Pursuit and Escape

Deep beneath Mount Guidie. A yellow rock the size of a millstone lay embedded in the earth. The Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower was currently concealed within this very stone. This kind of spiritual medicine could not simply be defined as ordinary flora; at this moment, within Qin Sang's perception, it was nothing more than a mountain rock. This was the first time Qin Sang had ever encountered a spiritual medicine with such bizarre properties, and his actions were exceedingly cautious. Silently, a strange power seeped from Qin Sang's palm into the subterranean depths, slowly approaching the yellow stone. This power concealed its fluctuations extraordinarily well. Like moisture nourishing things without a sound, it penetrated layer upon layer of rock and slipped up close to the yellow stone, resembling a pair of invisible palms closing silently around it. Inside the yellow stone, the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower was rooted quietly, absorbing the earth qi and showing no reaction whatsoever. Simultaneously, deep within the earth veins of Mount Guidie, restrictions surfaced around each and every flower seed, appearing as though they were cradled by calyxes. Once the opportune moment arrived, Qin Sang immediately drew in the net. The power surrounding the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower and the "calyxes" around all the seeds closed at the same time. Right at that moment, Qin Sang suddenly sensed something, and his expression shifted abruptly. While harvesting the spiritual medicine down here, he had left the Heavenly Eye Butterfly outside to monitor the movements beyond the mountains. Just as Qin Sang was on the verge of making his move, the Heavenly Eye Butterfly suddenly transmitted an alert: an abrupt development had occurred at the Demon Commander's Mansion! At the two ends of the Mount Guidie Range stood the mansions of two Demon Commanders. A Demon Commander's mansion could be viewed as akin to an immortal city where humans congregated; countless well-trained demon soldiers were garrisoned there, guarding the Demon Commander's immortal cave. When Qin Sang had scouted earlier, these demon soldiers drilled all day and conducted routine patrols, appearing well-trained and formidable, but everything followed traceable patterns. After observing them for a time, he had roughly grasped their routines, judging that these demon soldiers posed little threat to him unless he were surrounded. All had been normal these past few days. Yet on this very day, war drums suddenly shook the heavens at the Demon Commander's Mansion, their thunder echoing across Mount Guidie. In an instant, squads of bizarrely shaped demon soldiers soared into the sky, brimming with murderous intent as their demonic qi surged toward the heavens. Across the cloudless sky, dark clouds gathered in thick waves as howling winds whipped up. Birds and beasts, tree spirits and stone demons—within a single small Demon Commander's mansion, one could see demons of every variety, a veritable revelry of monsters. However, most demons possessed low intelligence; even when barely holding formation, they appeared disorderly and chaotic. The true elite were the Demon Commander's personal guards. Demon Commander Chiwei was a fire crow who had attained the Dao; her personal guards were mostly avian creatures, naturally adept in flying arts. Demon Commander Zhaoyou was a transformed dark wolf; his subordinates were mostly terrestrial beasts, yet they all understood the arts of riding clouds and mist. Channeling their demonic arts in unison, gust upon gust of sinister wind swept up from the ground. Qin Sang was currently located deep within the Mount Guidie Range, closer to Demon Commander Chiwei's mansion. After receiving the alert from the Heavenly Eye Butterfly, he too faintly sensed the fluctuations between heaven and earth. Qin Sang could not help but be startled, accompanied by deep bewilderment. He had not yet truly harvested the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower, and the earth veins had not yet been disturbed. How could the Demon Commander's Mansion have been alerted? Did they possess some special means to monitor the surrounding earth veins? Qin Sang's expression shifted uncertainly, and his movements froze. Harvesting the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower could not be accomplished in a single stroke, yet the current situation brooked no delay. Although Qin Sang did not believe the two Demon Commanders could threaten him, he had to be wary of the Demon Marquis. If he insisted on harvesting the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower and was besieged by the armies led by the two Demon Commanders, once the Demon Marquis arrived, what awaited him might be utter doom! Yet by now, the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower had already been disturbed. If he withdrew his hands now, once the spirit flower broke free, it would surely flee this place, rendering all his efforts in vain. If he wanted to find another such dharma edict in the future, who knew how many years he would have to wait? Just as Qin Sang was caught in this dilemma, the two Demon Commanders appeared within the ranks of their respective personal guards. *Roar! Roar!