Druid Fairy

Chapter 138 Second-Order Monster
After thinking it over, Li Pingcan decided not to make the matter public for the time being.

Firstly, he had no evidence and his words were unsubstantiated. Those arrogant sect cultivators might not believe the words of this "little bodyguard," and he would also expose himself.

Secondly, while the sect cultivators might be unaware of such anomalies, would Wei Yanzheng, who controls the dynasty's fortune, truly be completely oblivious?

The deeper meaning behind this is truly hard to fathom!

…………

On the eastern defense line of the city, the wind and snow were like knives.

The makeshift wooden arrow tower creaked and groaned in the strong wind, as if it would fall apart at any moment.

Tens of thousands of peasant soldiers, who had just put down their hoes and picked up their spears, were huddled together in the muddy trenches, their faces filled with despair.

Their thin armor was utterly inadequate against the biting cold, and even less able to fend off the monstrous beasts surging in from beneath the city walls like a black tide.

"Roar!"

A wolf with an iron back, as big as a calf, ignored the sparse arrows shot from the city wall and leaped directly onto the battlement, which was several meters high.

It opened its blood-red maw, and its sharp fangs easily tore open the throat of a soldier. Warm blood splattered onto the cold snow, instantly congealing into a dark red color.

"Hold on! Everyone hold on!"

A young flag bearer roared hoarsely, brandishing his sword, trying to organize an effective resistance. But his voice was quickly drowned out by the deafening roars of beasts and the screams of humans.

Zhou Enxian stood on the wall. Thanks to Li Pingfu's care, he was able to train new recruits in the rear and did not have to go to the battlefield.

He watched helplessly as a young boy was gored through the chest by a wild boar's tusks. The boy didn't even scream before collapsing limply to the ground.

Zhou Enxian felt a chill run down his spine. If he hadn't insisted on going to war in place of his son, the one lying there right now might have been his only bloodline.

"brute!"

Enraged, he roared, drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and accurately shot it into the eye socket of a demon wolf that was about to pounce.

The demon wolf howled in pain, unleashing its frenzy. With bloodshot eyes, it pounced on the soldiers, instantly taking several lives.

It was a massacre without any suspense.

The arrows struck those thick-skinned monsters like a tickle.

The spear's thrust couldn't even pierce the scales.

In the face of this natural disaster, the lives of ordinary people are as cheap as roadside weeds, trampled and harvested at will.

…………

Meanwhile, on the other side, a completely different scene unfolded atop the city's protective formation in Qingyang County.

Led by Wei Yanzheng, the dynasty cultivators and disciples from the three major sects looked down at this human tragedy with varying expressions.

"Tsk tsk, these mortals are really pitifully fragile."

Chen Batian of the Divine Blade Sect stroked his ghost-headed broadsword, his tone filled with disdain.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, you are mistaken," said Fairy Luo of Cloud Mist Valley in a clear, cold voice. "Though they are weak, they bought us precious time, didn't they?"

"Hmph, just a bunch of cannon fodder." Chen Batian sneered.

The white-haired elder from the Seven Star Sect squinted, seemingly uninterested in the bloody scene before him.

"The time is almost here."

Wei Yanzheng's voice rang out, his face expressionless, "Black Armor Army, listen to my command! Divide the battlefield!"

"Here!"

The hundred dynasty cultivators responded in unison, and the golden dragon formed from dragon energy above the army formation let out a roar that shook the heavens and the earth.

Its massive body suddenly swung and broke in half, transforming into dozens of smaller golden dragon shadows.

"Roar!"

Wherever the dragon's aura reached, it carried a majestic and awe-inspiring power. Ordinary demonic beasts, in the face of this oppressive force, seemed to have encountered their nemesis, retreating in all directions and daring not to approach even a fraction of a second.

The originally chaotic beast tide was forcibly divided into hundreds of "encirclements" of varying sizes by these dozens of dragon shadows.

The powerful demonic beasts were completely isolated, while the large number of low-level wild beasts were driven to continue attacking the defensive line composed of mortals, perfectly implementing Wei Yanzheng's tactical intention of "using cannon fodder to attrition".

The entire battlefield became clear under this thunderous and overwhelming force.

"What a dynasty's fortune!"

The elder from the Seven Stars Sect stroked his beard in praise, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes.

