Chapter 813: Chapter 812 I’ll Take Care of Something First_1
"Mystic Lightning!"
After many days of fierce battle, Xu Fang’s face was pale, her long sword trembling in her hand, yet she could only exert seventy percent of her full strength. Her Sword Qi struck the bodies of several Fire Stiffs, as if merely tickling them.
It was not only her; Sun Wei, Dong Yiyi, the young man in brocade, and others were also gasping for breath, and their condition was not much better than hers.
More than a month ago, they had managed to shake off two Ninth Tier Fire Stiffs, thinking they could exit the palace, but they then wandered into several stone chambers by mistake, attracting even more Yellow-haired Monsters and Fire Stiffs.
Although most were not as powerful as the two they faced earlier, their numbers were overwhelming, and they posed a significant threat.
Relying on their joint efforts, the group barely managed to hold out until now, but the recovery power of the Yellow-haired Monsters and Fire Stiffs was terrifying. Once their elixirs ran out, and their output could not keep up with their consumption, their defeat was almost foreseeable.
What awaited them was nothing but death!
"If I had known it would come to this, I would have been better off falling underground with Young Hero Shi. Perhaps the situation would be better."
In his despair, Sun Wei couldn’t help but entertain the thought.
He felt guilty and ashamed about Shi Xiaole. The warrior’s sense of honor even made him reluctant to recall the scene from that day. His gaze shifted to Xu Fang, and Sun Wei found himself envying her decision.
In the end, they were still going to die; at least she could die with integrity, free from any psychological burden.
Because of the vast number of Yellow-haired Monsters and Fire Stiffs, the group had suffered great losses in the previous confrontations. After losing five Earth Immortals and severely injuring three more, they managed to drive them back to the passageway with great difficulty.
Since then, the group had split into two teams, taking turns to block the passageway entrance, unleashing their ultimate moves to prevent the Yellow-haired Monsters and Fire Stiffs from breaking through.
The great battle persisted for half a 2-hour period, and the horde of Yellow-haired Monsters and Fire Stiffs retreated just like before.
"Damn it! How much longer must we endure this?"
A middle-aged man collapsed on the ground, almost incapable of holding his weapon.
More than twenty people split into two groups, each consisting of around a dozen fighters, taking turns to launch attacks. Just thinking about the exhaustion from half a 2-hour period of fighting was enough to make their scalps tingle, no wonder even these powerful Earth Immortals looked haggard and despondent.
But the despair of awaiting death was even harder to endure.
Everyone knew that, sooner or later, they would not be able to hold out, and that day was not far off. So what was the point of their current struggle?
"You all keep fighting. Rather than being dragged to death by those monsters, I’d rather take a chance!"
Another man let out a bitter laugh and suddenly rushed toward the crack between the twin stone doors. Due to the distance, it was too late for anyone to stop him.
Whoosh!
The moment the man charged through the stone doors, a white light stabbed down from above, which he narrowly dodged.
The next moment, three more lights surged from both sides. He managed to block only two, and his body was shattered by the third beam, not even a mist of blood remained.
A deadly silence followed.
Even though they were well aware of the trap’s cruelty, seeing it again still left everyone severely shaken.
Previously, three Earth Immortals had tried to break out through that spot. Two were killed on the spot, and the only survivor, Fire Kylin Real Person, only made it a few dozen yards before being forced to retreat.
From then on, no one held any hope.
Of course, there were Earth Immortals proficient in the Array System who tried to find another way out, but they found nothing and had to give up reluctantly.
"Perseverance is victory. Only cowards give up before the last moment. Everyone, I will find a way. Do not fall into disarray," the Fire Kylin Real Person said as he scanned the group, trying to boost their morale.
Although these fellows were not very strong, in the current situation, having one more person meant a little more security. Without enough numbers, even Fire Kylin Real Person was not confident about surviving.
This was also the main reason why he coveted many people’s treasures, yet still had not made a move.
