CHAPTER 1441: CHAPTER 1448 TRAPPED (1)

This time, Jiya didn’t argue with Cai Wei. She took a step back and with a wave of her hand, those oddly dressed wizards surged forward, launching a combined attack. Countless poisonous snakes, centipedes, scorpions, spiders, and toads shot towards them like lightning.

"Collect!"

With a loud shout from Cai Wei, all the poisonous snakes, centipedes, scorpions, spiders, and toads that were coming from all directions suddenly disappeared.

The wizards were heartbroken. It was now mid-winter, and the reason these poisonous snakes and insects could survive and still maintain such strong combat abilities was thanks to the wizards’ special nurturing methods. Now, without even a sound, they mysteriously vanished, leaving the wizards feeling both distressed and terrified!

This Empress Mu was just too awesome, capable of killing without a trace, as if their struggle against her was but a delivery to death.

However, even knowing that it was a delivery to death, they dared not shirk their duty, for Queen Jiya was right behind them. If she saw they were not trying their hardest, they would face a punishment more cruel than death itself!

Armed with various magic weapons, the wizards charged forward again. Without waiting for Cai Wei to make a move, the white-furred tiger pounced forward with a roar, tearing and biting. Chang Mei also emerged from the space, staying close to Cai Wei to ensure her safety.

Cai Wei didn’t need protection; she had martial arts skills herself, and she had been diligently practicing her cultivation in the space all year without slack. Facing the swarm of attacking wizards, she felt no pressure, unsheathing her precious blade and engaging in combat with poise.

Although the wizards possessed some magic skills, they were no match for Divine Beasts like the white-furred tiger and Chang Mei, and their little abilities seemed almost laughable, leaving them nothing but the fate of a lamb to the slaughter.

As Cai Wei fought, she was puzzled. Knowing that these wizards were no match for her, why would Jiya send them to their deaths?

Just then, she suddenly heard a succession of drum beats. Looking in the direction of the sound, she saw Jiya had somehow produced a drum and was sitting on the ground, beating it frantically while muttering and chanting under her breath.

Now, Cai Wei understood. This old witch was casting spells, using the lives of these wizards to buy herself time to perform her magic!

Cai Wei’s pupils narrowed, revealing a murderous intent, but when her gaze fell upon the drum, it abruptly froze.

The drum had a tawny surface that bore the texture of skin under the moonlight, with a frame that was white and polished to a shine. This drum carried an intense black killing aura, heavy with resentment.

"Human skin drum!"

Her heart skipped a beat. She had seen such a drum in her past life at the Wutai Mountain Iron Tile Temple, exactly like this one.

According to records, this human skin drum was made from the flayed skins of a father and son who were corrupt officers. They were executed for embezzlement while building the Qiaowan Royal Palace, and the drum served as a warning to officials. She had seen it once, and the memory was vivid, though she didn’t know the drum she saw in her past life was made after the father and son’s execution. On the other hand, the human skin drum of Queen Jiya was made by peeling the skin while the person was still alive and cursing them in the process. The drum incorporated the victim’s resentment, making the power of the curse stronger with stronger grudges.

The drum’s frame was white, seemingly made of human bones!

"You old hag! You are truly too cruel!" Cai Wei pointed at her, angrily said.

Jiya, listening, showed no reaction on her face but began to gently beat the drum. As she beat it, she started chanting spells!

The drumbeats were deep and resonant, but no more poisonous snakes or bugs were seen emerging. Unaware of what devilry Jiya was conjuring, Cai Wei looked around puzzled, trying to figure out what mischief she was up to, when suddenly Brother Ying’s voice raised in a piercing wail.