It was not long after Fang Ping and Qin Fengqing started running that they realized they were in trouble!
It was not the owner of the ceremonial hall. Instead, they were being chased by ancient wolf beasts—a whole pack of them!
“We’re doomed!”
Qin Fengqing’s expression was ghastly. So was Fang Ping’s.
Both of them knew exactly what triggered these beasts to hunt them down. They were carrying too many items, the energy was exceedingly rich.
Right now, in the eyes of the beasts, both of them were a mini energy mine.
Who would they hunt if not them?
“What should we do?”
Fang Ping asked. Qin Fengqing considered for a while, and suggested, “First, throw away some of the items…”
“Over my dead body!”
Qin Fengqing gave an assenting nod. Indeed, it was impossible.
“Then, let’s split up and run. With both of us together, the source of energy is too rich!”
“Who will take the detour?”
If they split up and run, surely one of them needed to make a detour. However, doing so would increase the risk.
“You!”
Qin Fengqing said without hesitation. “Your Vitality is stronger than mine and you can run longer than me. I believe in you!”
“Get lost!”
Fang Ping would never do it. He was not an idiot. Who was he supposed to reason with if he lost his way?
“What should we do then?”
“We’ll run together. The unlucky one will fall behind.”
Qin Fengqing almost cursed out loud. The distance from here to Hope City was still three to four hundred li. Until now, his Vitality had not replenished completely. There was no way for him to run all the way back in one stretch.
This was not the case with Fang Ping.
Eventually, he would fall behind…
Seeing hundreds of Rank-4 and 5 ancient wolf beasts behind him—he could even indistinctly make out the Rank-6 leader—Qin Fengqing increased his speed, saying hurriedly, “Fang Ping, don’t leave me behind. Let’s run together. Give me a piggyback ride if I can’t catch up.”
“Dream on!”
At this moment, Fang Ping was also slightly panting from running. Throughout the night, he had lost a whole basin of blood. Until now, his right arm’s injury had not recovered yet and he had already killed many martial artists. Though there was no issue with his Vitality, his physical strength was deteriorating.
On top of that, he had to bear over a hundred catty on his back. He would grow tired as well.
Qin Fengqing gritted his teeth and said hurriedly, “I’ll give you all the books. I don’t want them anymore. Will that do?”
“No!”
Fang Ping rejected instantly. The books were too heavy. Qin Fengqing had grabbed a whole bunch of them. Right now, he was running much slower than before.
“I’ll throw them away then!”
“Go ahead.”
Qin Fengqing looked extremely reluctant. He would never throw them away. They were extremely valuable.
Roar!
The roaring sound behind them grew more intense.
The pack of ancient wolf beasts was chasing after them madly.
In the eyes of these ancient wolf beasts, the temptation ahead was too powerful.
They dared not approach the valley earlier. Though right now, the leader of the ancient wolf beast did not feel threatened. How could they not hunt down this tasty meal?
…
The roaring of beasts went on incessantly.
Meanwhile.
West Phoenix City more than a hundred li away.
House of City Lord.
It was currently bright as day. The House of City Lord was having a banquet.
In the center of the concourse of the House of City Lord’s banquet, the fiery-red haired city lord of West Phoenix City sat upright in the center. He was youthful-looking, with blazing hair trailing over his shoulders and a profound look in his eyes. Looking at everyone talking to each other in murmurs, the red-haired city lord tapped the metal wine glass in his hand gently.
Though different in culture, the wine culture was universal at this moment.
Once the metal sound resonated across air, a hush fell over the crowd.
“Gentlemen, both Monster Sunflower and Monster Wood Cities have invited me, Monster Phoenix City, to form a three cities military alliance to launch a united attack on Hope City, opening up the passageway, and finally entering the Land of Rebirth. What do you gentlemen think?”
“King Phoenix, absolutely not!”
Beneath him, an old powerhouse piped up immediately, “Monster Wood City has attacked Hope City for many years, and has also entered the Land of Rebirth. Yet, they did not bring the Seed of Rebirth back. I am starting to believe that the Seed of Rebirth is simply a fantasy…”
The red-haired city lord said lazily, “This piece of news has spread in the restricted areas.”
