“If you two remain stubborn and insist on fighting me to the death, I won’t hold back anymore. The only outcome will be your deaths.”
Hearing the Tree YaoGuai’s threat, Zhang Nu and Liu Hai felt a surge of anger, but deep down, they both knew the YaoGuai was right. They weren’t yet capable of taking on such a powerful foe. At their current level, the Tree YaoGuai’s strength was beyond their grasp. To defeat it, they needed more time to cultivate and grow stronger. Liu Hai had made up his mind—he didn’t want to die here.
Perhaps if Zhang Nu were alone, he might have a chance to take down the Tree YaoGuai. But Zhang Nu was hesitant to reveal his full strength, as he still wasn’t sure if he could fully trust Liu Hai. Zhang Nu didn’t know whether Liu Hai’s loyalty was genuine or if he was simply pretending, waiting for the right moment to betray him.
“What do you think, Zhang Nu?” Liu Hai asked, his voice filled with concern. “I think we should leave now. Dying here isn't an option.”
Zhang Nu considered Liu Hai’s words and nodded in agreement, Liu Hai’s assessment of the situation was correct. If Zhang Nu were on his own, he could take the risk and fight the YaoGuai. But with Liu Hai by his side, the situation was more complex.
“You’re right. We can’t stay here. We need to leave immediately and not give this YaoGuai any more chances. If we die here, we’ll only become fertilizer for its power.”
The Tree YaoGuai, overhearing Zhang Nu’s words, sneered in agreement. In its eyes, the two were nothing more than future sustenance—mere insects, unworthy of even a second thought.
“Have you two made up your minds yet? Don't think for a second that I can't hear everything you’re saying. I’ve told you before, this place is my domain. Every word you speak reaches my ears.”
“I advise you to decide quickly. If you insist on challenging me to a fight to the death, I won’t hold back, and I’ll make sure to end this swiftly.”
The Tree YaoGuai spoke with confidence, fully aware that he held the upper hand. This land had nurtured him since he was small, and he felt no obligation to show mercy to Zhang Nu or Liu Hai. Sooner or later, he would take care of them.
What made things even more complicated was that both sides seemed distrustful of one another, with each ready to strike. However, a battle right now would be futile. Neither side could inflict a decisive blow on the other. A truce, followed by a period of rest and growth, would be the wisest choice for all involved. Only after regaining their full strength could they settle this once and for all.
Both Zhang Nu and the Tree YaoGuai were highly rational. Continuing the fight would only drain their energy. Better to retreat, strengthen their abilities, and return to face off when both sides were at their peak.
“Fine, I’ll hold you to your word,” Zhang Nu said coldly. “You said you would let us leave peacefully, so I’ll trust you this time. We’ll head down the mountain right now. But if you go back on your word and attack us, we’ll make sure to take you down with us, no matter what.”
As Zhang Nu prepared to descend the mountain, he issued a stern warning to the Tree YaoGuai. He feared that the YaoGuai might take advantage of their guard being down during the descent and launch a sudden attack. However, the Tree YaoGuai, upon hearing Zhang Nu's words, remained indifferent. He had made his promise and had no intention of breaking it. He wasn’t the type to go back on his word or embarrass himself in such a manner.
"Rest assured," the Tree YaoGuai replied coldly, "I am well aware of what I said. If I said I’d let you leave, I won’t harm either of you."
This YaoGuai was indeed one that valued his word, unlike other YaoGuai who might act deceptively in similar circumstances. Zhang Nu and Liu Hai successfully descended the mountain, and once they were clear of it, they both let out a sigh of relief. Now that they had left the mountain, the Tree YaoGuai could no longer threaten them.
"Zhang Nu, are we really giving up here?" Liu Hai asked, still clearly uneasy. "Are we just going to let this YaoGuai stop us here?"
Despite Liu Hai's disappointment, he could sense that Zhang Nu had concealed some of his true strength. However, Liu Hai chose not to ask about them. He knew well that everyone had their secrets, and not everything could be shared with others.
Zhang Nu shook his head resolutely. He fully intended to return and take down the Tree YaoGuai. In fact, he was certain that once he succeeded in defeating it, his cultivation would rise dramatically.