The Situation Is Hard to Predict; Lives Hang in the Balance Amidst Maneuvering

Eagle Wind Ravine, Mist River Beach.

These are two completely different places.

Whether Li Yue and He Yingyu are together or in different places remains unknown.

Within the Evergreen Sect, only these two people could be said to have shown Chen Dengming any kindness.

Therefore, if a rescue was to be carried out, Chen Dengming believed that the only way was to save these two people first.

Liang Yunsheng did not directly tell Chen Dengming whether the two were at Eagle Wind Ravine or Mist River Beach, so Chen Dengming had no choice but to head to Eagle Wind Ravine, which was the closest.

At this moment, inside Eagle Wind Ravine.

A fierce battle was about to reach its climax.

Li Yue, He Yingyu, and Guan Le were simultaneously ambushed and attacked by four powerful Western Region Devil Cultivators.

Among them were two Devil Cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. Under the combined attack of various Law Artifact and bizarre Devil Cultivator techniques, all three were in grave danger and on the verge of death.

This was mainly because Li Yue and He Yingyu had already been attacked beforehand and were injured and greatly exhausted by the relentless attacks of the Devil Cultivator.

The two are now nearing their limits, and even if Guan Le arrives, it will only delay them for a few more moments.

"Junior Brother Guan, did you encounter Junior Brother Chen on your way here?"

While fending off the Devil Cultivator' attacks, He Yingyu also sent a telepathic Guan Le to inquire.

Guan Le was already covered in sweat and had an injury to his left shoulder. Hearing this, he replied with a disgruntled tone.

"I say Master Crane, my Master Crane, what time is it now, and you're still thinking about your Junior Brother Chen."

Whether we can escape this time is uncertain, and judging from the looks of it, he may have been ambushed as well!

With a "clang," Li Yue parried an incoming demonic claw and suddenly spoke.

"If we delay any longer, we will all die. You two cover me, and I will use the Myriad Phenomena Senluo Wheel Seal to create an opportunity for you to break through!"

"Junior Brother Li!"

He Yingyu was moved.

Li Yue shouted through the phone, "Stop talking nonsense! Hurry up!"

Almost simultaneously, the four Devil Cultivator seemed to have discerned the group's intentions and immediately intensified their attack, tightening the encirclement.

He Yingyu and Guan Le could only grit their teeth and do their best to resist the storm-like attacks. Both of them had their eyes shining brightly and their bodies were filled with spiritual Spiritual Qi, bringing their spiritual energy to its limit.

Even so, they could only barely cover Li Yue and buy him time. For a moment, they were like small boats struggling to cross a stormy river. If they were not careful, they would be swept into the bottom of the waves and hit the rocks, resulting in the destruction of the boat and the loss of life.

One breath--

Two breaths --

Three breaths!

Just as He Yingyu and Guan Le were about to give up, the Spiritual Qi condensed in the wheel-shaped Law Artifact in front of Li Yue had reached a terrifying level, like an electric ball radiating arcs of electricity.

Suddenly he shouted.

"Get out of the way!"

He Yingyu and Guan Le dodged almost simultaneously.

But in that instant, Li Yue reversed his Law Artifact, and the surging electric ball within Law Artifact suddenly shot towards He Yingyu's back with a crackling sound.

This tense and volatile scene was also spotted by Chen Dengming, who was speeding towards them from a distance.

His eyes widened instantly, and what he saw reflected in his pupils was the arc of the dazzling electric ball that Li Yue had shot out.

One was the benefactor who introduced him to the school, and the other was his senior sister who had treated him well. At this moment, however, his benefactor delivered a fatal blow to his senior sister's back.

At this moment, Chen Dengming's mind went blank for a moment.

The next instant, the electric ball slammed directly into He Yingyu's back, and the huge roar drowned out Guan Le's shout of "Shifting the heavens and changing the sun".

With a loud "bang!"

The electric arc shattered large chunks of Flesh and Blood.

The three Devil Cultivator opposite them were expecting attention, but before they could react, they found He Yingyu suddenly appearing beside them, angrily unleashing her Law Artifact, the Mother-and-Child Coin Dart and the Comb, and hurriedly parried.

This sudden turn of events, coupled with the tragic death of one of their companions, caused the three to become tense and uneasy, and surprisingly, they were immediately overwhelmed by He Yingyu.

"Ah!--"

In an instant, someone was caught off guard and hit. His arm was shattered by the dart, leaving it Flesh and Blood.

The other two immediately shouted to calm themselves down and launched a fierce attack to force He Yingyu to retreat.

