The Scheme

"Kill him!"

At Wang Li's command, more than a dozen Wang family martial artists attacked in an instant. Blade light surged with icy brilliance, and killing intent soared into the sky.

But at this critical juncture, Chu Ning suddenly scooped up the dying Azure-Eyed Snow Fox. Lightning exploded beneath his feet, and he transformed into a swift gale, racing toward the depths of the dense forest.

"After him!"

Wang Li's face darkened. He leaped into the air and shot forward like a hawk or falcon.

He had to reclaim the Azure-Eyed Snow Fox. Otherwise, he would be punished by the ancestor upon his return, and his life would be worse than death.

At that thought, Wang Li surged ahead, taking the lead.

The other martial artists followed closely behind. Blade light tore through the air, and killing intent spread in every direction.

Within Black Wind Forest, fierce winds howled and fallen leaves whirled through the air.

With the aid of Thunderous Force, Chu Ning's speed was as fast as rolling thunder. He crushed dead leaves beneath his feet and widened the gap by more than a dozen yards in the blink of an eye.

The Azure-Eyed Snow Fox trembled faintly in his arms. Its eyes were dim and its breathing disordered; it was clearly gravely injured.

Yet Chu Ning showed not the slightest pity.

He tightened his grip on the fox, his gaze cold as he raced toward a peculiar region.

Gradually, a strange smell began to permeate the air.

The dead trees were scorched black as charcoal, while the ground split into fissures so deep their bottoms could not be seen. Wisps of sulfurous fumes rose from the cracks, carrying searing heat.

This place was none other than Blazing Flame Valley within Black Wind Forest.

It was said that several hundred years ago, an active volcano had erupted here. Lava had scorched the earth, and even now, an extremely terrifying heat still lingered.

The true qi of ordinary martial artists would be disrupted the moment they entered.

Chu Ning's gaze shifted slightly as he placed the Azure-Eyed Snow Fox before a rocky cavern.

Then his figure flashed, and he darted to the side.

Not far away, Wang Li arrived at a sprint with the other martial artists. When they saw the snow fox lying quietly before the cavern, everyone froze.

"Stop!"

Wang Li abruptly raised his hand, signaling everyone to halt.

His gaze flickered, and a trace of unease welled up in his heart.

This kid... actually left the Azure-Eyed Snow Fox behind on purpose?

Wang Li narrowed his eyes, his brows furrowing as he stared fixedly ahead.

"Could this be a trap?"

"Hmph, we've already driven him into a dead end. How could he still have the strength to set a trap?"

A Wang family martial artist sneered, his tone filled with disdain.

Wang Li pondered for a moment before finally saying coldly, "Be careful. Send someone to investigate first!"

His gaze swept over the group before pointing at a gray-robed martial artist. "You, go take a look."

The martial artist's expression changed slightly. Though unwilling in his heart, under Wang Li's pressure, he could only grit his teeth and nod.

He drew a deep breath, gripped his long saber, and cautiously approached the Azure-Eyed Snow Fox.

Everyone held their breath, their eyes locked firmly on him.

"There's nothing here."

The martial artist slowly reached the snow fox's side and vigilantly scanned his surroundings. Seeing no abnormalities, he immediately relaxed.

He reached out and touched the Azure-Eyed Snow Fox's body. Discovering that it was on its last breath and utterly incapable of resisting, he became wildly excited.

"Haha, it's fine!"

He happily waved his hand, signaling that it was safe.

But at that moment, he suddenly caught a strange fragrance.

The fruit's aroma was intoxicating, sweet yet carrying a trace of searing heat.

His pupils contracted, and his heart abruptly lurched.

This scent... could it be...

He slowly turned his head toward the rocky cavern behind him.

On the rock wall, a scarlet vine coiled around the stone. Hanging from it were eight vivid fruits, glistening as though freshly drenched.

The fruits were vermilion, their surfaces flowing with golden patterns, as if they had been cast from molten lava.

An indescribable medicinal fragrance spread through the air.

The martial artist's breathing grew rapid, and his gaze burned with fervor.

He opened and closed his mouth several times before tremblingly uttering a few words.

"Nine Revolutions Profound Sun Fruit!"

All around, silence reigned.

