Chapter 222 - Arc 13: Wild Beast Plains | Chapter 222: Jiuxuan Meihu
Translator: Lynn
Sponsored chapter (4/4)
Within the cave, an intricate network of countless narrow corridors stretched out. Adorned in gorgeous skirts and sweeping long tails, beautiful snakes gracefully traversed the pa.s.sages, resembling maidservants in the mundane world as they hurriedly served in various locations.
These corridors led in various directions, with nightlight pearls embedded in the mountain wall illuminating the paths. The deeper one ventured, the brighter the light became, almost rivaling daylight.
Throughout the cave, potent auras emanated from the end of each aisle. The masters of these auras all surpa.s.sed the sixth level of cultivation, with the most formidable being a seventh-level monster!
While Xu Ziqing was uncertain about the territorial divisions within the monster group, he couldn’t help but ponder the formidable nature of a seventh-level monster in this location. The thought of an eighth-level monster, which could potentially rule over the mountain, sent shivers down his spine.
While contemplating, his attention was drawn to a stone path—the very one Hu Xueer had pointed to. Without hesitation, Xu Ziqing beckoned Yun Lie, and together, they ascended.
Initially broad enough for several people to pa.s.s through, the stone path gradually narrowed as they progressed. Eventually, it became so narrow that only one person could traverse it, suspended in the air as a stone bridge. Stepping onto it revealed a bottomless abyss below.
At this point, Xu Ziqing hesitated. If he were alone, he could utilize the Escaping Wood Containing Breath Technique to fly across effortlessly, as his body, saturated with wood energy, blended flawlessly with the surroundings. However, with Yun Lie, who had expended substantial energy to conceal his sword aura, the situation changed. While Xu Ziqing could walk freely, performing spells without leaving any trace was now impossible. This presented a significant dilemma.
Abandoning the perilous journey after reaching this point seemed tempting, but the allure of the unknown ahead made giving up difficult.
Moreover, Xu Ziqing harbored a suspicion that whatever lay ahead might hold significant importance for him.
As he contemplated, Yun Lie spoke, “Come up.”
Startled, Xu Ziqing observed Yun Lie leaning over, presenting his back. The similarity to a previous situation in Heavenly Demon Cave struck him. The gesture stirred a sense of familiarity in Xu Ziqing, and without further hesitation, he released Yun Lie’s hand, jumped lightly, and landed on his Shixiong’s shoulder. The movements were swift, maintaining the state of concealment and avoiding attracting attention from the cave’s monsters. Yun Lie, in turn, supported Xu Ziqing’s legs, and with seamless cooperation, they swiftly crossed the lengthy stone bridge. Upon reaching the other side, Xu Ziqing landed on the ground, rejoined hands with Yun Lie, and resumed their previous appearance.
On the opposite side of the stone bridge, the path widened significantly after just a few steps.
Following Hu Xueer’s guidance, they navigated through several caves, carefully evading the watchful eyes and ears of the maidservants. They also dodged some minor bosses seemingly heading to report affairs at the cave’s bottom and entered a nearby grotto sideways.
The guards there were more vigilant, with three levels of monsters present. The most formidable among them, a giant bear with sixth-level cultivation, held a jar of honey brew and burped against the stone gate, appearing simple and honest.
Xu Ziqing, however, saw through the facade. The giant bear exuded an overwhelming bloodl.u.s.t, hinting at countless acts of cannibalism. Holding his breath, he hid behind a nearby stone pillar alongside Yun Lie.
Sending a voice transmission, Xu Ziqing asked, “Shixiong, what should we do now?”
Yun Lie replied, “Wait.”
Xu Ziqing affirmed, “Yes, Shixiong.”
Excitement radiated from Hu Xueer, lying on Xu Ziqing’s shoulder, as if eager to move forward. Although unable to make a sound, its four short legs kicked impatiently. Xu Ziqing sensed that Hu Xueer’s desired location was behind the stone gate. However, caution prevailed, and he restrained Hu Xueer. Then, it became a waiting game.
In this realm shared by monsters and beasts, waiting for an opportune moment proved to be a true test of willpower. Xu Ziqing, with a wry smile in his heart, gradually suppressed his thoughts and endured the situation. Surprisingly, the companionship of his seniors made the challenge more bearable than expected. Time slipped away unnoticed, and half an hour elapsed.
At this juncture, on the nearby stone path, a coquettish beauty with a swaying waist walked gracefully. Endowed with a jade face and peachy cheeks, her muscles and bones exuded radiance, and her tender eyes carried a natural charm.
Upon witnessing her arrival, the giant bear transformed into a bear-headed man with robust, knotted muscles—an iron tower of a figure. With a friendly smile, he greeted, “Ms. Ji Xiao, did you come so early today?”
The beauty covered her lips and extended a basket, saying, “I couldn’t forget General Xiong’s honey wine. Here, take it.”
