Chapter 155: Shadow Blade Sect Joins Hands With Beasts
Shi Feiyan’s eyebrows shot up. “An expedition? Just the two of us? But Patriarch, I’ve just broken through to the Nascent Soul Realm. How much help could I possibly be?”
“Your experience isn’t an issue,” Wang Li countered. “There are certain formations and talismans that require the spiritual energy of a Nascent Soul cultivator to activate. Your newly formed Nascent Soul will be sufficient. Besides,” he added, a hint of amusement creeping into his voice, “your swordsmanship is more refined than you think. Even seasoned Nascent Soul experts should find it troublesome.”
Shi Feiyan felt a surge of warmth at his words. She hadn’t realized he held such a high opinion of her skills. A sense of pride bubbled within her. “Very well, Patriarch,” she agreed readily, “I accept your proposal. Exploring this world sounds infinitely more appealing than remaining confined within these camp walls.”
A flicker of something unreadable crossed Wang Li’s eyes. “Excellent,” he said, a touch too quickly. “There’s another reason I propose this expedition, Feiyan. We seek the Devil Sect members, and, specifically, Ye Fan.”
Shi Feiyan’s eyes hardened at the mention of her nemesis. “Ye Fan,” she hissed, the venom in her voice unmistakable. “Of course, Patriarch. I would be more than willing to assist you in finding that wretched man. He deserves to pay for his crimes.”
United by a shared goal, they made their departure from the combined camp under the scorching afternoon sun. Shi Feiyan’s secluded residence, on the outskirts of the camp, provided the perfect opportunity for a discreet exit. With a silent nod of acknowledgement, they launched themselves into the sky, aiming northwest towards a vast, unexplored forest.
As they flew, Shi Feiyan couldn’t help but steal a glance at the enigmatic figure beside her.
Wang Li and Shi Feiyan traversed the desolate landscape, the northwest wind whipping their robes. They encountered a variety of ferocious beasts along their journey – hulking Rock Apes with fists like boulders, Razorwing Falcons with razor-sharp talons, and even a lumbering, fire-breathing Earth Salamander. Each encounter provided Wang Li with a chance to showcase his formidable skills. He dispatched the beasts with swift, decisive strikes, denying Shi Feiyan the opportunity to participate.
“Why aren’t you letting me fight?” Shi Feiyan finally inquired, a hint of frustration in her voice.
“Every beast you kill adds another mark to your ‘kill count,'” Wang Li explained patiently. “Although you have reached the Nascent Soul Realm, a high kill count would attract unwanted attention and would be dangerous for you. Some of those devil sects value these tallies and might send assassins after you. It would be best to keep yours minimal.”
Shi Feiyan’s lips curved into a soft smile. It warmed her heart that Wang Li considered her safety so meticulously. “Thank you, Patriarch,” she murmured, a newfound sense of respect blossoming for this enigmatic cultivator.
A flicker of curiosity arose. “Speaking of beasts, wouldn’t you like to capture one for your family? A powerful mount or maybe a guardian for your Wang family in the Three Peaks Alliance?”
Wang Li stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Indeed,” he admitted, “a powerful beast would be an asset. However, I haven’t encountered one with the specific bloodline I seek.”
They continued their journey, veering eastwards. They had decided to check in on the Crimson Rock Sect, another major sect.
Reaching a vantage point, both of them froze in mid-air, a gasp escaping Shi Feiyan’s lips. Smoke billowed from the Crimson Rock Sect’s camp, turning the sky an ominous black. But that wasn’t the worst. Thousands of monstrous creatures swarmed the camp, tearing through tents and buildings.
The beasts were a grotesque spectacle. Razor-sharp claws ripped through unfortunate cultivators, and fangs dripping with venom sank into unsuspecting prey. Most were formidable Nascent Soul Realm creatures – Armored Rhinoceroses with impenetrable hides, Manticores with venomous tails and razor-sharp claws, and hulking Dire Wolves the size of small houses.
But the real terror resided in the center of the carnage. Two enormous figures led the beast onslaught. One was a colossal Wyvern, its leathery wings blotting out the sun. Its razor-sharp beak snapped a cultivator in half with a sickening crunch. The other was a Nine-Tailed Fox, its fur seemingly woven from moonlight, its eyes glowing with a cold, calculating intelligence. These were Soul Integration Realm beasts, radiating an aura of immense power.
Amidst the chaos, figures clad in black darted from rooftop to rooftop, flashing blades leaving trails of crimson. They were demonic cultivators from the Shadow Blade Sect, their movements swift and merciless, aiding the beast attack by eliminating any Crimson Rock Sect cultivators who showed resistance.