This is the biggest difference between sects and dynasties. Sects emphasize individual strength, while dynasties excel at accumulating strength, turning the power of a hundred people into a single force, and unleashing power far beyond imagination.

"Hahaha! So happy!"

Seeing this, Chen Batian was also filled with heroic spirit. He patted the big sword on his back, and the huge sword, which was wider than a door panel, emitted a long "hum" and soared into the sky.

"Disciples of the Divine Blade Sect, heed my command! Follow me to slay the demon!"

He rode on a large sword, soaring through the air like a crimson meteor, charging straight into the beast tide.

Wherever the blade touched, blood and flesh flew everywhere. With a single swing, a blade beam several meters long swept out, slicing all the demonic beasts blocking its path in half at the waist!
The fairy Luo of Cloud Valley lightly raised her jade hand, and a light blue silk ribbon flew out from her sleeve, swelling in the wind and transforming into a blue celestial river.

Within the Milky Way, the waters flow gently, seemingly tranquil, yet concealing deadly danger. Any demonic beast caught in its current will be instantly pulverized by the seemingly gentle current.

The white-haired elder of the Seven Stars Sect finally stopped dozing off. He slowly took out a star chart and muttered incantations.

In an instant, seven stars suddenly lit up in the sky, casting down seven beams of starlight as thick as bowls, like seven pillars of heaven, which fell with perfect precision on the densest part of the beast tide.

Each ray of starlight that fell triggered a violent explosion, creating deep craters in the ground and turning countless monsters to ashes in the starlight.

"Qian'er, look carefully, this is called 'Seven Star Soul Lock,' a secret technique passed down only within our Seven Star Sect. To deal with these brainless beasts, charging in like those brutes from the Divine Blade Sect is inferior, it's brute force, it's disgraceful, understand?"

Li Qian nodded as if she understood, and seeing her master's calm and composed demeanor, the tension in her heart dissipated considerably.

The cultivators of the sects each displayed their unique abilities.

In an instant, magical artifacts and Taoist techniques flew together, turning the entire battlefield into a giant meat grinder, constantly reaping the lives of low-level demonic beasts.

Upon seeing this, the soldiers guarding the city wall erupted in thunderous cheers.

"The Immortal Master is mighty!"

"The Immortal Master is invincible!"

…………

"Such domineering dragon aura, the majesty of the dynasty is well-deserved."

Li Pingcan felt a chill run down his spine. Fortunately, he had the Jade Dream, a divine object, to isolate his aura. Otherwise, under the sweeping gaze of this majestic dragon aura, his little actions would have been exposed long ago.

He focused his mind and telepathically communicated with the azure dragon disguised as a bracelet on his wrist: "Azure dragon, it's up to you. Remember, only take the treasures, don't confront those big guys head-on. Safety first."

"Don't worry, little carp!"

The Azure Dragon's voice echoed in his mind, filled with barely suppressed excitement, "Your Dragon Master may not have many other skills, but this skill of stealing is a family heirloom! Just you wait and see!"

After saying that, the small green snake silently slipped off Li Pingcan's wrist, shrinking to the size of an earthworm. Its aura subsided, and it perfectly blended into the chaotic battlefield.

It avoided the core battle zones where the spirits shone brightly, heading towards the edges, specifically to the corpses of the maimed and killed monsters.

'Hehe, this armored rhinoceros is pretty good. Rhinoceros horns are excellent material for forging weapons. It's mine!'

With a flick of its tail, the azure dragon, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, silently "broke off" the rhinoceros horn that was shimmering with spiritual light and stuffed it into its "dragon skin".

"Wow! A white ape's eyeball is a priceless treasure!"

It was "stealing" openly and honestly while muttering to itself.

'These cultivators are such spendthrifts! If they're going to fight, they should just fight, but why did they have to throw out their demon cores? Isn't that just giving me, the Dragon Lord, an easy advantage?'

'That young woman from Cloud Valley is quite pretty, but she's too ruthless. Not a single intact animal hide can be found. What a pity, what a pity.'

'Those idiots from the Divine Blade Sect are really good. Their swordsmanship is so powerful and sweeping, cutting through everything in one stroke, and preserving the monster materials perfectly! I should try to get closer to them later...'

The Azure Dragon moved with ease through this battlefield littered with flying flesh and blood, its eyes fixed only on the glittering demon cores, spiritual materials, and anything else that looked valuable.

Lee Pyeongchan, who was far behind and sensed everything, was both annoyed and amused.

