Chapter 161: Today is Not the Day I Kill You

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    As soon as Xun Huwen makes himself known, the abominations flesh starts squirming, turning, and making all sorts of uncomfortable noises. Its enormous body shrinks right before their very eyes, becoming lean and gaunt, though still more than capable of swallowing a grown man whole. Its face loses its horns, tusks, and snout, leaving behind something unnervingly human-like.

    Thankfully, it doesnt grow any eyes. Feng Zhi doesnt think he could bear it if a beast like that had human eyes. Still, the ease with which the abomination morphs tells Feng Zhi its corpse-like, rotting appearance is a deliberate choice from whoever controls it rather than a natural consequence of it being a mass of dead flesh.

    How tasteless.

    Curious, the abomination says, now with a mouth and teeth that look entirely too much like a mans. Feng Zhi fights the urge to shudder. You are most curious, visitor from the other side.

    Xun Huwen taps his foot against the ground exactly once.

    The abominations left ear goes flying off, ripped away by some invisible force neither Feng Zhi nor Xi Mou can see.

    That is how easily Xun Huwen could kill them if he wanted to.

    I have no interest in pleasantries, Xun Huwen says. You said this meeting was no accident, yet our quest was only decided on weeks ago. We did not even know how we were to be transported. How exactly did someone from the other side receive word of our presence?

    The abomination merely chuckles in reply. Feng Zhi narrows his eyes as it reconstructs its ear with ease. It is as just as he thought. Its regeneration is actually reconstruction. He should have realized it when the monster so easily split into three creatures of identical size. Whenever the creature suffers damage, whoever controls it just reshapes his monster.

    The mass contained within its body must be absurd.

    Explain? Visitor from beyond the plains, there is no need to explain. I have come here to make sure none of you leave. That is all you need to know.

    How brazen of you. Xun Huwen grins and eagerly starts walking towards the giant beast. I thought I had come here for the Feng, yet staying with you might just be more fun.

    The abomination grins.

    If it is the Feng you seek I have no issue waiting until youre done with them. It is all the same.

    Xun Huwen.

    Stops.

    He stops, and Feng Zhi and Xi Mous hearts follow suit. Their knuckles go chalk white. Feng Zhi winces as he accidentally draws his own blood from how hard his nails are digging into his palms.

    Terrifying as Xun Huwen is, there was some comfort to be found in the interest he showed for their grotesque adversary. However, if he joins forces with him, there is no way they will leave this place alive.

    Feng Zhi can only hope Feng Hao is running as far away from this place as possible.

    Xun Huwen chuckles.

    Oh, rest easy, Young Master, Xun Huwen says, somehow managing to make the title sound like an insult. Today is not the day I kill you.

    He shows them his back, and they almost fall to their knees.

    A pity, the abomination replies. Multiple spikes grow all over its body as it readies itself for battle.

    Only a little, Xun Huwen says, his aura simmering around him. Besides, if I tried to kill him, an annoying eavesdropper would interrupt me. Isnt that right?

    That is indeed the case.

    Feng Zhi and Xi Mou step back in surprise as another person appears on the battlefield. Feng Zhi first recognizes him as a Core Disciple, then he identifies him as Elder Xuns personal disciple.

    Mud.

    Oh? Xun Huwen raises an eyebrow and looks back as Mud appears in front of Feng Zhi and Xi Mou. So you finally show your face in front of me.

    This Mud and his face are behind you.

    Xun Huwen twitches, and merely one second ago, the gesture would have evoked fear in Feng Zhis soul. That is no longer the case. Feng Zhi will not go as far as to say he suddenly feels safe. That would be utter foolishness. However, Muds presence brings an odd sense of tranquility. Judging by Xi Mous lack of reaction to Xun Huwens irritation, Feng Zhi can tell hes not alone in feeling like that.

    It seems this Mud has offended. Very well, I shall retire.

    Before Feng Zhi even realizes what is happening, Mud has his hand on his shoulder and is dragging him and Xi Mou away with a movement technique. In the span of a single breath, they put several miles between themselves and Xun Huwen.

    They sputter.

    Pain shoots through his body and causes him to fall to his knees. The lizards mouth draws closer. Feng Hao does not even have the time to close his eyes in fright.

    The beast never touches him.

    Something like death spreads through the air. The lizard squeals as another creature rises from the earth and plunges its fangs into its body. It is an ugly and misshapen thing with eyes in odd places and several bits of flesh missing from its body. It has a long worm-like body that bulges awkwardly and four legs of uneven sizes.

    In two bites, its long fangs have torn the lizards body in half. However, thats not what has Feng Hao scrambling to his feet. As the lizard dies, its flesh bulges and bubbles before being absorbed into the monster.

    As the process finishes and the lizard is no more, the creature turns its many eyes to him. Once more, Feng Hao readies itself for a fight.

    [Blooming Lotus]

    The power of a cultivator in the middle of the True Realm washes over the plains. Glowing green Qi blooms into crimson as it smashes into the monster and tears it into pieces. The pieces start wiggling, but another attack of even greater power thoroughly destroys the bizarre creature that felt like death.

    Are you okay? asks his savior. You looked like you needed I know you.

    His savior looks like he has been fighting for days. Despite that, Feng Hao can recognize his robes as those worn by Inner Disciples. That would normally be a source of comfort, but not under these circumstances.

    He looks familiar.

    You are Feng Hao! The disciple says, snapping his fingers. To think you were the kid from the Selection Exam! I guess it is a good thing I saved you.

    He laughs, but Feng Hao does not feel like laughing with him. This person is strong enough to take him hostage if he wants to.

    However, he cannot show weakness now!

    Thank you for saving me, senior brother. However, I must now resume my journey to the temple.

    Good. I was going there too, the disciple says, surprising Feng Hao with his agreeableness. My name is Huang Shing, young master. Considering the dangers out here Huang Shing glares at the remains of the creature he just killed as if making sure it wasnt about to start moving again. It is best if I take you with me.

    You will be taking my brother nowhere!

    Feng Zhi appears in a blur of speed. Xi Mou appears beside him a second later. It is the first time Feng Hao has seen his brother so unkempt, but what strikes him the most is the rage that emanates from his body. It fills the space around them, pushing the air out to the point it becomes hard to breathe.

    Feng Zhi, Huang Shing growls. Rather than being intimidated by Feng Zhi, Huang Shing flares his aura and pushes back against his brothers Qi. I have been looking forward to this!

    Then youre a fool who cannot appreciate my kindness! His brother says. He takes a step forward, and cracks start appearing all over the earth. You should have never joined the Eternal Flame Clan.

    So you do remember me! I knew it!

    Step away from my brother, or I will-

    Feng Zhis words are cut off as Xi Mou attacks him from the side. His brother barely manages to block.

    Brother!

    You treacherous dog!

    Take the Young Master and get out of here! Xi Mou roars as he starts attacking Feng Zhi with long whips of fire.

    What? Huang Shing blinks. But I-

    The Young Master is clearly not safe around him! Go now, junior! Take the Young Master to the temple! I will hold this one back!

    Huang Shing looks conflicted, but only for a moment. Before Feng Hao can say anything, Huang Shing hauls him over his shoulder.

    Wait! I-

    Feng Haos words are drowned out by the ensuing sonic boom. His eyes grow wide as a massive fireball erupts behind them.

    In the distance, Feng Zhi howls with rage.

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