* The demon soldiers flanked their Demon Commanders, letting out excited roars. Demon Commander Chiwei had transformed into a red-haired demoness, flames seemingly burning within her crimson pupils. With a single order, a crimson demonic wind swept up her elite subordinates and surged into the sky. On the other side, a similar scene unfolded at Demon Commander Zhaoyou's mansion. Confirming that the two Demon Commanders were actually leading their troops away from the mountains rather than targeting him, Qin Sang felt a slight relief, accompanied by deep surprise. For both Demon Commanders to depart the mountains at the same time was certainly no trivial matter. Had the Marquis's Mansion issued an order, or had some incident occurred nearby? Qin Sang did not know the inside story, but he felt an inexplicable premonition of ill omen. This place was the Demon Marquis's fief, the heartland of the Guifang State, surrounded by enemies on all sides. Becoming entangled in any unforeseen event would be extremely detrimental to him; he had to leave as quickly as possible! The sudden departure of the two Demon Commanders had its advantages as well—Qin Sang no longer had to worry about exposure. Hesitating no further, he channeled his secret technique with all his might, racing against time. Curved patterns crawled across the surface of the yellow stone concealing the spiritual flower. Qin Sang's actions disturbed the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower. Instinctively, the flower sought to transfer itself to other seeds and flee this perilous place, but every connection between it and the seeds had been severed! At this moment, all the seeds were enclosed by the calyxes, isolated from the outside world. Confined to a cramped space, the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower dashed about wildly within the yellow rock, yet it could not break through the restrictions. Having completed the lockdown, Qin Sang immediately proceeded to the next step. At the same time, all the restrictions he had laid were activated, and the "calyxes" wrapping the seeds slowly rose. On the surface of the yellow stone, a phantom image of a spiritual flower first surfaced, then gradually solidified, revealing the true body of the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower. Its four petals were quivering gently. Right then, a faint rumbling echoed from deep beneath Mount Guidie, like a minor tremor. This was the phenomenon caused by triggering the earth qi as the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower was stripped from the earth veins. However, by the time the fluctuations reached the surface, they had become exceedingly faint. With the Demon Commanders gone, even if the demon soldiers left behind noticed, they would suspect nothing. *Swish, swish, swish...* Points of light flew continuously from the ground beneath Qin Sang's feet. Each point of light represented a flower seed, until finally, the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower "sprouted" beside his feet. Qin Sang sized up this gorgeous spiritual flower; this was the most troublesome spiritual medicine to harvest he had ever encountered. All the flower seeds shuddered in unison and merged into the true body. The seeds also possessed a portion of medicinal properties; only by gathering the spirit plant alongside all its seeds was the harvest complete. *Snap!* Qin Sang took out a jade box he had prepared beforehand, placed the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower inside, and climbed to higher ground. The Heavenly Eye Butterfly settled onto Qin Sang's shoulder. Qin Sang narrowed his eyes and gazed toward the direction of the Marquis's Mansion. The territory here was vast, making it difficult to discern what was happening over there purely from celestial phenomena, nor did he have any interest in investigating. Having obtained the Dream-Transforming Four Seasons Flower, his objective was achieved. He wished he could return to Mount Heming immediately to cultivate in peace until he made a breakthrough. Tapping his foot, Qin Sang glided down from the peak and fled westward. After leaving Mount Guidie, Qin Sang felt that things were becoming increasingly amiss, and his expression grew ever more grave. He had not flown far before encountering two consecutive waves of demon soldiers, both led by Demon Commanders under the Marquis's Mansion, marching in haste. Qin Sang suspected that every single Demon Commander under Marquis Liu had been mobilized! The ominous premonition in his heart grew stronger and stronger. Without slacking his speed, he continued forward, and as