Chapter 351: Escaping the Flametail Scorpion Nest’s Territory
The pursuing horde of Flametail Scorpions consisted solely of Rank 1 to Rank 4 Demonic Beasts, rendering them incapable of closing in on Tang Yin, who maintained a velocity akin to that of a cultivator in the Late-stage Principle Comprehension Realm.
Persistently navigating around the nest, Tang Yin observed the relentless determination of the Flametail Scorpions. To his astonishment, their numbers continued to swell, with an influx of even more Flametail Scorpions, including a few of Rank 5 calibre, joining the pursuit.
Tang Yin’s confident smirk waned slightly. As the influx of Flametail Scorpions escalated, intertwining with the pursuing group from the nest, he discerned the imminent possibility of the involvement of even higher-ranked members. He realized that before long, Rank 6 Flametail Scorpions would become part of the relentless chase.
Nonetheless, Tang Yin dismissed the notion of retreat. Even if he were confronted by the entire nest in a simultaneous assault, he remained confident in his ability to survive, as long as he avoided a confrontation with the Flametail Scorpion Mother.
While Tang Yin persisted in his evasion, the desert dunes succumbed to the weight of the onslaught. The combined movement of the numerous Flametail Scorpions, including the recent addition of a Rank 6 member, proved overwhelming. The dunes crumbled under the force of the scorpion stampede, unable to endure their collective impact.
Any creatures that were unlucky enough to be in Tang Yin’s direction were killed by the horde of Flametail Scorpions without clemency. Even a Rank 6 Demonic Beast could not last longer than a few seconds.
However, the absence of humans was notable. In the expanse of the Enflamed Desert Region, both regular humans and cultivators had strategically settled in oases and remote areas, purposefully distant from the territories of the Demonic Beasts.
As a result, no cultivators were present within close proximity to the Flametail Scorpion nest, particularly one housing a formidable Rank 8 Flametail Scorpion Mother.
The pursuit persisted, attracting an increasing number of Rank 6 Flametail Scorpions into the fray. Soon enough, the initial appearance of a Rank 7 Flametail Scorpion marked a significant development. This newly arrived creature stood out unmistakably, dwarfing its counterparts in size and exuding a scorching and potent aura.
At this point, Tang Yin had elevated his speed to the pinnacle of the Principle Comprehension Realm. Furthermore, he had nearly completed his circumvention of the nest. His ultimate objective was within reach, to navigate through the remaining Flametail Scorpions and escape from this treacherous environment once and for all.
Throughout the ordeal, the vigilant gaze of the Flametail Scorpion Mother remained fixated on Tang Yin, monitoring his every action with an unwavering intensity akin to that of a hawk.
The Flametail Scorpion Mother refrained from initiating an assault for a specific reason, Tang Yin had not inflicted harm upon any of her nest’s Flametail Scorpions.
Moreover, he had deliberately circumvented her territory and the boundaries of her Passive Domain, opting for an alternative route. This conduct garnered her satisfaction and, consequently, contributed to her current state of nonchalance.
As a result, the Flametail Scorpion Mother remained indifferent to Tang Yin’s fate. Whether he perished or survived held no significance for her. His demise merely translated into a potential meal for her nest, while his survival posed no threat, given his nonintrusive conduct that had not provoked any form of offence.
Nonetheless, the notion of augmenting her nest’s vitality with the essence of a Principle Step cultivator was not an unfavourable prospect. However, she remained uninterested in expending significant energy, a minor contribution would do.
She entrusted the choice to her nest, allowing them to determine whether they wished to capitalize on the opportunity provided by her to acquire a flavourful addition to their nutrition.
Before long, a succession of additional Rank 7 Flametail Scorpions emerged from the nest, bypassing the subordinate scorpions on the sandy terrain and swiftly piercing through the air, converging towards Tang Yin’s position.
Tang Yin’s reaction was almost nonchalant. In an instant, his velocity experienced a rapid surge, propelling him through the atmosphere while emanating reverberating shockwaves from his body.
The pursuing Rank 7 Flametail Scorpions momentarily faltered, taken aback by the sudden and significant surge in Tang Yin’s speed. However, their next move was far from a random response.
Almost in unison, their tails ignited with an intense luminosity, signifying a form of communication among them. Swiftly, the group of Rank 7 Flametail Scorpions divided, strategically positioning themselves from various angles to cut off Tang Yin’s potential routes of evasion.
’Smart, but not enough.’ Tang Yin scoffed in his mind. With a renewed burst of acceleration, Tang Yin surged ahead, effortlessly distancing himself from the approaching Rank 7 Flametail Scorpions. The shockwaves emanating from his rapid movement had an added effect, momentarily disrupting the scorpions’ advance and slowing their momentum.