The thoughts of the crowd varied, but their reactions were surprisingly uniform—each of them sat down to meditate and regulate their breath. Otherwise, in the next round of battle, they were likely to collapse.
...
Shi Xiaole had been walking through the dark passageway for a long time. Along the way, he also encountered several groups of Yellow-haired Monsters and Fire Stiffs. However, their strength was nowhere near the Ninth Tier, and with his greatly improved capabilities, Shi Xiaole easily dealt with them.
"After acquiring the Seven-Horned Palace Lantern, all I’ve met are Earth Immortals, and even the monsters are the same. Could it be the choice made by the Seven-Horned Palace Lantern to group people at the same level together?"
While searching for a way out, Shi Xiaole pondered this question repeatedly.
If Rainbow Island was a trial ground, then it might indeed be possible because it would be the fairest way and would best reveal a person’s quality.
Following this line of thought, if the Seven-Horned Palace Lantern was the opportunity for the first challenge, what was the key to this challenge, and how could one advance to the next level?
Shi Xiaole had no clue for the moment. Regardless, his priority was to get out of this palace.
He quickened his pace, and about two 2-hour periods later, he suddenly stopped. Under the guidance of Sword Heart Enlightenment, he sensed a savage aura ahead.
Amongst them were several that were particularly violent and fiery, obviously belonging to large Yellow-haired Monsters and Ninth Tier Fire Stiffs. Additionally, there were human warriors!
...
About three 2-hour periods later, the monsters began their assault again.
After battling on the edge for nearly half a 2-hour period, some people began to hope for the monsters to retreat.
But time seemed unbearably long, and the leading Fire Stiffs and large Yellow-haired Monsters started showing cunning smiles. This time, even after half a 2-hour period, they were still on the offensive.
"This is bad!"
The Earth Immortals had adapted to the half 2-hour period rhythm, and the sudden extension made them feel each move was incredibly laborious, while a knife-like pain emanated from their Dantian.
This was a sign of excessive energy consumption. One false move could damage their Dantian, leading to a martial arts deviation and regressing in their cultivation.
"Waning Moon!"
"Pure Water without a Trace!"
It was Bai Ruiting’s, Yu Yourong’s, and several other Earth Immortals’ turn. The Vigorous Air they conjured together seemed mighty but was far from matching their cultivation level.
With a booming sound.
The group of Fire Stiffs across from them roared as they were repelled, and behind them, more large Yellow-haired Monsters surged forward.
But just then, the two Earth Immortals beside Yu Yourong swayed, failing to retreat in time, which slowed down the dozen people stepping up from behind.
This delay, amidst the pale faces of everyone, led to a group of towering yellow-haired monsters charging fiercely toward them, their oppressive vigors mixed with the stench of blood, making the present crowd feel like they were plummeting into an ice cavern.
Bai Ruiting and Yu Yourong had no choice but to muster their Vigorous Air forcefully. Su Yichen, Sikong Cheng, and even Fire Kylin Real Person rushed to the front just in time to block an onslaught, and before they could even feel relieved, the two Earth Immortals behind them collapsed, having lost their combat strength.
The sudden loss of two companions clogged everyone’s hearts, and the onslaught from the opposition grew fiercer. Even from tens of yards away, the cruel killing intent in the monsters’ eyes seemed to strike first.
Ten breaths.
Twenty breaths.
Two more Earth Immortals fell to the ground.
Then three, four, five...
"Junior Sister, it looks like we can keep each other company forever."
Yu Yourong managed a forced smile as he launched an attack, though his movements were noticeably slower.
All Bai Ruiting could do was clench her teeth, her lips drained of blood and oozing fresh blood.
"Roar!"
At the quarter-hour mark, even Sikong Cheng couldn’t hold on any longer. Along with the proud and ferocious howl, a single fire stiff, blood-red and emanating intense heat, charged straight toward them.
This was the only Ninth Tier fire stiff in the area.