“That’s the news spread by a Monster Plant powerhouse within the restricted areas. Here in Monster Life Clan, I’ve not received any news…”
As the elder spoke, he continued, “Even if there is the Seed of Rebirth, Monster Plant Clan will be the one who benefits from it.”
“Not only did Monster Plant Clan open up a passageway here at Seven Southern Territory, but they had also opened up passageways in various other territories. I have a feeling that it is not solely for the Seed of Rebirth. There is another purpose that the other party has not disclosed.
“King Phoenix, under the situation where you do not know the details, King Phoenix must never join Monster Plant Clan alone…”
The red-haired city lord said flatly, “I, the king, am not joining Monster Plant Clan. Am I not currently discussing with you gentlemen…”
After he had said those words, the red-haired city lord stared at one of the people beneath him, saying flatly, “Chieftain Sky Wolf, in recent years you have resided in Sky Wolf Mountain, associating closely with Monster Wood City. What is your opinion on this?”
Beneath him, a middle-aged martial artist raised his head after he was addressed. Of slender arms, a clean and beardless face, and a slightly high-pitched voice, he replied, “King Phoenix, it is possible to form a three cities military alliance. Monster Wood City has suffered a great loss this time. The three big chieftains: Tiger, Leopard, and Wolf have been wiped out in battle.
“I think it is possible to join Monster Wood City. Use the opportunity to annex Monster Wood City, seize Monster Wood!”
In an indistinct way, someone said, “Chieftain Sky Wolf, if I’m not mistaken, Wolf Battalion’s chieftain is your younger brother. What are you scheming at, now that you’re asking King Phoenix to join the three cities alliance?
“Hope City is not weak at all. There are still top-level powerhouses in Land of Rebirth who have not shown themselves.
“Within the Seven Southern Territory, we, here in Monster Phoenix City, are not entirely invincible. In the past few years, Monster Wood City has had countless casualties. Are you hoping to see Monster Phoenix City get bogged down in war as well?”
“Venerable White Phoenix, that’s not what I meant…”
As Chieftain Sky Wolf explained, he continued, “Everything I do is for the sake of Monster Phoenix City…”
“Why did you stay in Sky Wolf Mountain for so long, and have only left the mountain when Monster Wood City seeks for an alliance then?”
“The reason I stayed for an extended period of time in Sky Wolf Mountain is to tenaciously defend Monster Phoenix City’s barrier land. Golden Horned Beast King in the east has recently broken through to the venerable level, and Golden Horn Forest is expanding continuously. My return to the city this time couldn’t have been timelier. I’m really here because of the Golden Horned Beast King.”
“King Phoenix is already aware of the breakthrough of the Golden Horned Beast King. Even if the expansion has taken place, both Monster Wood and Monster Sunflower cities should be the ones to be concerned, not us here in Monster Phoenix City!”
As everyone spoke, someone came in suddenly and gave a report. Incessant beastly roars were heard throughout Sky Wolf Mountain, suspecting unusual movement.
Chieftain Sky Wolf’s expression changed. Standing up, he said, “King Phoenix, I…”
The red-haired city lord nodded slightly, saying, “Go if you must.”
When Chieftain Sky Wolf had left in a hurry, someone beneath scoffed, “Sky Wolf’s heart is no longer with Monster Phoenix City but Monster Wood City. Though in the past few years, he was nominally Chieftain of Monster Phoenix City, defending the barrier tenaciously, in reality, Sky Wolf Mountain is already Monster Wood City’s annexed territory.
“Sky Wolf is the lobbyist for the three cities alliance this time…”
Red-haired city lord did not respond to that. He only said gently, “Regarding the unusual movement in Sky Wolf Mountain, what kind of unusual movement is that?”
Having said that, the red-haired city lord muttered, “Could it be that the Golden Horned Beast King has left the forest?”
Beneath him, the crowd discussed for a moment. None of them took this too seriously. If Sky Wolf was killed by Golden Horned Beast King, then that served him right. After all, this fellow was the one who wanted to clean up Golden Horn Forest for the expansion of Monster Wood City in the first place.
