Chapter 537: Chapter 530: Brother Deng, I Just Want to Live

Upon hearing Zhong Yu’s transmission, the Tier Five Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor hesitated for a moment before ordering the three Tier Four Long-tailed Golden Chickens to fall back.

As Zhong Yu closed to within three li, the Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor gave a single flap of its wings and flew several li away, clearing the battlefield.

Sui Xiao braced himself as if facing a formidable enemy, his Divine Sense locking onto the three assailants.

Zhong Yu let out a long laugh. "Since you refuse to be captured without a fight, don’t blame me for what comes next!"

Before his voice had even faded, he attacked without hesitation. He didn’t use his customary Tier Five Flying Sword, but rather a Quasi-Tier Five, Tripod-shaped Treasure.

This was a pre-planned strategy. According to Xin Shijiao, this Sui Xiao True Monarch’s Swordsmanship was masterful and he possessed Body-Protecting Divine Abilities, but as a newly ascended Divinity Transformation Cultivator, his Cultivation was slightly weaker.

The best course of action was not to engage Sui Xiao True Monarch in Sword Fighting, but to wear him down with the heavy, Tripod-shaped Treasure.

Deng Shuanghai and Jia Yongzhou, who were slightly behind, also attacked at the same time.

Deng Shuanghai was clearly slacking off. He used his most practiced Magic, forming a cloud of poisonous mist around Du Youqian.

He was just applying a poison debuff first, playing it safe and doing the bare minimum.

Jia Yongzhou was slightly more aggressive. Wreathed in a seven-colored mist, he charged at Du Youqian, intending to engage him in perilous close-quarters Magical Combat.

Du Youqian, wielding the Fake Celestial Measuring Ruler, struck at Jia Yongzhou. At the same time, he threw out his newly acquired Tier Five Treasure: a Jade Belt.

The Jade Belt seemed fragile, but it actively coiled around the Tripod-shaped Treasure. Using softness to overcome rigidity, it completely neutralized Zhong Yu’s Treasure.

Deng Shuanghai’s poison mist had no effect on Du Youqian; he dispelled it with a casual Minor Magic.

Jia Yongzhou was also relatively easy to handle. The Fake Celestial Measuring Ruler kept him suppressed. Though their exchange looked fierce, Du Youqian was in complete control of the battle’s rhythm.

The only one Du Youqian couldn’t quite figure out was Zhong Yu.

Zhong Yu appeared somewhat straightforward, continuously manipulating the Tripod-shaped Treasure but never managing to break through the Jade Belt’s defense.

In reality, his abilities far exceeded this; he was merely observing the situation.

Deng Shuanghai was slacking even harder. He manifested his Dharma Aspect perfunctorily, protected himself with a Defensive Treasure, and cast Magic from a distance. He was clearly just going through the motions, prioritizing his own safety above all else.

The Long-tailed Golden Chickens had already retreated over a dozen li away, observing the battle from a distance.

Still not satisfied, Zhong Yu sent a Jade Slip flying out.

The Jade Slip drifted over to the Tier Five Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor. After probing it with his Divine Sense for a moment, the Demon Emperor commanded, "We’re pulling back another twenty li."

"That far? Will we be able to make it back in time?"

"CLUCK, CLUCK. That human underestimates my speed. Do you underestimate it as well?"

So, the four Long-tailed Golden Chickens retreated another twenty li, putting them thirty-five or thirty-six li away from the battlefield. Although this was still within the Divine Sense range of a Divinity Transformation Cultivator, it was difficult to conduct a detailed probe from so far away; their senses wouldn’t be sharp enough.

Of course, for a Divinity Transformation Cultivator who was exceptionally gifted, had practiced a Scripture-level Cultivation Technique specializing in Divine Sense, or had painstakingly trained in Divine Sense Secret Techniques, probing hundreds of li away would be a simple matter.

Like Du Youqian, for example.

That was why Du Youqian had just discovered a Divinity Transformation Cultivator over two hundred li away, watching the battlefield with rapt attention.

His appearance was identical to Zhong Yu’s!

’What a sly old fox.’

’He’s just using an avatar to fight alongside Deng Shuanghai and Jia Yongzhou!’

’His real body is hiding in an absolutely safe location.’

