Ambushed: Eighth Layer of Return to Simplicity Realm (Part Two)

The dazzling light came from the attack of Cultivator at the Ninth Layer of Divine Ability Stage. This attack was so fast that even Zhuge Xiang couldn't come to the rescue in time. The beam of light, condensed from brilliant golden Buddhist Power, was extremely strong and yang, giving people a feeling of invincibility.

Ding ding dong...

However, even when facing an attack from Cultivator at the Ninth Layer of Divine Ability Stage, Qin Qing did not sit idly by and wait for death. With a pluck of her Weeping Blood Demonic Zither, pearls of all sizes fell onto a jade plate, producing a clear and melodious sound. The dazzling golden Buddhist Power was actually dissipated into nothingness under the sound of the Weeping Blood Demonic Zither...

"This is impossible!" The sight before them left not only the Tiger Monk but also the Pretty Viper Lin Xiang'er, standing nearby, wide-eyed. How could someone who hadn't even reached the Return to Simplicity Realm possibly withstand the full force of Ninth Layer of Divine Ability Stage Cultivator?

"Go back!" Just as the Tiger Monk was stunned, Qin Qing flicked her finger, and as the Qin Strings vibrated, an incomparably dazzling golden beam shot out, its domineering aura of extreme strength and yang was exactly the same as the Tiger Monk's attack just now.

Weeping Blood Demonic Zither (One-Star Treasure Artifact): No level requirement, Attack +1580, Passive: Playing Tranquil Spirit melodies increases effect by 100%; Active: Attached Skill "Pure Sound Waveforce", which creates a layer of wave Qi Energy around the body, absorbing all damage below the Spell Control Stage. After two seconds, the Qi Energy bursts, with attack power equal to the absorbed damage value. Limited to one use per day, Durability 120/120, Weight 30. Note: Requires properly Qin Strings to use.

The Weeping Blood Demonic Zither was originally Damaged Treasure Artifact, but after Zhuge Xiang activated his ability to Devourer's Treasure and temporarily gained the abilities of a Weeping Blood Demonic Zither -Middle Grade Artifact Forger, Zhuge Xiang had already repaired it. Not only did its attack power increase by 500 points, but its ability to reflect attacks from Cultivator below the Divine Ability Stage also changed to reflect attacks from Spell Control Stage.

"Ah!".

The Tiger Monk had attacked with all his might, believing that someone who hadn't even reached the Return to Simplicity Realm would be easy prey. However, his attack was absorbed and then reflected back, catching him completely off guard. The golden Buddhist Power rebounded onto him. With a scream, the Tiger Monk's shoulder was pierced by the domineering golden Buddhist Power.

"Palm Thunder!"

Taking advantage of the Tiger Monk's injury, Zhuge Xiang had unknowingly activated his ability to Devourer's Treasure. With his Divine Ability Stage cultivation and the Sword of Judgment in hand, he violently pressed down on the Tiger Monk's back with azure Lightning.

"Indestructible Vajra Body!" Tiger Monk felt the violent Palm Thunder from Zhuge Xiang behind him. He was startled by this Spell attack. He didn't bother to check his injuries. He shouted in his heart, and a layer of golden light appeared, enveloping his whole body, making him look like a gilded Buddha statue.

Thump!

Zhuge Xiang's Palm Thunder slammed down on the Tiger Monk's body, producing a sound like a morning bell. The sensation on his hand made Zhuge Xiang feel as if his Palm Thunder had struck not the flesh, but rather an impenetrable wall of copper and iron. This powerful physical defense was almost comparable to Two-Star Hairy Zombie, which was truly Human Heart.

Having learned from his experience fighting Two-Star Hairy Zombie, Zhuge Xiang Zhuge Xiang still able to barely hold on despite the immense pressure posed by the Tiger Monk, who was at the Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage. Besides, the attack power of the Sword of Judgment was no joke.

On the other side, Pretty Viper Lin Xiang'er, watched as Zhuge Xiang and Qin Qing joined forces to fight the Tiger Monk to a standstill. Her eyes darted around slightly, and she said to Zhuge Xiang with a sweet laugh, "Young Master Zhuge, this Tiger Monk is at the Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage. With your combined strength, let alone whether you can defeat him, even if you could, who knows how many moves it would take? And by then, others will be eyeing your Shennong Drink, and the consequences will be unimaginable."

"How about you give me half of Shennong Drink, young Master Zhuge, and I'll help you get rid of this hypocritical, two-faced bald thief?"

Lin Xiang'er's suggestion made Zhuge Xiang's eyes light up slightly, and he was clearly also interested. Tiger Monk's expression changed drastically. After fighting for so long, how could Tiger Monk not know that Zhuge Xiang's strength far exceeded his imagination? It was already difficult to defeat his opponent, and now if Lin Xiang'er were added to the mix, he would be in danger.

"Alright! I can accept your proposal!" After a moment's thought, Zhuge Xiang nodded to Lin Xiang'er, agreeing to her suggestion. With the Sword of Judgment hand, its passive effect of Movement Speed of surrounding enemies by 20% gave the Tiger Monk a significant amount of pressure.

"Haha, alright then, give me the Shennong Drink now, and I'll make my move immediately," Lin Xiang'er said with a happy expression after hearing Zhuge Xiang's agreement, reaching out to ask for the Shennong Drink.

"No, I don't have the Shennong Drink in my hands right now. Besides, the battle is fierce. What if I give it to you and you run away on your own? Or should I give it to you after we defeat this Tiger Monk? With your cultivation at the Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage, do you think I'm going to play tricks on you?" Shaking his head, Zhuge Xiang firmly stated his position.