This guy has truly mastered the art of "playing it safe and developing stealthily," aiming to fish in troubled waters and leave with nothing!

On the battlefield, the situation is becoming increasingly clear. Under the combined efforts of the cultivators, the number of demonic beasts is rapidly decreasing.

Chen Batian of the Divine Blade Sect was even more bloodthirsty. He wielded the ghost-headed broadsword with fierce power, each strike bringing forth a blood-red blade light several meters long. Wherever he passed, the demonic beasts were all defeated.

"Hahaha! That's exhilarating! A bunch of beasts dare to challenge my Divine Blade Sect!" He laughed loudly, his voice booming like a bell.

He stared at the black-scaled river python, which was faintly visible in the river water, his eyes gleaming with greed.

This is a powerful demon comparable to the late stage of Qi Refining. Its demon core, scales, bones, and tendons are all excellent materials for refining high-grade magic weapons!
Although Wei Yanzheng said that Jiang Mang would be dealt with by the sect, whoever killed him would be responsible for the outcome. He didn't want to give away such a great achievement and benefit to the Seven Star Sect and Yunxia Valley guys for nothing.

"Wealth is found in danger!"

A crazy idea began to grow in his mind.

He transmitted his voice to his most trusted disciples beside him: "Follow me and kill him! The sect will reward you handsomely afterward!"

"I will obey your orders!"

With no more scruples, Chen Batian led a dozen elite disciples, like a sharp blade drawn from its sheath, breaking away from the main force and heading straight for the Black Scaled River Python that was gathering its strength at the bottom of the river!
"You beast! Prepare to die!"

With a roar, Chen Batian merged with his sword, transforming into a terrifying crimson blade of light that descended from the sky and slashed fiercely at Jiang Mang's enormous head!
"Qiang!"

The blade struck Jiang Mang squarely on the head, producing a loud clang of metal against metal and sending up a shower of dazzling sparks.

The python's hard scales were only scratched with a shallow white mark!

"Roar!"

Enraged by this sudden attack, the Black-Scaled Python let out an angry roar.

It suddenly lashed out with its massive, barbed tail, like a black iron whip, striking Chen Batian in mid-air.

Chen Batian's pupils shrank sharply. He hadn't expected the demonic python's defense to be so terrifying. In his haste, he could only raise his sword to defend.

"boom!"

A tremendous force struck him, and Chen Batian felt a numbness in his arms. He was sent flying uncontrollably as if he had been hit by a battering ram, spitting out a mouthful of blood in mid-air.

"Master!"

Upon seeing this, the dozen or so disciples of the Divine Blade Sect were both shocked and enraged, and they all unleashed their magical weapons to attack Jiang Mang.

But their attacks were like tickling the enormous body of the river python.

The river python was completely enraged. It opened its blood-red maw and spewed out a stream of jet-black river water. The cultivators who came into contact with it had their protective spiritual light instantly corroded, hissing and turning into a pool of pus and blood with screams.

In just a few breaths, countless elite disciples of the Divine Blade Sect were killed or wounded.

The Jiang Python, which had devoured their essence and blood, experienced another surge in its aura, and the bottleneck that had troubled it for so long shattered at that moment!

"Roar!"

A roar, far louder than before, resounded throughout the heavens and earth!

The python's body thrashed violently in the river, its originally black scales began to fall off piece by piece, and two prominent fleshy horns bulged on its head!
Second-tier monster!

"not good!"

The Seven Star Sect elder and Fairy Luo, who were watching the battle from a distance, had drastically changed their expressions. They never expected that Jiang Mang would break through at this moment!
Chen Batian, who had just gotten up from the ground, was terrified when he saw this scene.

He wanted to escape, but the terrifying pressure emanating from the second-tier demonic beast had already locked him in place.

"Do not……"

He only had time to let out a desperate roar before the blue dragon's tail slammed him, knife and all, into the mud at the bottom of the river, his fate unknown.

This sudden and shocking turn of events brought the entire battlefield to a standstill.

The cultivators from the Seven Star Sect and Cloud Valley stopped fighting simultaneously.

"That idiot Chen Batian!"

The elder of the Seven Stars Sect cursed under his breath and immediately ordered his disciples, "Form the Seven Stars Sword Formation! Fight individually! Be careful!"

Fairy Luo frowned and transmitted her voice to her disciples: "Contract your formation and prioritize self-preservation! We can't trust the Divine Blade Sect, and we can't trust the Dynasty even more!"

