Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Seeking Shelter
"Haha." The Sixth Prince gave a cold smile. "Mr. Mo, you’re too modest. If Eighth Brother and his group perish here, you’ll have earned the highest merit."
The middle-aged man’s expression changed, but he still smiled. "Your Highness the Sixth Prince, rest assured. With so many Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds, even a group of Earth Martial Artists would be overwhelmed and die in these woods, let alone a few mere Martial Artists. It is my honor, Mosen’s honor, to be of service to Your Highness the Sixth Prince."
The Sixth Prince glanced at Mosen, a smile playing on his lips. "Mr. Mo, no need to be nervous. If Eighth Brother and his group die here, it will just be an accident caused by a Demon Beast stampede. No matter what, the blame will not fall on you, Mr. Mo."
Mosen’s gaze was steady, but he did not speak.
"Alright, let’s hide for now. These Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds have keen senses. Once they attack, their destructive power is immense. It won’t be safe for miles around. We’ll wait for the flock to retreat before we move out. It won’t be too late."
The smile vanished from the Sixth Prince’s face. His gaze turned sinister as he stole one last glance in Zhao Wei’s direction, thinking to himself, ’Zhao Wei, don’t blame your Sixth Brother. If you must blame someone, blame yourself for being so much more outstanding than me. I’m four years older than you, and yet I’m only at the Martial Master Third Layer. I was forced to graduate from the Profound Spirit Academy last year. But you... you actually have a chance to hit number one on the Stormbringer Rankings. If you really succeed, wouldn’t you become the third Prince, after First Brother and Fourth Brother, to graduate at the top of the rankings? If that happens, where would that leave me, Zhao Gang?!’
’And First Brother, and Fourth Brother, you can fight openly and conspire in the dark, battling fiercely for the position of Crown Prince, but I will be the one who ultimately becomes the Crown Prince.’
"CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP!"
At this very moment, deep in the forest, the battle was raging fiercely.
Zhao Wei and his group were forced back again and again, narrowly escaping one danger after another. The weakest among them, Duan Ren and Fu Yuling, were already covered in several wounds.
"RRRIP!"
Suddenly, a Spirit-Devouring Blade Bird swooped down, its wings like blades, targeting Fu Yuling. She was currently dealing with more than five of the birds and, in a moment of carelessness, her red dress was torn open, revealing a large patch of smooth skin.
"These beasts."
Fu Yuling gritted her teeth, took out a bead, and crushed it with a CRACK!
An invisible crimson ripple enveloped a several-meter area around her. The surrounding Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds that had been attacking her saw this and immediately fell back, terrified.
"Your Highness, Eighth Prince, come over here."
Fu Yuling moved in front of Zhao Wei, letting the crimson ripple envelop him as well. The Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds that had been besieging Zhao Wei also retreated hastily upon seeing the crimson ripple.
HSSS! A Spirit-Devouring Blade Bird charged into the crimson ripple’s range and was immediately engulfed in Profound Fire, instantly reduced to a charred, stinking mess.
Seeing this, Zhao Wei was overjoyed and quickly shouted, "Everyone, get over here!"
Hearing this, Fu Yuling’s expression changed. "Your Highness, Eighth Prince, my Red Soul Bead can only last for a short while. The larger the area it covers, the weaker its power, and the faster it dissipates. I’m afraid it can’t accommodate so many people."
As she spoke, she formed a Hand Skill, and the crimson ripple suddenly shrank, barely enveloping just her and Zhao Wei.
"You..." Duan Ren, who was just about to enter, saw this, and his expression became livid.
CHIRP! CHIRP!
For a moment, aside from Fu Yuling and Zhao Wei who were enveloped by the crimson ripple, the others were thrown into chaos.
’This can’t go on.’
In the forest, seeing everyone in peril, Zhao Wei suddenly gritted his teeth and took out a crimson bead.
This crimson bead was about the size of an egg, engraved with abstruse and complex patterns, and emitted a faint fiery aura.
"Everyone, get ready to dodge," Zhao Wei ordered in a low, cold voice, flicking it out with his finger.
BOOM!
A violent explosion rang out. All the Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds within a nearly ten-meter radius were blown to pieces, and the powerful shockwave sent Ye Xuan and the others flying.
"A Self-Destructive Flame Bead?" Ye Xuan’s eyes lit up.
The Self-Destructive Flame Bead was a Tier Three alchemical product. Once thrown, it could be detonated by the user’s Profound Sense, its power equivalent to a full-force blow from an Earth Martial Artist.
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Ye Xuan and the others seized the opportunity and shot forward.
But just a moment later, they were surrounded again.
Having lost many of their companions, the Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds’ attacks grew even more frenzied. Even the crimson ripple released by Fu Yuling couldn’t stop their assault; under the constant barrage, the ripple grew dimmer and dimmer. The situation had become extremely perilous.
"Your Highness, Eighth Prince, why don’t we leave first?" Fu Yuling secretly sent a voice transmission.
"No." Zhao Wei shook his head, another Self-Destructive Flame Bead appearing in his hand.
Before he could throw it.
’It’s about time.’ A deep red pill suddenly appeared in Ye Xuan’s hand.
CRACK!
The pill burst open, and a cloud of crimson smoke spread out, enveloping Ye Xuan’s entire body without dispersing.
It was as if Ye Xuan’s body had an invisible attractive force, pulling the smoke to him to form a sphere several meters in diameter that enclosed him.
Catching the scent of the crimson smoke, the Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds circling Ye Xuan all fell back.