Everyone believed Sky Wolf’s claim about his return this time to report the incident about Golden Horned Beast King. This was because Golden Horned Beast King had broken through the venerable level, and might plot revenge against Sky Wolf.
Today, Monster Wood City had suffered a great loss, Sky Wolf’s brother killed in battle, so Sky Wolf could only return to Monster Phoenix City to seek help.
“Land of Rebirth…”
King Phoenix murmured. He said no more, draining the wine in the cup in one gulp, falling into silence.
…
Meanwhile.
Fang Ping and Qin Fengqing were about to throw up from all the running!
“Motherf*cker, these wolves must be insane!”
Qin Fengqing cursed out loud. Then, his figure flickered, escaping the pounce of the ancient wolf beast coming from behind him. Panting heavily, he roared, “Fang Ping, wait for me!”
More than ten meters ahead, Fang Ping was also panting. Without turning his head back, he yelled, “Qin Fengqing, bear with it, feed them some meat. I’ll set up a monument for you when I get back!”
“How inhumane can you get?”
“Very!” Fang Ping was panting ceaselessly. “We’ve triggered such a big movement. If we don’t return to Hope City now, we’re just waiting to get killed!”
Right now, both of them were not only defending against the pack of ancient wolf beast behind them.
Occasionally, other monsters would join in the chase ahead and from every other direction.
Huge amounts of herbs, metals, a collection of energy stones. None of them had any means of concealing them. The energy waves were very intense.
The Catacombs martial artists might not sense them, but these monsters were exceedingly sensitive toward them.
In the past, these monsters dared not approach Sky Wolf Mountain. Powerhouses’ territory must not be invaded. The monsters knew this better than humans.
Today, however, two weaklings were running carrying these things. How could they not chase after them?
“How far left to go?”
Qin Fengqing was running out of energy. The big pack on his back seemed to weigh heavier and heavier, bearing down on him to the point that he found it hard to breathe.
Fang Ping made an estimation and replied, “Still a long way to go. We’re slightly off track. Another 200 li or more, at least!”
“So far?”
Qin Fengqing was only focused on running behind Fang Ping, so he did not really have much clue.
Hearing that, he let out a miserable howl. “Carry me for a bit. After I recover, I’ll carry you instead!”
“You can howl with so much energy. I’ll be a fool if I believe you!”
Fang Ping would never believe this fellow. If he could not run anymore, he would have thrown away the big pack behind him earlier on, and would not have so much time to give him this load of baloney.
As they were running, a series of intense energy waves suddenly swept through the top of Wolf Head Mountain, a place where they had shaken off a long time ago.
Right now, both of them were already more than a hundred li away from Wolf Head Mountain.
When the weak energy waves were felt, Fang Ping looked slightly confused. Where were the energy waves coming from?
The feeling was a really faint one. Fang Ping did not pay too much attention to it. Running was the priority now.
As for Qin Fengqing, he would not die. At least for now, this fellow could still keep up for some time.
After running for another forty to fifty li, Qin Fengqing was running out of steam. Dispirited and depressed, he cried, “Carry me for a while…”
Fang Ping turned his head to take a look. Right now, their pursuers were no longer merely the ancient wolf beasts, but hundreds of monsters of various kinds.
Some of them were horse-like creatures while others were gorillas that ran with two legs. There were even some flying monsters in the sky, though small in size and weak in energy waves. Fang Ping did not really pay too much attention to them.
“Hang on a little bit more. We’re about 150 li away from Hope City now!”
“I… I can’t…”
Fang Ping saw him looking like he was about to give up. He said quickly, “Fifty percent of your gains are mine!”
Qin Fengqing did not utter a word, bit his lip, and continued running wildly!
‘Even if I die from all the running, I would never give you any money in exchange for my life.’
When Fang Ping saw his renewed vigor, running at lightning speed, he cursed in his heart. ‘How dare you try to bamboozle me!’
As they ran, Fang Ping fancied he saw something unusual.
“Hey!”
Qin Fengqing ignored him.
“Qin Fengqing!”
Fang Ping’s expression changed. He cried, “Look in front!”
