Chapter 21: Pretense

December 30th, 2022

“Did you see that demonic cultivator?”

Following Xue Qingyuan’s questioning, everyone’s gazes fell on Xie Huai, their expression nervous and apprehensive, urgently wanting to receive a different answer……

Xie Huai stood there in silence, giving Fang Li a fixed look. After half a day’s time, he nodded his head.

Right before my eyes.

Xue Qingyuan’s brow furrowed, and his tone became a bit heavier as he said, “Then did you see that demonic cultivator come this way?”

Xie Huai paused, then nodded again.

To this very place.

Seeing Xie Huai verify Fang Li’s words, the crowd was out of luck, and they revealed uneasy and terrified expressions. A demonic cultivator really had come!

The beast’s ferocity was already beyond their expectations, and now even demonic cultivators were involved. You had to know that the demonic cultivators of Hollow Ridge…… created rivers of blood wherever they went. If things really did have something to do with that devil, then even their entire group wouldn’t amount to enough to stuff between the cracks of that devil’s teeth.

Some people already began to regret. They shouldn’t have come to wade in these muddy waters.

Xue Qingyuan fell into contemplation for a moment, then said, “I will report this matter to the sect master. If there really are demonic cultivators causing trouble, we’ll have Heaven’s Summit come over to subdue the demonic cultivators.”

Heaven’s Summit of the five great sects, huh? These days, they were extremely high-profile, appealing to all the righteous sects to unite and form the Immortals’ Alliance to resist Hollow Ridge together.

Although Heaven’s Summit was powerful, the group was afraid that a faraway river wouldn’t be able to quench an immediate thirst. But at present, they didn’t have any other solutions, either.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xue Qingyuan left.

Because of the chaos, no one was in the mood to rest anymore. They snuck furtive glances at Fang Li. Although this brat spoke unpleasantly, he had actually seen that demonic cultivator with his own eyes……

Just as the crowd was hesitating over whether to step up and ask for details, Ji Fangfang walked over. The young woman’s expression was cold as she stuffed a bottle of medicine into Fang Li’s hand, saying, “You should treat your wounds first. If there’s anything to say, speak afterwards.”

Fang Li was a bit startled, then smiled appreciatively. “Thank you.”

Ji Fangfang nodded without much expression, then sat to one side, holding her sword.

Fang Li didn’t even look at the medicine before pouring it directly into his mouth, eating it like candy. This body of his was a sieve; whether they were miraculous medicines or fake goods, they wouldn’t have much of an effect on him. They couldn’t cure his wounds, nor would they cause injury.

He licked the corners of his mouth. The taste wasn’t bad.

Wu Yimei stood to one side without a sound. He could naturally tell that Fang Li was pretending, but the fact that Xie Huai hadn’t exposed him but was instead following along with Fang Li’s act made Wu Yimei somewhat surprised……

Wu Yimei’s eyes were dark and unfathomable. What had happened between them?

After taking the medicine, Fang Li sat onto the ground, his pale, wan face seemingly devoid of blood. He lifted up his robes to rearrange them, then assumed the posture of a storyteller. “Whatever anyone wants to ask, go ahead and ask.”

Everyone present sank into silence for a while. You were the one who told us to ask, okay? It’s not that we don’t care for the injured.

Someone stepped up and inquired, “What exactly did that demonic cultivator look like? Can you describe him in a bit more detail?”

Fang Li looked as if he still had some lingering fear. “He looked like Zhong Kui1, ugly beyond compare. He was dressed all in black, and he spread out his arms like a huge bat. His laughter was miserable and completely terrifying, and his eyes glowed red in the dark……”

Xie Huai and Wu Yimei, “……”

Someone cautiously spoke up. “There are so many demonic cultivators in the world. It might not really be related to Hollow Ridge. How do you know that it was one of Hollow Ridge’s demonic cultivators?”

Fang Li sighed and said, “Before that demonic cultivator left, I heard him laugh oddly in a sinister way, and it seemed like he said ‘this lord’ something something……”

The crowd, “……”

Everyone’s faces became ghastly pale, their hearts getting colder the more they heard. They wanted nothing more than to slap their own mouths. These crow’s mouths of theirs, speaking of the devil!

Fang Li let out a mournful sigh, “Right now, I’m just afraid, what if that demonic cultivator is hiding among us. What should we do?!”

The crowd: That’s right, what should we do?! QAQ

…………………………..

After exiting, Xue Qingyuan entered a tent. Inside the tent were several Night Sky Palace disciples. His expression changed, and his eyes were ice-cold as he asked the disciple beside him, “Did you arrange those two?”

That disciple shook his head, saying, “No, we only arranged for Ding Qian. We don’t recognize those two.”

Hearing that, Xue Qingyuan’s brow furrowed tightly.

