Grease Soles

Tap tap tap! In the deep, narrow Secret Passage.

The sound of horses' hooves drew closer.

Some people looked confused.

After all, people of normal height would have to stoop to walk through such Secret Passage.

Where did these horses come from? However, those who were more familiar with the Blade Demon had already changed their expressions.

"It's Blade Demon patrolling!" Wa Li Duo shouted urgently. "Judging from the footsteps, there are at least three Bamboo Section Beasts!"

We need to get out of here first!

He stared intently at the leader of the Seraphim Armament.

They blocked the path to the secret gate.

"Let's talk outside!"

I Wa Li Duo said.

To everyone's surprise, the leader arrogantly shook his head:

"The Demon Eye City has never been afraid of the cowardly Blade Clan."

"Speaking of which, Blade Demon has yet to give a formal response regarding whether he will join our side. If they do come, I'll have to give them a good talking to."

Upon hearing this...

Wa Li Duo's brows were furrowed into a tight knot.

He hadn't expected the people of Demon Eye City to be so arrogant—

Perhaps their successful hunt for the Tumor Dragon emboldened them.

They're already at war with the Demon Dragon Race.

They actually dared to provoke the Blade Demon! But considering that the other side dared to surround and kill the Tumor Dragon in this area.

This is enough to prove that they didn't take the Blade Demon, who had been in decline for many years, seriously at all! Under the leader's orders.

All the Seraphim Armament Warriors raised their weapons.

Ji Qiu noticed this.

Their primary weapon is a two-handed greatsword.

However, there are three types of secondary weapons.

One of them is a hand crossbow that emits a white light.

This hand crossbow undergoes many enchanting processes.

Its destructive power is quite considerable.

With nearly 10 crossbows aimed at you.

The guards of the sulfur caravan couldn't sit still any longer.

Some people held their shields horizontally.

Some people hunched over.

Many people, however, looked at Wa Li Duo.

"Get out of the way!"

The Seraph Leader roared rudely.

Wa Li Duo gritted his teeth and stepped aside.

The people behind immediately made way for them, creating a narrow path.

A few seconds later.

Six red dots suddenly appeared in the darkness!

Those red dots are the eyes of the Bamboo Section Beast!...

The Bamboo Section Beast is a creature whose overall appearance closely resembles that of a spider.

Unlike spiders.

It has many more segments.

One by one, they extend from the abdomen and back.

It closely resembles a bamboo joint.

Their segments have hoof-like organs at the ends.

Therefore, while running.

A single Bamboo Section Beast can create the sound effect of ten thousand horses galloping.

That's how it is on flat ground.

Not to mention the Secret Passage echoes are likely to be heard!

The Bamboo Section Beast has a raised back.

It has barbs and bony fins growing on it.

Its entire body is encased in a hard, keratinous carapace.

Besides the soft belly—

Because this is the part of the body that the Blade Demon attaches itself to when riding the Bamboo Section Beast! The Bamboo Section Beast is different from other mounts.

It is fast, has good endurance, and is very agile.

However, the back is not suitable for riding.

The Blade Demon has kept this creature for nearly a thousand years.

They eventually discovered that they could adjust their form and attach themselves to the belly of the Bamboo Section Beast.

This is to gain stronger leg strength and the ability to move through complex underground tunnels.

It was with the help of the Bamboo Section Beast.

Blade Demon once built an unprecedentedly vast empire in the underworld of the Endless Abyss.

And through generations of improvements.

The Bamboo Section Beast also became dependent on the Blade Demon.

They have lost all combat-related skills.

Only add points to leg strength and explosiveness.

Ultimately, it became a harmless mount that could be considered on its own.

However, their appearance is rather horrifying.

At first sight.

Even Ji Qiu was spurred into heightening his vigilance.

But we got closer.

He then discovered that these Bamboo Section Beasts had no organs or means of attack.

And.

He also discovered that all three Bamboo Section Beasts were injured! The most seriously injured one was bleeding profusely from its lower abdomen.

When they ran up to the members of the Sulfur Merchant Guild.

It cannot stop its speed.

He was shot dead by an arrow from a Seraph warrior! At that time...

A muffled thud.

The magic crossbow bolt pierced through the light.

They pinned the seemingly formidable Bamboo Section Beast directly to the stone wall of the Secret Passage! A low buzzing sound emanated from within the Secret Passage.

"He really killed the Bamboo Section Beast!"

Some members of the Sulfur Merchant Guild whispered among themselves.

