Volume 2 Chapter 20

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Volume 2 Chapter 20: Battle of the Demon

"Soon, Xuan Xiu will keep Naxiu occupied, at which time I’ll seize the opportunity to capture the Magic Pearl, and you all help me hold off the others," said Bao Wei, who had been watching Xuan Xiu silently, suddenly speaking to Xu Qingfan and the others.

Hearing Bao Wei’s words, Xu Qingfan and the others were momentarily surprised, but then realized that Xuan Xiu’s arrival had solidified Bao Wei’s decision to act now and snatch the Magic Pearl.

"But what if Venerable Xuan Xiu doesn’t engage Naxiu and instead tries to escape?" Lv Ziqing asked worriedly.

"No, I’ve already spoken to him earlier. He’ll keep Naxiu occupied while I seize the Pearl, and you all just need to block the other troublesome demon soldiers," Bao Wei said with a shake of his head.

Hearing Bao Wei’s words, Xu Qingfan and the others recalled that before Xuan Xiu appeared, Bao Wei had been moving his lips slightly. They had thought he was muttering to himself, but now realized, prompted by Naxiu, that Bao Wei had likely noticed Xuan Xiu’s presence and used the "Sound Conducting Technique" to devise a plan with him.

After understanding this, Xu Qingfan nodded, but then worriedly frowned and said, "Even with Venerable Xuan Xiu, I’m afraid we’re still not strong enough to deal with them. Not to mention how powerful Naxiu is, he controls too many magical soldiers. I’m afraid that even if we manage to seize the magic orb, we won’t be able to retreat safely."

Venerable One is a respectful title used by cultivators of the cultivation world for those from Penance Valley. That’s why Xu Qingfan and Lv Ziqing address Xuan Xiu as Venerable Xuan Xiu.

"If we don’t seize the magic orb now, once Naxiu fully masters it, the losses for the Cultivation World will be even greater," Bao Wei said, his face very serious. "Moreover, you don’t need to worry too much. Venerable Xuan Xiu arrived here half a day earlier than us and has already sent flying signals to notify Penance Valley. So we just need to hold off Naxiu and his magical soldiers for one hour, and then cultivators from Penance Valley will come to assist us."

Upon hearing Bao Wei’s words, everyone around solemnly nodded. They understood that although they only needed to hold out for one hour to receive reinforcement, it would still be a tough battle.

"Xiurong, Wangjun, you two stay here and don’t go out. Be ready for backup at any moment," Bao Wei said with a slight sigh, seeing the heavy expressions on everyone’s faces. He then carefully explained to Xu Xiurong and Hou Wanjun how to control the "Sky Melting Curtain." Although their abilities were barely sufficient to control such an advanced Earth-level artifact, together they could just manage to protect themselves.

"Yes, Martial Uncle," Xu Xiurong said gloomily, while Hou Wanjun stayed silent but his expression also subtly changed.

Although Bao Wei said they would stay for backup, everyone fully understood the true meaning. Naxiu’s magic soldiers were numerous, and the demonized low-level beasts had strength comparable to cultivators at the late stage of the Inedia Stage. Hou Wanjun was simply no match for them, and while Xu Xiurong could fight, her nature was too gentle, making her unsuitable for brutal combat. Instead of splitting their focus to protect the two during battle, it was better to let them stay safely within the "Sky Melting Curtain."

Xu Xiurong and Hou Wanjun clearly understood the implication of Bao Wei’s words, but they knew there was nothing they could change, so they silently agreed, feeling useless inside. Xu Xiurong sneaked a glance at Xu Qingfan, only to find that his face remained calm and composed, bringing her some relief but also a hint of disappointment.

"Nephew Qingfan, we’re dragging you into this. Originally, you didn’t have to get involved, and as a senior from another sect, I have no right to command you. So if you don’t wish to take part in this risky venture, you can stay here with Xiurong and Wangjun, and I won’t blame you," said Bao Wei after settling Xu Xiurong and Hou Wanjun, turning to speak to Xu Qingfan.

"The emergence of the magic pearl is a major event in the cultivation world, and as a member, I have an unshirkable responsibility," Xu Qingfan said with a respectful bow, his expression calm and his tone sincere.

Seeing Xu Qingfan’s demeanor, Bao Wei sighed softly and said, "It’s a burden for you, my young friend."

"You’re too kind, senior," Xu Qingfan replied calmly.

In truth, Xu Qingfan did not agree with this mission. Perhaps his many years of scholarly study had made him cautious, favoring a more steady and careful approach to battle. In this matter, if Xu Qingfan were in charge, he would first find a way to escape the Barbarian village and then unite with the major sects of the Cultivation World to eliminate the mutated Barbarian village with overwhelming strength. Even if Naxiu had completely mastered the magic pearl by that time, he would have no chance against the attack of over ten Golden Core Stage experts. Although this would delay things, the chances of success and safety would greatly increase.

Unfortunately, Venerable Xuan Xiu of Penance Valley had already been discovered by Naxiu, and Bao Wei decided to seize the magic pearl, leaving Xu Qingfan no room to object. Based on Lv Ziqing and others’ attitude towards Bao Wei, it seemed Bao Wei, despite being exceptionally polite to him, was a self-assured and stubborn person. Even if Xu Qingfan voiced objections, he might not sway Bao Wei’s decisions and might just create discord. Since he couldn’t change the situation, Xu Qingfan decided to help as best as he could.