But in the next instant, the gazes of every Wang family martial artist suddenly froze.

"Nine Revolutions Profound Sun Fruit?"

One martial artist cried out, his eyes overflowing with greed.

"It's actually the legendary wonder fruit!"

"This is an unparalleled sacred medicine that can raise a martial artist's cultivation and temper their true qi! Even an ordinary person who eats it will be cured of every illness and may even extend their lifespan!"

Everyone's expressions changed dramatically, and their breathing instantly quickened.

Wang Li's pupils abruptly contracted.

He stared fixedly at the wondrous fruits inside the cavern, and a tempestuous sea rose in his heart!

The Nine Revolutions Profound Sun Fruit was a treasure nurtured by heaven and earth. It was said to help Ranked Martial Artists break through their shackles and even extend their lifespans by several decades.

In the whole of Qingyang City, and even throughout the entire prefecture, no one had ever truly seen this object.

Yet today, it was actually right before his eyes.

Wang Li's heartbeat accelerated, and a trace of fervor flashed deep within his eyes.

He had originally intended to surround and kill Chu Ning and seize the Azure-Eyed Snow Fox.

But now...

The value of the Nine Revolutions Profound Sun Fruit had already far surpassed that of the Azure-Eyed Snow Fox.

His breathing quickened as he fixed his gaze on the wondrous fruit, his mind racing.

Could this be a trap?

But if it's real...

Once he obtained it, he would possess unimaginable power.

He clenched his teeth hard, and his gaze turned cold.

"Take the fruit!"

He barked the order and waved his hand, signaling everyone to move forward.

At the same time, however, a chill of unease suddenly rose up his back.

In the distance, a figure stood silently in the shadows.

The corners of Chu Ning's lips lifted slightly, and his gaze was icy.

"Wang Li, do you think you're the only one hunting the prey?"

"Actually..."

"You're the prey!"

"We're the prey?"

The Wang family martial artists froze for a moment before bursting into cackling laughter.

"Hahaha! Kid, have you been scared crazy?"

"Who was it that dropped the snow fox and ran for his life just now? You couldn't even look after yourself, yet you still dare to make such a bold claim?"

"Idiot, don't you see who's surrounded now?"

Wang Li sneered, looking at Chu Ning with amusement. "When you ran away, the snow fox fell from your hands. Now you actually dare say you left it there deliberately? Do you think we'll believe you?"

Yet Chu Ning's expression remained unchanged. The corners of his lips curved faintly as he looked at them with a half-smile.

"Are you sure I didn't put it there deliberately?"

Wang Li's face stiffened slightly. His brows furrowed, and a trace of unease suddenly rose in his heart.

"Put it here...?"

"Wait, this is bad!"

He abruptly realized that something was wrong, and his gaze swept rapidly toward the depths of the cavern.

However, it was already too late.

"Roar—!"

A heaven-shaking roar exploded, as though rolling thunder were raging beneath the earth.

From within the cavern, a massive figure slowly stepped out.

Its fur was red as flame, and dark golden fire burned across its body. A sinister horn between its brows glimmered with dangerous light.

Its golden vertical pupils resembled burning flames, radiating boundless majesty like a king looking down upon the world.

Its beastly claw slammed into the ground. Shattered stones flew in every direction, waves of heat rolled outward, and the sulfurous stench grew so dense it was suffocating.

"Crimson Flame Tiger...!"

Wang Li's pupils shrank violently, and his body instinctively retreated half a step.

The bowstring in his hand trembled faintly, and cold sweat seeped from his palm.

The other Wang family martial artists, meanwhile, were thrown into complete disarray.

"W-why is it the Crimson Flame Tiger?"

"This is one of the most terrifying demonic beasts in Black Wind Forest. It was actually hiding here?"

"Damn that Chu Ning! He deliberately lured us here!"

Wang Li gnashed his teeth, his face dark and gloomy.

"Archers! Kill it!"

At his command, several Wang family martial artists carrying longbows immediately drew and nocked their arrows. The bowstrings trembled as dozens of powerful arrows tore through the air!

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!"

The arrows sped forward like a downpour, precisely targeting the Crimson Flame Tiger's vital points.

However.

"Boom!"