"Young Master Zhuge's strength is astonishing. Although Elder Sister cultivation is higher, I am far from being his match. I think you should give me the Shennong Drink first. Otherwise, I'm afraid you might change your mind, Elder Sister I won't be able to do anything to you then," Lin Xiang'er shook her head, looking pitiful.

"Then you don't need to lift a finger, we can handle it ourselves," Qin Qing said coldly, looking at Lin Xiang'er 'Lin Xiang'er pitiful and sympathetic appearance. As she spoke, her fingers moved across the Weeping Blood Demonic Zither, and invisible sonic attacks enveloped the Tiger Monk.

Although Qin Qing's attacks were not strong and her cultivation was relatively weak, her sonic attacks were invisible and intangible, making them difficult to detect and defend against. Even if she could not injure the Tiger Monk, it was still not a problem with Zhuge Xiang interfering and assisting from the side.

Qin Qing spoke, Zhuge Xiang shut up, focusing on dealing with the Tiger Monk. With the Sword of Judgment empowered by Tenth Layer of Sword Intent, sharp Sword Qi shot out one after another.

Although the Tiger Monk's cultivation at the Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage was very strong, the 20% reduction in Movement Speed from the Sword of Judgment, the influence of the invisible and intangible sonic attack, the occasional Ice Eye shot from Zhuge Xiang's eyes, and the Moonlight Arrow attack spat from his mouth made the Tiger Monk even more difficult to defend against.

Tiger Monk felt extremely frustrated during his battle with Zhuge Xiang. Despite being far stronger, he always felt like he was punching empty air due to the opponent's endless stream of strange tactics.

With his Movement Speed affected and his attention diverted to sonic attacks that seemed to come from nowhere, coupled with Zhuge Xiang's Ice Eye and Moonlight Arrow —his unpredictable attack methods— the Tiger Monk truly felt the frustration of a bear swatting a fly.

Ironically, just when Tiger Monk seized the opportunity to inflict heavy damage, Zhuge Xiang always managed to use his Explosive Steps to teleport away...

To any discerning eye, it's undeniable that the Tiger Monk, at the Ninth Layer of Divine Ability Stage, is far stronger than Zhuge Xiang. However, Zhuge Xiang is incredibly agile and nimble, making it impossible for the Tiger Monk's powerful attacks Zhuge Xiang land on him.

Beside her, Lin Xiang'er's face turned pale and then red after Qin Qing's hostile words. Cultivator at the Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage, she felt as if she were jealous of a little girl. However, for the sake of Shennong Drink, although there was anger deep in Lin Xiang'er's eyes, she still did not explode.

"Young lady, don't misunderstand, I didn't mean anything by it, and don't be jealous..." Lin Xiang'er patiently tried to explain to Qin Qing, but before she could finish speaking, Qin Qing rudely interrupted her again.

"You don't need to say anything more. You just want our Shennong Drink and want to trick us into giving it to you, right? Why are you talking so much nonsense? Do you really think we're three-year-olds who will give you the Shennong Drink just because you say a few words?" Qin Qing interrupted Lin Xiang'er rudely before she could finish speaking.

"That's right. If you want Shennong Drink, join forces with us to defeat this bald thief, and I will naturally give it to you. Otherwise, I advise you to stand there and not make a move, lest I misunderstand," Zhuge Xiang also spoke up, his words clearly indicating his agreement with Qin Qing's opinion.

The resolute expressions on Zhuge Xiang and Qin Qing's faces made Lin Xiang'er realize that her plan to obtain the Shennong Drink first had failed. Her expression darkened, and she turned to the Tiger Monk beside her, saying, "Tiger Monk, what do you say? Should I take action? If we obtain the Shennong Drink, we'll split it equally."

"Okay! Sure!" Without a second thought, the Tiger Monk nodded and said, as if he had known all along that Lin Xiang'er would ask him.

Tiger Monk's thoughts were simple: given the combined abilities of Zhuge Xiang and Qin Qing, defeating them would inevitably take a considerable amount of time. If things dragged on and other powerful individuals were attracted, it would be a net loss. Rather than that, it would be better to join forces with Lin Xiang'er and seize the Shennong Drink first.

As for dividing it equally? What a joke! How could the Tiger Monk possibly divide the Shennong Drink and Lin Xiang'er equally? His cultivation level is a notch above Lin Xiang'er's. Once he defeats Zhuge Xiang and obtains the Shennong Drink, won't he be the one to decide?

"Alright! Then let's join forces!" Lin Xiang'er said, holding a slender sword in her hand and radiating a sharp Sword Intent.

"To negotiate with a tiger for its skin, "Lin Xiang'er, who is known as the Pretty Viper," is not one to suffer losses. Whether it was her previous attempt to join forces with Zhuge Xiang or her current alliance with the Tiger Monk, Lin Xiang'er is confident that she will not be at a disadvantage. In fact, it is not impossible for her to monopolize the Shennong Drink.

Lin Xiang'er joined the fray, and it was clearly aimed at him. Zhuge Xiang's expression darkened slightly, and Qin Qing's expression also turned somewhat unpleasant.

A mere ninth-level Tiger Monk of the Ninth Layer of Return to Simplicity Realm was already difficult to subdue him; now, with the addition of Pretty Viper Lin Xiang'er, a Seventh Layer of Divine Ability Stage Realm cultivator? The battle situation is even worse. Two late-stage Divine Ability Stage Cultivator joining forces? Can they really withstand it? (To be continued...)