That disciple’s expression was also rather unsightly, seeming a bit uneasy. After a long while, he cautiously opened his mouth to speak. “Elder Sect Brother Xue, you don’t think there might really be demonic cultivators……”

“Even if there are, so what? You don’t really believe their nonsense and think that it has to do with Hollow Ridge, do you?” Xue Qingyuan eyes were disdainful, and a sneer crept onto his lips. “As for those two, whether they were telling the truth or not, and what purpose they have, we’ll know as soon as we snatch them over here to ask.”

They were just some mere Heavy Snow Sect disciples who could be ground to death like ants. He wanted to see whether they really had encountered a demonic cultivator, or if they were intentionally stirring things up for some other purpose.

That disciple had a bit of doubt. “But they came here to help out. How are we to go arrest them? It seems like it won’t be easy……”

Xue Qingyuan’s gaze swept over, and he said indifferently, “They said themselves that there are demonic cultivators here. Then if they’re captured by demonic cultivators, what’s so strange about that?”

That disciple came to an understanding and answered with a bow, “We’ll go invite them right away.”

Xue Qingyuan nodded and instructed again, “You must do things cleanly and efficiently. Don’t beat the grass and startle the snakes. As long as they’re alive to talk, that’s enough.”

Alive to talk, meaning that injuring or maiming was fine. After all, when they were done being questioned, they wouldn’t be alive to talk anymore.

Having received their orders, the two Night Sky Palace disciples left.

They quietly approached the Heavy Snow Sect’s tent and bent their ears to listen. The inside of the tent was incredibly calm, without the slightest hint of movement. The two looked at each other and lifted up the front entrance of the tent to go inside. As expected, there was nobody in the tent.

Where did they go? They couldn’t have fled, could they?

Just then, they suddenly heard a clamor from the front, as if many people were gathered together, so they followed the direction of the sound to take a look.

They found Fang Li’s group of three in the center of the encampment, where a bonfire was blazing. They were sitting on the ground, surrounded by many cultivators from other sects, at least several tens of them. As for Fang Li, although he had a weak, sickly posture, he was conversing steadily in the middle of the crowd.

With this many people, it definitely wouldn’t be easy to act……

The two Night Sky Palace disciples looked at each other, then walked over, inquiring in a warm voice, “Sect Brother Qiu, you were just injured. How come you didn’t go back to rest?”

Carrying a pale, sickly face, Fang Li shook his head and sighed, “I’m timid, I’m scared.”

The two Night Sky Palace disciples, “……”

They held back their tempers and said, “What could happen inside the encampment? You’re overthinking.”

“Why wouldn’t something happen?” Fang Li raised an eyebrow, saying, “I’ve already said that a demonic cultivator has snuck inside. Since you guys haven’t been able to catch the demonic cultivator, then he must still be hiding here. Naturally, going off alone is very dangerous. Only places with lots of people are safe.”

Seeing that he refused to give in to any kind of persuasion, the two Night Sky Palace disciples were already a bit impatient. They ground their teeth and said, “Elder Sect Brother Xue still has things to ask you. He wanted to ask you to come with us for a bit.”

Fang Li shook his head.

He sized them up with a suspicious gaze, suddenly raising his voice to say, “Right now, the demonic cultivator is hiding among us. Anyone might be the demonic cultivator in disguise, so how do I know that you’re not demonic cultivators? I’m not going.”

The two Night Sky Palace disciples’ faces immediately blackened, and they shouted angrily, “Don’t speak without thinking! Is that something you can say irresponsibly?”

But Fang Li wasn’t afraid at all. Raising an eyebrow, he said unhurriedly, “I’m only going to stay here today. Whoever makes a move against me is a demonic cultivator!”

The two Night Sky Palace disciples were so mad that their chests began to hurt. They looked coldly at Fang Li and said, “Then stay here.”

Saying that, they left in a hurry.

Fang Li turned his head back as if nothing had happened, saying earnestly to everyone, “You should also be more vigilant. Staying together from now on is the only way to avoid giving the demonic cultivator a chance to act.”

……………………………………………

Under Fang Li’s continuous embellishments, everyone became more and more uneasy. Although they still couldn’t stand Fang Li, when they thought it over, what the brat said wasn’t wrong. At this point, staying together was the safest; who knew where the demonic cultivator was hiding right now?

After fermenting for a night, by dawn the next morning, a thought had already sprouted within more than a few people.

They were no more than a couple of ordinary, commonplace cultivators. They weren’t prodigies of the righteous path like Yuyi-jun, nor were they disciples of the illustrious five great sects. Most of them would find it hard to reach even Foundation Building, and they wouldn’t be able to cultivate a Golden Core in their entire lifetime. For them, cultivation had never been some lofty pursuit, but simply a way of making a living……

Previously, the reason they’d accepted Night Sky Palace’s invitation was because they’d thought that with Night Sky Palace watching over things, nothing would really happen. They would only be lending aid from the sidelines, and although they wouldn’t get a chance at the beast’s core, they could still get some profit. After all, since they’d contributed some labor, Night Sky Palace wouldn’t treat them unfairly.

