yasinovel Chapter 25: Fishing with Scented Bait
Chapter 25: Fishing with Scented Bait
"boom--!!!"
The lingering effects of the thunder had not yet completely dissipated from the depths of the soul; the acrid and ionized smell permeating the air was pungent and real.
The Soul-Devouring Rat Demon, a towering, ferocious monster from the Star Sea Realm.
It had already been reduced to a human-shaped pile of charred remains under the overwhelming power of the heavens, and with a gust of night wind, it scattered into ashes and was completely annihilated.
All that remained was a charred crater in the center of the camp, several meters in diameter and a foot deep, with edges that had a glassy texture.
It silently proclaimed the destructive power contained in that attack, a power beyond mortal comprehension.
The surviving carrion-eating ground squirrels, driven by their primal, extreme fear, squeaked and fled into the darkness of the wilderness, disappearing without a trace.
In the camp, only the heavy breathing of survivors, suppressed sobs, and painful groans of the wounded remained.
The last two remaining members of the Seven Saints Cult, stubbornly resisting, were utterly terrified as they watched their greatest reliance, the Rat Demon, vanish into thin air.
They looked at each other, their eyes filled with despair and a twisted fanaticism.
"May the Holy Church endure forever!"
With a roar, the two men did not hesitate to crush the poison sacs between their teeth. Black blood instantly spilled from the corners of their mouths, their eyes quickly dimmed, their breath stopped, and they fell straight down.
His movements were swift, decisive, and ruthless, giving the enemy no chance to interrogate him.
"Damn it!!"
Yan Jun, with his beard and hair bristling and his eyes bloodshot, slammed his fist into the scorched ground beside him, creating a shallow crater and sending dirt flying.
The pent-up anger in his chest, the heartache of losing his subordinates, the frustration of being betrayed by evil people, and the worry about Liu Ruyan's serious injury...
His emotions surged like magma, but he had nowhere to vent them because of the enemy's swift self-destruction, which made him feel so frustrated that he almost vomited blood.
He kicked away the corpse of the evil thug at his feet, turned around abruptly, and stared eagerly at the other side of the field.
There, Xuan Tianyi's condition looked extremely bad.
Liu Ruyan, whose face was as pale as paper, disregarded her own equally severe injuries and mustered a bit of star power, her figure flashing as she arrived beside Xuan Tianyi.
His usually cold face was completely devoid of color, except for his eyes, which shone with an astonishing brightness.
With lightning speed, her slender fingers touched Xuan Tianyi's wrist pulse, and with a flick of her other hand, she took out a delicate jade bottle, as white as mutton fat and only an inch tall.
The stopper popped open, and two pills, each the size of a longan, golden-red in color, with natural cloud patterns on their surface, and exuding a rich, life-giving fragrance and powerful medicinal properties, rolled into the palm of the hand.
Her movements were gentle yet incredibly swift. She pried open Xuan Tianyi's mouth, inserted the pill, and with lightning speed, pressed several acupoints on his chest.
He then used his own pure and gentle star power to help dissolve the medicinal power, guiding the surging medicinal power to flow to his limbs and bones, attempting to stabilize his nearly collapsed blood and qi and disordered meridians.
"Ruyan, your injury..."
Yan Jun rushed over and saw the hideous wound on Liu Ruyan's shoulder and the bloodstains still wet at the corner of her mouth. His brows furrowed into a deep frown.
"It's okay, I can still hold it in."
Liu Ruyan didn't raise her head, her voice weak and hoarse, yet with a rock-solid steadiness.
Her entire focus was on the faint, pulsating pulse beneath her fingers, a pulse that seemed ready to snap at any moment.
"His injuries were more severe... multiple meridians were broken, internal organs were displaced and bleeding occurred, and his soul was shaken and nearly exhausted."
If it weren't for... his physical constitution being far beyond that of ordinary people, and his unwavering will, the backlash from that attack would have been enough to...
She didn't finish her sentence, but Yan Jun fully understood the unspoken meaning—utter annihilation, body and soul!