With a pale complexion, Qin Fengqing raised his head to take a look, asking feebly, “What?”
“This… this forest. Don’t you think this looks familiar?”
“You’re crazy!”
Qin Fengqing snarled. ‘Aren’t all forests the same? To say that this looks familiar, have you been here before?’
Very soon, though, Qin Fengqing suddenly asked, “What direction are we running in?”
“Southeast, though we’ve deviated a little toward the east…”
“Southeast? East…”
“This means that we’ve deviated from the direction of Hope City going toward Sky Gate City… The distance from here to Hope City is 150 li. Is there a forest?”
Qin Fengqing was still rather familiar with this area.
Very soon, with a pleasant surprise, Qin Fengqing exclaimed, “The Jiao’s Forest! This means that it’s not even 150 li, but less than 130 li…”
Fang Ping’s expression stiffened. Jiao’s Forest!
Jiao’s Forest was here?
What kind of joke was this!
He had wandered aimlessly last time. Though he might not have run through the whole Jiao’s Forest, he had more or less run through it.
Here… Fang Ping twisted his head to take a look. In the dark, he could still make out a trace of Wolf Head Mountain.
When he was in the Jiao’s Forest last time, he did not see a mountain, did he?
Or perhaps, his ability was weaker last time, so he did not see clearly.
“Are you sure it’s only 130 li?”
“At most!”
Qin Fengqing gave an affirmative reply. Fang Ping swung his head from side to side. He had made a mistake in calculating the journey then. He had estimated at least another 150 li or so.
Of course, at least to them, the difference between them was not too great.
Right now, however, the nearer they were to Hope City the better. Fang Ping considered for a moment, saying suddenly, “Don’t enter the forest, go around it!”
“No sh*t. There’s the Jiao in Jiao’s Forest, of course I won’t go in!”
Qin Fengqing did not even hesitate for a moment. Unless he was an idiot, he would never run into it.
Fang Ping breathed a sigh of relief. That Jiao was a sly old devil. He had escaped previously. If he encountered it again this time…
Thinking about it, Fang Ping darted a look at Qin Fengqing suddenly.
‘If I encountered it, I would say that Qin Fengqing was a breakfast that I had prepared for him. Would Jiao believe in me?’
“He will believe in me, won’t he? Qin Fengqing is high-quality food, his Vitality Force pure…”
Fang Ping let his imagination go wild, figuring things out. If he really encountered Jiao, should he go according to what he had planned?
Very soon, though, Fang Ping shook his head wildly. It was not a matter of going according to plan, but a matter of not bumping into it!
He had escaped last time. This time, Jiao might not believe in him anymore.
He would rather be swallowed whole than to be kept as a pet.
…
While Fang Ping duo made a detour running around the forest.
In Jiao’s Forest.
The Golden Horned Beast that had been sprawling on the ground earlier had left its current place now, wandering around the periphery of the Jiao’s Forest. Its golden horn released energy from time to time, pouring into some of the small trees along the periphery.
Those trees were growing at a rate that was visible to the naked eye.
Jiao’s Forest had expanded!
It was like its energy had been consumed. Jiao was slightly starving. Turning its head, it absorbed the Vitality and energy off of a tiger-like creature behind it, unsure whether it was trembling and crouching down due to fear or suppression.
Very soon, the tiger-like monster became a dehydrated jerky.
Jiao munched on and on, looking rather insatiable.
These foolish lower-level monsters would never take the initiative to contribute their own Vitality and energy for it to absorb. Not only was forced absorption extremely wasteful, but the taste was unappealing too.
Moreover, it had almost finished eating all the monsters in Jiao’s Forest. This was its final meal in the near future.
Right now, Jiao was starting to feel a yearning for that human from last time.
Humans were still smart enough.
Other than taking the initiative to contribute their Vitality Force, they would also assist in preparing the meal, so that it did not need to search for them itself.
It was a real shame that the human was gone.
A hint of regret flashed through Jiao’s enormous eyes. Then, with a hint of uncertainty, it turned its gigantic head and stared into the distance.
There seemed… to be a familiar smell over there.