Ye Xuan’s actions immediately drew the attention of everyone else, and all eyes turned to him.
"Eh!"
Duan Ren and the others’ eyes lit up, a look of wild joy flashing across their faces.
Among them all, he was in the most wretched state. The relentless attacks from the Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds had already inflicted serious internal injuries. If not for his considerable strength, fierce blade techniques, and the few body-protection martial arts he had also cultivated, he would have long since been torn to shreds.
Despite this, he had begun to despair. The sky was densely packed with Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds, a seemingly endless swarm.
If this continued, he would be killed by the Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds sooner or later.
Now, seeing that the smoke Ye Xuan released could repel the birds’ attacks, how could he not be overjoyed? Heedless of anything else, Duan Ren circulated his Profound Qi and rushed toward Ye Xuan, seeking shelter.
BUZZ!
Just as Duan Ren was about to get close, an unseen force unexpectedly repelled him. The force was so strong that it snuffed out any thought he had of forcing his way in.
Besides, this smoke was his only hope; he couldn’t possibly think of destroying it.
"You!"
Duan Ren’s face was a mask of frustration and anger.
Just then, the crimson ripple around Fu Yuling also vanished.
A large number of Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds lunged at her.
"Ye Xuan, let me in to take shelter."
Fu Yuling said to Ye Xuan, her figure dashing over as she spoke.
THWACK!
She, too, was repelled by Ye Xuan.
"Ye Xuan, we’re a team right now. We should be helping each other. Just let me come in for a bit," Fu Yuling said softly, a hint of charm on her face.
"On what grounds?" Ye Xuan gave a faint smile, ignoring Fu Yuling’s flirtatious gaze. "Your Red Soul Bead just now didn’t seem to let everyone in, did it? If you want to come in, it’s simple. Two Lower Grade Profound Stones per person."
"Ye Xuan, isn’t that a bit too heartless? We’re all in this together, after all."
A woman’s face truly changes in an instant. Fu Yuling, who had just been casting flirtatious glances at Ye Xuan, was now questioning him in a cold voice, her gaze sharp and severe.
"Ye Xuan, let everyone in. I’ll agree on their behalf. Two Lower Grade Profound Stones per person. You won’t be shorted a single one."
Zhao Wei, the organizer of the group, immediately chimed in.
He knew that at a time like this, survival was paramount. Falling out with each other would benefit no one. Besides, he never expected to be the one seeking shelter before they came.
It was true they were a team, but when only one person could protect the others, the dynamic changed. You couldn’t apply the same logic.
"Forget it. Two Lower Grade Profound Stones. I’ll pay."
Duan Ren was in the most danger at the moment. Without waiting for Ye Xuan’s reply, he took out two Lower Grade Profound Stones, tossed them directly to Ye Xuan, and simultaneously rushed into the smoke-shrouded circle.
This time, Ye Xuan didn’t stop him, allowing him to enter the circle safely.
As soon as Duan Ren entered the circle, the Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds that had been attacking him immediately chirped and retreated. Duan Ren’s heart relaxed, and he gasped for breath.
"It’s just two Lower Grade Profound Stones, that’s not much."
"We don’t need you to pay for us, Eighth Prince. I’ll handle my own."
Qing Ling and Zuo Liu spoke at the same time, each tossing out two Lower Grade Profound Stones and entering the circle.
Seeing this, Fu Yuling ground her teeth in frustration, but still took out two Lower Grade Profound Stones and walked in.
Zhao Wei also went to get some Profound Stones, but Ye Xuan stopped him. "Brother Zhao, you don’t have to pay. You’ve already used up quite a bit just now."
As Ye Xuan spoke, his gaze swept over the others.
Once everyone was inside the crimson smoke, the surrounding Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds fell into disarray. They shrieked above the group, unwilling to disperse, yet seemingly afraid to dive down, as if there was something below that they feared immensely.
Maintaining the range of the crimson smoke, Ye Xuan led the group as they shot forward at high speed.
Actually, his refusal to let Duan Ren and the others in at first wasn’t for personal gain, but a matter of principle.
’You want to come in, so you just come in? What do you take me for?’
Besides, Fu Yuling hadn’t let anyone else inside her Red Soul Bead’s protection at the beginning.
At a time like this, he couldn’t back down even an inch; he had to maintain his position. It wasn’t just about a few Profound Stones. If you don’t take a stand, people will take a mile when you give an inch and start taking your help for granted.
While it might not have led to an irreconcilable conflict, it was bound to become a problem.
Moreover, Ye Xuan was well aware that even though Qing Ling and the others looked like they were in a panic, they hadn’t actually reached their wits’ end.
It would be insane to believe that these top geniuses from the kingdom didn’t have some life-saving items on them. They just hadn’t been pushed far enough to use them yet.
Under the cover of Ye Xuan’s crimson smoke, vast flocks of Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds circled over their heads, following closely but not daring to attack.
"Brother Ye Xuan, this Pill of yours is really something else. With so many Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds, not a single one has dared to cross the line. I’m afraid even a Third Grade Beast-Driving Pill wouldn’t have such an effect."
Zhao Wei couldn’t help but exclaim with admiration as they flew.
Ye Xuan smiled faintly. "Brother Zhao, the Pill I used is actually a type of Beast-Driving Pill, just an improved version. Compared to an ordinary Third Grade Beast-Driving Pill, its effects are indeed more than twice as strong. Never mind these Spirit-Devouring Blade Birds; even a Tier Three Demon Beast wouldn’t dare to charge in for a short period."
