Chapter 211: A Trial by Minor Demons, A Mantis Blocking a Cart

“I knew you’d be lying in wait for me!!”

Yet the demon that appeared was just a tiny speck at first—followed immediately by a larger one shooting forth!

The smaller speck collided with Hong Shao’s fingertip and dissipated into smoke.

But the larger one surged forward instead of fleeing—it charged directly at Hong Shao’s glabella, just inches away!

Escape meant certain death.

So it chose to gamble everything!

“Today, either you die—or you die!!”

The larger demonic speck howled sharply, like flickering lightning, and in the blink of an eye, it was already right in front of Hong Shao.

Hong Shao’s gaze flickered slightly, but not a hint of fear appeared in her eyes—only calm indifference. Facing the oncoming demon, she spoke softly:

“You even messed up your lines. It’s you die, I live.”

She didn’t dodge.

The next moment, the demonic speck drilled straight into her glabella.

Hong Shao closed her eyes and stood still.

“Master!?”

Su Xiaoduo saw everything clearly—she watched as the demon entered her master’s glabella and nearly leapt up in shock.

She screamed and rushed over, circling Hong Shao in a panic, yet afraid to act rashly. She could only cry out repeatedly,

“Master! Master, are you okay!?”

Of course, Hong Shao did not respond.

Her expression remained calm, as she was now inside her sea of consciousness, suppressing and hunting down the demon general.

Su Xiaoduo circled her a few more times, and upon seeing that her breathing remained steady and her body showed no signs of distress, her panic gradually eased.

No need to panic… no need to rush…

Master is so calm—she will defeat the demon!

Thinking this, she turned to look at Yu Xian.

The demon came from Yu Xian’s sea of consciousness, so he should be fine now, right?

Sure enough, Yu Xian’s eyelids twitched. Then, he opened his eyes—his gaze was clear, pure, and free of any chaotic thoughts.

Every time he experienced an illusion, although dangerous, it was also a tempering of his mind.

And Yu Xian was able to face everything he had ever been through without regret, guilt, or shame—not a single bit!

“Senior Brother Yu!”

Su Xiaoduo lit up with joy. “You’re okay!?”

“I’m fine.”

Yu Xian nodded, his eyes now much gentler as he looked at her—gone was the cold aura that once pushed people away.

Though he still didn’t like Su Xiaoduo romantically, he now genuinely considered her a friend.

She had tried to save him with no concern for her own safety, even if she hadn’t succeeded. That sincerity—he understood.

Even though he’d pushed her away, it had ironically protected her.

He would remember this kindness.

Su Xiaoduo could see from Yu Xian’s gaze that he hadn’t been possessed—he was still himself.

And… his attitude toward her had changed significantly.

The old Yu Xian always kept a frigid distance—but now that coldness was gone. It felt like he had accepted her.

“You… you’re okay, then that’s great.”

She felt a mix of relief and nervous joy. Then, as if remembering something, she quickly said, “Right! Senior Brother Yu, my master protected you and got invaded by the demon! What should we do!?”

“Oh?”

Yu Xian hadn’t realized that the demon, after fleeing from him, had dared enter Hong Shao instead.

It truly didn’t know its place.

But with Hong Shao’s cultivation and mental strength, her spiritual concentration and willpower had to be many times stronger than his. No matter what illusions the demon conjured, she’d see through them and destroy it.

Still, accidents do happen.

Yu Xian looked carefully at Hong Shao. Her beautiful face was serene, her breath steady, no signs of pain or struggle—clearly, she had the upper hand.

She was using the demon to temper her mind.

What a ruthless woman…

Yu Xian shook his head slightly and said,

“She’ll wake up soon.”

“That’s good…”

Su Xiaoduo finally breathed a sigh of relief.

If Senior Brother Yu said it, it must be true.

Silence fell between them.

Eventually, Su Xiaoduo couldn’t help asking softly,

“Senior Brother Yu, forgive me for asking, but… why are you here?”

Yu Xian turned to look at her without responding, face calm.

Of course, he understood what she was really asking.

He should be in Jinlin Pavilion, Mo City.

But such a question was too dangerous to answer—if Hong Shao overheard, she’d know they were already acquainted, not just recent acquaintances.

Su Xiaoduo realized her mistake and quickly said,

“I spoke out of turn.”

Their relationship was supposed to be “newly acquainted.”

She shouldn’t have asked that.

Thankfully, her master was busy battling the demon and didn’t catch on.

Yu Xian gave a faint smile.

Su Xiaoduo smiled back—his look meant, I’ll explain later.

Time passed. Hong Shao remained motionless, deep in an unknown mental battle.

Suddenly—a low growl broke the silence.

Both Yu Xian and Su Xiaoduo turned toward the sound.

It was Zhou Qingxuan, finally recovering his mind.

Covered in blood, he looked like a demon himself, eyes bloodshot—his state mirroring what Yu Xian had experienced earlier.

But as a peak Golden Core expert, he had survived and carved his way out of the illusions with a blood-soaked resolve—his killing intent now sharper than ever.

His eyes were void of emotion—dead still.

