Chapter Fifty-Five: The Ambush

After several days of intermittent travel, Chen Mu, Gongsun Lin, and the others finally arrived at the foot of Qin Xiao Mountain.

Here, Chen Mu and Gongsun Lin dismounted from their Noble Eagle Beasts and, together with Xu Changye and the rest, started up the mountain along a stone stairway.

As they walked, Chen Mu suddenly stopped. Using Rou’er’s spiritual sense, he had already detected figures flitting through the forest—undoubtedly agents of the Mingyue Empire’s military, lying in ambush.

Gongsun Lin asked Chen Mu why he had stopped. Chen Mu replied, “There’s an ambush ahead. Everyone, be careful.”

Xu Changye’s heart trembled. He had only suspected there might be an ambush, yet Chen Mu had already sensed their presence so quickly—it was truly astonishing.

After instructing Shadow Three and Shadow Five to protect Gongsun Lin, Xu Changye joined Chen Mu at the front to clear the way.

Not far ahead, three men appeared, all at the Core Formation stage—one at late stage, one at mid stage, and one at early stage.

The leader, the late-stage Core Formation cultivator, spoke first: “Xu Changye of Nightshade, Nine Nether Sacred Land’s organization, you truly live up to your reputation. We even dispatched our precious Noble Eagle Beasts, and still failed to capture you. That Skunk really was useless. In the end, we have to handle it ourselves. Since you’re here now, I suppose he’s already gone to meet the King of Hell.”

So the leader of the black-clad men whose soul had been destroyed by the restriction was codenamed Skunk. Clearly, these men were also operatives of the Mingyue Empire’s military.

“Your military is as despicable as ever,” Xu Changye sneered. “Afraid that our Nine Nether Sacred Land threatens the royal family’s standing in the Empire, you resort to kidnapping our young leader to control our master. Don’t you think your methods are beneath contempt?”

The leader laughed coldly. “Military? I don’t know what you’re talking about. We simply can’t abide your demonic sect wandering around, deceiving and recruiting followers. My code name is Night Falcon. The others are Wildcat and White Wolf. Since there are three Core Formation cultivators here today, we’ll make sure you’re captured.”

“Quite the show of force,” Xu Changye mocked. “I doubt it’s just the three of you. Those hiding in the woods, why not come out as well?”

Night Falcon was unfazed by his ambush being exposed. Applauding, he said, “Xu, you have sharp eyes indeed. All my subordinates are skilled in masking their presence, but you still detected them. As expected, the leader of Nightshade is not to be underestimated. Let’s see whether Night Falcon is stronger, or Nightshade superior.”

With that, Night Falcon gave an order. Instantly, black-clad figures swarmed from the woods, surrounding Chen Mu’s group and engaging Xu Changye in close combat. Wildcat and White Wolf watched with malicious grins.

At that moment, Chen Mu summoned the Noble Eagle Beast from his Spirit Beast Bracelet. Its appearance stunned Night Falcon and his men.

“The Noble Eagle Beast isn’t dead? Why is it with you?” Night Falcon questioned suspiciously.

Xu Changye laughed coldly. “Because we tamed it.”

“Impossible!” Night Falcon retorted. “We spent years training that beast before it would obey us. How could you make it submit so quickly?”

Yet, regardless of his disbelief, the truth was plain: under Chen Mu’s command, the Noble Eagle Beast immediately attacked Wildcat and White Wolf.

Seeing Chen Mu’s control, Night Falcon realized this youth was likely the key. He ordered, “The Noble Eagle Beast is being controlled by that boy. Kill him!”

Immediately, over a dozen black-clad experts at the peak Foundation Establishment stage charged at Chen Mu.

Blades flashed. Chen Mu nimbly evaded their attacks. With a flick of his fingers, several sun-fireballs shot out, striking those closest to him.

The fireballs exploded, blazing with solar flames. Those hit were grievously wounded in an instant. Chen Mu, sword in hand, executed the Sunset Sword Style with his Xuan Gold Sword. This time, he didn’t use the first three forms, but the fourth and fifth—a newly integrated style, fusing the Brahma Star Sword Manual and the Sunset Style.

Where his sword fell, lives ended. The searing heat left no trace of blood; all wounds were scorched black in passing.

Seeing how swiftly Chen Mu dispatched three or four men, the remaining black-clad attackers exchanged nervous glances, fear rising in their eyes.

This boy was terrifying—his strength was on par with a Core Formation cultivator.

Night Falcon cursed under his breath. “So Xu, you were hiding another ace? Is this boy your newest Nightshade member?”

Xu Changye spread his hands. “I’d like that, but this young friend isn’t one of ours.”

“You expect me to believe that?” Night Falcon scoffed.

As they watched their ranks being slaughtered one by one, Wildcat wavered. “Night Falcon, we’re at a disadvantage. If this continues, we’ll be wiped out by these demon sect folk!”