In the blink of an eye, one of the four Devil Cultivator was dead and another was injured, completely reversing the situation. This shocking turn of events not only left Li Yue standing there dumbfounded, but also made him feel a chill run down his spine.

Even Chen Dengming, who was not far away in the air, was stunned and looked in astonishment at He Yingyu, who had suddenly and inexplicably avoided Li Yue's attack and was now displaying great power on the other side.

Is this some kind of coordinated effort?

He misunderstood?

Just then, Li Yue suddenly roared and unleashed his wheel-shaped Law Artifact, shouting, "Liang scoundrel! It's you! Only you can move the heavens and change the sun!"

Boom!

Amidst the murky, electric-sparkling blood mist, three dazzling lights suddenly flashed.

A powerful spiritual force, so strong it chilled everyone to the bone, suddenly erupted.

The wheel-shaped Law Artifact had barely flown into it when it suddenly seemed to be trapped in a frozen ice crystal, crumbling and disintegrating inch by inch.

"Puff!--"

Li Yue's face suddenly turned deathly pale, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood. His eyes were fixed on Guan Le flying out from the turbid energy, and he was suddenly shocked.

"Who... who are you? You're not Liang Yunsheng? You're Guan Le?"

No, impossible, you couldn't possibly be Guan Le."

"Senior Brother Li"

Guan Le looked sorrowful at this moment, and the powerful spiritual aura emanating from his body grew stronger, as if some kind of power other than his own was rapidly gathering in his body.

On the other side, the three Devil Cultivators were also terrified, and even wanted to turn around and run away. They felt a strong threat to their lives from Guan Le, which was clearly the terrifying power of False Core Great Cultivator.

"Junior Brother Li, how could you really bear to lay a hand on me?"

He Yingyu was furious, with tears welling in her eyes. She still couldn't let go of what had just happened and vented her anger and grief on several Devil Cultivators who had lost their fighting spirit. Various second-tier magic Law Artifact appeared one after another and bombarded them relentlessly.

Li Yue suddenly seemed to understand, and smiled coldly, saying, "Junior Sister He, there's no need to talk about being heartless or not."

"Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. I, Li, infiltrated the Evergreen Sect precisely to await this day. It's just a pity, and it's hateful, that you saw through me all along."

Guan Le's sorrow deepened, but a complex mockery surfaced in his eyes as he said, "Senior Brother Li, you underestimate our Evergreen Sect, and you underestimate the Sect Master and Deputy Sect Master. Or rather, you Western Region Devil Cultivator underestimate the wisdom of us Eastern Region cultivators."

With so many cunning schemes and tricks at your disposal, a sudden sneak attack or war could indeed catch us completely off guard.

But once we realize what's happening, we'll naturally take swift countermeasures. Do you really think we're fools?

At this moment, the pace of the battle between He Yingyu and the three Devil Cultivator slowed down. They temporarily stopped fighting and became wary of each other, ready to attack again at any time. One side was too exhausted, while the other side had lost their fighting spirit and wanted to leave quickly, but had no opportunity.

Because at this moment, Chen Dengming's figure had already flown to the mouth of the canyon.

Upon seeing this new force, the three Devil Cultivator couldn't help but curse inwardly. They thought, "That Blood Ghost Daoist is a useless piece of trash. He's incompetent and only causes trouble."

Li Yue didn't even glance at Chen Dengming, who was flying towards him.

His fighting spirit was also waning. He knew that one wrong move had led to total defeat, and he shook his head and smiled bitterly.

"Junior Brother Guan, you're right. Those who treat others as fools are the real fools, those who think they're clever."

I always thought you were stupid, but now it seems I was the real fool."

"Why? How could you work for the Devil Cultivator of the Western Regions?"

At this moment, at the mouth of the valley, Chen Dengming coldly questioned and shouted.

Li Yue chuckled lightly, without turning around, and said, "Because I am one of them, why can't I help them?"

Junior Brother Chen, I thought you were on the same path as me, which is why I introduced you to the Evergreen Sect through the Wu Family. Unfortunately, you are not on the same path."

A thought flashed through Chen Dengming's mind, "You misunderstand me? Because of the Blood Sha Qi on my body?"

Li Yue smiled calmly, "Otherwise, what did you expect it to be?"

Do you really think that just because Li Rong said something, I would unconditionally help you and introduce you to the sect?

There may be such good people in this world, but it will definitely not be me.