expected, successively encountered troops belonging to other Demon Commanders. Beside a nameless riverbank, Qin Sang hid in the treetop canopy, watching coldly as a detachment of demon soldiers vanished beyond the horizon. He pondered silently. During this time, he had roughly discerned a pattern. The target of the two Demon Commanders from Mount Guidie was the Marquis's Mansion to the east, but the Demon Commanders encountered afterward were different—almost all of them were rushing toward the northwest, seemingly cornering and intercepting someone. "Could it be that someone just happened to wreak havoc at the Marquis's Mansion right at this moment?" Under such circumstances, Qin Sang could not help but think so. Cursing his bad luck inwardly, he contemplated his current predicament. Heading west was the shortcut out of the Guifang State, but judging by the demon soldiers' disposition, continuing west was very likely to result in colliding with the battling parties; heading north was even less advisable; and turning back meant heading toward the Demon Marquis's mansion. If he wanted to avoid being swept up in it, he could only divert southward. The one being cornered might be a human cultivator, but Qin Sang had no intention of playing the hero, nor did his strength permit him to do so. Making a swift decision, Qin Sang immediately changed direction. Though anxious to escape, Qin Sang dared not employ his fastest Thunder Escape technique. Demons were roaming everywhere here; Thunder Escape produced an immense commotion, and activating it would inevitably make him a prime target. Yet Qin Sang was not without alternatives. Leaping down from the canopy, he gave a shake of his body and assumed the Spirit Wood Body. He deliberately controlled it so that his build was virtually identical to his true body; while this prevented him from fighting at full capacity, its virtue lay in agility. The instant his feet touched the ground, Qin Sang vanished abruptly. In the next moment, from an ancient tree deep in the forest walked out a treant, which then disappeared without a sound. Utilizing the divine abilities of the Spirit Wood Body, Qin Sang moved between vegetation. His aura blended completely into the surrounding plants, making deceiving those demon soldiers an effortless task. Though the Spirit Wood Body seemed clumsy, its speed was by no means slow. Just as Qin Sang was continuously heading south, Real Person Cuiwei was being pursued relentlessly by two Demon Marquises, his situation hanging by a thread. He had been exposed unexpectedly, completely unprepared for it. Discovering that two Demon Marquises were closing in on him, Real Person Cuiwei realized Marquis Liu had been prepared all along. Even if his plan to lure the snake from its hole had succeeded, capturing this demon would have been impossible. Knowing full well his situation was perilous, Real Person Cuiwei did not hesitate, turning and fleeing at once. The golden-armored burly man and Marquis Liu had long been lying in wait; how could they let him escape? Thus, they gave chase in hot pursuit. Marquis Liu's cultivation was inferior to the golden-armored man's, but he excelled in flying escape arts; the two demons flew side by side, their escape lights swift as lightning. "So it's this old bastard!" Marquis Liu gritted his teeth; he and Real Person Cuiwei were old acquaintances. "Why haven't his helpers shown up yet?" The golden-armored man was puzzled. He did not believe Real Person Cuiwei would dare come alone. Marquis Liu did not answer, keeping a portion of his mind focused on contacting the outside and barking commands. The demon soldiers across the entire fief had been mobilized. The Guifang State and the Daoist Court had battled for countless years. The demons had attained the pinnacle of battlefield formations, frequently triumphing over the strong with the weak; under the command of Demon Marquises, their combat power was astonishing. Yet surrounding and killing a Dongxuan Real Person was no easy task; meticulous preparations were required. Marquis Liu's subordinates were scattered across the fief, appearing haphazard, but in truth they were closing the pocket in an orderly fashion. The distance between them and Real Person Cuiwei was gradually shrinking. Just then, the golden-armored man let out a surprised "Huh?", his escape light halting abruptly as the golden armor covering his body blazed with dazzling golden light. Almost at the same moment, four heavenly pillars rose from the surrounding mountain peaks, each reaching a thousand zhang into the sky, piercing straight into the clouds. The two demons had stepped right into the perimeter of the four heavenly pillars. Had Qin Sang been nearby at this moment, he would surely have felt a sense of familiarity. Inside the four heavenly pillars, one half was crimson with rolling flames, while the other was stark white with chilling frost. The crisp clinking of chains echoed continuously. It was none other than the