Qi Guoren had specifically instructed everyone on the road. If they encountered any demon beasts, they must kill them without leaving any survivors. These demon beasts were generally fearless and would fight to the death. Most of the time, they would not retreat or flee; even if they did momentarily back off, they would follow relentlessly like a persistent shadow. There was also the possibility that they would call for reinforcements, making it difficult for the group to survive.
Moreover, this time, Xunuo and the others had run into two Black Fox Demons. These Black Fox Demons were naturally cunning; although they were only Third-Grade Monsters, they were more agile than a Fourth-Grade Rift Boar. Therefore, it was imperative not to let them escape.
As soon as they made contact, Qi Guoren unleashed a hook-shaped artifact to ensnare one of the Black Fox Demons while instructing the others to work together to eliminate the other one without letting it get away. Seeing this, the group quickly surrounded the remaining Black Fox Demon and began their assault.
Xunuo activated the Fire Manipulation Technique, launching a barrage of fire arrows at the demon. However, Xunuo soon noticed a problem: the others had all summoned a Blue Shield around themselves before attacking. This shield varied in color and thickness, seemingly related to their Spiritual Roots and magical power. Only Xunuo lacked this protective barrier.
The combined attacks from Xunuo and the others struck the Black Fox Demon, especially several powerful Attack Talismans that caused significant damage. The Black Fox Demon was not particularly defensive and suffered multiple wounds from their onslaught, blood oozing from its injuries.
Realizing the situation was dire, the Black Fox Demon quickly changed its strategy from brute force to a more tactical approach of taking them down one by one.
This type of Black Fox Demon excelled in agility and possessed Wind Attribute Spells by nature. It recognized that Xunuo had the weakest defense among them. With a powerful leap, it pounced towards Xunuo. Startled, Xunuo nearly fell over but instinctively shot a row of fire arrows with his left hand while drawing Azure Edge with his right. He swung down with his sword just in time to block the attack from the Black Fox Demon. However, he was still knocked back several feet by its charge. A wind blade pierced through him, causing blood to flow from his front and back wounds.
In a hurry, Xunuo patted his storage bag and retrieved the last half bottle of Reattachment Ointment, applying it to his wounds. Then he sat cross-legged to channel True Qi for healing.
With a Wood Spirit Root known for its healing properties, Xunuo realized its value only after sustaining serious injuries today. He first protected his heart meridian and combined True Qi with the ointment's medicinal effects to gradually mend his damaged meridians and internal organs. Meanwhile, he could no longer contribute to the battle around him.
Fortunately, Xunuo's earlier desperate defense had pushed the Black Fox Demon back into range of his companions who resumed their assault.
Now aware that this Black Fox Demon was not only cunning but also agile, his companions made sure not to give it any chance to retaliate. Spells and Talismans rained down upon it until it was finally killed.
On another front, Qi Guoren faced off against a Black Fox Demon and found himself struggling. This demon moved like the wind, skillfully dodging Qi Guoren's hook-shaped artifact while launching wind blades that struck against Qi Guoren's Blue Shield, threatening to shatter it.
Fortunately for Qi Guoren, his hook-shaped artifact posed a significant threat to this Black Fox Demon, preventing it from attacking him with full force. Instead, most of its energy was spent countering his artifact while only occasionally unleashing wind blades. Otherwise, it would have been uncertain how much longer Qi Guoren's Blue Shield could withstand such attacks.
The Black Fox Demon let out a mournful cry as it witnessed its companion being slaughtered by the cultivators. Turning swiftly, it attempted to escape the battlefield. However, Qi Guoren was not about to let it go. With a sudden surge of energy, he activated his artifact, a hook-shaped device that flashed with yellow light. It expanded to over three feet in length and struck down upon the Black Fox Demon, severing one of its hind legs completely.
In agony, the Black Fox Demon rolled on the ground. At that moment, the other cultivators arrived and unleashed their spells simultaneously, finishing off the already severely wounded creature on the spot.
Qi Guoren had just expended a significant portion of his internal energy to activate the artifact, especially for that final blow. His face turned pale, and his breath became unstable. As he retracted the artifact, a spirit stone appeared in his hand. Without hesitation, he began to replenish his energy.
Moments later, the blue-hued spirit stone turned grayish-white before shattering with a loud crack. Qi Guoren looked exhausted, as if he had completely drained his energy.
