After presenting their tokens, Qin Hanchu and his companions were allowed to pass by the ancient pass guards.
Standing on the riverbank, everyone’s gaze was fixed on the opposite side of the river.
“This location is the closest to the Mad Lion Ridge.”
“After you draw away the guards, we will infiltrate,” Xiaolin stated.
“Remember to meet us at the agreed location in two months.”
“No problem,” replied the leader of the harassment team.
Xiaolin was the leader of the collection team. Qin Hanchu and the other three acted as mere soldiers, following orders.
It had been previously agreed that if they encountered insurmountable danger, they would flee individually.
“Do you have any other objections?” Xiaolin asked.
Everyone shook their heads, indicating they had nothing more to say.
“Then let’s proceed according to the plan.”
As Xiaolin finished speaking, the harassment team, concealed, flew towards the opposite bank. Both the harassment team and the collection team possessed a martial artist skilled in the Law of Illusion. Under their illusionary techniques, it was relatively easy for them to infiltrate.
After the harassment team departed, the members of the collection team were also enveloped by the Law of Illusion. They waited for over half an hour before sounds of battle and flashes of light emanated from the jungle on the opposite bank. Moments later, the members of the harassment team shot into the sky, flying swiftly. Behind them, dozens of Immortal King realm martial artists gave chase.
“Let’s go!” Seeing that the guards on this side had been drawn away, Qin Hanchu and the others immediately crossed the river under the protection of the Law of Illusion.
Upon reaching the other side, they suppressed their auras and proceeded cautiously. They knew well that the enemy guards would not deploy their entire force, and there must be others guarding this area. Although the Law of Illusion could conceal their figures and auras, their flight would still cause changes in the airflow. These changes, though subtle, could still be detected by the enemy guards.
Just as they were about to pass through the defense line, Xiaolin sensed the guards’ lock-on.
“Full speed, shake them off.”
Hearing this, everyone stopped concealing their presence and their speed suddenly increased to its peak. Ten figures turned into ten streaks of light, swiftly flying into the distance. Behind them, over a dozen guards pursued. Despite the swiftness of Qin Hanchu and his companions, the pursuers were not slow either.
At this moment, Qin Hanchu and his companions had entered the enemy's territory, finding themselves in a precarious situation. Any enemy presence ahead would put them in grave danger.
Whoosh… Streaks of light rapidly cut across the sky.
“We need to think of a way; this is too dangerous,” Ancestor Baili said gravely.
Xiaolin waved her hand, and a sphere flew towards their rear.
Boom! A martial artist in the rear directly struck the sphere, shattering it. With a loud bang, a mass of red mist suddenly dispersed. Although the enemy martial artists were prepared, they were still covered by the red mist. By the time they emerged from the red mist, Qin Hanchu and his companions had vanished.
“Damn it, they got away,” one of the pursuers roared.
“No need to rush, they will return eventually.”
“We’ll catch them then.”
As the words fell, the leading pursuer suddenly swung his sword without warning. A terrifying wave of energy rolled forward with the strike. After a careful sensing, the pursuer captain let out a cold snort, “Return.” Under his command, they turned back towards the border.
After they left, Qin Hanchu and the others emerged from the trees on the ground. At the moment the red mist obscured the pursuers, Qin Hanchu and his companions immediately descended, using the Law of Illusion to conceal their figures. By the time the pursuers emerged from the red mist, they were already ahead of Qin Hanchu and his companions. The pursuers’ leader had swung his sword forward precisely to determine, through the airwaves, if Qin Hanchu and his companions had hidden themselves again. However, he overlooked that Qin Hanchu and his companions were not ahead, but to the rear.
“Let’s go,” Xiaolin said. Remaining hidden, the group headed towards Mad Lion Ridge.
“It will be troublesome on the way back,” one of Xiaolin’s teammates remarked.
“As long as we can cross the border, we’ll be safe.”
…
Their flight was extremely cautious. Whenever they encountered enemy martial artists, they would stop, trying their best not to be detected. Inadvertently, seven days had passed. On this day, they finally reached Mad Lion Ridge. To the east of Mad Lion Ridge lay a vast lake, where the Heavenly Brilliance Dragon Grass was located.
“The island in the lake is the dwelling of those two ancient Flood Dragons; the Heavenly Brilliance Dragon Grass is within it,” Xiaolin explained.
“Should we rush them and slay them, or use the same tactic of luring the tiger away from its mountain?” Qin Hanchu asked.
Xiaolin pondered, then said, “Slay them!”
“Then let’s be quick!” If Xiaolin had suggested luring the tiger away, Qin Hanchu would have persuaded her to change her mind. Qin Hanchu and his companions stealing their Heavenly Brilliance Dragon Grass would undoubtedly provoke the pursuit of these two creatures. With them chasing behind, it would be difficult not to be discovered.
“Wait, I think there's someone.” Just as everyone was preparing to act, Axiang stopped them.
Xiaolin frowned, “Where?”
Axiang pointed into the distance, “The leaves over there moved. Someone should be hiding.”
“Then let’s wait and see what happens,” Qin Hanchu suggested.
Everyone nodded slightly and then stared motionlessly into the distance. Moments later, they sensed changes in the airflow. Indeed, someone was in the distance. The other party was also hiding their figures using illusion, and they were slowly approaching the island.
“I wonder how many people there are!” Ancestor Baili transmitted mentally.
“We’ll find out soon.”
Roar… With a dragon’s roar, the two Flood Dragons suddenly raised their massive heads. These angry roars signaled that they had discovered the intruders. The intruders knew they had been discovered, so they abandoned their disguises and chose to attack directly.
As the illusion vanished, six martial artists charged towards the two Flood Dragons.
“Seeking death!” The two Flood Dragons roared. Dark clouds suddenly gathered in the sky, accompanied by lightning and thunder.
Rumble! In an instant, the entire lake was enveloped by lightning. The lake transformed into a marsh of thunder. Ferocious lightning bolts fiercely attacked the six individuals. The six unleashed their respective techniques, their terrifying law powers clashing with the power of the lightning.
“Hand over the Heavenly Brilliance Dragon Grass, or today will be the day you two perish!”
“Dream on! You think you can snatch the Heavenly Brilliance Dragon Grass?”
As they spoke, the attacks from both sides intensified.
“Let’s just wait. We should be able to reap the benefits,” Xiaolin said with a smile. Qin Hanchu and the others said nothing, merely nodding in agreement. Although the opposing party consisted of six martial artists, the combat strength of these two ancient Flood Dragons was formidable.
After a full three hours, the battle remained fierce and evenly matched.
“The female Flood Dragon seems to be pregnant,” Qin Hanchu observed, frowning at the two battling dragons.
Axiang shot Qin Hanchu a glare, “Your focus is on that?”