Arc 13: Wild Beast Plains | Chapter 228: Escape
Translator: Lynn
The Fox King remained unfazed, showing no signs of anger as he listened to the conversation. Instead, a subtle smile appeared in his eyes, indicating a lack of concern.
Once Yun Lie agreed, he wasted no time and asked, “Now that you’ve spoken, how do we break this iron chain?”
Jiuxuan Meihu responded with a smile, “This chain is an anti-magic chain, extremely rare. It turns the binder into a mere flesh body, rendering me unable to use any true energy. Ordinarily, it would be troublesome, but for someone like you who has realized sword intent, it’s a straightforward matter.” The reason behind Jiuxuan Meihu’s eagerness became clear – the rarity of encountering such skilled cultivators.
In the demon lair, human cultivators rarely ventured, yet Xu Ziqing and Yun Lie managed to reach him. This was a rare opportunity for Jiuxuan Meihu. Moreover, his magic chain was exceptionally robust. Outsiders attempting to use magic power to break it would only deplete their energy. However, the sword intent, comprehended by a sword cultivator, was invisible, transcending Qi. When condensed to a high degree, it could silently remove the chain.
Yun Lie’s condensed sword intent had already been sensed by Jiuxuan Meihu, bringing him great joy.
On the other hand, Xu Ziqing’s escape technique was remarkably cunning, evading the senses of numerous high-level monsters. His wood attribute, fitting for the plains full of weeds, made the evasion technique even smoother. The technique seemed capable of tightly concealing his presence, further gaining the fox king’s approval.
Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing pondered.
Yun Lie nodded and stated, “Before breaking the forbidden demon chain, you must allow me to imprint sword intent. Otherwise, the previous agreement will be null and void.”
Jiuxuan Meihu’s expression changed slightly at this proposal, but he quickly resumed his laughter. “No one in the world willingly does this. Fellow Taoist, why not reconsider the terms?”
Yun Lie snorted, “You’re a seventh-rank monster with unpredictable methods and a deceitful temperament. Without precautions, I fear you’ll retaliate.”
Jiuxuan Meihu’s eyes flashed, “I am a majestic fox king. Can’t I be trusted to keep my word?”
Yun Lie responded, “You needn’t say much. Many monsters have fallen under my sword, and those who speak plausibly often have hidden motives, especially fox beasts. If you persist in refusal, I will consider it a sign of deceit.”
At this moment, Jiuxuan Meihu could no longer maintain a smile. Seeking escape with the assistance of these two individuals meant risking being restrained. However, Yun Lie, with his firm will and the ability to freeze emotions, presented a formidable challenge. His decision-making was resolute, and even if he broke his word, it might not easily sway him. For a moment, Jiuxuan Meihu felt a sense of uncertainty.
Observing this, Xu Ziqing smiled. His Shixiong had extensive experience, having descended the mountain to confront countless demons and ghosts. Though his cultivation level might not match the Fox King’s, his cunning thoughts were certainly on par. With such experience, his methods were well-established and more thoughtful than those of a fledgling.
As the sky brightened, Xu Ziqing considered for a moment and then chimed in, “Fox King, don’t worry. My Shixiong is true to his word, not someone who easily reneges. Moreover, with your seventh-level cultivation, expelling a sword intent after recovering strength shouldn’t be difficult. However, your cultivation surpasses ours significantly. Without this defense, how could we dare to trade with you? This minor tactic is just to create a disturbance and offer us a chance to escape. It won’t harm you much.”
When at an advantage in strength, human and monster races wouldn’t easily trust each other. It was necessary to negotiate terms before daring to temporarily cooperate.
In the Fox King’s prime, even with Yun Lie’s cultivation level, he could barely escape. While Yun Lie’s formidable sword intent could evade a seventh-level monster, Jiuxuan Meihu likely concealed numerous tricks. Yun Lie’s proposal to imprint sword intent was merely a method to ensure his survival under a delicate balance.
The Fox King recognized that escaping in broad daylight would be challenging. After hearing Xu Ziqing’s words, numerous thoughts crossed his mind. After about half a moment, he steeled himself and replied, “As you said. However, you must know that if you break your promise, I have many assassins here.”
Xu Ziqing smiled gently, “The Fox King worries too much. If my Shixiong and I harbor ill intentions, there would be no need to engage with you or waste words with the king.”
The Fox King chuckled, saying, “Then act quickly to avoid unforeseen complications.” Ignoring his half-naked body, he spread his limbs, exposing his wrists and ankles. The snow-white, moist body displayed bruises and marks, with sticky substances between his legs. Despite his provocative posture, Yun Lie paid no attention and pointed a finger.
At that moment, an imperceptible force emanated from his fingertips, delving into Jiuxuan Meihu’s dantian and encircling his inner alchemy. Another gesture unleashed a burst of sword intent, transforming into four ethereal streams that soared toward the four forbidden chains.
