoke up first, “Little brother, where are your companions?” Her experience was apparent, and she wouldn’t let Tianxiang deny the situation.

After taking a moment to collect himself, Tianxiang disdainfully replied, “I never expected the Biren Alliance to team up with the South Blade mercenary group.”

Bing Qing suddenly chuckled, “Oh! I didn’t realize you were so clever. Are you trying to provoke us or remind us not to bully the weak? Regardless of your intentions, you should call out your companions and offer the treasure map in exchange for your life.” Her smile suggested that Tianxiang’s fate was already in her hands.

Tianxiang was multitasking; he focused his mind on harnessing the remaining magic energy while his thoughts raced, searching for any possible escape. Yet, he maintained an unaffected demeanor as he retorted, “Save those words for the beginners just entering the game!”

As soon as he finished speaking, he crossed his arms in front of his chest, and between his palms, a blinding light erupted. In an instant, a holy light ball, about one meter in diameter, appeared before everyone. At the same moment, the Blood Blade Commander sprang into action, drawing his sword, which left a fleeting red afterimage behind. Swiftly, he moved, shrinking the distance between them, seamlessly merging into one with his blade. It seemed as though he was the only one left in heaven and earth, wasting no time or effort as he slashed toward the holy light ball.

In a flash, the Blood Blade Commander struck the holy light ball, creating a tremendous explosion that echoed with a deafening roar. A blinding silver light and red shimmer burst forth, accompanied by flying debris that compelled everyone to instinctively shut their eyes. The force of the blast was so powerful that it sent the Blood Blade Commander stumbling backward for four or five meters, a trickle of blood appearing at the corner of his mouth. Meanwhile, Tianxiang was hurled up into the air and ultimately fell into the rushing waters of the great river.

However, this impact sparked a feeling of déjà vu in both of them. The Blood Blade Commander had no time to dwell on it as Tianxiang was about to hit the surface of the river.

In mid-air, Tianxiang’s mind was still racing, but the rest of his body was paralyzed from the force of the Blood Blade’s strike. Occasionally, he felt a jolt of electricity coursing through him, a remnant of that devastating blow.

This familiar sensation suddenly reminded Tianxiang of events from his past on Phoenix Mountain. Such a domineering and powerful martial arts technique, coupled with merciless methods, bore a striking resemblance to those employed by Longting, the Fourth-in-command of the Five Dragon Tower. Could it really be him?

He found himself bitterly amused at how intertwined their fates were, feeling as though he had stumbled upon Longting’s hidden persona, only to experience a similar outcome-likely falling into the river yet again.

What Tianxiang failed to notice was that this surge of electric energy, while a small portion circulated through his body, had mostly traveled to the wrist guard formed by the Leiya Diao phantom beast on his arm, which eagerly absorbed it like a greedy butterfly feasting on nectar.

At the very moment Tianxiang and the Blood Blade Commander unleashed their earth-shattering blows, causing everyone to close their eyes, a distant, shadowy figure, racing like thunder from the sky, charged toward Tianxiang. Just as the figure neared him, it transformed into a thick cloud of darkness. In the instant before Tianxiang fell into the river, this dark mist enveloped him, creating a protective barrier around him, but it, too, succumbed to the currents of the turbulent Flying River.

What repercussions will this sudden encounter have on Tianxiang’s future destiny?