Many more people frowned.

The Blade Demon's pettiness is well-known! Now this Bamboo Section Beast is dead here.

Everyone present is implicated! Although the one who will be held responsible will undoubtedly be the Seraph Warrior who committed the Assassin.

But it would be a real problem if they took their anger out on you! After all, no one knows how much of the Blade Demon's former glory and temper he still has.

"Times have changed..."

The Seraph Leader said leisurely:

"The Blade Kingdom has been destroyed! Now it is the Demon Eye City's domain!"

"If it were rangers from the Blade Kingdom, I might be willing to exchange a few words with them, but since they're just three beasts, there's absolutely no need for mercy..."

As they were talking.

Another Seraph Warrior charged forward.

He swiftly and decisively killed the remaining two Bamboo Section Beasts.

A strong smell of blood filled the air.

The strength of Demon Eye City exceeded everyone's expectations.

Kill their beloved mounts in the territory of the Blade Demon.

This is not much different from a direct slap in the face.

Some more cunning demons will consider even more—

They might speculate that something had broken out within the Blade Kingdom and that the Demon Eye City had received the news, otherwise they wouldn't be so reckless while at war with the Demon Dragon Race! But these speculations were of no help in dealing with the current situation.

Faced with the aggressive Seraphim Armament.

It seems the Sulfur Merchant Guild has no choice but to compromise...

Resistance is unlikely.

The risk level of escorting is on a completely different level from that of confronting Regular Army.

However, even with more money, the gap cannot be easily bridged.

He sensed the resolute determination in everyone's eyes as they looked towards surrender.

Wa Li Duo cursed a couple of times.

Then he sighed deeply.

He looked at the other person helplessly:

"What exactly do you want?"

"I've already made myself very clear!"

The other person seemed even more impatient than him:

"You are now tainted with the aura of the dead Bamboo Section Beast."

The Blade Demon will come knocking sooner or later.

If Blade Demon were still around.

Therefore, joining our camp is your only way out.

Here! Everyone wear this badge! You must never take it off.

And when the Abyss Will inquires about your allegiance.

You must say the name of the Demon Eye City without hesitation!

The Seraph Leader spread his hands.

One by one, Faction Badge emitting a pure white light flew in front of everyone.

"Wear this and you're one of us!"

He said fiercely:

"If anyone dares to pick it, I will find them. You wouldn't want to know what methods I'll use..."

Everyone looked very unhappy.

But when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.

Everyone was already prepared to temporarily accept the Faction Badge.

Anyway, these kinds of things can be resolved later.

Unless the Demon Eye City truly achieves a crushing victory.

Otherwise, it would be a pipe dream to use a single badge to bind everyone present to the war chariot of the Demon Eye City.

But.

Soon everyone noticed.

The Seraph Leader did not expect this badge to keep them in the Eye of the Demon Eye City's camp indefinitely.

Because after wearing it.

One of the Unlucky One immediately let out a gasp.

Everyone saw a ferocious demon with bared fangs and claws appear above his head.

The demon held an apple and a scimitar.

He pressed his curved sword against the Unlucky One's neck.

Then he placed the apple in front of his nose.

Then, in the deepest tone, he asked, "So... which camp do you choose to support? Are you truly willing to fight to the death for it and sacrifice a piece of your soul?"

"I... I... I..."

The Unlucky One looked terrified.

I'm at a loss.

"Answer as I said!"

The Seraph Leader cursed angrily.

"Demon Eye City! I support Demon Eye City! I'm willing!"

The demon was originally a member of the Sulfur Merchant Guild.

The position I'm qualified for is relatively easy clerical work.

Therefore, their mindset is inevitably somewhat lacking.

"As you wish..."

The evil spirit vanished into thin air.

The next second.

The apple was forcibly shoved into the Unlucky One's mouth.

"Huh? My strength seems to have increased?"

The Unlucky One should get up and stretch his muscles.

I found myself becoming much stronger.

A pure white flame also appeared on his tail.

"This is a blessing from the Demon Eye City!"

The Seraph Leader said with satisfaction.

He then looked at the crowd and said, "You will also encounter questions from the Abyss Will. Just answer like he did..."

The expressions on everyone's faces improved slightly.

Only Wa Li Duo remained displeased. "Has your war progressed to this level?"

"Are you vying for the leverage to influence the Abyss Will?"

The Seraph Leader glanced at him in surprise. "That's right! You know a bit too much... but it doesn't matter, as long as you do as I say, I'm not interested in anything else!"