Water-Fire Heavenly Prison he had seen before! However, the prison erected by that Chief Altar Master could not hold a candle to this Water-Fire Heavenly Prison in either momentum or power. Four pillars established the prison. Water and fire merged. Amidst the heavenly fire, countless crimson rays shot out. On the other side, the chilling frost froze heaven and earth. Any living creature unfortunate enough to fall into the heavenly prison was either incinerated by fire or frozen to death, turning it into a realm of absolute death in an instant. This was a true prison of death; only the two demons who had just stepped in survived. Marquis Liu instinctively moved to retreat. The golden-armored man let out a roar. Amidst brilliant golden light, he transformed into a golden-furred giant ape as massive as a mountain. A terrifying aura shook heaven and earth, yet the four pillars of the heavenly prison stood motionless as boundless water and fire swept in. The golden-furred giant ape snorted a jet of white vapor from its nostrils and let out a disdainful cold humph. Not yielding a single step, it planted its feet atop twin peaks, puffed out its chest, raised its immensely muscular arms, and forced them outward to either side. *Boom!* The water and fire were actually forced back. The golden-furred giant ape seemed to prop open a doorway in the void, resisting the heavenly prison's binding force. Under the violent reverberations, the two heavenly pillars closest to it trembled incessantly. It suddenly raised its head, its piercing gaze penetrating the gap between water and fire. "So it's you!" Above the heavenly prison, three figures stood suspended in the air. They were Real Person Cuiwei, accompanied by the Nine Heavens Golden Palace Imperial Censor and the dark-skinned eccentric who had rushed to his aid. "Marquis Xuanjing, long time no see!" The Nine Heavens Golden Palace Imperial Censor looked down from above, his tone aloof. But now was not the time for verbal sparring, so he gave a nod toward the dark-skinned eccentric beside him. The dark-skinned eccentric tossed out the scroll in his hand. The scroll unrolled high in the air, promptly releasing eight silver talismans that shot straight toward the two demons. These were originally meant for an ambush, but now could only be used to hold off the enemy. "What happened?" The Nine Heavens Golden Palace Imperial Censor frowned at Real Person Cuiwei. He had arrived as agreed, only to find that Real Person Cuiwei had already fled in disarray. "I overestimated myself," Real Person Cuiwei did not make excuses, speaking in a heavy voice. "The demons were prepared long ago. We must leave as soon as possible; there will be reinforcements outside the Guifang State." With that, the three hesitated no longer and flew off, having no intention of staying for a protracted battle. *Roar!* Seeing the three flee, the golden-furred giant ape roared toward the heavens. Its flesh bulged high, channeling vitality of unprecedented density into its arms. With a mighty heave accompanied by a deafening crash, the four pillars collapsed, and the heavenly prison was forcibly shattered by it! Flowing fire scattered, chilling frost surged, and the surrounding area turned entirely into a desolation. Next, the golden-furred giant ape leapt forcefully, swinging both fists to smash the eight talismans. Marquis Liu's back swayed, and a white beam shot forth, transforming into a sword shape to aid the giant ape in breaking the talismans. With peerless might, the golden-furred giant ape smashed the eight talismans to pieces one by one. At that moment, Marquis Liu's face abruptly darkened. "Someone has snuck into the Marquis's Mansion!" The golden-furred giant ape paused, then sneered, "Could their target be the treasures in your manor, brother?" Marquis Liu frowned. To prevent leaks, many valuable treasures had not been moved out. Having them stolen would indeed be a major loss, but Daoist Court immortal officials certainly wouldn't deign to covet such things. "Luring the tiger away from the mountain!" The golden-furred giant ape snorted coldly. "Fourth Brother and the others should have arrived. Send a message telling Fourth Brother to head back and keep a close eye on that thief. We'll continue the pursuit—leave none alive!" Marquis Liu nodded. Naturally, he had found more than one helper, but for an illusory enemy, it was impossible for them all to stay here guarding alongside him. Marquis Xuanjing shared the deepest friendship with him, which was why he had accepted his invitation and lingered here for several years. Upon discovering traces of the enemy, he had immediately sent a message warning them. The helpers had arrived via the Marquis's Mansion's teleportation array, but unexpectedly, no sooner had they stepped out of the mansion than someone snuck in behind them. Marquis Liu sent the message as planned. Seeing the golden-furred giant ape transform into golden light and fly off, he hurriedly gave chase.