Free Web NovelChapter 1595: A Flying Demonic Beast
"That day..."
As Xu Xinghe spoke, the situation gradually became clear.
After receiving the distress signal from Dongxianchuan, the higher-ups of Dongling Immortal Pool immediately dispatched Saint Lady Hui Yue for support.
They quickly arrived above the core vein and entered the mine, pushing all the way down to the deepest layers before finally encountering the Blood Shadow Alliance.
No one knew what the Blood Shadow Alliance had been doing, but after luring Saint Lady Hui Yue deep into the vein, they suddenly activated the Forbidden Domain.
Everyone was caught off guard. With their elemental force and spiritual consciousness sealed, they were forced to fight against Blood Shadow Alliance disciples who still wielded Blood Flames and Blood Thunder.
The result was obvious. It turned into a one-sided massacre.
Dongling Immortal Pool primarily cultivated elemental force. Whether it was the Three Divine Halls or the Five Spirit Halls, very few practiced body refinement or specialized in the sword. Yet within the Forbidden Domain, aside from the Blood Shadow Alliance's Blood Flames and Blood Thunder, the only things that could still be used were brute strength and swordsmanship.
Fortunately, Saint Lady Hui Yue's foundation was deep. With the aid of an array, she managed to hold off the Blood Shadow Alliance elder Yuan Yangzi, though she herself became trapped in the depths of the vein.
With Saint Lady Hui Yue drawing most of the enemy's attention, some elders of Dongling Immortal Pool managed to lead several groups of disciples in a desperate breakout. They escaped the mine and hid within the stone forest, constantly evading pursuit from the Blood Shadow Alliance.
Luckily, everyone's spiritual consciousness was suppressed. Otherwise, they would not have lasted this long.
To be fair, Elder Cang Yue was not without merit. She had fought with everything she had and managed to save quite a few disciples. Xu Xinghe himself had survived by following her group.
At the beginning, aside from Elder Cang Yue, there had been another elder from the Illusory Moon Divine Hall named Elder You Yue, who was slightly stronger than her.
They had been trapped in the stone forest for five full days before finally deciding to lead the disciples in a breakout.
Within the Forbidden Domain, everyone had become like mortals. With no food and no water, they simply could not hold on.
Waiting to die was pointless. It was better to fight for a chance. Even if only a few managed to escape, there would still be hope.
But when they launched their breakout, a flying demonic beast at the Demon Ruler level suddenly emerged from the depths of the vein.
The physical strength of a Demon Ruler was terrifying.
Even without demonic essence, its ability to fly and its powerful body were enough to push humans who had lost their elemental force into utter despair.
The outcome was inevitable. The breakout led by Elder Cang Yue and Elder You Yue failed. Many of their fellow disciples died, and even Elder You Yue was devoured by the demonic beast.
What followed was what Ling Feng had already seen when he encountered Xu Xinghe and the others. They were trapped within the canyon, hiding and fleeing every day, living in constant fear. They survived on roots and wild grass, even scraping moss for moisture.
Human Emperors and Great Emperors reduced to such a state. It was a miserable sight.
"So, based on what you're saying, Saint Lady Hui Yue is trapped deep in the vein, holding off the Blood Shadow Alliance elders. That means their strongest forces are tied down by her. As long as she cannot leave, they won't dare make any reckless moves."
Ling Feng rubbed the bridge of his nose. That at least counted as good news.
Saint Lady Hui Yue truly lived up to her name.
"Still, a flying demonic beast at the Demon Ruler level is no small problem."
Within the Forbidden Domain, the ability to fly was an overwhelming advantage. Demonic beasts were already strongest in their physical bodies. Even Ling Feng would find it troublesome to deal with such a creature.
Unless he used his remaining Devouring Flame on that beast. But if he did that, he would be left at a disadvantage if he encountered other Blood Shadow Alliance elders.
What annoyed him most was that his Boundless Vision could not be used here. If it worked, he could grasp the entire situation at once.
"Right."
Ling Feng glanced at Xu Xinghe and asked in a low voice, "Have you seen Lin Mu or Li Fei?"
Xu Xinghe shook his head and sighed. "I don't know. It was too chaotic back then. I'm not sure if they were there. Most of the Blood Shadow Alliance disciples were killed instantly by Saint Lady Hui Yue, so those who could escape likely did. If they aren't outside, then they're either still in the mine or..."
He clenched his fists and did not finish the sentence.
Ling Feng understood what he meant. Even so, as long as there was the slightest chance, he would not give up on Lin Mu and the others.
"I understand."
Ling Feng nodded. He reached into the cloth pouch at his waist, took out a few wild fruits, and tossed them to Xu Xinghe.
"Eat."
Seeing Xu Xinghe's cracked lips, it was obvious he had not eaten properly for days.
"Gulp."
Xu Xinghe swallowed hard. Driven by hunger, he immediately stuffed the fruits into his mouth and chewed eagerly.
Back before joining Dongling Immortal Pool, he had been the young master of a noble family. Something as ordinary as wild fruit would never have caught his eye. Now, however, such simple food tasted like a rare delicacy.
The inner sect disciples nearby were no better off. Their eyes had already turned green from hunger. They could endure it when there was nothing to see, but the moment food appeared, their stomachs began to rumble uncontrollably.
"Take some."
Ling Feng shook his head. There were dozens of wild fruits in the pouch, more than enough for the six remaining inner sect disciples.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Ling!"
"Thank you! Thank you!"
Each of the Extreme Human Emperors rushed forward eagerly to receive their share. Some were so reluctant to eat that they licked the fruit several times first, savoring its sweetness, their eyes almost brimming with tears.
They had long since abandoned any concern for dignity, but Ling Feng understood that feeling all too well.
When he was young, he had often gone hungry. This kind of hardship was nothing new to him.
Fairy Qingping's eyes flickered as she looked at Ling Feng.
He might seem distant and cold, someone who kept others at arm's length, yet in truth, he was a genuinely good person.
Senior Brother Qin had never shown this kind of warmth.
The thought surfaced suddenly, startling her.
It was the first time she had ever felt that another man might be better than Senior Brother Qin.
She quickly shook her head and pushed the thought away.
"This place should be safe for now. Stay here and recover."
Ling Feng glanced at the group and spoke calmly. "The Forbidden Domain might dissipate on its own soon. When that happens, you can leave."
With that, he turned and walked out of the cave without any intention of staying longer.
"Wait for me!"
Fairy Qingping immediately chased after him.
"Damn it."
The Despicable Donkey grumbled under his breath. He had been hoping to get some proper rest.
Soon, the two of them and the donkey left the cave, leaving the Dongling Immortal Pool disciples behind, all of them silently thinking the same thing.
Senior Brother Ling was truly a good man.
