Prey! A Rescue! Take Them Down One by One

Xue Qinghe looked at Ning Chengyi, who seemed to have ten thousand questions, with a trace of annoyance in his eyes.

"Why? Because I got drunk with you and forgot about it, that's why!"

Ning Chengyi rubbed his nose awkwardly. So he'd had a hand in this too.

If She Long hadn't brought back the news yesterday, Xue Qinghe might have forgotten about it entirely.

"Won't it be too late by the time I get there?"

Ning Chengyi pressed the point. Even by carriage, the trip would take nearly a week.

If an Evil Soul Master had bought the women, they might be carrying several men's children by the time he arrived.

"That's why I'm having him take you. Once it's settled, I'll know, and he'll bring you back."

Xue Qinghe pointed to Snake Lance Douluo beside him. "What about my special training?" Ning Chengyi asked, his eyes shifting.

"Consider this part of it. I'll handle everything else."

"Fine."

With that, Ning Chengyi turned to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"Aren't we rescuing someone?"

Xue Qinghe: "..."

He felt himself losing his composure. How could this fellow have such a strange personality?

A few words from him were enough to drive Xue Qinghe mad.

"Go."

Without another word, Snake Lance Douluo took Ning Chengyi straight toward Suotuo City.

A day later.

In a forest outside the city.

"Kid, they've already taken the captives. They have to pass through here. The rest is up to you."

"???" Ning Chengyi stared at him in confusion. Was he really leaving everything to Ning Chengyi?

He wanted to ask why someone as powerful as Snake Lance Douluo wouldn't make a move himself, but swallowed the question and slipped into the forest.

"What a strange child," Snake Lance Douluo said helplessly.

Once inside, Ning Chengyi erased his tracks and moved cautiously through the forest. He hid in a huge tree and waited for his prey.

Night fell while he waited.

"Why aren't they here yet? Did they change routes?" Ning Chengyi muttered. Then he heard footsteps rustling closer.

They're here. He concealed himself further, letting the aura of the Phantom Butterfly Spirit Tide mask his presence until he seemed like an ordinary Soul Beast.

"These two girls are real beauties!"

"So tender you could squeeze water out of them."

"Hahaha! Once the boss has had his fill, we'll get a taste too."

"Exactly. When has the boss ever finished without letting us line up afterward?"

"Who knows? With two of them this time, maybe he'll let us line up first."

The crude talk came from several approaching Evil Soul Masters.

As they drew closer, Ning Chengyi could finally count them.

Seven? Five Soul Masters and two Soul Grandmasters. But I have to keep them from taking the captives hostage if they get desperate. This could be tricky.

What's with that woman? Her Soul Power's been sealed.

Looks like they snatched her along the way.

Ning Chengyi watched them approach his hiding place. He stayed still, waiting for an opening.

"Eldest Brother, let's rest up ahead. I need to relieve myself."

"Hahahaha! Second Brother, are you going off to whip it out and practice with your hand?"

The man they called Second Brother laughed. "No need for that. If I wanted to, I'd just have them do it."

"Go on, then. I don't feel safe here."

"Eldest Brother, you're worrying over nothing. The Blue Silver Gang has taken this road eighty times, if not a hundred. Relax. I'll be right back."

"Old Seven, go with him."

At Eldest Brother's order, another man stepped away from the group.

The others kept a firm grip on the two women, who were bound in a tortoiseshell pattern.

Their mouths were gagged, leaving them able only to make muffled sounds of protest.

"Shut up. Make any more noise and we'll collect some interest from you first."

The Soul Master holding the woman who seemed to be the Sword Venerable's beloved snapped at her.

"Look at this one. She isn't crying or making a fuss. Now that's a girl you can't help but like."

Second Brother and Old Seven walked away. They meant to relieve themselves nearby, but the two also shared a secret habit: sneaking a drink.

The Blue Silver Gang strictly forbade drinking while out on a job. After holding back the whole way, they were nearly at their limit—and not just for a drink.

"Second Brother, are you sure this is all right?" Old Seven asked worriedly.

"Relax. Just a sip, then we'll piss and head back." Clearly, they had done this before.

Ning Chengyi had already descended from the tree. Using the Phantom Butterfly Spirit Tide, he crept behind them and hurled the Desolation-Suppressing God-Breaking Spear. Coated in Phantom Butterfly venom, it pierced straight through Second Brother's head.

"Sec—" The sudden attack made Old Seven try to shout, but Ning Chengyi had already appeared behind him like a ghost. He seized Old Seven's throat and crushed his windpipe, cutting off the cry before it escaped.

Every movement was swift and clean, without a moment wasted.

Five left. How do I draw them over? Wait? Disguise myself! Ning Chengyi quickly dealt with the two bodies, then pulled on Old Seven's clothes. They fit well enough. He stood among the bushes and pretended to piss.

After another ten minutes or so, Eldest Brother grew impatient.

"You three watch them. I'll check on Second Brother and Old Seven." Unease showed in Eldest Brother's eyes as he spoke to the three men seated before the women.

"Right."

The three grew tense. This was their first trip down the mountain for this kind of business. It was a legitimate transaction, but that did not mean an enemy wouldn't come after them.

As Evil Soul Masters, they fought over territory all the time.

And with two such beautiful women in tow, they could have drawn the attention of another gang of Evil Soul Masters, even on the little path they usually took.

"Old Seven, where's Second Brother?" Eldest Brother called to the figure apparently relieving himself by the bushes. The man merely pointed to the other side.

A small wine flask lay there, its scent drifting through the air.

"Second Brother's going to ruin everything. He's drinking again."

With his back to them, Ning Chengyi heard footsteps approaching on both sides and knew they hadn't fallen for it. He dropped the act, summoned his Martial Soul, and lunged sideways.

"Kill him!"

Eldest Brother was a seasoned fighter. Otherwise, he could never have led the seven of them.

The instant Ning Chengyi sprang into action, Eldest Brother gave the order without hesitation.

"We've got trouble!" Eldest Brother roared as he charged forward, his voice carrying through the forest.

"Damn, something really has happened."

The other three men's expressions changed at once.

"Sixth Brother, take the women back. We'll help them."

One of them gave the order, and Sixth Brother nodded.

The other captive woman's eyes lit up. She knew her chance had come. Unfortunately, her Soul Power was still sealed; otherwise, she could have put up a fight.