After a moment, Liu Ruyan exhaled a long, extremely slow breath, as if she had exhausted all her strength.
Fine beads of cold sweat seeped from his smooth forehead, sliding down his pale cheeks.
He slowly withdrew his fingers, and his already swaying body wobbled even more, but Yan Jun caught him with quick eyes and hands.
"For now... things are stable. But the damage is too great, almost like a lamp running out of fuel. We must immediately lie down and recuperate, and absolutely cannot be disturbed or disturbed in any way."
Liu Ruyan's voice was even lower, filled with deep weariness.
Upon hearing this, Yan Jun felt a huge weight lifted from his heart, but looking at the boy on the ground, who was barely breathing and seemed as if he could be broken at the slightest touch;
Then he looked at Liu Ruyan, who was also seriously injured and weak, having almost exhausted her last strength to save others.
In his tiger-like eyes, gratitude, lingering fear, amazement, and a complex mix of emotions surging intensely.
"Tonight... all thanks to this kid. And thank you for your hard work, Ruyan."
His voice was low and hoarse, as if he had survived a disaster.
He paused for a moment, but ultimately could not suppress the question that was crashing down on his mind like a tidal wave.
He leaned closer and asked in an incredulous tone, in a voice only the two of them could hear:
"But... was that lightning he really summoned? He's only at the Body Tempering Realm!"
His gaze was fixed on Xuan Tianyi, as if he wanted to see through him inside and out.
"The way of magic, especially the supernatural power that connects with heaven and earth and draws on the power of stars, requires a strong enough soul and a basic understanding of the laws of heaven and earth. At the very least, one must enter the Star Sea Realm and condense star power before one can even begin to explore it."
Thunder... is the power of heaven and earth, extremely yang and strong, and most violent and untamed.
Even within the Star Sea Realm, those who can master lightning techniques are extremely rare, one in ten thousand!
Moreover… that terrifying thunder just now… as majestic as the wrath of heaven descending upon the world, as if punishing on behalf of the divine?
This completely overturned his understanding and challenged the common sense barrier he had built up over his decades-long martial arts career.
Liu Ruyan slowly straightened up, using Yan Jun's support to steady herself.
A cool gaze fell on Xuan Tianyi's pale and quiet face, within which turbulent, complex emotions surged.
She gently shook her head, her lips slightly parted, her voice carrying a hint of ethereal uncertainty that she herself was unaware of:
"I have no idea……"
She paused, her gaze shifting to a stern one, her eyes sharpening slightly:
"Captain Yan, do you think an ordinary teenager who escaped from a fallen town could do all of this?"
A prophetic divination that foretells the future, the ferocity to fight a powerful foe alone amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and the monstrous talent to break through and comprehend the true meaning of martial arts at the critical moment of life and death.
And...and finally, that earth-shattering, star-sea realm demon-annihilating...the Heavenly Thunder.
With each word she spoke, Yan Jun's heart sank a little deeper, and the surprise and doubt in his eyes intensified.
Yes, all of this, when put together, has long exceeded the scope of explanation that can be given by "genius" or "serendipity".
This young man named Xuan Tianyi must be hiding a world-shaking secret.
Perhaps it involves some ancient and terrifying heritage, or some unimaginable... existence.
The two exchanged a silent glance, both seeing deep apprehension and curiosity in each other's eyes.
And a hint of... indescribable complexity.
This secret is too big and too hot to handle; now is not the time to investigate it.
"Cough cough... Kid, how are you feeling? If you're not dead, say something, don't just lie there pretending to be dead!"
Yan Jun composed himself, his rough voice ringing out again. He stretched out his foot and gently kicked Xuan Tianyi's calf, but his tone softened considerably, carrying a barely perceptible concern.
"He... won't die..."
Xuan Tianyi's eyelids twitched a few times, and he struggled to open them a crack, revealing his dull and lifeless eyes.
His voice was hoarse and dry, like two rusty iron sheets rubbing against each other, and every word seemed to be uttered with all his might.
As he tried to move his body, the pain aggravated all his injuries, sending a piercing, excruciating pain through his body that felt like it was tearing his very soul apart.
