Chapter 46: The Fish Took the Bait
While Shen Yanzhou and Lin Qingcang were communicating—
From deep within the forest, a tall, long-ponytailed silhouette emerged.
She was clad in a silver soft armor that could not conceal her graceful curves.
Her eyes brimmed with cold light as she looked frostily toward the few people chasing after Shen Yanzhou.
It was Wu Ruyue.
“Such audacity from the Nether Cult—how dare you so cruelly harm the Heir of the Demon Suppression King! Are you not afraid of being hunted down and exterminated afterward?” she coldly rebuked.
“Ruyue? Why is she showing up at this time?”
“She’s ruining my plan.”
Hidden deep among the treetops, Shen Tian was greatly shocked when he saw her appear, and had no choice but to suppress the killing intent he had just been harboring.
“Heh, just a young girl, and all alone—do you think you can rescue that fellow?”
The experts of Luofu Cloud Cavern were momentarily stunned, but soon recovered.
Seeing no one behind Wu Ruyue, they sneered repeatedly, not taking her seriously in the slightest.
“The Bureau of Immortal Inspection and the Chilin Guards are already on their way here. If you know what’s good for you, release the Heir at once.”
Wu Ruyue’s voice was cold as she gripped the short blade at her waist, ready to draw it at any moment.
Her mood was foul—not only because of the negligence and dereliction shown by the guest retainers of the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion, but also because of the Nether Cult’s lawless arrogance, their blatant contempt for imperial authority.
In such an icy, rain-soaked night, under suffocating miasma, they actually dared to humiliate the Heir of the Demon Suppression King like this…
“Miss Wu, you came just in time! Quickly, save me…”
“Why are you alone? Where are Elder Mo, Daoist Qingfeng, and the others?”
Shen Yanzhou gasped heavily, drenched from head to toe, in an utterly disheveled state, as he hurried toward Wu Ruyue.
Wu Ruyue cast him a glance.
A trace of confusion flickered in her amber-tinted eyes—was this miserable appearance of his real, or merely an act?
When they had met at the Yingspring Pavilion that day, Shen Yanzhou had revealed his strength—she had found it difficult to cope even without realizing it.
Afterward, upon reflection, she concluded that Shen Yanzhou must have cultivated some secret sword art.
It was unlikely for someone of his age to have reached the Fourth Rank, Dragon-Elephant Realm in the Martial Path.
“They feared that traveling at night would be dangerous, especially with miasma spreading and demonic beasts lurking, so they found a place to rest and planned to enter the mountain after dawn,” Wu Ruyue replied softly.
“They…”
“When I return to the capital, I will make sure Father doesn’t let them off easily.”
Shen Yanzhou seemed momentarily stunned, then clenched his fists, gritting his teeth with indignation, his expression full of outrage, as though thinking, ‘How could they act like this?’
Their conversation did not escape the ears of the men from Luofu Cloud Cavern.
They burst into hearty laughter, astonished as well.
Even the guest retainers of the Demon Suppression Prince’s Mansion held little regard for this Heir?
Truly pathetic.
“Heir, we should focus first on how to return safely.”
“The Bureau of Immortal Inspection and the Chilin Guards have been delayed by rampaging demonic beasts—they won’t be arriving here any time soon.”
With a sharp shing, Wu Ruyue drew her short blade.
The edge gleamed coldly, faintly veined with crimson patterns, exuding killing chill.
Forged from refined Flood Dragon Blood-patterned Steel, it could slice through iron like mud—just a thumb-sized piece was worth a hundred gold taels.
During her training in the southern borderlands, she had broken through numerous demonic beast nests and was rewarded this weapon by the Demon Suppression King, Shen Jingxiao.
“Heh, seems the girl wants to fight.”
“Then let’s entertain her.”
The experts of Luofu Cloud Cavern exchanged looks, their eyes gleaming with interest.
One of them lifted his palm, and at once, a faint violet mist began to spread around them.
The rustling sound of crawling poisonous insects echoed through the rain forest.
Meanwhile, two others began to chant incantations, their bodies glowing faintly with a ghostly, spirit-medium light.
Soon, the soil around them began to shift and heave—certain spots bulged upward, as though corpses buried deep beneath were being roused from their eternal slumber.
The shamanic arts differed greatly from the Martial Path.
They excelled in sacrifices to dark gods, hiding in shadows, and casting curses or employing poisons to kill.
As their physical bodies were fragile, when facing martial artists of equal rank, they often performed Bone Offerings or Corpse Summonings to fight through substitutes.
Especially those of the Sixth Rank, Shamanic Priest Realm—in some remote towns, they could, through curse-killing methods such as substitute effigies or the Seven Arrow Ghost Head ritual, silently annihilate an entire city.
They were extremely troublesome opponents.