Sitting up, he exhaled deeply, then after a moment… began to laugh—softly at first, then wildly, like a madman.

Fire erupted around him, burning away the blood from his body.

His robe remained immaculate, his long hair unruffled—but his aura was now utterly different.

He was like a beast ready to devour anyone.

“Disciple congratulates the Holy Master on conquering the demon and tempering his mind!”

Yu Xian quickly bowed respectfully.

Su Xiaoduo, startled by Zhou Qingxuan’s aura, also bowed deeply.

“Junior congratulates Senior!”

Zhou Qingxuan ignored them and turned to Hong Shao.

“My thanks to the Fairy for your aid. Without you, I may have been trapped in the illusions and consumed by the demon.”

His voice was calm—but when he said “slay everything,” there was venom behind the words. Was that gratitude or resentment?

But Hong Shao stood still, eyes closed, silent.

He frowned.

“Fairy, you can be assured—I’ll repay your kindness.”

Still no response.

“What’s wrong with her?” he asked Yu Xian and Su Xiaoduo.

She stood there too calmly—no struggle, no strain. He hadn’t considered she might still be fighting a demon internally.

Su Xiaoduo’s expression changed.

Yu Xian replied calmly,

“Reporting to the Holy Master, Master-Honored Elder is refining the demon cores she obtained after assisting you. She should be done shortly.”

“Yes! My master is absorbing demon cores—she’ll be done soon,” Su Xiaoduo added.

“Really?”

Zhou Qingxuan gave them both a suspicious look.

He wasn’t a fool. If the demon that had almost killed him could be defeated so quickly by Hong Shao…

That was unlikely.

She must be still fighting it in her consciousness!

His eyes glinted coldly.

This was a perfect chance—far better than five years ago when she was injured!

“Holy Master,” Yu Xian suddenly said,

“What about those minor demons? They’ve vanished completely—could they be hiding? Should we hunt them down and refine more cores?”

Zhou Qingxuan narrowed his eyes.

“I’ll take care of them soon. My array ensures none can escape.”

His gaze returned to Hong Shao—greed in his heart burning like wildfire.

This was the moment!

“Oh, and Holy Master,” Yu Xian continued nervously,

“What of the three fellow Daoists? Didn’t you say you’d rescue them when free? They might still be struggling with demons!”

Zhou Qingxuan hesitated, frowning. Then sneered,

“Let them hold on a bit longer. I have urgent matters to discuss with the Fairy!”

“But if you wait too long, they might die…”

Yu Xian kept pressing, looking panicked. “Losing three Foundation Establishment disciples would be a great loss!”

“Hmph?”

Zhou Qingxuan’s gaze turned icy. “You questioning me?”

“No! I wouldn’t dare!”

Yu Xian bowed deeply, speaking fast:

“I only meant to safeguard the sect. I’ve come to see the Fire Sect as my home, and I don’t want to see us lose people…”

“Is that so?”

Zhou Qingxuan’s eyes grew sharper.

“Well then, go find them—alive or dead, bring them to me.”

He sneered, then stepped toward Hong Shao.

“Holy Master!”

Yu Xian stepped in his way.

“Hm?”

Zhou Qingxuan’s killing intent exploded.

“Do you want to die?”

Yu Xian stood firm.

“Master-Honored Elder is refining the demon cores. She mustn’t be disturbed.”

“I’m not disturbing her,” Zhou Qingxuan said coldly. “I’m helping her refine them! Now get out of my way!”

He raised his hand—fire coiled into a flaming dragon.

If that strike landed, Yu Xian would be dead on the spot.

But he didn’t flinch. He summoned his Spirit Shield.

Even if he died, he had to protect Hong Shao.

Not acting would mean betraying her.

But then—

A serene voice echoed:

“Just awakened and already throwing a tantrum?”

The air grew heavy.

Blooms of red flowered around them.

The flower basket appeared behind Hong Shao—and her eyes were now open, cold and fathomless.

“Uh…”

Zhou Qingxuan’s face changed. He instantly dispelled the fire dragon.

He laughed awkwardly.

“How could I be angry? I was just going to help the Fairy refine the cores, but this fool blocked me, so I wanted to teach him a lesson.”

Yu Xian quickly stepped back five paces, letting out a long breath.

Thank heavens she woke up…

“My junior needs no lesson from you,” Hong Shao said flatly. But the chill in her eyes was unmistakable.

She was angry.

Zhou Qingxuan felt her murderous intent. Though not afraid, he grew uneasy.

This woman was terrifying.

So, forcing a smile, he said:

“I wasn’t serious about punishing him—just scolding him. You’ve finished refining the cores? How are you feeling?”

“Go save your Fire Sect disciples.”

Hong Shao said coldly:

“As for me—that matter has nothing to do with you. I saved you today; our debts are now cleared. From this day on, we are strangers.”

With that, ignoring Zhou Qingxuan’s stunned look, she waved her hand.

The flower basket grew massive, pulling Yu Xian and a dazed Su Xiaoduo into it.

The next moment, she stepped onto the basket and soared into the sky.