The scene was one of utter devastation. The sect leader of the Crimson Rock Sect, a powerful Soul Formation Realm cultivator, lay slain at the Wyvern’s feet, his lifeless eyes staring vacantly at the sky. Elders of both the Crimson Rock Sect and the Golden Bell Temple, who had resided in this camp, met similar fates. Their top disciples, hopeful Nascent Soul cultivators, were being torn limb from limb by the beasts.
Wang Li and Shi Feiyan exchanged a grim look. The devil sects had indeed made their move, and they had come prepared. The sheer number of Nascent Soul Realm beasts and the presence of two Soul Integration Realm leaders spoke volumes of their meticulous planning.
Shi Feiyan’s eyes narrowed. The situation at the Crimson Rock Sect was dire, a stark reality that slammed into their peaceful exploration. “The devil sects,” she hissed, her voice laced with disgust. “They’ve orchestrated this attack. How could they have possibly tamed these beasts?”
Wang Li pondered, stroking his chin. “The details remain unclear, but one thing is certain – the Devil Sects are making a bold move. The beasts pose a formidable threat themselves, but coupled with the Shadow Blade Sect’s assassins, their strategy is terrifyingly effective.”
“I will return to my sect’s camp,” Shi Feiyan declared, worry flickering in her eyes. “I will inform Palace Mistress Gao Ming about this matter. This will force her to reconsider their security measures. Who knows, maybe the Shadow Blade Sect might even target the combined camp of the Emerald Sea Palace and Azure Peak Sect as well, using these very same tactics.”
Wang Li nodded curtly. “That’s the most prudent course of action. However, in your current state, venturing back alone is risky. With your newfound Nascent Soul Realm, your spiritual energy is bound to fluctuate, making you a beacon to both beasts and the cunning cultivators of the Shadow Blade Sect or any other devil sect’s members.”
Shi Feiyan bit her lip. She knew he was right. The residual energy from her breakthrough still danced erratically within her, defying complete control. “Then what do we do?” she asked, her voice laced with worry.
Wang Li’s expression turned resolute. “I shall escort you back. With my cultivation level, I can shield your energy fluctuations.”
A warmth bloomed in Shi Feiyan’s chest at his words. Grateful, she nodded and extended her hand. As soon as Wang Li clasped it, a jolt of energy surged through her. It felt familiar yet foreign, warm and invigorating. It was Yang Attribute energy, flowing from him into her.
“What’s this?” she gasped, momentarily distracted.
“It will help stabilize your energy,” Wang Li explained, his voice a low murmur. However, a mischievous glint flickered in his eyes that Shi Feiyan missed in her flustered state.
As they soared towards the Emerald Sea Palace and Azure Peak Sect camp, the Yang Attribute energy coursed through Shi Feiyan’s body, feeling like a warm current. But it did more than just stabilize her energy. It stirred something deep within her, a tingling sensation that quickly heated to a simmering desire.
Recognizing the unwelcome change, Shi Feiyan flushed crimson. She clamped down on her desires, determined not to succumb to them under such precarious circumstances. However, a small, betraying moan escaped her lips as a particularly intense wave of Yang Attribute energy washed over her.
Wang Li, privy to her internal struggles due to his connection with the energy, smirked silently. He knew this wasn’t the time to exploit her vulnerability, but the sight of Shi Feiyan battling her own desires did little to dampen his amusement. He would bide his time.
Several hours later, they arrived at the outskirts of the Emerald Sea Palace and Azure Peak Sect camp. With a gentle squeeze of her hand, Wang Li signaled they had reached a safe distance.
“You can return now,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “The fluctuations in your energy have subsided considerably.”
Shi Feiyan, still flushed and slightly disoriented, whispered out, “Thank you, Patriarch Wang.”
Her gaze lingered on him for a moment, a mixture of emotions swirling within her: gratitude, frustration, and a burgeoning desire she couldn’t quite comprehend.
However, before she could voice any of them, Wang Li leaned in, his warm breath whispering against her ear.
“It was an absolute pleasure, Feiyan,” he murmured, his voice a husky whisper. “Traveling with such a beautiful woman.”
His touch lingered for a fleeting moment, his hand brushing against her midriff and sending a jolt of pleasure through her. Before she could react further, he darted away, leaving her breathless and bewildered.
A low moan escaped Shi Feiyan’s lips, a mixture of frustration and a burgeoning desire she could no longer suppress. He was a master of manipulation, she realized, playing her like a well-tuned instrument.
However, as much as she wanted to be angry, a strange sense of excitement filled her. Wang Li was a mystery, a powerful cultivator with a playful side. And for the first time in years, Shi Feiyan found herself yearning for something beyond cultivation – a dangerous, exhilarating gamble on a man who was both enigmatic and intoxicating.
