Chapter 32: Zhou Yihe Who Seeks to Exploit the Situation
"Hiss! Roar!"
The Entwined Silk Vajra Python unleashed an enraged roar, charging directly towards the small figure of Lin Feng.
Not far away.
On a hilltop.
In the dense jungle, several figures stood tall, watching the intense battle below with uncertain gazes.
"What is this!"
"Someone has taken the lead?!"
A young man dressed in a brocade robe, his face oily and hair powdered, furrowed his brows deeply, his eyes brimming with anger.
This individual was none other than the dandyish Second Young Master of the Zhou Clan whom Lin Feng had encountered before, Zhou Yihe!
To his side and slightly behind him.
A middle-aged cultivator stood, clad in a brown robe with a weathered face. Holding a map, he too had a furrowed brow!
The Entwined Silk Vajra Python, this formidable demonic beast.
Zhou Yihe had accidentally discovered its tracks in another location quite some time ago.
Furthermore, he also detected the lingering scent of high-grade spiritual plants on its body.
Therefore,
He dispatched people to embark on a pursuit that spanned several months.
Although the Entwined Silk Vajra Python lacked exceptional intelligence, it possessed the innate instinct to create false nests.
Until today.
They had finally eliminated the other decoy nests and discovered the authentic nest today.
But unexpectedly,
When an exhilarated Zhou Yihe led a group of subordinates to this location, they found that someone had already beaten them to it.
"Young Master!"
"You've devoted so much effort to locating this true nest; the spiritual plant within the python's nest must not be seized by that person!"
"This individual dares to steal the fruits of your labor; they deserve to perish. We will reduce them to dust later!"
"..."
The middle-aged man in the brown robe inhaled deeply, his voice filled with anger.
His name was Ma Qiwei, a Spiritual Awakening Realm cultivator, a loyal servant who had served the Zhou Clan for many years and also acted as Zhou Yihe's bodyguard.
After inadvertently discovering the Entwined Silk Vajra Python's tracks,
Ma Qiwei assumed full responsibility for the pursuit, living in this dense mountain forest alongside a group of people for the past several months.
Having endured so much, how could he willingly allow someone else to reap the rewards of their efforts?
Furthermore,
This matter concerned the Zhou Clan's reputation.
The other bodyguards shared the same sentiment; thus, when Ma Qiwei spoke, they wholeheartedly concurred.
"This person dares to steal my treasure; they deserve to die!"
"However, let's first determine who this person is..."
Zhou Yihe was not imprudent enough to lead his men into a direct assault.
He retrieved a bronze mirror from his storage ring.
This was a small magical treasure with functions akin to a telescope.
He lifted the mirror and directed it towards the battlefield below.
Suddenly,
The scene of Lin Feng's intense battle with the Entwined Silk Vajra Python became vividly visible to everyone.
Lin Feng's previously indistinct face now appeared crystal clear.
"Hmm? It's actually this person!"
"When the White Mountain Chamber of Commerce paid respects to Zhou Yongyan before, this individual accompanied them. He seemed to be called Lin Feng and mentioned participating in some sort of appraisal event?"
"But, shouldn't he be attending the trade fair right now? Why has he come here alone?"
"Never mind, regardless of his reasons, he's merely a Soul Refining Realm cultivator without any significant background. Eliminating him is of no consequence!"
"..."
Upon recognizing Lin Feng, a cold smile spread across Zhou Yihe's face.
Observing this,
Ma Qiwei and the others also sneered, rubbing their hands together as they prepared to dismantle Lin Feng.
"Everyone, hold off on taking action!"
"This youngster possesses some skill. He's able to combat the Entwined Silk Vajra Python despite only having Soul Refining Realm cultivation. There may be hidden secrets on him."
"Let's wait for the Entwined Silk Vajra Python to wear him down first; then, we can capitalize on their struggle!"
Zhou Yihe displayed a confident smile, appearing as if he had everything under control.
Ma Qiwei and the others promptly praised Zhou Yihe, extolling his wisdom and courage. Their flattery was unreserved.
During the time when Lin Feng was engaged in battle with the Entwined Silk Vajra Python, while Zhou Yihe secretly monitored the situation.