The various factions already had limited trust, and now there is absolutely no trust left.

…………

Li Pingcan had been secretly observing Wei Yanzheng. His usually expressionless face showed no surprise when he saw the members of the Divine Blade Sect being utterly defeated by Jiang Mang like flies.

Instead, a fleeting, almost imperceptible hint of joy flashed deep in his eyes.

'really! ’

Li Pingcan instantly understood.

'This old fox's target from the very beginning wasn't some late-stage first-tier demon! The so-called dynasty cultivators dealing with the three-eyed ape was just a pretext. What he really wanted was a genuine second-tier demon core, enough to advance his cultivation even further!'

To use one tiger to devour another, to use another to kill.

He's treating all the sect disciples as whetstones, as "supplements" to help this Jiang Mang break through!
What a brilliant move to sit back and watch the tigers fight!

Just as Li Pingcan's mind was racing, the situation on the battlefield had already undergone a complete transformation.

The Jiangmang, which had advanced to the second tier, was incredibly powerful. With every move it made, it could draw upon the power of rivers. A layer of condensed azure gale surrounded its body, and ordinary spells could not even cause a ripple when they landed on it.

"This...how can we fight like this?"

The disciples of the Seven Stars Sect and Cloud Valley were completely panicked, their faces ashen, and all traces of their previous arrogance vanished.

"Master Wei!"

The white-haired elder of the Seven Star Sect was the first to react. He quickly retreated and bowed to Wei Yanzheng on the high platform, saying, "This fiend has already entered the second rank, which is beyond our ability to defeat! Please, Your Excellency, take action to suppress this fiend and bring peace to the people!"

"Please, Your Excellency, make a move!" Fairy Luo's pretty face was also full of solemnity.

Their plan was perfectly executed. That fool from the Divine Blade Sect brought about his own demise, and they didn't want to be dragged down with him.

The best course of action is to pass this hot potato to the dynasty and let them deal with the headache.

Wei Yanzheng sneered inwardly, but his face perfectly adopted an expression of furious rage as he shouted in a stern voice:

"You are supposed to be role models for the immortal sects, enjoying the offerings of the people every day. Yet now, with a demonic beast before you, you have actually retreated in the face of battle! If it weren't for your sects' greed for merit and recklessness, how could such a calamity have been caused? Now that the demonic python has been formed, you cannot escape the blame! If you cannot slay it today, you will be making an enemy of my Great Yu Dynasty and an enemy of all living beings under heaven!"

His words were righteous and indignant.

They directly and firmly pinned the blame for "incompetence" on the three major sects.

The white-haired old man and Fairy Luo were trembling with anger, yet they were unable to refute him.

After all, that idiot Chen Batian was indeed their "ally".

"Lord Wei!" Fairy Luo gritted her teeth, "We are willing to atone for our crimes by performing meritorious service! But this fiend is ferocious, and we hope that you can lend a helping hand!"

"Humph!"

Wei Yanzheng snorted coldly, seemingly only then "reluctantly" agreeing.

"Very well! I will lend you a hand! But let me make this clear from the start: after this fiend is killed, the demon core will belong to my dynasty, and you can distribute the rest of the materials yourselves!"

Upon hearing this, everyone cursed inwardly, but could only grit their teeth and accept it.

Something is better than nothing; survival is the most important thing.

"Formation!"

At the command of the elder of the Seven Stars Sect, his disciples immediately formed a battle formation, and seven beams of starlight descended from the sky once again. However, this time, instead of attacking separately, they converged into a thicker pillar of starlight, which, like divine punishment, slammed fiercely into the river python.

The disciples of Yunxia Valley once again summoned the azure silk ribbon, causing the Milky Way to reverse and transform into layers of water curtains, attempting to trap the river python within.

"Roar!"

Faced with the combined attack of the two major sects, the Jiang Python, which had just entered the second stage, showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, it let out an even louder roar.

With a sweep of its massive tail, accompanied by a terrifying howl, it met the pillar of starlight head-on.

"Boom!"

The python's tail collided violently with the stars in mid-air, unleashing a deafening roar, and the starlight vanished in an instant.

Having succeeded in his attack, Jiang Mang spewed out another mouthful of thick black mist, dimming the azure water curtain's spiritual light, and actually tearing a hole in it!
(End of this chapter)