The Mantis Stalks the Cicada

The Mantis Stalks the Cicada

After killing the three men, all the spiritual power Lin Yu had just recovered dissipated at once. He let out a long breath, then sat down cross-legged. Spiritual energy rushed in from afar, replenishing the emptiness within his body. He stood and looked into the distance, smiling. This battle had turned out to be a good thing.

"Two people. If I'm not mistaken, that spiritual treasure is Rainbow Butterfly." In Lin Yu's eyes, the spiritual herb truly resembled a butterfly dancing in the wind.

Though it was called Rainbow Butterfly, it bore seven stalks in its lifetime, each changing through seven unpredictable colors, and its shape resembled a butterfly. That was how it got its name.

Just as he was watching Rainbow Butterfly, two waves of spiritual power shot over. Lin Yu smiled and continued, "Those two are indeed quite strong. If they keep cultivating, they may truly be able to break through to Netherpassage. No wonder those two old fellows value them so highly."

The Flame Emperor and the Ancient Emperor had fought each other for a lifetime. Their descendants had begun fighting as well, as though their feud would continue for another century. Lin Yu took another look, and a few thoughts arose in his heart.

"The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind it. I wonder whether there is an oriole now." Lin Yu stood there and waited quietly, closing his eyes. Quite a few cultivators in the distance were stirring restlessly. Knowing that Yang Yan, Yang Miao, and the third man were already dead, they had formed an encirclement around the area.

Only streaks of shadows flashed past before someone was cut down. An aged voice called from afar, "All of you, step back, or die." It was the declaration of an expert. If they truly fought, no one would gain any advantage.

What he had never expected was that that boy had actually killed Pan Sanqiu and entered already. Moreover, those two fellows were now in some danger as well. Lin Yu glanced over and said, "Whose powerful aura is that..." Lin Yu could not help feeling concerned. That expert had come for this Rainbow Butterfly too.

"Gu Tian, I truly did not expect that after three years apart, your strength would have improved so much. You have exceeded my expectations." Immediately afterward, a Flame Spear was drawn from a storage ring. Only then did Lin Yu say, "That is a Spirit Artifact, isn't it? It should be a high-grade earth-tier one. The Flame Emperor is certainly generous when he makes a move!"

The appearance of the Flame Spear caused countless grasses in the surrounding mountains to wither. Lin Yu stood there without saying another word, shifting his gaze to Gu Tian. Without a proper weapon, he would sooner or later be slain.

At that moment, a halberd appeared in Gu Tian's hand. The icy aura radiating from it made Lin Yu shudder. It was even more intense than what he had felt on Heavenly Mountain. It should have been forged from Cold Iron.

Lin Yu looked at it and said, "Look at that—one inch longer, one inch stronger. This is truly interesting." Both were high-grade Spirit Artifacts, treasures even in the Four Seas and Eight Wastes. Even Lin Yu was tempted. He could not forge artifacts himself, but he could hand the materials to his master and have him forge a fine sword for him.

As the two weapons erupted with flashes of lightning and sparks, Yan Fei spoke again. "I truly did not expect the Ancient Emperor to be so generous as to give you such a fine item." Gu Tian was like a mute, saying nothing as he stared at the people in the distance.

The two weapons collided once more. Lin Yu said, "Impressive. Even with those two weapons clashing, they have not harmed Rainbow Butterfly in the slightest." Lin Yu was becoming more and more interested in this first-tier spiritual herb, Rainbow Butterfly.

In an instant, blood seeped from the corner of Gu Tian's mouth. Yan Fei burst into laughter. "Your Ancient Emperor Clan only has this much strength." Gu Tian smiled at the corner of his mouth, and then Yan Fei collapsed directly to the ground. His injuries were no lighter than Gu Tian's.

"Your strength is not bad, but do not forget that when the Flame Emperor attacked Flame Emperor City back then, he still failed to take it..." Gu Tian was completely bringing up old matters again.

"Tch, if not for that general, what would the outcome have been? And what can you people do now?" Lin Yu said calmly as he stood there.

"As far as I know, that general has resigned from office, hasn't he? It seems he was even assassinated by your imperial father. I wonder what stance he will take in the next great war, or whether you will decide to march out."

"Tch, I simply want to see whether the people of Flame Emperor City dare to come over. I do not mind killing a few more. As for whether that great general exists, it seems to make no difference to me anymore." Lin Yu took another look. This Gu Tian was just like his father, the Ancient Emperor—both were so confident. Unfortunately, this place would become their graveyard.

Lin Yu clapped his hands and descended from the tree, speaking calmly. "Yan Fei, your strength is not bad, but Gu Tian is simply too confident. Tell me, which one of you should I kill first?"

"It's you..." In an instant, Gu Tian recognized Lin Yu. He had never imagined that the man who had been here all along was actually the former great general. Lin Yu glanced at him and smiled. "Yes, Your Highness. It is indeed I. I did not expect you to recognize me."

"Why are you here? Kill Yan Fei quickly, and I will grant you rank and title..."

"Ah, Prince Gu Tian, perhaps you have forgotten. I do not enjoy wasting my days in officialdom. Right now, I am merely a commoner. Whatever I wish to do, I do as my heart desires." Lin Yu spoke calmly, yet at the same time, his sword slew Yan Fei.

"Good, very good!" Lin Yu stood there, merely listening to Gu Tian praise him. Gu Tian then continued, "Tell me what you want. As long as it is something I can do, I will certainly help you achieve it."

"Fine, Prince Gu Tian. Right now, I want to kill you. I wonder whether you can fulfill such a tiny request of mine?" Lin Yu said calmly. With a single slash, he cut off Gu Tian's hand...

At that moment, a figure walked out. He said softly, "I will help you kill this prince. How about you give me half of the Rainbow Butterfly?" Lin Yu looked at the man. He intended to play the oriole. Lin Yu had not expected there to be someone else behind them.

Before long, he shook his head...

(To be continued)