In Autumn Glory City, the trade fair had already advanced to the stage of bartering goods for goods.
Since Jiang Chen was not particularly captivated by anything,
And the cultivators dispatched outside the city had yet to report back,
He simply focused his attention on Ning Xian.
Any item that piqued Ning Xian's interest but remained unpurchased, Jiang Chen paid extra attention to.
Upon encountering a suitable price, he would trade for it, intending to present it to Ning Xian later as a gift.
After all, he only possessed a counterfeit Fireheart Pinecone Fruit himself and had made Du Bailei cover the cost.
As long as it didn't affect their relationship, acquiring a few additional, relatively inexpensive items posed no issue.
Besides that,
If an item that intrigued Ning Xian could also prove useful for Lin Feng, Jiang Chen refrained from purchasing it.
He was incredibly meticulous!
Before long,
He acquired several moderately priced treasures, all of which Du Bailei covered the cost for.
Immediately after that,
"Elder Ge."
"For the next item that catches my eye, help me place a bid on it."
Jiang Chen discreetly relayed a message to Elder Ge through the transmission jade token, requesting his assistance in making the purchase, lest Du Bailei insist on footing the bill.
"Understood, Young Master!"
Elder Ge responded. Having altered his appearance, he was concealed within the crowd, serving as Jiang Chen's informant.
Time passed gradually.
The trade fair persisted.
Meanwhile, in the forest battlefield outside the city,
The intense confrontation endured.
However, just as the situation reached an impasse, with both sides embroiled in a war of attrition,
"Void Rainbow Three Swords!"
"Burning World Flames! Attack!"
Lin Feng's right hand suddenly materialized a long sword.
The long sword was enveloped in an immense quantity of crimson flames, to the extent that the sword itself could barely withstand it, appearing in a semi-liquid, molten orange state!
The Entwined Silk Vajra Python, caught off guard, was directly impaled by the long sword!
In the next instant,
Boom!
A massive surge of flames erupted from the Entwined Silk Vajra Python's eyes, mouth, nose, and even the gaps between its scales, morphing into a fiery serpent!
"Sssss roar!"
The Entwined Silk Vajra Python emitted a pained scream, then collapsed with a resounding crash.
"How is this possible!"
"He actually defeated the Entwined Silk Vajra Python! It's a Spiritual Awakening Realm demonic beast and the undisputed apex predator in this area!"
"Curse it, he's going to claim the spiritual plant in the mountain crevice. Mr. Ma, intercept him quickly!"
Zhou Yihe cried out in disbelief at the sight, immediately instructing Ma Qiwei to intervene.
Wearing a similarly astonished expression, Ma Qiwei promptly took flight like a large bird, soaring towards the base of the mountain!
"Who!!"
Lin Feng was about to gather the spiritual plant and then tend to the Entwined Silk Vajra Python's carcass when he suddenly sensed a hint of murderous intent!
"The one who will kill you!"
Accompanied by a ferocious sonic boom, the indistinct figure Ma Qiwei had transformed into directly attacked Lin Feng from behind!
"Seeking death!!"
Lin Feng instantly realized someone wanted to capitalize on the situation, and his fury ignited. He whirled around, delivering a fierce sword strike!
Ding!!
As sword and palm collided, a sound evocative of clashing gold and iron resonated!
Simultaneously,
A surge of residual energy from the impact pushed Lin Feng back, making him stagger and his face turn slightly pale!
"Middle-stage Spiritual Awakening Realm!"
After regaining his balance, Lin Feng's hand still throbbed faintly.
"Kid, you have some skill!"
Ma Qiwei raised his right hand, which bore a black-red sword mark on the palm!
Just at that moment,
Pitter-patter.
Zhou Yihe and the others also arrived at the battlefield. A large group of cultivators swiftly surrounded Lin Feng.
"Lin Feng."
"I didn't expect to encounter you here."
"Weren't you going to participate in the appraisal meeting?"
"How did it go? Were you kicked out after the appraisal? I bet your appraisal skills weren't up to par, and you made a fool of yourself, right?"
Zhou Yihe casually unfurled a folding fan, gazing at Lin Feng with a mocking sneer on his face.