He couldn't help but groan, beads of cold sweat instantly forming on his forehead, and his face paled even more.
"Don't move!"
Liu Ruyan gave a sharp rebuke, her tone carrying an undeniable sternness.
"Do you want all your meridians to be severed, turning you into a cripple?"
She spoke sternly and in a low voice, but her movements were swift. She took half a step forward, seemingly wanting to help him, but stopped because of something. She just stared at him with her cold eyes.
Xuan Tianyi twitched the corners of his mouth, as if he wanted to laugh, but it only formed a distorted expression that was uglier than crying.
His gaze swept over Yan Jun and Liu Ruyan's faces, revealing their undisguised surprise, curiosity, and deep-seated shock, and he understood.
Explain? How do you explain it?
It is said that he possesses a system, with the Eight Scenery Mystic Life Lamp to pacify the soul and the Zhen Gua Jade Token as a guide.
That's not an explanation, that's suicide!
He was too lazy to bother weaving any more elaborate lies, so he simply adopted a nonchalant, "what's the worst that can happen?" attitude.
In a weak and listless manner, he spoke in the most direct, brutal, and irrefutable way:
"The awakened...innate ability...went too far...overdrawn...that's how it is."
After saying that, he simply closed his eyes, giving off an attitude that said it all, believe it or not, and don't bother me anymore.
"Born with... the power of lightning?"
Yan Jun and Liu Ruyan looked at each other again.
This explanation is simple, crude, and absurd, yet it seems to be the only plausible reason at present.
After all, in this world where the blood moon descends, stellar energy tides surge, and all things undergo strange changes,
There are always some people who are blessed by heaven and earth and are born with all sorts of incredible "gifts and abilities".
Flames, ice, telekinesis, mental manipulation... though rare, they are not without precedent.
But... what kind of "innate supernatural power" could enable a Body Tempering Realm youth to summon dazzling heavenly lightning and slay a Star Sea Realm demon?
The level and potential of this supernatural power are simply too terrifying!
But seeing Xuan Tianyi's nonchalant attitude, the two knew that now was not the time to pry.
Believe it or not, this young man is a hero who saved everyone's lives, and he is seriously injured and in urgent need of treatment.
They could only suppress their doubts, but the way they looked at Xuan Tianyi had completely changed.
It was no longer an appreciation of a promising junior, but a serious examination of an unknown, powerful, and possibly even dangerous mysterious entity.
However, at this moment, Xuan Tianyi, who was forcibly fighting against the boundless pain and weakness, and whose consciousness was struggling on the edge of clarity and chaos, suddenly had a jolt in his mind!
wrong!
This isn't over yet!
They had identified three key individuals as the main suspects!
Now, Zhao Tiezhu is dead, the woman poisonous pigeon is dead, and the rat demon that appeared out of nowhere and was never noticed is also dead!
Those evildoers who openly appeared were either dead or had committed suicide...
But the last remaining person is very likely still alive!
Moreover, the other party was clearly on guard and had used some means to conceal themselves.
At this moment, the Qi Observation Technique scanned the area and found no unusual aura of fortune!
A chill instantly shot from his tailbone to the top of his head, making him almost tremble.
If you don't cut the weeds at the root, they'll grow back in the spring!
Having just made such a big splash and demonstrated the ability to summon heavenly lightning, what an alluring yet dangerous "prey" he must be to that venomous snake lurking in the shadows!
They will never let me go!
He's definitely still here, lurking in this group, lurking among the surviving refugees!
We must find him!
Then, kill him!
Otherwise, the journey ahead will be filled with endless trouble, and you will be constantly under deadly threat!
Thoughts raced through my mind, countless ideas colliding wildly amidst the excruciating pain.
A bold, risky plan, which might be the only chance, quickly took shape in his mind.
This plan must be implemented immediately, and it requires the cooperation, or at least the tacit approval, of Yan Jun and Liu Ruyan.
But how can we convey the message that "there is an infiltrator" under the watchful eyes of everyone without arousing suspicion from those watching from the shadows?