Chen Dengming gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, momentarily unsure whether he had been let down, deceived, or misled into believing that the benefactor he had longed for was actually using him, or something else entirely. He simply couldn't say.

Li Yue continued, "When I learned from Manager Wu that you were raising a Black Cloud Leopard in the wild and feeding it various tonics, I guessed that you had something going on."

A normal cultivator from a non-beast-taming sect would never go to such lengths to cultivate unfamiliar Demon Beast; if such a thing were to happen, there must be something fishy going on.

I deliberately followed you secretly, without your knowledge. Your little spirit is quite perceptive, but I had already spotted her and avoided her beforehand.

I secretly witnessed you practicing the Dragon Coiling Bone Forging Art, which is why I decided to introduce you to the sect. Of course, I misunderstood."

Chen Dengming remained silent.

It turned out to be just a misunderstanding.

Because Li Yue did not want to expose his identity as Devil Cultivator undercover agent, he never communicated with him at all.

They never even mentioned the matter of introducing him, as if it had never happened, which shows their caution.

But it was precisely because of this caution that this misunderstanding arose.

If they had even exchanged a single word, and the other party asked him why he practiced the Dragon Coiling Bone Forging Art, he would have told the truth, saying that he obtained it from the Dark Market and learned it to strengthen his body. In that case, the misunderstanding would naturally disappear.

His eyelids drooped slightly, his voice cold, "You later realized it was a misunderstanding, so you notified the Blood Ghost Daoist to attack me, wanting to kill me. That's why the Blood Ghost Daoist appeared near me and attacked me in the first place?"

Li Yue smiled and said, "You're very smart, that's good, but I didn't directly have the Blood Ghost Daoist kill you, because at that time I couldn't arrange for the Blood Demon to do anything unrelated to the plan."

I am the person secretly meeting with him, and I will choose a meeting place near the places you frequent.

After we parted ways, given the vampire's sensitivity to spirits, he would naturally sense the presence of the pure spirit within you. Knowing his nature, he would most likely attack you, and my goal would be achieved."

He paused, his eyes brightening, "It turns out my suspicions were correct; your strength has exceeded my expectations."

You have secrets, but you are not one of us Devil Cultivator. Your fighting system and style are completely unlike those of Devil Cultivator."

When Li Yue finished speaking, even the few Devil Cultivator changed slightly. They were wary of his meticulous thinking and methods. That fool Blood Ghost was being used and sold without even realizing it.

Chen Dengming said, "So you orchestrated a conspiracy, sending Senior Brother Guan and me to Mount Xuyun, seven hundred miles away from the sect, only to encounter many demons from the Nightmare Country, intending to use them to eliminate us?"

"Ha ha ha ha--"

Li Yue suddenly burst into laughter, his eyes gleaming, and said sarcastically, "Junior Brother Chen, you overestimate yourself. You are very strong, but in this game, I will not rely on Senior Brother. It seems that I have lost this game. Senior Brother Liang is still the better player."

"But unfortunately, Senior Brother Liang's current state suggests he must have paid a heavy price to break my game, right?"

As he spoke, his gaze was fixed on Guan Le, whose spirit power had stabilized.

Chen Dengming frowned, a thought suddenly popping into his mind, and his eyes narrowed.

Across from him, Guan Le's eyes suddenly darkened, and his voice seemed to change, sounding somewhat weary and sentimental as he spoke.

"Junior Brother Li, you are very shrewd and powerful. In fact, both Sect Master Qiu and I have always regarded you as a candidate for the next sect leader."

Unfortunately, some of your actions and schemes had already been detected.

You think you're playing chess, but in reality, you're just a chess piece yourself.

Over the past few years, the people you recruited into the sect have been testing us and exploring the rules.

We'll feign ignorance and present you with your probing and the rules you desire.

Otherwise, what do you think the Evergreen Sect is? Do you think they'd let you simply switch bodies, change identities, and send people in?

Even if you are indeed clever, and you deliberately guide your fellow Senior Brother to follow your example and arrange disciples to come in in the same way, we will accept them without hesitation, still doing it for you to see.

Actually, as long as the disciples we bring in aren't extremely wicked or like you, we can just accept them. What's the big deal?

If you want to get ahead, you still have to work hard like Junior Brother Chen; otherwise, you won't be able to secure many resources."

Upon hearing this, Chen Dengming felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

Damn it.

The Cultivation World has been thoroughly figured out by these old foxes; they really are cunning and experienced.

He always prided himself on being smart, cautious, and meticulous, but like Li Yue, he ended up being too clever for his own good.