After regaining their full speed, the Rank 7 Flametail Scorpions found themselves faced with a now empty stretch of sand, Tang Yin having already put a considerable distance between himself and them. Yet, despite his escape, he hadn’t managed to completely exit the vicinity of the Flametail Scorpion nest.
Nostalgia flooded Tang Yin’s thoughts as he recalled the days when he used to hunt down large groups of Rank 7 Demonic Beasts. Those memories held a certain thrill and satisfaction. However, the current circumstances were distinct. He wasn’t on a hunting expedition, he was attempting to navigate through dangerous Demonic Beast territories to reach the next Region.
At this point, Tang Yin had accelerated to the standard level of a Late-stage Principle Manipulation Realm cultivator. The pursuing Rank 7 Flametail Scorpions belonged to the lower tiers, ranging from Low-tier to Mid-tier.
Flametail Scorpions were primarily land creatures, not inherently adapted to flying. Their ability to take flight was achieved through manipulating the abundant Fire Principles in the atmosphere, coupled with their considerable cultivation. This aerial capability, however, came with a trade-off, their flying speed was notably slower compared to other beings of a similar realm.
HIIISSSS!!
Abruptly, a spine-chilling, ominous hiss echoed through the air, sending shivers down the spines of the trembling Flametail Scorpion horde down below on the sand. Accompanying this eerie sound was the formidable sight of a massive Flametail Scorpion emerging from the clouds. Its imposing presence carried the unmistakable aura of a High-tier Rank 7 Demonic Beast!
Emerging seemingly out of thin air, the High-tier Rank 7 Flametail Scorpion materialized much closer to Tang Yin than the other Rank 7 Flametail Scorpions.
Rather than displaying surprise, Tang Yin’s lips curled into a knowing smirk, suggesting that he had anticipated such a development. Despite his cultivation being limited to the Peak-stage of the Principle Comprehension Realm, his heightened divine sense and body were at the standard of the Mid-stage Principle Manipulation Realm.
His underestimated potential, concealed behind his relatively low cultivation, had proven to be a strategic advantage against the Flametail Scorpion nest and the Flametail Scorpion Mother.
Tang Yin was aware that the appearance of this High-tier Rank 7 Flametail Scorpion signalled the final attempt by the nest to capture someone they perceived as a ’weak’ Peak-stage Principle Comprehension Realm cultivator. The Flametail Scorpion Mother deemed sending a Peak-tier Rank 7 Flametail Scorpion to be an unnecessary expenditure of effort for such low gain.
However, Tang Yin remained undaunted. He had faced and defeated Peak-tier Rank 7 Demonic Beasts in the past and had managed to escape the clutches of the half-step Rank 9 Abyss Dragon. Dealing with the High-tier Rank 7 Flametail Scorpion, particularly given its lack of inherent airborne abilities, was child’s play to him.
However, Tang Yin had no intention of engaging with any of the Flametail Scorpions. His current objective was to maintain a low profile, and provoking the Flametail Scorpion Mother, a Low-tier Rank 8 Demonic Beast, by attacking its underling, would only jeopardize his efforts to stay hidden.
After all, any clash involving a Low-tier Rank 8 Demonic Beast would undoubtedly trigger powerful energy ripples that could alert Law Domain Realm cultivators in nearby regions.
The release of the Flametail Scorpion Mother’s Low-tier Rank 8 Demonic Beast aura and the subsequent attack would undoubtedly expose his location and cover. In such a scenario, he wouldn’t even have a chance to react before being captured or potentially killed by the various Law Domain Realm cultivators.
Tang Yin was now on the verge of exiting the territory of the Flametail Scorpion nest. However, just as he was on the cusp of crossing the boundary and escaping the Flametail Scorpion nest’s territory, the tail of the High-tier Rank 7 Flametail Scorpion ignited with a blinding burst of light.
"No, I’m not dealing with you," Tang Yin muttered to himself. With slight annoyance, he activated the Phantom Steps and surged forward at the maximum speed his formidable body could achieve.
BANG
Space distorted intensely, sending shockwaves rippling through the sky for miles around, yet it managed to hold itself together. Amidst this chaotic display, Tang Yin had already covered a distance of a hundred kilometres, safely escaping the territory of the Flametail Scorpions.
The blinding radiance emanating from the tail of the High-tier Rank 7 Flametail Scorpion subsided, leaving the scorpion momentarily frozen in place, its senses overwhelmed by shock.
It was utterly bewildered by the inexplicable turn of events...