Xuan Tianyi's gaze fell on Liu Ruyan, who was standing close by.
She was slightly frowning, checking her pulse. In the flickering firelight, her usually aloof profile seemed to have lost some of its usual detachment, and gained a more focused and... subtle gentleness.
Perhaps it was because of his serious injuries, or perhaps it was because of their shared battle earlier?
An even "bolder" idea quietly emerged.
He took a deep breath, as if in a final burst of energy, and a trace of color appeared on his face.
He gave Liu Ruyan a weak smile, yet one that carried a distinctly roguish and greedy air, his eyes becoming fixed intently on her.
"Miss Liu..."
His voice was still hoarse, but he deliberately dragged out the melody, giving it an uncomfortably sticky quality.
"This time... I risked my life to kill that big rat... wouldn't you say I'm... your savior?"
Liu Ruyan was slightly taken aback, her delicate brows furrowing even more as she looked at him, puzzled. She nodded nonetheless, and said in a cool, aloof tone:
"Yes. Thank you."
His tone was calm, revealing little emotion.
"That...the grace of saving my life..."
Xuan Tianyi's smile widened, and the greed and a certain burning light in his eyes became even more obvious.
He scanned her slender, shapely body, its curves still breathtaking even though it was stained with blood and torn; with almost no attempt to conceal it.
Especially her full curves outlined by the tattered clothes, and her slender waist.
"Shouldn't we...do something in return?"
He licked his chapped lips, his tone carrying a clear hint.
Liu Ruyan's body stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment, a hint of astonishment and hidden anger flashing in her beautiful eyes.
She suppressed her discomfort and said coldly:
"What do you want? Pills, weapons, star coins, or star stones? Just name it, whatever I have on me."
She had a vague feeling that the boy hadn't made any good plans, but considering his serious injury and meritorious service, she still gave him the maximum tolerance.
"Hehe...those things...are all easy to discuss, we can bring them up later..."
Xuan Tianyi interrupted her, his smile becoming increasingly unrestrained, and his eyes becoming even more blatant.
He stared into Liu Ruyan's clear yet subtly angry eyes, and spoke each word clearly enough for several people nearby to hear:
"I... I'm in a lot of pain all over right now, and I'm really panicking... I just really want to... hug you, Dr. Liu..."
I just want to taste what it feels like to hold this fairy-like person in my arms... Is it... really fragrant and soft...?
Upon hearing this, all was silent.
Not only was Liu Ruyan, who was standing right next to him, stunned for a moment, as if struck by lightning, but she was also completely dumbfounded.
Even Yan Jun, standing next to him, suddenly widened his tiger-like eyes and opened his mouth slightly, thinking that he was hallucinating due to his serious injuries!
The soldiers and refugees who were quietly cleaning up the battlefield and occasionally glancing over here were all stunned and looked at this side in disbelief.
"You...how dare you!!!"
The next second, Liu Ruyan finally realized what was happening, and her fair, jade-like face flushed bright red.
The rosy clouds stretched all the way to my ears and neck, like ripe cherries, or the most magnificent fiery clouds on the horizon!
Boundless shame, shock, and anger at being publicly humiliated erupted in her chest like a volcano!
Given her status, how could she have ever been subjected to such blatant and shameless harassment?
Especially after a life-or-death struggle, in front of a large audience and under the watchful eyes of everyone!
The originally gentle and thin star energy around him suddenly became icy cold, and it looked like it was about to erupt uncontrollably.
This audacious, greedy, and malicious lecher was sent flying!
Just then, in that tense moment when Liu Ruyan's star power was about to erupt—
Xuan Tianyi has moved!
He used the last bit of strength he had left, and his body, as if it had lost all support, lunged forward!
His movements, seemingly unsteady and out of control due to his serious injury, were actually incredibly precise, instantly overcoming Liu Ruyan's slightly sluggish reaction caused by shock and anger.
With his arms outstretched, he firmly embraced Liu Ruyan's slender yet supple and strong body!
"Hmm!"
The warm, soft flesh instantly filled my embrace!