General Xiong chuckled heartily as he accepted the basket. Glancing at Mrs. Ji Xiao, his eyes betrayed a hint of l.u.s.t, restrained by the fear of crossing boundaries.
Mrs. Ji Xiao playfully touched his forehead with her jade finger and scolded, “Let me in quickly! If the king arrives, I won’t be done with my affairs, and I can’t afford to go around!”
Although angered, General Xiong is constrained, muttering, “Just a concubine’s plaything who betrayed the king, and the king still keeps him. I am unconvinced!”
Mrs. Ji Xiao’s expression turned pale with fright. “You can’t say that. If the king hears—”
Despite General Xiong’s lingering resentment, a trace of panic flickered in his eyes, prompting him to cease speaking. Stepping aside, he opened the stone door, allowing Mrs. Ji Xiao entry. Unbeknownst to them, Xu Ziqing’s eyes lit up, and he whispered, “Shixiong!”
Instantly, he and Yun Lie set off, floating in front of the stone gate. As the bear-headed monster opened the door for Mrs. Ji Yan, they silently followed her into the cave. No one detected their presence. Once inside, the stone door closed with a heavy thud.
Exhaling a sigh of relief, Xu Ziqing scanned the surroundings. The numerous shackles suggested this might be a stone prison. Could there be prisoners inside?
Yun Lie glanced at him and signaled, “Follow me.”
Xu Ziqing nodded, diverting his thoughts.
Ahead, Mrs. Ji Xiao strode down a dark alley. As they followed closely, they noticed closed doors lining both sides of the alley. A faint “Clang” sound emanated from some, suggesting chains and the presence of creatures within. Mrs. Ji Xiao paid no heed, advancing swiftly and eventually pushing open a wooden door at the alley’s end.
Neither Xu Ziqing nor Yun Lie lagged behind.
It wasn’t until they entered the room beyond the wooden door that they were stunned.
The stone room, initially a modest s.p.a.ce, had been adorned with exquisite and luxurious decor. Various beautiful utensils, soft beds, feathered garments, and fur-covered floors filled the area. Despite the opulence, Xu Ziqing’s attention wasn’t drawn to these treasures.
The focal point stood before them—a stone frame adorned with dark chains, restraining a figure. Clad in a pitch-black robe, with snow-white skin and crow feather-like hair, the person emanated a captivating allure. Xu Ziqing, who had encountered countless beautiful individuals in his long existence, couldn’t help but acknowledge the unmatched charm of the man before him. It wasn’t just about physical beauty; it was an innate allure that stirred one’s blood, evoking a desire to possess him entirely.
Momentarily distracted, Xu Ziqing regained composure and gripped his Shixiong’s hand even tighter. Glancing at Yun Lie, he wondered about his Shixiong’s thoughts regarding this captivating man.
However, Yun Lie remained emotionally unaffected, observing the man with an indifference akin to viewing an inanimate object.
Xu Ziqing couldn’t relish his Shixiong’s resoluteness before being taken aback. “What’s the matter, Shixiong?”
Yun Lie responded through a voice transmission, “Jiuxuan Meihu1Mythical fox demon is causing trouble in the world.”
Xu Ziqing’s eyes widened. “Jiuxuan Meihu can also take a male form?”
Yun Lie nodded. “If in a male body, the harm is even more severe than in a female body.”
Explaining further, he noted that when in a female form, Jiuxuan Meihu, due to insufficient cultivation, often seduced kings in the mortal world, subverting royal courts to seize Dragon Qi. However, in a male form, Jiuxuan Meihu possessed greater power, intelligence, and apt.i.tude comparable to a celestial fox. Regular cultivation could transform it into a world-shattering demon, disrupting not only the mortal realm but also ensnaring cultivators.
Surprised by this revelation, Xu Ziqing glanced at Mrs. Ji Xiao.
If Jiuxuan Meihu was so formidable, why was he confined here? And what was Mrs. Ji Xiao’s role in all this?
During this speculation, Hu Xue’er on his shoulders began impatiently scratching with her feet, indicating her inability to endure any longer. This reinforced Xu Ziqing’s suspicion that Jiuxuan Meihu was somehow connected to Hu Xueer.
As Xu Ziqing mulled over various possibilities, Jiuxuan Meihu spoke, “So it’s your little chicken again.”
The voice, though pleasant and seemingly indifferent, entered the ears in a way that reached the heart, gently scratching at it and causing an internal itch. After the itching subsided, a warm sensation enveloped the entire body.
Despite encountering numerous pract.i.tioners of charm arts, including the techniques of the venerable Ruyi Xianzhuang’s Sunu faction, Xu Ziqing had never experienced anything comparable to the allure emanating from these few words.
In the next moment, Mrs. Ji Xiao retorted, “The fox king need not resort to provocations, as the concubine’s body, being beast-like, possesses a bit more resistance than others.”
A hint of sarcasm laced her words as she added, “Unlike Mrs. Hu Mei…whose body can’t even be found?”
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