บท 31: Engrossed In The Drama
บรรณาธิการ: Dragon Boat Translation
Han Li from the Qingyun Sect?
Fang Zhou felt that this name sounded somewhat familiar. However, after pondering it for a while, he couldn't recall where he had heard it.
He nodded and replied with a smile, "No problem, make yourself comfortable."
Han Li turned and took a seat in the corner, placing her long sword beside her. She took out a biscuit from her bag and began eating it in small bites.
Fang Zhou added a few pieces of wood to the bonfire and stole several glances at her.
This girl, Han Li, was dressed simply and looked as though she had been traveling for a while.
Traveling alone in such a desolate wilderness, she must be quite skilled — perhaps a martial arts expert or a cultivator.
He had encountered many such people on his journey. There was nothing unusual about them. However, what surprised Fang Zhou was the purity in Han Li's eyes, devoid of the blatant desire he often noticed in other women's gazes.
Such a person either possessed a simple heart or had a strong will. It was no easy feat for someone to journey alone in this world.
When Fang Zhou was distracted, Han Li discreetly sized him up a few times, ensuring she didn't stare too long to prevent any misunderstandings.
Fang Zhou took out some dry food, skewered it on a wooden stick, and roasted it over the fire. It wasn't that they tasted better this way, but he was simply tired of the same bland fare every day.
Although he could catch small animals in the wild, he didn't know how to prepare them, and he lacked spices. Occasionally, if he did attempt to cook one, the meat tasted so gamey that dry rations seemed a preferable choice.
Relying on Ling Xiaoyue's cooking, who didn't even eat, was futile.
After charring the rations slightly, Fang Zhou took a bite. The food still lacked flavor, but he managed to swallow. If not for his increased appetite from his cultivation, he wouldn't even consider eating it.
After finishing his meal, he cast a resentful glance at Ling Xiaoyue, who was soundly sleeping on a pile of hay. He had strong reservations about her claims of meditation, suspecting she was just napping. Reluctantly, he roasted more rations, still feeling the pangs of hunger.
Shortly afterward, footsteps echoed outside the Earth Temple.
Fang Zhou found this puzzling. Weren't these mountains rumored to be crawling with demons? Why were there so many people roaming around at night? Weren't they wary of the mountain monster rumored to be nearing the Entering Innate realm?
Soon, a nondescript man and woman entered the temple. Fang Zhou wryly noted that if they were in a movie, they wouldn't last more than two scenes.
He observed Han Li's immediate reaction as she clutched her sword upon their entrance.
Hmm? Is there some drama unfolding?
Fang Zhou's interest was piqued.
Upon entering the temple, the woman's gaze was instantly drawn to Fang Zhou. Her eyes sparkled at the sight of him, and she licked her lips.
The man beside her nudged her and discreetly pointed towards the corner.
Spotting Han Li, the woman shouted angrily, "Han! So you've hidden here. Lucky for me. Let's see where you'll escape to now!"
Han Li unsheathed her sword and calmly said, "Lingnan Twin Fiends, our grudges have already been settled. Why do you still pursue me?"
The woman retorted angrily, "We are the Lingnan Twin Heroes, not the Lingnan Twin Fiends! You escaped unscathed while my friends and family died because of you."
Han Li frowned, "Your own greed led to that outcome, not me."
"Rubbish! If you hadn't acted so cowardly, we wouldn't have found ourselves trapped."
Seeing no point in further argument, Han Li recognized the woman's intentions to lay the blame on her and inquired, "What do you want?"
A greedy glint shone in the woman's eyes, "Hand over whatever you retrieved from the Black Serpent Cave, and I'll let you live."
Aware of their intentions, Han Li shook her head, "I don't have it with me. I didn't retrieve anything."
"Ha, who do you think you're fooling?" the woman spat.
The Lingnan Twin Fiends drew their weapons, ready to strike, "Ungrateful wretch, if you don't hand it over, tonight will mark your end."
Han Li cast a glance at Fang Zhou, who seemed entirely engrossed in his meal, visibly entertained by the ongoing drama.
While the food was bland, the unfolding scene added its own flavor.
Spotting Han Li's look, the woman, perhaps on impulse, addressed Fang Zhou and suggested, "Sir, swords and daggers don't discriminate. It would be unfortunate if you were to be accidentally hurt. Maybe it's better if you find another place to rest?"
Probably thinking that the treasure from Black Serpent Cave was with Han Li and not wanting any witnesses, she thought it best to send them away.
This annoyed Fang Zhou. He was immersed in the drama, and now she wanted him to leave?
Does she believe I'd just up and leave?
He turned to look at Ling Xiaoyue, wanting to wake her up. "Hey, they're trying to shoo us away, and you're still sleeping?"