As he spoke.

He waved his hand impatiently. "Those wearing badges can get lost!"

The members of the Sulfur Merchant Guild breathed a sigh of relief, as if they had been granted a pardon.

But before everyone could move even a few steps...

The Seraph Leader blocked Wa Li Duo's path:

"Leave the goods behind..."

His tone was very forceful.

Wa Li Duo's face immediately turned a deep shade of liver. "We've already done as you said!"

"Then continue to do as I say!"

The leader said coldly:

"You don't really think I'd spit out what I've already swallowed, do you?"

"This is a treasure of Xia Qirui Castle! I can't possibly give it to you!"

This time, Wa Li Duo mustered unprecedented courage.

He blocked the way in front of the Prison Wagon van:

"If you insist on going your own way, then the Sulfur Merchant Guild will protect our private property at all costs!"

Clang! Clang!

Several loyal guards had already drawn their weapons.

The remaining people were still hesitating.

Only Ji Qiu, who had retreated to a corner, showed a hint of suspicion.

These days have passed.

He had a lot of dealings with Walido.

I'm fairly familiar with this guy's personality now—

Wa Li Duo is the kind of businessman through and through.

It's simply impossible for someone to risk their life for so-called private property.

Moreover, his current actions seem rather fake.

I don't know if it's just Ji Qiu's imagination.

This guy seems to pronounce the word "treasure" with extra emphasis!

This created a persistent echo within the Secret Passage.

Given how important this Escort Mission is.

The Sulfur Merchant Guild could not possibly fail to carefully study the route the convoy would take.

Given the backdrop of the war between the two races, they still chose to pass through here, even though it was the only way. Did they not consider the possibility of encountering one of the forces?

Ji Qiu shook his head inwardly.

Wa Li Duo definitely considered it.

So this scene now looks more like a performance!

"What exactly is he trying to do?!"

Ji Qiu became increasingly curious.

At this point...

The conflict between the two sides intensified.

They formed a standoff centered around the Prison Wagon.

Several hot-tempered guards had already started shoving each other at the Seraph Warriors.

This action was met with a violent response from the Seraphim Armament.

Those guards were immediately thrown out.

One of the guards was thrown onto the Prison Wagon.

The barrier on the Prison Wagon rippled violently.

A corner of the magic cloth behind them was lifted.

Ji Qiu looked closely.

There was indeed a figure inside the Prison Wagon.

And that outline looked very familiar! A dark, gaping shadow.

White fabric scraps.

Who else could this be but the Bandage guy? Ji Qiu stared at him wide-eyed.

The latter seemed to notice Ji Qiu's gaze.

So he turned around.

The bandage looked at Ji Qiu Bandage.

I don't know why.

Ji Qiu also noticed a hint of a smile in his eyes.

"Why is it you?"

Ji Qiu quickly used Sound Transmission into the Secret ask the question.

"I... I... I volunteered..."

"The Greater Demon in the castle found me—she told me she was willing to provide me with enough Curse Item that could temporarily counteract the cursed power within me..."

"She also said that she had found a place that was particularly suitable for me to live in—a true Land of Curse that could absorb the cursed power within me... If the cursed power within me could be suppressed, even just a little bit, it might be possible to quell this war that should never have broken out, so I accepted her invitation..."

Listen to the Bandage man's soft explanation.

Ji Qiu couldn't help but feel a deep sense of awe.

He really wanted to tell the other person.

The war between the two races may not have been caused by a curse.

But doing so doesn't seem to make any sense.

At the same time, he couldn't be sure that the cursed power on the Bandage man wouldn't affect the higher-level game.

On the other hand...

If Lord Xia Qirui's goal was simply to move this time bomb left in his territory out, that would be fine.

If there's a deeper conspiracy involved, that would be troublesome!

"I know what you're trying to say, but I'm used to being used...scheming is just everyday stuff for me!"

Bandage comforted Ji Qiu, saying:...

"But I have to try, right? What if what he said is true this time?"

Fine!

Nothing could be worse for me!

You guys should be careful when you're with me..."

Before he could finish speaking...

The sounds of fighting ahead intensified.

Bandage looked at Ji Qiu with some concern.

Ji Qiu's face was filled with determination.

He said to the Bandage, "Take care!"

Then, amidst the other party's astonished gaze, he vanished into the shadows.

They practically Grease Soles away into the depths of the Secret Passage!