But looking at things now, this trip was unusually dangerous. Not only was the beast savage and fierce, but there really were demonic cultivators about committing evil…… Regardless of whether the demonic cultivator came from Hollow Ridge, it probably wasn’t someone they could deal with, and if it really was a powerful demonic cultivator from Hollow Ridge, even with all of them stacked together, the demonic cultivator still wouldn’t be able to get his fill of killing. If they went, they would only be giving up their lives for nothing.

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Forget it, forget it, they just weren’t fated for the profits here. They only hoped to return alive.

After the group of timid and cautious people discussed things over, they went together to Night Sky Palace to ask to resign.

Seeing that after just one night, so many people wanted to leave, Xue Qingyuan’s expression became unsightly. His gaze swept coldly past Fang Li. Ever since last night, this person had started scaring everyone with his words, sending everyone’s hearts into turmoil, but because he’d never left the crowd, they’d never gotten the chance to act against him.

The group of people resigning were led by Verdant Forest Grotto’s Xiong Wei. He was a thin and frail youth, and he cupped his hands in salute with a bit of embarrassment. “Apologies, but since matters here involve demonic cultivators from Hollow Ridge, it really isn’t something we can deal with. I’m afraid that even if we stay, we won’t be of much help, so we can only bid our farewells to everyone here.”

Xue Qingyuan urged him to stay. “I know of Brother Xiong’s apprehensions, but it’s still not certain whether things really are related to Hollow Ridge…… But regardless of who is causing trouble, it’s safer for us to stay together right now. Wouldn’t splitting apart play precisely into the enemy’s hands and make it easier for them to attack us separately?”

But Xiong Wei had already made up his mind, saying, “Right now, not only are demonic cultivators causing trouble, but the beast is also lurking nearby. I’m afraid that there will be even more risk as we continue up the mountain, so I urge everyone to also reconsider…… Farewell.”

Saying that, he took his group of people and left.

All of a sudden, almost half of the group had left. Of the ones remaining, some felt reluctant to give up or trusted in their luck…… But seeing Xiong Wei leave, they started to hesitate again.

Xue Qingyuan restrained the chill in the depths of his eyes. He turned back, and his gaze swept around, immediately spotting Fang Li in the middle of the crowd. The killing intent in his heart once again rose up.

Fang Li was standing lazily in the crowd of people when someone suddenly patted his shoulder.

Xue Qingyuan’s expression was gentle as he looked at him, asking with concern, “This trip will be full of dangers. Young Brother Qiu, since you’re so timid, won’t you be scared? Why didn’t you leave with the others?”

At this point, Xiong Wei’s group was already far away. If Fang Li agreed to leave, he could borrow the pretense of sending them off to eliminate him on the way.

Xue Qingyuan said warmly, “If your group wants to leave, I can……”

Fang Li didn’t wait for him to finish before refusing righteously. “I was originally planning to leave…… but after hearing Elder Brother Xue’s words, I felt enlightened by your great wisdom, so I decided to stay.”

Xue Qingyuan felt like his chest was being smothered, as if blood was surging up. He stared fixedly at Fang Li, then smiled slowly. “It’s very good of you to think this way.”

Fang Li was all smiles as he watched Xue Qingyuan leave. As soon as he turned his head, he met Xie Huai’s probing gaze.

His eyes curved as he revealed a smile to Xie Huai.

These days, Xie Huai had been far too calm, and he never messed with Fang Li’s spotlight. Fang Li felt a bit moved, so he gave Xie Huai a smile full of goodwill in return.

Xie Huai looked at him. After a moment, he turned his eyes away, his lips pursing slightly. This person was truly easy to satisfy….. 

Because Xiong Wei had led a group away, suddenly, there were a lot less people. The encampment became sparse, and the atmosphere was much more solemn than before.

At night, Fang Li sat beside the bonfire again, dozing off with his eyes half-closed.

Ji Fangfang sat down beside him without a sound, her voice ice-cold as she said, “The situation here isn’t simple. Actually, you should have left.”

Fang Li looked at her. The young woman had a cold face but a warm heart. They weren’t familiar with each other at all, yet she was willing to come give him a reminder.

Fang Li gave a small smile. “But I’m very curious about exactly what will happen.”

Ji Fangfang turned her head, the small golden bells on her high ponytail swaying. Although she had a pretty, youthful face, she gave off a feeling of being much older than her years, and she said slowly, “Curiosity killed the cat.”

That’s right……

Fang Li fixed his gaze on her, then suddenly turned the topic around. “Then what about you? Why didn’t you go?”