A unique, cool, and ethereal scent, mixed with a faint herbal bitterness and a hint of blood, suddenly filled Xuan Tianyi's nostrils.
The curvaceous body in his arms suddenly tensed, stiffening like iron. The icy star power roared within her like a tsunami about to erupt.
Xuan Tianyi could even hear the "clucking" sound of her clenched teeth, and he could feel the terrifying premonition that the surging power was about to burst through her body and tear him apart.
At the same time, a scalding hot body temperature, mixed with a strong masculine scent, the smell of sweat and blood,
It was also transmitted to Liu Ruyan without any obstruction through their thin, tattered clothes.
Although the boy was thin, his arms were unusually strong, and although his chest was not broad, it seemed to contain some kind of tenacious strength.
The unprecedented sensation of being embraced so closely by a member of the opposite sex caused her mind to go blank for a moment, and her body's instinctive reaction even outweighed her rational thinking.
"Don't move... Listen to me..."
Just a moment before Liu Ruyan's gathered star power was about to explode,
Xuan Tianyi's head rested limply on her slender shoulder, his hot breath spraying onto her sensitive, jade-like earlobe, bringing a shiver to her face.
He spoke rapidly in a voice barely audible to the two of them, as faint as a mosquito's buzz but exceptionally clear due to their extreme closeness:
"...There's a leader lurking...in the crowd...very dangerous...we must lure him out...to cooperate with me...in staging a scene..."
Treat me like a seriously injured, weak, mentally unstable, lust-driven idiot... Quick... scold me... hit me... the harder the better..."
Every word was like a bucket of ice water, poured over Liu Ruyan's impending outburst of anger and shame.
Her delicate body trembled violently!
She understood instantly!
I now understand the true intention behind this abrupt, shameless, and absurd behavior!
In a flash, the sketch of the warning map from when the route was changed flashed through my mind, along with the seemingly mystical divination.
The lightning that had just saved everyone flashed past, and the cold, sharp glint hidden in the young man's eyes—a glint completely different from his frivolous words and actions…
There was no time to hesitate, no room to doubt.
An extreme vigilance against potentially deadly danger, and a sense of...
Her almost instinctive trust in this mysterious young man enabled her to make a decision at the critical moment!
The immense stellar power that had been gathered was forcibly reversed and forced back into her body by her overwhelming control!
The forced withdrawal of force caused a sharp pain in her meridians, and she let out a muffled groan as a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of her mouth.
"What... should I do..."
She also lowered her voice, spoke very quickly, and with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.
It wasn't fear, but the dual impact of forcibly suppressing the surging star power and accepting this absurd plan.
Her taut, delicate body relaxed slightly, releasing that heart-stopping stiffness.
But her fair cheeks and the base of her ears became uncontrollably even more flushed.
It stretched all the way down to her slender neck, exuding a breathtaking allure in the firelight.
That bastard... just say what you want to say... why are you hugging me so tightly!
My ears... are so itchy...
"Listen to me...you..."
Xuan Tianyi quickly whispered a few words, explaining the subsequent "script".
Thus, in the eyes of all the soldiers and refugees who had survived the ordeal and were secretly watching the scene,
What they saw left them speechless, almost dropping their jaws in astonishment:
The young hero Xuan Tianyi, who had just summoned heavenly lightning, vanquished demons, and saved everyone, actually...
In full view of everyone, he actually hugged the aloof and ethereal Doctor Liu tightly, who was usually not to be trifled with!
And that posture, the way he tightly embraced her slender waist and buried his head in her shoulder and neck...
He was a shameless lecherous man who, despite being seriously injured, was consumed by lust and took advantage of the situation to grope others!
Then, an even more exciting and anticipated scene unfolded!
After a brief moment of shock and stiffness, Doctor Liu reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, or like a powder keg that had been completely ignited.
Suddenly, he unleashed a furious power far exceeding his usual strength, his star power surging forth, and he shoved Xuan Tianyi away violently!
At the same time, she was filled with shame and indignation, her pretty face frosty, her eyes almost spitting fire, as she raised her delicate, snow-white hand—
"Smack!!!!"
