The forest gradually fell into a hush, and the fierce beast that had been barking viciously moments ago somehow dispersed far away, their speed astonishing Qinglong. But in his heart, the reaction of Jin Ping’er upon seeing the peculiar youth was even more enigmatic.
The young man’s gaze slowly landed on the two of them, carefully examining them as if slightly frowning. “You are from the Central Plains, aren’t you?” he asked.
His voice was soft, pleasant, and incredibly pure, the language of the Central Plains. Qinglong was momentarily stunned, and countered, “Who are you?”
The young man smiled, revealing rows of white teeth, looking somewhat innocent—a stark contrast to the bloody scene around him. He replied, “Who am I? A good question,” he said, pausing, “who am I, indeed?”
Qinglong grunted, lowering his voice, “I am Qinglong of the Ghost King Sect. Who is this person?”
Jin Ping’er was taken aback, clearly knowing Qinglong’s reputation. The three major factions of the Demon Sect had always been in intense internal strife. As a distinguished disciple of the Joyful Union Sect, though she had never met Qinglong, she was well-versed in the details of this pivotal figure in the Ghost King Sect.
She nodded slightly, acknowledging the greeting. Though they were enemies, given the situation in the Southern Wilderness with the rampant beasts, they both instinctively regarded each other as allies.
Jin Ping’er cast a glance at the young man ahead, whispering, “Be careful, he is the Beast Demon. All the surrounding beasts are under his command, and his cultivation is very high.” She paused, then added softly, “And his magic is quite peculiar.”
Qinglong frowned, about to ask more, but a roar suddenly came from behind, followed by the sound of trees falling. They turned to see the bone snake demon charging forward, its body massive, but no smaller demons were accompanying it. Clearly, the appearance of the Beast Demon had intimidated them, preventing them from approaching.
Unexpectedly, the bone snake demon had caught up so quickly. As it neared, accompanied by a stench, its white shadow flashed, and its enormous body swept towards them.
Trees, which had stood for years, were knocked over like grass, uprooted and flung toward them.
Qinglong and Jin Ping’er leapt up simultaneously. Both were extraordinary, recognizing the bone snake demon as no ordinary beast, its demonic energy strong, indicating high cultivation. More importantly, the mysterious youth ahead had not yet acted, and they could not fathom his true strength.
Qinglong was cautious, but Jin Ping’er, seemingly knowing more, was extremely tense, her focus divided between the demon and the youth.
Noticing Jin Ping’er’s state, Qinglong realized she was wary. They did not engage the bone snake directly, instead, relying on agility to dodge and occasionally strike, but the demon’s body was incredibly resilient, impervious to their magic and weapons.
Unable to catch them, the bone snake roared, its body twisting, gaining speed, and gradually closing in.
Qinglong was alarmed. If the bone snake demon was this formidable, the Beast Demon, the leader of these creatures, must be even more terrifying. This thought led him to urge Jin Ping’er, “Let’s go!”
Jin Ping’er agreed, pointing to the sky. Understanding, Qinglong and Jin Ping’er struck the bone snake’s spine with a combined light, knocking it back. Taking advantage of the moment, Qinglong leaped, but noticed Jin Ping’er wasn’t following.
“Roar…”
In the next moment, the sky darkened, and a black shroud descended, hitting Qinglong. He barely managed to activate his protective ring, shifting aside. The force still hit him, sending him flying. Meanwhile, Jin Ping’er, transformed into a purple light, escaped, leaving a mocking laugh, “Thank you, Uncle. Perhaps we’ll meet again.”
Qinglong, suppressing his pain, saw the bone snake and the black shroud, now gone. The mysterious youth reappeared, standing calmly a few yards away.
Landing, Qinglong asked, “Was that the legendary Taotie?”
The youth, smiling, confirmed, “Impressive, it was indeed the Taotie.”
A hideous head, with four large eyes and six sharp fangs, emerged from behind the youth, saliva dripping from its mouth. Its skin was gray, covered in hard, bumpy lumps, more hideous than any ghostly spirit.
Qinglong gasped.
The Taotie, with a long neck, leaned over the youth, who remained unperturbed. “The woman was your companion, wasn’t she? She deliberately let you be bait, escaping while the Taotie attacked. You must be furious.”
Qinglong, wary, laughed, “My own fault, can’t blame her.”
The youth, looking at him, declared, “Then you shall die.”
Before Qinglong could react, the bone snake lunged. Focused, Qinglong dodged, using the opportunity to leap into the air, setting up a light barrier against the Taotie.
Just as he was about to escape, a hand grabbed his leg, pulling him down. The Taotie, with a low laugh, flung Qinglong back into the forest.
In the forest, the cries of beasts echoed. High above, the youth closed his eyes, feeling the wind, his vibrant robes fluttering.
Meanwhile, on Mount Qingyun, in the Jade Clear Hall, the leaders of the Qingyun Sect gathered. The arrival of the Valley Master, Yun Yilán, of the Incense Burner Valley, along with his disciples, caused a stir. After greetings, Yun Yilán, rejuvenated, revealed a grave matter: a monstrous beast had risen in the South, threatening the world. The Qingyun Sect, moved, agreed to join forces with the Incense Burner Valley.
Yun Yilán then proposed a marriage between his disciple, Li Xun, and Lu Xueqi, a disciple of the Qingyun Sect. The unexpected proposal shocked Lu Xueqi, who, despite the agreement of her elders, declared, “I will not!”
Her defiance echoed, and in the distance, a lone figure, with a monkey, felt a sudden surge in his heart, sensing something profound and distant.
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