Ji Fangfang’s eyes became heavy. After a long time, she said, word by word, “I have my reasons.”

Saying that, she stood up and left.

Wealth was found amidst danger. Other than those who were greedy and insatiable, of the people who had stayed, who didn’t have their reasons?

Fang Li smiled and shook his head.

In a low voice, Wu Yimei asked Fang Li for further direction. “There’s clearly something wrong with the Night Sky Palace, and the matter with the Cloud Swallowing Beast is also odd. Should this subordinate go ahead to investigate?”

Fang Li propped up his chin and laughed indolently. “No need to go the extra lengths. They won’t be able to wait much longer.”

That night passed peacefully and without incident.

Because the number of people was much less than before, Xue Qingyuan suggested that they quickly reunite with the remaining group, so everyone set out early the next morning.

Fang Li’s group of three was hated by everyone present, and nobody was willing to answer them. Fang Li scooted over to Ji Fangfang’s side, saying, “Can we follow behind you?”

Ji Fangfang still had that icy cold expression, but she nodded, indicating that they could follow her.

Fang Li revealed a joyful smile, the corners of his mouth rising as he said, “That’s great.” He had the happy appearance of someone who had someone to cover for him.

Saying that, he indicated for Wu Yimei and Xie Huai to follow close behind.

Seeing this, the others all inwardly shook their heads. Only a little girl like Ji Fangfang would be willing to mind others’ business and bring these dead weights with her. With how dangerous the mountain was right now, if something happened and she wasn’t even able to take care of herself, where would she find the time to look after others?

For the entire trip, everyone was dead silent.

Xue Qingyuan was in the front leading the group.

Sect Master Shan Qingyang was with the other group, and everyone was in a rush to reunite with them so that they would have a Soul Formation cultivator to watch over them.

They walked without sleep or rest for a whole night.

Not long after, a Night Sky Palace disciple received a message and said joyfully, “They’re not too far from us. We should be able to reunite with them soon.”

Hearing that, everyone’s spirits rose. Thank goodness, that was a rare piece of good news these days!

Thinking up to here, everyone’s expressions relaxed a bit, and they didn’t intend to rest anymore. Hopefully by tonight, they would be able to meet up……

Suddenly, a gust blew through a thicket of trees nearby, and a white afterimage seemed to flit by.

Everyone startled.

Before they’d even reacted to what had happened, a mournful, blood-curdling scream split the air, then was immediately cut off. A cultivator’s corpse was thrown out, and everyone raised their heads to look.

In the darkness, a pair of blood-red eyes emerged. Gradually, its body appeared before everyone’s eyes.

The demonic beast had a beautiful snowy-white pelt, its body lanky and filled with vigor, and long antlers grew from its forehead like tree branches. It had the body of a white deer, hooves like clouds, and if you ignored the fresh blood dripping from its antlers and its monstrous red eyes, it really did look exactly the same as the Cloud Swallowing Beast in the Spirit Beast Records.

A chill crept up from everyone’s feet. Earlier, not a single one of them had seen the beast’s movements clearly. Too, too fast!

Everyone took out their weapons.

Ji Fangfang held her greatsword up before her, her eyes incomparably fierce, but her nervousness was apparent as the hands that held up her sword turned white.

Xue Qingyuan should forcefully, “Everyone, be careful!”

But just as his words fell, the beast started to move again. It was as swift as a streak of lightning, only leaving flashes of white afterimages before everyone’s eyes. Immediately following several miserable shrieks, several more people immediately stopped breathing!

Within the beast’s eyes was a bloodthirsty killing intent, as if it couldn’t control its own senses. It let out a painful whinny from its throat, its ice-cold eyes fixed on the crowd. Fresh blood soaked its pelt red, and its hooves scraped impatiently against the ground a few times. It suddenly lowered its head, charging at the young woman holding the greatsword——

Just at that moment——

The youth behind the young woman raised his head. His eyes were dark and violent, and his indifferent gaze fell upon its body…… The two people beside the youth also looked at it calmly.

Ji Fangfang couldn’t see the beast’s movements at all. When the white flash was just before her, she was already completely unable to move. In that split second, the shadow of death enveloped her. Even though she was already a Golden Core cultivator, in front of this demonic beast, she was no more than a dead thing.

Just when she’d already prepared herself to face death, in the next second—the beast seemed to suffer a fright and suddenly turned, ramming the person next to her to death on its antlers.

Ji Fangfang rigidly turned her head, and after a long time, cold sweat trickled down from her forehead.

She, actually hadn’t died?

Then, she heard the youth behind her cry out in surprise, “Ah, is that Sect Master Shan? Sect Master Shan is here, he must have scared away the beast!”

………………………………

The Author Has Something to Say:

Cloud Swallowing Beast: Thanks for asking, right now, I am just, very scared.

………………………………

1 Zhong Kui

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