“The shamanic arts originated from Beiyu, passed down from the ancient spiritual lineage of the Ancestor Spirits. In the primordial age, before social order was established, the human tribes’ ancestors gained power through worship of ancestral spirits, dark gods, and totems—to resist calamities, savagery, and demonic beasts…”
“During my training in the southern borderlands, I once captured several Beiyu spies. They controlled substitutes with blood, hiding among villages to spread blood plagues and create puppets.
A single one of them could often fight against a whole squad.”
“If they possessed the bones of a powerful demonic beast, through sacrificial rites they could even summon an army of bones to fight.”
Wu Ruyue’s expression grew solemn.
The four before her were clearly all Sixth Rank, Shamanic Priest Realm practitioners—and not of the lower level.
“Miss Wu, do you have confidence in defeating them?” Shen Yanzhou asked, his face pale and full of concern.
“Under normal circumstances, I might have some confidence—but right now…”
Wu Ruyue shook her head, her gaze flicking toward the depths of the forest.
It was clear the Nether Cult’s manpower was far from limited to these few.
If she fought them here, the commotion would certainly draw the others in.
“Then, Miss Wu, please hold them off for me. Once I escape alive, I’ll ensure Father rewards you handsomely,” Shen Yanzhou said hurriedly.
Wu Ruyue pressed her lips together.
Though she knew full well that Shen Yanzhou’s cowardly demeanor was most likely an act… she still took a deep breath and nodded.
“Heir, head west—I’ll hold them off.”
As her words fell, she gave the men before her no time to react.
Internal energy surged through her body as she leapt like a wild goose into the air.
The short blade in her hand traced a circular arc—the drizzling rain was instantly cleaved apart with a resonant metallic hum that shattered the air like thunder.
Wu Ruyue had long been at the Sixth Rank, Sea-Cleaving Realm.
Her inner strength was vast and steady.
From her very first strike, her overwhelming power burst forth—a single slash that split the rain, her energy like a mountain, the blade light cascading forward like a brilliant ribbon.
The Luofu Cloud Cavern experts, caught off guard, were forced to retreat in haste, not daring to take her blow head-on.
Had that strike landed, it would have split them cleanly in two.
Though young in appearance, the killing intent emanating from Wu Ruyue’s movements made it clear—this was someone who had survived countless life-and-death battles, hardened on the true field of war.
With a thunderous boom, the blade light struck a nearby boulder the size of a millstone, shattering it into fragments that scattered through the air.
The men instantly dispelled their previous contempt and became serious.
Seizing the chance while Wu Ruyue held them back, Shen Yanzhou spared not a single glance behind him and fled headlong toward the opposite direction.
“What a fine opportunity.”
Hidden in the shadows, Shen Tian’s face instantly lit up with delight at the sight.
He had originally thought that Shen Yanzhou would stay beside Wu Ruyue the whole time, which had made him somewhat restrained and hesitant to act directly.
But now, it was perfect—Shen Yanzhou had chosen to flee on his own, running straight to his death.
Who could possibly protect him now?
In an instant, a breeze swept past the treetops.
Raindrops shattered in midair as Shen Tian’s figure flickered and vanished, swiftly darting toward the direction Shen Yanzhou had fled.
——
“The fish has taken the bait.”
“It’s time to reel in the net.”
At the same time, Fu Yuying, who had been standing upon the cliffside, lightly waved her hand.
A number of Luofu Cloud Cavern experts who had long hidden in the shadows emerged from all directions, converging toward the area ahead.
——
“That fellow should come chasing soon.”
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Though Shen Yanzhou appeared to be fleeing westward in panic—breathing heavily, looking exhausted and terrified—his eyes remained calm and steady.
His true breathing had always been smooth and even, never once disrupted.
The Primordial Qi of Unity circulated from within outward, purging the body of waste and drawing in new vitality, keeping his entire form in the most stable state.
His breathing was deep and long, and even his muscles, bones, and skin moved in relaxed harmony.
At this point, even a superior Sweat-blood Horse carrying the bloodline of wild beasts could not match him in endurance.
“The one you mentioned has indeed followed. There are also two little worms lurking in the dark.”
The voice of the Martial God, Lin Qingcang, echoed in Shen Yanzhou’s mind.
“Heh, just what I was waiting for.”
Shen Yanzhou nodded slightly, truly appreciating the advantage of having an “old master in his ring.”
Although Lin Qingcang was merely a wisp of obsession, as long as that trace of origin wasn’t exhausted, he could continue existing in this form indefinitely.
At present, this Late Martial God was literally worn on his hand—quite literally.
He gently rubbed the jade ring on his finger.
He had found it in Lin Qingcang’s cave abode.
Though a Martial God’s dwelling wasn’t filled with Daoist treasures, elixirs, and scriptures like a cultivator’s cave, there were still several magical tools such as Sumeru Rings.
This jade ring was one such Sumeru Ring—its internal space was vast, spanning nearly a hundred zhang in area, comparable to a small football field.
If auctioned in today’s Great Qian, whether in a trading guild or at a public sale, it would fetch an astronomical price and spark a frenzy.
The art of forging Sumeru Rings had long been lost.