A crisp, resounding slap landed squarely and without any fancy moves on Xuan Tianyi's cheek!
"Shameless scoundrel! Taking advantage of someone in distress! You despicable bastard!"
Liu Ruyan's voice was icy and piercing, filled with intense shame, anger, contempt, and...
A perfectly timed tremor and panic caused by shortness of breath.
Her chest heaved violently as she pointed at Xuan Tianyi, who had been slapped so hard he almost fell, and whose cheek had quickly swelled up red, and snapped:
"If you dare to spout nonsense or behave improperly again, believe me, I will execute you on the spot for disrupting morale and disrespecting your superiors! You will be dealt with according to military law!"
Her acting skills are simply perfect.
That sense of shame and indignation, that chilling murderous intent after being desecrated, that forced dignity—it was all perfectly natural.
"asshole!"
She seemed furious, biting her red lips so hard they almost bled, her eyes blazing with rage.
There seemed to be a hint of tears glistening in her eyes, adding to her already stunning beauty and making her appear even more poignant and wronged.
He glared fiercely at Xuan Tianyi, his gaze as if he were looking at a pile of filthy garbage.
Liu Ruyan suddenly turned around, walked quickly to Yan Jun's side, turned her face away, and her shoulders shrugged slightly, as if she was trying her best to suppress her tears, or as if she was very angry.
Xuan Tianyi was slapped so hard that he saw stars, his ears were ringing, and his left cheek was burning with pain.
He covered his face, staring incredulously at Liu Ruyan's beautiful yet cold and resolute back.
His eyes were filled with astonishment, grievance, resentment, and a hint of frustration at having failed in his attempt.
That look in his eyes—even an Oscar-winning actor couldn't pull it off!
Xuan Tianyi opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just lowered his head.
He looked dejected, disheveled, and mumbled a few indistinct words.
Then, staggering and dejected, he turned to leave this place of trouble.
"Grandma's..."
Xuan Tianyi cursed inwardly, but a barely perceptible sneer curled at the corner of his mouth.
"This woman... she's quite adept at adding drama... that slap was definitely a personal vendetta!"
However, the results seem...not bad?
Yan Jun, standing to the side, witnessed the entire unexpected farce.
His first instinct was that Xuan Tianyi didn't seem like such a lustful and reckless person.
Given the intelligence and wisdom this young man had previously displayed, how could he possibly make such an unwise move at a time like this?
But seeing Liu Ruyan's ashamed and indignant appearance, on the verge of tears, and feeling the almost tangible cold anger emanating from her, it didn't seem fake.
He frowned, about to step forward and stop Xuan Tianyi to get to the bottom of things, while also comforting Liu Ruyan.
Just then, Liu Ruyan, seemingly unintentionally wiping away tears as she turned away, approached Yan Jun.
With lightning speed and stealth, her fingers quickly drew a few words on his arm—
"Mole, stay put."
His imposing, tall, and robust body suddenly stiffened!
A terrifying glint flashed in the tiger's eyes, like two bright lamps lit in the darkness.
But he immediately suppressed and restrained it with his strong willpower.
The anger and doubt on his face quickly faded, replaced by a deep, emotionless calm.
He nodded slightly, almost imperceptibly, to indicate that he understood.
Immediately, he adopted a complex expression, one of anger at Xuan Tianyi's lack of ambition yet forced to consider the bigger picture, and sternly reprimanded him:
"Hmph! How unbecoming! Arrogant and presumptuous! Considering that you have just recovered from serious injuries and have made some minor contributions, you will be spared the death penalty!"
But you can't escape punishment! Get out of here and reflect on your actions! No one is to move without orders!
As he spoke, he gave a stern look to one of his trusted bodyguards beside him:
"Take him away! Keep a close watch on him... no, take good care of him! If he dares to overstep the bounds again, he will be court-martialed!"
The guard had followed Yan Jun for many years and they were already of one mind, so he immediately understood.
