Chapter 235

Chapter 235: Shui Lingluo vs. Jiang Yingyue (1)

Xiao Qingyu’s death perfectly fulfilled what he had said to Wen Hou earlier: today, one of them would surely die here. However, he never imagined that the one to die would be him!

Xiao Tong held Xiao Qingyu’s corpse, his face still wearing a smile. Yet, the smile was mixed with deep fury, making his expression appear profoundly grotesque. He stared fixedly at Wen Hou, his question almost spat through clenched teeth: "How exactly did you do it?"

Hearing Xiao Tong’s question, the four mirrors surrounding Wen Hou vanished abruptly, revealing him. He still wore his gentle smile as he replied, "This move of mine is called Mirror Reflection. Any attack directed at me, my magical weapon will reflect back in exactly the same manner!"

After speaking, he lifted his leg to walk towards Lou Yun and the others. But after taking only two steps, he suddenly stopped again, turned back to Xiao Tong and said, "Ah, one more thing. This Mirror Reflection technique of mine can simultaneously reflect an attack against me twice. However, one of those reflections is fake, a phantom image projected by the mirror. The other one… is real!"

Wen Hou’s explanation instantly made everyone understand. Xiao Qingyu had died somewhat unjustly. If he had been a bit more careful at that moment, he should have been able to discern that the first Thousand Feather Dance Kill charging straight at him was merely a phantom image. Even if it had hit him, it wouldn’t have caused the slightest harm.

Yet, in that kind of situation, how many people could maintain such clarity of mind upon seeing their own attack being used against them by the enemy?

Wen Hou walked slowly up to Lou Yun and gave a faint smile. "Next, if there are more enemies, it really will be up to you."

Lou Yun returned the smile, nodding firmly. "Rest easy. You rest well!"

"Whew!" Wen Hou let out a long breath, closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again. "Alright, I’m not as frail as Tie Sha. Let’s keep moving."

"Mm." Lou Yun carried Tie Sha on his back. Wen Hou and Shui Lingluo walked beside him, one on each side. The three of them continued forward, not even sparing a backward glance at Xiao Tong, who was clutching Xiao Qingyu’s corpse and glaring at them fiercely.

After watching the backs of the three gradually disappear, Jiang Wuyue and Helian Tiebi also appeared beside Xiao Tong.

Although the four families had jointly drafted the Black Invitation of the Nine Families, the relationships between the Nine Families were not truly amicable. Open and covert conflicts existed between them constantly. This situation wasn’t only present in that world; it was the same on Spirit Weapon Star. Therefore, the two felt no sorrow whatsoever over Xiao Qingyu’s death.

Jiang Wuyue said coldly, "Xiao Tong, will you stay here, or will you take his body and leave first?"

Xiao Tong ground his teeth. "Naturally, I’ll stay here. After they break through the four trials, I will tear that kid to pieces!"

Helian Tiebi shrugged, his expression utterly indifferent. "Suit yourself. But I think you should deal with your clansman’s corpse first. We’re going ahead."

After saying this, he and Jiang Wuyue completely ignored Xiao Tong, following the path Lou Yun and the others had taken.

Xiao Tong looked down at Xiao Qingyu’s body in his arms. He smashed a fist forcefully into the ground and said bitterly, "Qingyu, rest assured. Your uncle will avenge you! You’ll just have to endure a little indignity for now!"

Xiao Tong, holding Xiao Qingyu’s corpse, sped off in another direction and vanished from sight in an instant.

…

As Lou Yun and the others pressed forward, Chang Xiang was sitting with his eyes closed, pondering a question. Because earlier, when Wen Hou used hand seals to release the power sealed within himself, Chang Xiang had indeed seen the fleeting shadow of a beast-like figure flash within Wen Hou’s four mirrors.

First Tie Sha, then Wen Hou. Seeing it twice confirmed to Chang Xiang it wasn’t his eyes playing tricks. After a period of contemplation, his eyes suddenly lit up. He murmured to himself, "I think… I know what the mysterious power within each of them really is!"

…

Although Wen Hou hadn’t completely passed out like Tie Sha after releasing his power, his body was equally unable to bear it. He was now extremely weak, staggering with every step. Yet, he persisted, forcing himself not to collapse.

He knew that if he fell, Lou Yun and Shui Lingluo would never abandon him. But doing so would make him a burden. Lou Yun might even give up rescuing that girl who was clearly very important to him. This was absolutely unacceptable to Wen Hou. In his heart, he already regarded Lou Yun as a true friend, besides Tie Sha. He couldn’t make things difficult for a friend. So, he had to tough it out!