But in the end, he did not try to awaken her, fearing she might actually go berserk.
He turned back and sat up straight. Facing Lingnan's Twin Fiends, he declared, "We're not moving!"
Lingnan's Twin Fiends exchanged a glance. Just as Fang Zhou thought they were going to attack him, they simultaneously lunged at Han Li.
Han Li swung her sword in defense. The three of them clashed. In an instant, the small temple was filled with flashing blades and an atmosphere thick with malice.
Fang Zhou stared intently at the fight. The first impression he got from the three of them was that they were very fast, incredibly strong, and their swords clashed with a deafening sound, sparks flying everywhere.
All three displayed prowess indicating they were at least of the Qi Refining Realm, likely harnessing spiritual energy to enhance their strength
As for their techniques, they seemed rather flashy to him.
He wondered how he would fare against the Lingnan Twin Fiends. If he played all his cards right, he might have a chance.
The temple was small, making it hard for them to move freely. Han Li struggled fighting them both. She saw an opening and broke free, rushing out of the temple.
The Lingnan Twin Fiends chased after her immediately.
Fang Zhou quickly followed them to the temple entrance. He saw that Han Li hadn't gotten far before she was overtaken by the Lingnan Twin Fiends, and the fight resumed outside the temple.
Leaning against the door frame, Fang Zhou enthusiastically watched, occasionally clapping and cheering.
"Keep fighting! Don't stop!"
"Yes, right there! Left hook! Hit her!"
"Wonderful!"
The Lingnan Twin Fiends grew infuriated. Every time they found themselves at a disadvantage, Fang Zhou's cheers would further fuel their anger, making it clear whose side he was on.
Once they dealt with Han Li, they would make sure to teach this brat a lesson.
Han Li was both amused and exasperated. However, under the distraction of Fang Zhou's constant commentary, the Lingnan Twin Fiends made several mistakes, giving Han Li several opportunities.
Still, she was gradually being overpowered. After all, she was facing two opponents, and both of them were no weaker than her.
Han Li hesitated. She had a trump card that could defeat the Lingnan Twin Fiends, but with Fang Zhou, a stranger, present, she dared not use it. By nature, she was cautious and unwilling to reveal her full capabilities to strangers.
Just as Han Li hesitated, she suddenly saw a look of horror on the faces of the Lingnan Twin Fiends.
Turning her attention to the distance, she saw a dark wind approaching from afar under the night sky.
A demon?!
The thought sent shivers down Han Li's spine.
The three stopped fighting and began to flee.
Engrossed in the drama as he was, Fang Zhou still noticed the dark wind. He was more aware than any of them about what it was.
Why is that thing still here?
Is it seeking revenge on Ling Xiaoyue and him?
Fang Zhou quickly turned and ran into the temple, yelling at Ling Xiaoyue, "Wake up, you idiot! Time to fight!"
He reached out to shake her awake but hesitated.
He wasn't sure if Ling Xiaoyue's warning of her Qi deviation was a joke or serious. If it was the latter, waking her now would be disastrous.
Outside, the wind howled, accompanied by screams.
Suddenly, there were three loud bangs, and Han Li and the Lingnan Twin Fiends crashed through the old temple doors.
The Lingnan Twin Fiends had each lost an arm, bleeding profusely. Although Han Li still had all her limbs, her face was pale, and blood trickled from her mouth.
In an instant, all three of them were severely wounded.
The wind outside subsided, replaced by heavy footsteps. The mountain demon was approaching.
Terrified, Han Li and the Lingnan Twin Fiends tried to move away. To the demon outside, killing them was as easy as killing a chicken.
Grinding his teeth, Fang Zhou braced himself to confront the threat.
The next moment, he saw the mountain demon enter the temple.
The demon, resembling a massive ape with thick fur, had a wrinkled human face and a long horn on its forehead.
As the demon stepped into the temple, the Lingnan Twin Fiends screamed in horror.
Han Li was trembling, clutching a green bottle tightly in her hand.
Fang Zhou's heart pounded. He gripped his sword tightly, took a deep breath, and shouted, "Stop!"
The Lingnan Twin Fiends stopped screaming, and Han Li stopped trembling. All three of them turned to look at him.
Has he gone mad?
The mountain demon was momentarily taken aback, recognizing Fang Zhou and then Ling Xiaoyue, who lay on a pile of hay.
It looked closely with both eyes, and when it saw clearly, its whole body shuddered, and its eyes bulged like copper bells.
"Little demon... Little demon didn't know that you were here, disturbing your meditation. I beg for forgiveness."
The mountain demon, mimicking a human, put both hands forward in a gesture of submission, bowing its head deeply.
In Fang Zhou's heart, a sudden joy sprang up.
There's a chance!
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