He put on a serious expression, took a few steps forward, and seemingly roughly but actually skillfully supported the unsteady Xuan Tianyi, his tone stiff:
"Let's go! Xuan Xiao... Hmph, Xuan Tianyi! Don't make things difficult for your superior!"
Xuan Tianyi obediently displayed a mixture of resentment and helplessness as he was half-supported and half-held by the guard.
They were led away from the center of the crowd and headed towards a relatively quiet and secluded tent at the edge of the camp.
A sudden incident, seemingly ending with Xuan Tianyi's indecent behavior and Liu Ruyan's shameful and indignant retaliation, ultimately concluded with Xuan Tianyi being "isolated and placed under surveillance."
The atmosphere in the camp became increasingly eerie after this farce.
Some people shook their heads and sighed, feeling that this young hero was ultimately just young and impetuous, recklessly audacious, and ruining his future.
Another group whispered amongst themselves, their eyes darting back and forth in the direction Liu Ruyan and Xuan Tianyi had left.
With disdain, curiosity, or some inexplicable excitement.
However, regardless of the circumstances, this incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow of lust and immorality over Xuan Tianyi's heroic aura of summoning heavenly lightning.
His image has also changed from a mysterious and powerful savior to a controversial figure with some ability but poor character.
And this was exactly the effect Xuan Tianyi wanted—
A lure, severely injured and weak, mentally unstable, inflated by power and blinded by beauty, ultimately revealing his ugly side and being shunned and despised by everyone.
Will that lurking, venomous rat be unable to resist jumping out and greedily devouring the bait?
.........
In the shadows, a pair of old, cloudy eyes, always calmly observing without revealing the slightest abnormality,
He had clearly seen every detail of that farce.
When I saw Xuan Tianyi's distraught and cowardly appearance after being slapped, and his dejected look as he was taken away,
The owner of those eyes slowly curved a subtle, cold, and satisfied smile onto his lips.
"My mind and spirit are wounded, my will is wavering, and my greed is burning... Sure enough, how can there be no price for forcibly wielding power beyond one's own level?"
The backlash from the heavenly lightning, coupled with the inability to resist the allure of beauty... young people are still young after all...
The hoarse, low murmur faded into the shadows unnoticed by anyone.
"In this state... it is the most delicious prey, and the most suitable... vessel."
The shadow shifted slightly, and the eyes vanished again, as if they had never existed.
Only a faint, chilling trace of spiritual energy remained, like the flicker of a venomous snake.
Silently, it coiled around the tent guarding Xuan Tianyi, like the most patient hunter laying down a spider web of surveillance.
Inside the tent, Xuan Tianyi was placed on a simple mat on the ground.
Following the stern instructions, the guards kept a tight watch outside, effectively preventing unnecessary spying.
Xuan Tianyi lay down alone, feeling the still burning pain on his left cheek.
But inappropriately, the sensation of that brief embrace lingered in my mind—
That slender yet supple waist, that astonishing elasticity and fullness, that amazing elasticity suppressed by the pressing of their chests, and that refreshing, cool fragrance...
"Tsk..."
Why does my throat feel inexplicably dry?
"To be honest... this was a good deal. It's fucking... fragrant and soft..."
He shook his head, suppressing that hint of romance, and his eyes instantly regained their icy sharpness and calmness.
He gently exhaled a breath of foul air, tinged with the smell of blood, and slowly closed his eyes.
But his entire mind was already like the most sophisticated radar, quietly unfolding around the "Eight Views of Mysterious Fate Lamp" visualization method.
Sensing every rustle of wind and grass outside the tent, trying to catch any possible, cold, spying gaze.
"The bait has been laid, the disguise has been put on..."
"Let's see when that deepest-hidden, most venomous old loach... can't resist surfacing to swallow the bait."
Within his body, the Eight-Scene Mystic Life Lamp, which he had visualized and condensed, floated silently in the void of his sea of consciousness.
The clear, lustrous light of crystal fell silently, soothing his wounded soul and reflecting his cold, resolute killing intent.
The hunt has begun.
However, this time, it remains to be seen who the hunter and who the prey are.