A sequence of resonant “clang clang” sounds echoed as the four chains simultaneously snapped, a remarkably precise occurrence.
Jiuxuan Meihu, filled with delight, rose to his feet, momentarily covering his face as silent laughter escaped him. “Finally, I can break free!” However, his elation swiftly subsided, and he urgently conveyed, “Hurry, cast the spell. Once the forbidden magic chain is broken, Panshan will be alerted. Be mindful of that fact.”
Xu Ziqing, cautious not to underestimate the situation, promptly employed the “Escape Wood Containing Breath Jue.”
The Fox King also hastened to enter the magic field.
Without delay, the trio proceeded outside. Jiuxuan Meihu expelled a mist of powder, permeating through the door crack, demonstrating the fox king’s supernatural prowess.
Acknowledging this fox king’s ability, Xu Ziqing exchanged a glance with Yun Lie, both tacitly cooperating as they leaped onto Yun Lie’s back.
Xu Ziqing then remarked, “My method of concealing people is suitable for one person. Two is pushing it, and three is quite challenging. Please follow closely, Fox King.”
Jiuxuan Meihu, resolute at this crucial moment, concurred, “Let’s move. I can employ this method to proceed.”
In response, Xu Ziqing swiftly pinched his fingers, accelerating the circulation of true essence.
Before long, the trio became shrouded in the spell, rendering them invisible and untraceable.
As the four chains snapped, a person deep within the cave experienced a sudden unease. Swiftly deploying a treasure, he began an incantation. After a brief moment, his countenance darkened significantly. Without hesitation, he leaped up and raced to the stone prison. In a matter of breaths, he reached the scene—outside the cell, numerous guards lay unconscious, the stone door stood wide open, and the interior was vacant.
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Alright, the agreement was reached for the two parties to meet, and each would send their elite members for the Tianlan secret treasure hunt. The map fragments held by both parties would be combined, and the acquired treasures would be evenly divided. The distribution rule was that if the treasure was usable by human race monks, it belonged to them; if usable by monster race monks, it belonged to them. Everything would be exchanged for items of equal value. After hours of discussion, they were mutually satisfied.
As for extracting the map from Jiuxuan Meihu, Xuan Li enlisted the assistance of a master behind him.
This mysterious figure was draped entirely in a black robe, concealing his appearance, and was notorious as the “Bone Daoist” or “Bone Demon” due to being a Nascent Soul old monster of the evil spirit, making him formidable and challenging to deal with.
Xuanli claimed that the Bone Demon’s secret technique could reveal the map’s whereabouts, leading to the deal.
Xuanli proposed, “It’s not too late. How about letting Senior King Zun witness my priest’s abilities now?”
King Zun descended from the stone platform, transforming instantly into a nine-foot-tall muscular figure, resembling fine steel: “That’s good.”
The group decided to showcase their respective abilities and headed towards the mountain where the Panshan King had constructed his nest.
Unfortunately, upon reaching the cave, they witnessed King Panshan rushing out. Zunwang sensed trouble and urgently inquired, “Panshan, what happened?”
Panshan King, bewildered, knelt down and confessed, “Just now, Jiuxuan Meihu used some method… to escape!”
Infuriated, Zun Wang accused, “You incompetent fool! The demon fox’s core was sealed, and you couldn’t even detect his escape. Were you tempted by him, deliberately allowing him to flee? Release him!”
King Panshan pleaded, “This subordinate would never dare to do that. Please calm down, Your Majesty!”
Although Xuan Li was initially disappointed by the turn of events, he quickly proposed a solution: “Senior King Zun, don’t be angry. If the Fox King just escaped, he can’t be far. I have skilled individuals here; why not send them out to retrieve him.”
Realizing the urgency, the king commanded, “Panshan, order Qi Yaobing to search for him. If he can’t be found, he’ll answer for the crime!”
Pan Shan assured, “Thank you, Your Majesty. This subordinate will take responsibility and bring Jiuxuan Meihu back!” He swiftly departed, organizing the demon soldiers.
Simultaneously, five or six Nascent Soul monsters from Xuan Li’s entourage also set out, including the Bone Demon.
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On the plain, Xu Ziqing and the group emerged from the mist, swiftly transforming into beams of light, wasting no time as they advanced.
Despite Jiuxuan Meihu mentioning that his inner alchemy was sealed, for some reason, he exhibited exceptional speed, keeping pace with them without assistance.
After covering hundreds of miles, both parties came to a halt.
Yun Lie produced a talisman and handed it to Jiuxuan Meihu. “This item can temporarily conceal your aura.”
Without hesitation, Jiuxuan Meihu accepted and applied it to himself, saying, “Finally escaped, my goodness.”
At this critical moment, Xu Ziqing was not interested in listening to his sigh. He inquired, “I don’t know how you plan to deal with the restriction on your body. Escaping may not be the end of your troubles.”
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