’Interestingly enough, his Dharma Aspect is actually with his avatar.’

’Xin Shijiao never mentioned this. I wonder if he intentionally held it back, or if he simply didn’t know.’

’It’s a good thing I’m cautious. Otherwise, by the time I started revealing my trump cards, this guy would have seen things going south and fled, leaving a lingering threat.’

Du Youqian wasn’t particularly interested in the token for the Baohe Cave Mansion of the True Monarch that this man possessed, but he didn’t want to leave an enemy on the loose.

’If I can kill him for good, that’s the best option.’

With this in mind, Du Youqian used his Divine Sense to inform the Long-tailed Golden Chicken of the location of Zhong Yu’s real body.

The Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor made a show of leading the Tier Four Long-tailed Golden Chickens back to its Imperial Court, but in reality, it moved much closer to Zhong Yu’s true body.

Zhong Yu naturally sensed the Long-tailed Golden Chickens approaching, but since they were still some distance away, he didn’t pay them much mind.

He continued to control his avatar in a fierce battle with Du Youqian, a doubt forming in his mind. ’Junior Xin said this Sui Xiao True Monarch excelled at Swordsmanship. So where’s his sword? Where is it?’

Xin Shijiao was observing the situation when Du Youqian’s voice suddenly boomed in his consciousness: "Do it!"

It was a good thing Xin Shijiao no longer had a physical body; otherwise, he would have jumped in shock.

’Don’t blame me, Brother Deng. I just want to live!’

The Gu Insect was released stealthily.

Deng Shuanghai, who had been slacking off the entire time, suddenly froze. Even his Divine Sense was immobilized for a moment.

In that critical instant, the concealed "Jinhuan" appeared just a few feet from Deng Shuanghai. Filled with a vicious Sword Intent, it plunged into Deng Shuanghai’s waist.

Deng Shuanghai had just shaken off the Gu Insect’s effect. Before he could shatter the Nourishing Spirit Jade where Xin Shijiao was hiding, a numbness spread from his waist. In the next moment, every meridian in his body, including the one connected to his heart, was severed. Barring the intervention of a Great Power at the Harmonization realm or higher, his survival was impossible.

Pale-faced, Deng Shuanghai mustered his last bit of consciousness to try and kill Xin Shijiao with his Divine Sense.

Unfortunately for him, Xin Shijiao’s Nascent Soul was unharmed. It clashed once with Deng Shuanghai’s attack, then snatched up Deng Shuanghai’s Treasure and Storage Treasure Pouch. A flick from "Jinhuan" sent it flying far away from Deng Shuanghai.

"Why did you betray me!" Deng Shuanghai’s final, desperate, and mournful roar was cut short. Only his Nascent Soul escaped from his shattered body, fleeing in a blind panic.

The betrayal happened in the blink of an eye. Jia Yongzhou, a veteran of Magical Combat, knew he had walked into a trap. Instead of retreating, he advanced. He unleashed the full power of his Dharma Aspect, hoping to either kill Sui Xiao in close combat or at least force him back. It was his only chance to turn the tables.

At the same time, he quickly sent a Divine Sense message to Zhong Yu’s avatar: "Attack together!"

Zhong Yu’s real body stirred. He took a deep breath, preparing to join forces with Jia Yongzhou and do everything in his power to push back Sui Xiao True Monarch.

As for winning?

He had already given up on that.

Since Xin Shijiao had defected, everything he had previously said was now unreliable.

’Just push Sui Xiao back a little, then flee immediately!’

Just as Zhong Yu’s real body began to move, he suddenly realized something was wrong.

’If Xin Shijiao’s betrayal was part of the plan, what about the Long-tailed Golden Chickens?’

’This is bad!’

The moment Zhong Yu realized the truth, he stopped controlling his avatar, ready to abandon his friend Jia Yongzhou and flee. But the Tier Five Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor had already flapped its wings several times, closing the distance at a speed that filled Zhong Yu with despair.

"Don’t be in such a hurry to leave, honored guest. Don’t want folks sayin’ we’re poor hosts."

A chill ran down Zhong Yu’s spine. As he parried the Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor’s attacks, he tried to negotiate. "Let’s leave some room for civility, so we can meet again on good terms. Fellow Daoist, let me go, and I will reward you handsomely. But if you refuse to give me face, I will make you regret it!"