This was the difference between Wen Hou and Tie Sha. Although Tie Sha also saw Lou Yun as a friend, his straightforward and simple nature meant he never considered such things. Wen Hou was different. Like a wise strategist, he considered every aspect of a situation and planned for possible future outcomes before acting.

Lou Yun looked ahead, but the corner of his eye frequently glanced at Wen Hou. Seeing Wen Hou’s unsteady steps, he knew Wen Hou was forcing himself to keep going. He wanted to suggest they stop here, to first take Wen Hou and Tie Sha back to the ship. But he also knew that even if he asked, Wen Hou would absolutely refuse. So, he didn’t say it.

Was there a solution that satisfied both concerns?

After a moment, Lou Yun suddenly slapped his own forehead. With a flick of his wrist, a spiritual crystal appeared in his hand. He offered it to Wen Hou.

Wen Hou was momentarily surprised, then smiled in understanding. He took the spiritual crystal naturally. "I can recover while walking."

"Mm, I know."

After these words, the two exchanged a smile.

Finally, the four arrived at the center of the island. Before them lay a massive water pond. Beyond the pond stood a small hill. According to Xiao Tong’s earlier words, once they crossed that hill, they would see Xia Zhilan.

This pond spanned the entire width of Biko Island. To reach the opposite hill, they had to cross this pond; there was simply no other path.

Although Xia Zhilan was getting closer, Lou Yun’s mood didn’t improve. Because he could already see it: in the very center of the pond sat a huge rock, and upon that rock sat a woman. She wore tight-fitting combat attire and was casually toying with a small bottle in her hand.

"The Jiang family’s magical weapon is a bottle. Strictly speaking, this bottle belongs to the spatial container category. However, it can also be used for attack."

Chang Xiang’s words surfaced in Lou Yun’s mind. The woman in the center of the pond was undoubtedly a member of the Jiang family. Her purpose in sitting there was clear: to deal with him!

The woman on the rock also saw Lou Yun and the others. She stretched lazily and called out in an extremely languid tone, "Which one of you is Lou Yun?"

Again, directly challenging Lou Yun!

"I am Lou Yun!" Lou Yun answered steadily. Simultaneously, he whispered to Shui Lingluo, "Miss Shui, I will engage her. Please take Tie Sha and Wen Hou across the pond. And in the water, no one should be able to harm you."

Shui Lingluo looked at Lou Yun with a strange expression, then suddenly smiled faintly. "Lou Gongzi, since you already know that in the water, no one can harm me, why are you asking me to take Tie Sha and the others across the pond? I should be the one to engage her! You take Tie Sha and the others across the pond to rescue your friend!"

These words stunned Lou Yun. Shui Lingluo continued, "Lou Gongzi, whether it was Tie Sha or Wen Hou, the reason they rushed to fight the enemies earlier was precisely to preserve your strength, to keep you in peak condition to rescue your friend. I don’t think they will simply place your friend there, waiting for you to rescue her. Rescuing her will likely involve another fierce battle. That battle is the one you need to handle. As for here… her… leave her to me!"

As her words fell, Shui Lingluo leaped forward, landing on the water’s surface. A spray of water rose steadily, supporting her body.

With her back to Lou Yun, Shui Lingluo added, "Lou Gongzi, I won’t worry about you all now. Find your own way across this pond!"

After speaking, the spray beneath Shui Lingluo surged rapidly, carrying her towards the giant rock.

Watching Shui Lingluo’s retreating figure, her long sleeves fluttering, Lou Yun knew he couldn’t stop her. He sighed heavily in his heart. It was all because of him that his friends had been drawn in and sacrificed so much.

But if one were to assign blame, it should fall on the Nine Families!

Thinking this, Lou Yun’s gaze suddenly turned icy cold. A palpable aura of killing intent began to emanate from him.

Wen Hou sensed Lou Yun’s killing intent and smiled faintly. "Brother Lou, don’t get agitated, and don’t feel guilty. We all came to help you willingly. We don’t need your gratitude or your emotion. What you need to do now is steady your emotions and prepare for the battle that belongs to you next. Rescue your friend. Only then will our efforts not be wasted!"

"I understand!" Lou Yun knew Wen Hou was helping him regain his composure. Before a battle, agitation and impatience were the worst pitfalls.

Lou Yun didn’t rush to cross the pond. He couldn’t possibly abandon Shui Lingluo and leave first. He had promised to bring Shui Lingluo back safely, and he intended to keep that promise. So, carrying Tie Sha on his back, he stood on the shore, focusing intently on Shui Lingluo’s figure.

By now, Shui Lingluo had approached the giant rock, maintaining a certain distance from the woman seated upon it. She called out loudly, "What is your name? If you wish to find Lou Yun, then you must defeat me first!"