Even among the heirs of great clans and nobles of the royal family, their so-called Sumeru Rings were nothing more than simple pouches—barely able to store a few scrolls, some gold and silver, before being filled to the brim.
“Hu, hu, hu…”
After running for nearly half an hour, Shen Yanzhou finally appeared utterly exhausted, leaning against a tree trunk, gasping as though his heart might leap from his chest.
The sounds of battle between Wu Ruyue and the Luofu Cloud Cavern experts had gradually faded into silence behind him.
“Am I overacting a bit with this exhaustion? Given the original body’s physical condition, it shouldn’t have been possible to run this far without collapsing.”
Shen Yanzhou pondered, mildly concerned that his performance might show some flaw.
But then he thought again—people under life-and-death pressure often burst out with strength beyond normal limits.
Wasn’t that perfectly reasonable?
Even someone as cautious as Shen Tian couldn’t possibly suspect him over such a thing.
Chi!!!
Just then, as Shen Yanzhou leaned against the tree, panting, a sword aura split through the air toward him.
Fortunately, his spiritual sense was no longer what it once was.
He detected the attack in an instant, sidestepped slightly, and narrowly avoided the incoming sword qi.
With a sharp crack, the thick ancient tree behind him was cleaved cleanly in half.
The several-zhang-tall trunk crashed to the muddy ground, sending clods of mud flying.
“Hmm?”
Hidden in the darkness, Shen Tian froze, the sword finger he had extended stiffening midair.
Now that Shen Yanzhou had no one to protect him, he had decided to save one of his protective sword auras and strike personally—yet he hadn’t expected Shen Yanzhou to dodge it.
His true strength was at the Sixth Rank, Sea-Cleaving Realm.
With such a strike, no martial artist below that level could possibly withstand it—let alone evade it.
What kind of keen perception was that?
“Was that just a coincidence? Or is this fellow actually that lucky?”
Shen Tian frowned, flicking another sword finger.
With a hum, sword qi sliced through the air, cutting through branches and leaves as it shot straight toward Shen Yanzhou.
But in the next instant, his pupils constricted—Shen Yanzhou had once again evaded it with a subtle, almost instinctive sidestep, like a deer slipping through the trees, leaving no trace behind.
As if… it had been coincidence once more.
Boom!
The sword qi tore through a mass of trees, shattering trunks and scattering leaves and mud everywhere.
“Who’s there!?”
Only now did Shen Yanzhou appear to react, his face pale with fright as he stared toward the collapsing trees, shouting loudly.
“This guy… is he just lucky, or what?”
Shen Tian couldn’t believe it.
He had intended to stay hidden to avoid complications, quickly ending Shen Yanzhou’s life so that his death would remain mysterious.
But now, he had no choice but to step out from behind the thick trunk.
“Your luck, wastrel, is truly remarkable—but not necessarily good. Originally, you could’ve died without pain or awareness.”
Shen Tian spoke coldly.
Shen Yanzhou abruptly turned, staring at the direction Shen Tian emerged from, and demanded sharply, “Who are you? Were you the one trying to kill me just now?”
Shen Tian had disguised himself—his body appearing shorter and sturdier, his complexion darkened, wearing a straw rain hat and carrying a bamboo basket, with a hatchet at his waist.
He looked exactly like a woodcutter entering the mountains.
“Of course it was me.”
His tone was cold, like that of a soul collector walking straight out of hell.
“Who sent you? Do you know who I am?”
“Whatever others offered you, I can give you a hundredfold—no, a thousandfold,” Shen Yanzhou said as he slowly backed away, seemingly preparing to seize a chance to escape.
Shen Tian noticed his movement, his lips curling in mockery, utterly unconcerned.
“Do you really want to know?”
“Then I’ll tell you.”
“There are countless people in this world who want you dead—but I’m different. I simply loathe you. I’ll erase you, this blemish upon the world. You’ve lived under my name for more than twenty years—bathed in glory, surrounded by luxury and followers, so very proud of yourself.”
“Now, I’m taking back everything that belongs to me.”
Shen Tian’s voice was icy cold.
In his mind, Shen Yanzhou was already a dead man.
Upon hearing these words, Shen Yanzhou froze, staring blankly before murmuring, “You… you’re Shen Tian?”
Shen Tian paused for a moment, somewhat surprised that Shen Yanzhou had actually realized it so quickly.
“Heh, so you’re not completely stupid after all.”
He shook his head with a sneer.
As he spoke, he tossed aside the straw hat, wiped his hand across his face, and peeled away a human-skin mask.
A series of bone-cracking sounds followed as his body shifted shape.
In the blink of an eye, his entire appearance transformed—into a handsome, refined young man.
Shen Tian sneered.
“Surprised? I was planning to let you die in ignorance.”
“So you finally decided to show yourself…”
“That truly wasn’t easy.”
Shen Yanzhou fixed his gaze on Shen Tian, studying him carefully for a few moments.
Then, raising a hand to rub his brow, his tone grew relaxed and casual.