"Damn it, the Three Profound Variations of Heavenly Fire!"
Fire Kylin Real Person’s face drastically changed. Seeing that half of the people around him had fallen, he had no choice but to exert all his strength. He, of course, didn’t care about the others’ lives, but if he were to be overrun by the monsters, he too would die.
Ssshh...
Sheltered by the Array System, the walls trembled repeatedly.
The fire stiff avoided attacks swiftly, and aided by the Earth Immortals’ delayed response, it laughed sinisterly, kicking off the walls to burst through a gap and advance.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh.
Seeing that the defense could no longer hold, everyone gathered their remaining strength to retreat in panic, including Fire Kylin Real Person. A silhouette was left behind—she had exhausted her Vigorous Air and couldn’t move.
"Save me..."
Xu Fang cried softly, begging for help. She didn’t want her head to be crushed like food. The oncoming heat turned her blood to ice as the fire stiff opened its gaping mouth, and she could even smell the nauseating stench.
With a grunt, Bai Ruiting shot out a white silk ribbon from her sleeve, but with only one-tenth of her strength remaining, how could she compare to the Ninth Tier fire stiff, which was in prime condition after conserving its energy.
It looked as though everyone was about to witness the grisly scene of a beautiful woman’s head splattering. Not a pretty sight at all.
Clang!
At this critical juncture, a blade of Sword Qi suddenly lit up from the opposite corridor. With only three yards between the fire stiff and Xu Fang, it swept across and slightly hindered the creature.
The next moment.
An elegant green silhouette appeared beside Xu Fang, gently supporting her arm to prevent her from falling.
"It’s you, Shi Xiaole!"
Xu Fang’s eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of the youth who had suddenly appeared.
"He’s not dead?"
Bai Ruiting was first stunned, then ecstatic.
"This kid?"
Fire Kylin Real Person’s spirit trembled slightly, his grip on the blade tightening.
Hearing Xu Fang’s words, Shi Xiaole smiled and swung the Tiger Abyss sword in his hand. The sharp Sword Qi formed a line, sending the approaching Ninth Tier fire stiff flying ten meters back, leaving a shallow wound from which blood trickled out.
"Everyone, attack together!"
Seeing Shi Xiaole in good condition, rivalling even Fire Kylin Real Person, a strong will to live reignited in everyone. The Earth Immortals still capable of fighting immediately charged forward.
Shi Xiaole was worth several men on his own and had, before his arrival, already inflicted heavy damage on some of the monsters behind using his unparalleled combat skills. He knew the opposition couldn’t last much longer.
Indeed, after several setbacks and suffering injuries, the Ninth Tier fire stiff glanced behind and reluctantly retreated.
Whew...
Having narrowly escaped death, everyone nearly collapsed to the ground.
Only Shi Xiaole remained unfazed, with neither his face flushed nor breath short, earning him the shock and admiration of the crowd.
"Brother Shi, you’ve saved me once again."
Bai Ruiting approached, seemingly forgetting their current predicament, her tone filled with joy.
Shi Xiaole certainly remembered her earlier assistance and sincerely offered her a smile.
In the distance, Sun Wei and others stood rooted in place, not daring to approach. Seeing that Shi Xiaole showed warmth only toward Bai Ruiting and Xu Fang, they felt a tinge of bitterness in their hearts.
"By the way, Brother Shi, how did you get here from the other side of the corridor?"
After the joy had passed, Bai Ruiting suddenly recalled something. After all, even with Fire Kylin Real Person’s strength, it was impossible to break free from the horde of monsters on the opposite side.
Upon hearing this, everyone turned their gaze toward Shi Xiaole, their eyes flickering with intense curiosity.
"We can talk about that later. Let me take care of something else first."
"What is it?"
This time, the question came from Yu Yourong, who was curiously eyeing Shi Xiaole.
"Taking a life."
Shi Xiaole looked toward Fire Kylin Real Person in the distance and spoke indifferently.