Xu Qingfan certainly knew the great danger he would face by participating in this mission. Although Bao Wei said that reinforcements from Penance Valley would arrive within an hour, too many uncertainties could arise in that time. However, there was no way out. Xu Qingfan had considered not joining Bao Wei’s risky mission, but upon deeper thought, he realized he had no other options. There were only two possible outcomes. One, Bao Wei and the others might succeed in their daring quest, not only capturing the magic pearl but also holding out until the cultivators from Penance Valley arrived. In that case, Xu Qingfan’s reputation for being cowardly and self-serving would likely spread quickly throughout the entire cultivation world. He would face punishment upon returning to his sect and would be shunned and despised by all cultivators. Two, if Bao Wei’s mission failed, they would not only fail to capture the magic pearl but could also be killed by Naxiu. If that happened, how could he escape from this heavily guarded Barbarian village? So, Xu Qingfan had no choice but to agree to join Bao Wei and the others on their mission.

Afterwards, Bao Wei carefully explained how they would proceed with the mission to everyone present.

As the group prepared for the impending battle with heavy hearts, Xuan Xiu was already locked in a fierce struggle elsewhere.

Xuan Xiu possessed great strength, wielding lightning spells with apparent ease, indicating at least a Golden Core Stage level of cultivation. Yet, he couldn’t shake the ominous feeling inside.

Under Xuan Xiu’s control, thunder rumbled in the sky, and large bolts of lightning continuously struck down from the dark clouds, shattering the attacking demon soldiers into dust. The number of demons he had defeated was nearly a thousand. The constant booming thunder caused people’s ears to ache, and the entire Southern Wasteland was illuminated as bright as day. However, the demon soldiers seemed endless, relentlessly launching themselves at Xuan Xiu with the mutated flying creatures, showing no regard for their own lives, unmoved by the mighty power of the elements.

But the art of lightning is a powerful magic that uses one’s own Spirit Qi to harness the forces of nature. Although Xuan Xiu was exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable in magic, he unknowingly used up about twenty to thirty percent of his Spirit Qi through the continuous use of lightning magic.

As Xuan Xiu felt the depletion of his Spirit Qi, he couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart.

"Could it be that Naxiu intends to use these demon soldiers to drain my Spirit Qi?"

Thinking of this, Xuan Xiu became more cautious. He stopped using the powerful lightning magic and began to employ the gold-type magic that excelled in both attack and defense. The lightning and thunder that filled the sky suddenly ceased, and the Southern Wasteland returned to its original dark silence. Then, brilliant golden light flashed, and countless golden weapons formed from Golden Spirit Qi shot out from Xuan Xiu. The magic’s sharp attacks sliced the demon soldiers and their mutated mounts into many pieces, causing a rain of blood to fall from the sky. Xuan Xiu, cloaked in shining golden light, appeared like a god of war, awe-inspiring and magnificent!

Meanwhile, Naxiu stood quietly on the altar, watching the battle in the sky with interest. Despite losing nearly half of his demon soldiers, Naxiu showed no hint of anger, but the greed in his eyes grew stronger. If one looked closely, it’d be seen that when each demon was slain by Xuan Xiu, a wisp of strange purple-blue smoke rose from their foreheads, dissipating into the air, and then absorbed by Naxiu on the altar, making the mysterious patterns on his face even more distinct.

Standing alongside Naxiu on the platform was an unnamed little girl, who unbeknownst to anyone, had quietly sat down hugging her knees, her long hair covering her face. Her eyes coldly watched Naxiu by her side, showing no interest or fear in the brutal battle unfolding in the sky.

Finally, Naxiu seemed to tire of the game being played out. He waved his right hand silently, and the demon soldiers in the sky, as if understanding his command, quickly retreated completely.

Seeing the demon soldiers vanish completely, Xuan Xiu looked at Naxiu below with some confusion, only to hear that grand voice echo once more through the heavens.

"Stranger, I must admit your strength is greater than I imagined."

"However, no matter how strong you are, you cannot compare to the mighty Demon God."

"Magic Eye requires someone as powerful as you for a blood sacrifice, so I can gain even greater power."

"Stranger, give me all your blood, your soul, and your power."

As this grand voice echoed, a black mist, as if capable of devouring all light in the world, began to rise from Naxiu’s body. Soon, this black mist spread across the heavens and earth, seemingly endless. Then, the mist suddenly wrapped itself and transformed into a giant black serpent, hissing loudly as it soared towards Xuan Xiu.

"Now is the time!"

Seeing Naxiu finally unable to resist attacking Xuan Xiu personally, Bao Wei shouted softly, leading the way towards the altar.

Following Bao Wei’s quiet shout, Xu Qingfan, Lv Ziqing, and Shang Nianyao quickly dashed towards the altar with him.

"Senior Brother Xu, be careful!"

Just as Xu Qingfan leapt out of the "Sky Melting Curtain," he seemed to faintly hear the concerned voice of Xu Xiurong behind him.