He had just thought Li Yue was impressive, meticulous, and shrewd.

As it turned out, an even larger crocodile was still lurking in the water, coldly observing everyone.

He, too, is probably already under observation.

He had come to repay a debt of gratitude, overcoming his inner desire to escape and his cowardly thoughts, letting his past Martial World spirit and chivalrous heart take the lead. Ironically, he gained their trust and passed the test by accident.

Otherwise, if he outwardly complies but inwardly defies it, neither repaying the favor nor showing any remorse, and instead finds a safe place to hide before emerging again, then I fear we will once again be forced to wander aimlessly...

At this moment, Li Yue was hit even harder, his expression turning ashen, as if he had resigned himself to his fate.

To completely destroy a person's dignity and self-confidence, you must destroy what they are most proud of.

Li Yue thought he had played a grand game, that he was meticulous in his planning, but it was all a joke. He had already fallen into someone else's trap, and this blow was, of course, significant.

Guan Le spoke gently, with a faint smile.

"Alright! Fellow Daoist Li, and these three fellow Daoists who have come from afar, now let me, Liang, along with my Junior Brother, see you off on your final journey!"

The words had barely left his mouth.

Li Yue suddenly shouted and turned around, rushing towards Chen Dengming with lightning speed. His spiritual power as Foundation Establishment Middle Stage surged, and in the instant he made a hand seal, he pointed his finger.

A long spear radiating electric light suddenly appeared like a dragon soaring into the sky. Its surface was covered with white patterns and golden threads, and arcs of electricity radiated from it. The moment it appeared, a burst of light shone, as if it had transformed into a sharp arrow and was heading straight for Chen Dengming.

"Senior Brother Li, if you were lying to me and hadn't told me what happened today, perhaps I would have let you go!"

Chen Dengming's eyes were deep and mysterious. Suddenly, he put his hands together, and a large amount of golden Spiritual Qi appeared in the surrounding air, like a thick golden glow, and instantly gathered in front of him.

"Clang--"

"Clang--"

"Clang--"

In an instant, Golden Light shone brightly from Chen Dengming's body, and three walls of bronze and iron formed by Metal Elemental Spiritual Energy appeared, directly blocking the spear with a clang.

"Click--"

One of the golden barriers was instantly pierced by more than half, cracking open with spiderweb-like fissures.

But in that instant, the Golden Light suddenly condensed into a giant hand, grabbed the spear, and with tremendous force, pulled it out in a flash.

"Junior Brother Chen, I'm leaving, and you can't stop me!"

Li Yue roared as he approached, making a hand seal with one finger.

With a crackling sound, the spear flashed with lightning, suddenly transforming into a chain of lightning like a crimson fire serpent, which coiled around the golden hand and abruptly contracted.

Chen Dengming instantly sensed a strong threat and, without hesitation, made a hand seal to activate the Substitute Peach Tree Technique.

The beginner-level Substitute Peach Tree Technique takes less than half a breath.

But even this short time seemed incredibly precious at this moment.

Because gold conducts electricity.

The moment the spear transformed into lightning and exploded into a dazzling and astonishing burst of golden electric light, a large amount of current, carrying intense heat, surged toward Chen Dengming's body.

It's unclear whether Li Yue's tactics were simply his own, or if he had already prepared a method to counter Chen Dengming.

Boom!--

It was as if a huge thunderclap had exploded in mid-air.

He drowned out He Yingyu's exclamation from the other side.

A dazzling ball of electricity burst open in mid-air, then transformed into root-like bolts of lightning that shot out in all directions.

Within the electric arc, large sections of the robes were burned to ashes.

Li Yue's expression suddenly froze. He only saw a piece of charcoal explode into ashes in the arc of electricity inside his robe, but he couldn't see Chen Dengming at all.

Even if a living person that big were charred, it wouldn't be reduced to such a small piece so quickly.

Just then, on a cliff cypress fifty feet away at the valley entrance, Chen Dengming's body appeared without anyone noticing. He was covered in smoke, his hair stood on end, and some of his skin was charred and blistered. He even exhaled a smoke ring.

"You're lucky to be alive, kid!"

Li Yue's eyes turned cold, and without hesitation, he soared into the sky and fled upwards.

But in that instant, a comb suddenly appeared in the sky, and as it collapsed, the air seemed to be combed into turbulent currents, sweeping towards Li Yue.

(Bonus chapter complete. Still hoping for more monthly votes at the end of the month! I'll add another chapter tomorrow if I get 200 votes!)