Wang Wenhao had already cast a Fire Manipulation Technique, turning the bodies of the two Black Fox Demons into ashes. Then, each of them produced a talisman and pressed it against themselves, causing them to vanish. Although Xunuo was still a novice, he recognized these as Flying Talismans and felt a surge of anxiety at the thought of fleeing.
Seeing this, Qi Guoren flicked his wrist and sent a Flying Talisman flying towards Xunuo. "We must leave quickly," he urged.
With that, he took the lead and soared away. Despite his injuries not having improved much, Xunuo dared not delay any longer. He activated the Flying Talisman and followed suit with the others.
Though the speed of the Flying Talismans was not as fast as that of artifacts, it was still far quicker than walking. As Xunuo ascended into the air, he felt a rush of wind in his ears. He could barely open his eyes as the fierce gales battered against his face.
They flew at breakneck speed for what felt like an entire meal's time. Qi Guoren landed first and activated a protective light as they entered a mountain valley. Without further ado, he quickly carved out a cave within the valley and set up an Azure Cloud Illusion Formation. The group settled inside the cave to meditate and recover their energy.
Xunuo hurriedly focused on healing his internal injuries. After several hours had passed, he managed to mend most of his wounds and let out a sigh of relief; any remaining injuries would have to heal gradually. He then began to channel energy back into himself.
When Xunuo finally opened his eyes after replenishing his energy, he found that the others had already regained theirs and were discussing their future plans.
Xunuo first bowed in gratitude to Qi Guoren. The latter smiled faintly and said, "When entering the Ten Thousand Great Mountains to hunt demons, Flying Talismans are essential tools. This time was particularly perilous for you; without having learned Protective Shield spells, it would have been difficult for me to assist."
Xunuo sighed and replied, "I embarked on my cultivation journey relying on an ancestral text called Huayang Classic. I lack many necessary cultivation items. The few spells I learned were taught by familiar friends; I apologize for my shortcomings."
Qi Guoren nodded in understanding. "This is not unusual; most Loose Cultivators like us enter the cultivation world through fortuitous encounters."
Wang Wenhao suddenly remarked, "Your spellcasting may not be particularly impressive, but your swordsmanship is exceptional for a mortal. It’s rare to see someone withstand an attack from a Black Fox Demon solely through swordplay."
Xunuo quickly responded, "I come from a family of martial artists; my achievements in mortal martial arts surpass my skills in Daoist techniques. Yet I fear I may be losing sight of what truly matters."
Then, he turned to look at Qi Guoren. He pondered how to speak up and request the Protective Shield spell.
Seeing Xunuo glance his way, Qi Guoren immediately understood his intentions. With a smile, he said, "This Protective Shield is also known as the Protective Shield. It is one of the most basic spells for cultivators and one of the easiest to control. It is simpler than Object Manipulation Technique or Fire Manipulation Technique. Xue Dao You intends for me to teach it to you."
Finished speaking, he recited the incantation for the Protective Shield.
Xunuo hurriedly memorized every word and began practicing in the cave. For now, this defensive spell was the most useful for survival. This was also why Xunuo had mustered the courage to ask for it.
After they had killed two Third-Grade Black Fox Demons, the surge of magical energy was immense, and they no longer dared to move about carelessly. Qi Guoren led a discussion and decided to hide for three to five days before continuing their journey.
Xunuo readily agreed, taking this opportunity to practice the Protective Shield spell until he was proficient. He wanted to ensure that if danger arose again, he would at least have some defensive skills.
The group rested in the cave for several days, and their spirits improved somewhat. Xunuo had also become adept at using the newly learned Protective Shield spell. The only one who appeared more sullen was Chang Iron Tower, who had lost an arm.
The female cultivator named Zi'e, who was Chang Iron Tower's dual cultivation partner, had tried everything over these days but saw no improvement in her companion's condition; her own spirit began to wane as well.
Seeing this, Xunuo felt compassion and wanted to offer her Revival Powder to save him. However, fearing it might attract unwanted attention, he decided against taking out the Revival Powder. He planned that if they managed to survive and escape, he would give her a bottle of Revival Powder as a gesture of goodwill. Moreover, although Revival Powder was somewhat precious, Xunuo doubted that these people lacked such high-grade medicinal items. Yet no one had produced anything to help Chang Iron Tower, which seemed suspicious.
After all, having an extra ally meant an increased chance of survival. Otherwise, this group wouldn't be so eager to seek out a few helpers.
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