"I’m a chicken, you idiot!" The Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor wasted no more words with Zhong Yu. It simply used its superior speed, darting back and forth to trap him and prevent his escape.

Zhong Yu tried to force a direct confrontation several times, but the Long-tailed Golden Chicken refused to engage.

It was a roguish tactic. Unless the opponent possessed Divine Abilities or powerful Magic related to Space or time, escaping would be nearly impossible.

The Long-tailed Golden Chicken’s offense was pathetic and its defense was lacking, but its speed was truly world-class.

Even a Human Race Cultivator using an Escape Technique powered by Burning Essence Blood wouldn’t necessarily be able to break through the blockade it established!

Zhong Yu didn’t panic. After the Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor foiled several of his escape attempts, he tried to negotiate again. "Fellow Daoist Long-tailed Golden Chicken, we have no history of grievances between us. Why are you so intent on this? Whatever that Sui Xiao True Monarch offered you, I’ll double it."

The Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor gave him a look as if he were an idiot. "You can’t afford it."

"Name your price!"

The Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor couldn’t be bothered to respond. As long as Zhong Yu didn’t try to break out, it wasn’t in a hurry to attack. Its job was just to stall for time. Once Du Youqian finished his fight, the rest would be easy.

Seeing that persuasion was useless, Zhong Yu resorted to threats once more. "If I’m determined to escape, how long can you really stop me? Once I get away, I will make it my mission to destroy the Long-tailed Golden Chicken’s Imperial Court and wipe out your entire race!"

The Long-tailed Golden Chicken Demon Emperor actually hesitated for a moment. Seizing the opportunity, Zhong Yu prepared to rush to Jia Yongzhou’s side and team up with him.

But just then, a sword light flashed. It was so sharp that it seemed to tear a rift in space itself.

Jia Yongzhou tossed aside his sundered Defensive Treasure and spat out a mouthful of blood, using the force of the blow to flee in the opposite direction.

A small figure suddenly expanded at an incredible speed, transforming into a giant ape with Three Heads and Six Arms. Each arm wielded a Treasure, and it rained down blows on Jia Yongzhou indiscriminately.

In his prime, Jia Yongzhou would have had no fear of this Tier Four Ape Demon. But now, he was like a master boxer overwhelmed by a flurry of wild punches. He coughed up more blood and was sent flying back the way he came.

Zhong Yu knew that Jia Yongzhou was doomed. He quickly changed direction, his only thought to escape with his life.

But at that moment, the other three Tier Four Long-tailed Golden Chickens swarmed him. Even all three together were no match for him; he could have dealt with these Tier Four Demon Kings in just a few moves.

But where would he find the time to execute those few moves?

Once entangled by these Long-tailed Golden Chickens, his plan to escape was shattered.

Just then, a premonition struck him. He glanced back and saw Jia Yongzhou get struck on the crown of his head by the Celestial Measuring Ruler. Instantly, every bone in his body shattered, and his meridians were obliterated. His Nascent Soul shot out from the top of his head, but just as it was about to flee, the massive yet agile ape swatted it back. Du Youqian then caught it and stuffed it into the Hundred Ghosts Banner. Though he didn’t activate the banner to begin refining it, escape was now impossible.

Zhong Yu let out a furious roar and charged at Du Youqian. But Du Youqian refused to meet him head-on, instead using his sword with great skill to restrict his movements.

Pinned down by the combined assault of the four Long-tailed Golden Chickens, Little Wukong, and Du Youqian, Zhong Yu was slowly worn down over a long time. At last, Du Youqian finally slew him and casually stuffed his Nascent Soul into the Hundred Ghosts Banner.

In the distance, the Vermilion Bird, Yuan Fei, gave a slight nod and vanished behind the trees.

The Nourishing Spirit Jade flew to Du Youqian’s side, and Xin Shijiao’s Nascent Soul poked its head out. "It’s a pity Deng Shuanghai’s Nascent Soul escaped."

"It doesn’t matter," Du Youqian said. "His lifespan is nearly at its end. Even if he succeeds in Possession, he won’t have enough time to recover his strength."

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