“Damn it! We brought three Core Formation experts, and we’re still losing? Why? How did things turn out like this? Why did the Noble Eagle Beast defect? Wildcat! White Wolf! Brothers! Retreat!”

With that, Night Falcon and his men scattered in all directions.

Xu Changye didn’t pursue, only sighed in relief and returned to Gongsun Lin’s side.

The Noble Eagle Beast landed and nuzzled Chen Mu’s cheek before returning to the Spirit Beast Bracelet.

Seeing everyone unharmed, Xu Changye signaled to continue up the mountain in search of the Seven Dreams Sala Flowers.

Midway up Qin Xiao Mountain, the wind rustled through groves of Seven Dreams Sala trees, their branches whispering like nature playing an autumn melody, soothing the soul.

It was the season for the Seven Dreams Sala to bloom. Though their flowers weren’t especially beautiful, they had a dreamlike quality, as if they belonged only in the realm of dreams.

Gongsun Lin produced a medicinal basket from her storage ring and carefully placed the gathered Seven Dreams Sala Flowers within. Once full, she stowed the basket away.

She sighed in relief—their purpose was fulfilled. Now, all that remained was to refine the flowers into medicine for her mother, hoping for her swift recovery.

As they descended the mountain, they were surrounded by Mingyue Empire soldiers—clearly Night Falcon’s backup plan. Night Falcon, astride his horse, watched from behind. Xu Changye mocked, “Didn’t you claim you weren’t with the Empire’s military? Then who are these soldiers?”

Night Falcon’s expression darkened. Ignoring Xu Changye, he ordered, “Form the great formation. Don’t let them escape on the Noble Eagle Beast!”

The soldiers quickly formed seals with their hands, and a hemispherical barrier enveloped Chen Mu’s group. They were prepared.

Once the formation was set, the soldiers brandished their weapons, glaring fiercely at Xu Changye and his companions.

Chen Mu realized the gravity of the situation—they were trapped. He quietly asked Rou’er in the Spirit Beast Bracelet, “Rou’er, we’re surrounded by a hundred soldiers using a formation. Can you break it?”

“I can, but I need to be outside. Ride the Noble Eagle Beast into the air, then throw me down. I’ll break the formation and come find you afterwards.”

“Is that safe? Don’t you hate being seen?”

“There’s no other way. Unless you have a better plan?”

Chen Mu was silent for a moment, then nodded. He summoned the Noble Eagle Beast again. The others looked on gravely—how could he hide such a large beast? Did he possess a spatial treasure?

The thought made Night Falcon’s heart burn with greed—this boy must be captured.

Chen Mu said, “Uncle Xu, Gongsun Lin, come ride with me on the Noble Eagle Beast. Shadow Three, Shadow Five, hold onto its forelegs. We’ll break out from the air.”

Xu Changye asked, “What about the formation? With it in place, we can’t escape.”

“I have a way. Just get on.”

Hearing Chen Mu’s confidence, everyone brightened. Xu Changye and Gongsun Lin climbed onto the Noble Eagle Beast, with Chen Mu at the front.

The beast took to the sky, Shadow Three and Shadow Five clinging to its forelegs. Night Falcon sneered, “Fools! Do you think this formation is for show? Archers, ready—fire!”

The rear archers unleashed a volley. The Noble Eagle Beast’s wings whipped up a gale, easily sweeping away the arrows.

At that moment, to the surprise of all, Chen Mu tossed a furry object downward. From its mouth, a plume of dragon-fox ghostflame swept forth, instantly turning the soldiers below into living torches.

Because Rou’er was so small, no one saw clearly what had been thrown—only a flash of white.

The ranks were thrown into chaos by the sudden attack. Rou’er’s massive claw struck the barrier, shattering it immediately. The formation’s casters spat blood and collapsed in exhaustion.

With the barrier gone, Chen Mu guided the Noble Eagle Beast to soar away in safety.

Night Falcon bellowed in fury, “Who hurt our men? What just broke the formation? Find it!”

Rou’er danced amid the ghostflames, turning the area into a sea of fire. More than half the soldiers were wiped out in an instant.

Night Falcon, Wildcat, and their companions fled in terror, heedless of their troops’ fate.

Meanwhile, high in the sky atop the Noble Eagle Beast, Gongsun Lin asked curiously, “What was that fluffy thing you dropped? Is it your secret weapon?”

Chen Mu said nothing, simply steering the Noble Eagle Beast onward. Gongsun Lin, seeing he wouldn’t answer, pouted and muttered, “So stingy.”

Xu Changye grew solemn. As expected, this Chen Mu had hidden depths. Back at the military base, he could have escaped alone—but to hide his strength, he’d brought the demon sect group along. Even he would be reduced to ashes if struck by that blue flame from the fluffy thing.